5G Cell Tower/Fiber Deployment

Active 5G Deployments in Fishers

Verizon Wireless has begun constructing 5G small cell structures in the approved locations. For the structures inside neighborhoods, residents within 200 feet of the structures were notified via U.S. Mail, Nextdoor posts, and HOA leaders of a stakeholder meeting with Verizon, neighborhood residents, and the City of Fishers to discuss and submit alternative locations. The recommended locations were then taken to the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety where residents and HOA’s could make public comments. Verizon has two years to construct the 5G small cell structures from the date of the permit approval. To see a full list of approved structures please visit see the map of active permits.

Below is the list of neighborhoods where Verizon is currently constructing structures:

• Anderson Hall
• Ashwood
• Auburn Springs
• Harrison Green
• Lantern Farms
• Pleasant View
• Rosewood
• Sutton Crossing
• Sweet Briar
• Sweet Briar North
• The Pines

Permits

See the map of active permits.

5G Process and City Review

(a) Determination of Completion/Defects. Within ten (10) days of receipt of an application, the permit authority shall review the application to determine if the application is complete. If the permit authority determines that an application is not complete, the permit authority shall notify the applicant in writing of all defects in the application. An applicant that receives a written notice of incompletion may cure the defects and resubmit the application within fifteen (15) days of receiving the notice. If an applicant is unable to cure the defects within the fifteen (15) day period, the applicant shall notify the permit authority of the additional time the applicant requires to cure the defects.

Upon receiving a complete application, the City will inform the affected neighborhood/community association or property management group of a proposed permit(s). The City will coordinate a meeting to facilitate communication between the Applicant and neighborhood/community association or property management group to collaborate and provide feedback on proposed locations, suggest alternative locations for the Applicant’s consideration, and attempt to reach consensus prior to final consideration by the Permit Authority in general accordance with the following timeline:

1. 4 Weeks Prior to Permit Authority’s Consideration: The City will contact the applicable community/ neighborhood association or property management group to establish a mandatory meeting between it and the Applicant.
2. 4 Weeks Prior to Permit Authority’s Consideration: The City will send letters to property owners who are within 200’ of a proposed new utility pole and direct these residents to work with their community/neighborhood association or property management group to provide comments or concerns.
3. 2 Weeks Prior to Permit Authority’s Consideration: The City will host a meeting (virtual or live) with the Applicant, applicable community/neighborhood association, or property management group to discuss the proposed residential locations and any alternative locations proposed by the community/neighborhood association or property management group. The City will document these meetings and provide a summary of its content to the Permit Authority. The parties’ failure to reach consensus during the meeting will result in the Permit Authority making its final determination based upon the standards outlined herein.
4. Permit Authority’s Final Consideration. The Residential Waiver will generally be considered within 4 weeks of the Applicant’s submission of a complete waiver application.

Watch Fishers Informational 5G Webinar

Watch an informational webinar led by City staff on the 5G process and how neighborhoods and residents can prepare for the Verizon stakeholder meetings regarding the placement of 5G small cell structures.

About 5G/Fiber Deployment

In September 2018, the FCC adopted a declaratory ruling outlining: 

1. Prevention of actions that materially inhibit the installation of 5G facilities 
2. Reasonable, non-discriminatory fees associated with permitting of the facilities
3. The ability for local governments to have input on the exterior design of the facilities
4. A set "shot clock" to ensure accelerated deployment of the facilities

The City of Fishers is required to allow 5G deployment by the ruling of the FCC. As a result, the City identified a resident-led process for 5G cell tower deployment. On August 10, 2020, the Public Works and Safety Board adopted a resolution streamlining the process for all parties involved. Below is highlighted from the resolution that outlines the new process.

Find more info and FAQs about 5G Cell Tower Deployment in Fishers.  

In-ground fiber installation occurs in public rights of way through a targeted trenching construction process. 

Verizon 5G

Verizon recently informed the City of their intent to re-initiate the permitting process for their 5G technology.  

Verizon has cited its desire to concentrate on its fiber build-out as the primary reason for halting its pursuit of residential permits in Fishers. Neighborhoods that have begun the process of meeting or discussing 5G tower placements with the City, can expect:

• All tabled or pending applications and permits will be re-submitted for processing. 
• If your neighborhood was scheduled at a past Board of Works meeting, you will be notified again when your location is prepared for a public vote. 
• The City intends to restart the permit process from the beginning, meaning you will have another opportunity to review placements and discuss locations with Verizon Wireless and the City of Fishers.

5G implementation continues with all previously approved residential permits. Additionally, Verizon has the authority to continue with the construction of 5G towers located in the public right of way.

If you have questions, please email or contact Makenzie Poole at 317-595-3151.