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 To...
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