Internet & Broadcasting Amendments

What's Happening Now?

We are proposing updates to the Land Use Code to accommodate advances in two specific areas:

• Internet service
• Federal licensing for use of the airwaves by low power radio stations

Our proposal would change existing regulations to make it easier to place utility equipment boxes designed to improve internet, telephone, and video connections. Our proposal would also change regulations to make it easier for low power FM broadcasting facilities, licensed solely as non-profit entities and with a limited broadcasting reach, to put their antennas in suitable locations in all zones throughout the city.

Next Steps
The comment period ended on July 11, 2016. We are reviewing comments in preparation for making recommendations to the Mayor for final the legislation. We will continue to accept comments until our final recommendations are completed, likely this fall. If you need more information, or would like to comment, please contact:

Bill Mills
(206) 684-8738
william.mills@seattle.gov
P.O. Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-401

The Mayor will then make his recommendations to the City Council for their review and approval, likely by the end of the year.

Project Benefits

Updating these rules will help create opportunities for greater access to high-speed internet and other services, and more opportunities for hobbyist and non-profits to operate low-power radio stations.

The End Result

Utility companies will have more flexibility to place utilities for internet and other services to better serve their customers. This update would also allow low-power radio stations to operate more easily in Seattle.