Subject:
Title
Improving Wireless Coverage in Vienna - Review Updated Draft Zoning Regulations and Refer to Planning Commission
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
The Town Council has held three work sessions on this topic: May 11, 2026; July 6, 2026; and Sept. 14, 2026.
OVERVIEW:
On Feb. 2, 2026, the Town Council approved a set of five priorities for calendar year 2026, with one of those priorities being to improve wireless communications in Vienna. Since then, the staff has focused on this matter, building on work begun as a team led by the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Department of Economic Development in 2025.
The Town Council held work sessions on May 11 and July 6, during which guidance was provided to staff that the Town Council would like to consider: 1) zoning changes that would make investing in wireless facilities easier, and 2) making Town-owned properties available.
With respect to zoning changes, the Town Council expressed a desire to create zoning regulations that would establish administrative review (rather than a Conditional Use Permit process) for certain types of facilities and allow greater heights for such facilities so that it would be possible for towers/monopoles to be built in Vienna, subject to regulations.
On Sept. 14, the Town Council held its third work session during which a staff brought forward draft zoning language based on the feedback received during the first two work sessions. During that work session, Council provided presented feedback on the code as presented and asked additional clarifying questions of staff to help guide their decision making.
Attachment 01 provides an updated draft of the code, showing the edits in underline format made to the code since the September 14 work session. Attachment 02 provides responses to questions and requests from Council at that work session.
SUMMARY:
Staff requests Town Council direction on the draft zoning regulations.
If the Town Council finds the draft zoning code language to be acceptable, the next step in the process is to refer the draft to the Planning Commission for its review, public hearing, and recommendation. If the Town Council wishes to make additional changes, it may refer the draft to the Planning Commission subject to staff making those changes; or it may ask staff to return to Town Council with an updated draft.
Once the Planning Commission receives that draft and has completed its process, the Town Council will then be able to hold its public hearing and make final decisions regarding the proposed amendments.
Departmental Recommendation: The staff recommends that the Town Council review the draft language and determine whether it is prepared to refer the draft zoning regulations to the Planning Commission for its review, public hearing, and recommendation to Town Council.
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council has conducted work sessions on the proposed amendments to the Town Code related to improving wireless coverage in Vienna. The Town Council may refer the proposed Code amendments to the Planning Commission in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council refer the draft zoning regulations for wireless facilities to the Planning Commission, as presented.
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
"I move to refer the draft zoning regulations for wireless facilities to the Planning Commission for its review, public hearing, and recommendation to Town Council."
Or
"I move to refer the draft zoning regulations for wireless facilities to the Planning Commission, subject to the following changes […….] for its review, public hearing, and recommendation to Town Council."
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.