Residents

96% of US adults own a cell phone. In the past eight years the number of people owning smart phones has grown from 35% to 81%. With this increased reliance on mobile connectivity comes the need for increased capacity in cellular networks. Wireless carriers are meeting this need by supplementing their macro cell sites (towers) with antennas referred to as "small cell technology". 'Small cells' are lower power antennas that cover smaller geographic areas to target where more network capacity is needed. 

This website is your starting point for any wireless related questions for the City of Seattle. You'll find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about wireless deployments in Seattle and contact information for submitting questions or issues related to wireless activity. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

Information on common questions related to 5G and small wireless facility ("small cells") deployments in Seattle

FAQs: 5G and Small Wireless Facilities on Seattle Poles

A sample public notification form about construction of small cell facilities is here

Design Standards for Small Wireless Facilities (SWF)   

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Director's Rule 02-2020, Design Standards for Small Wireless Facilities on Poles in the Public Place, sets the standards covering SWF attached to public and private poles within City of Seattle right-of-way. These standards were developed to reduce visual impacts to the streets and sidewalks that form the public right-of-way by establishing rules concerning SWF design.  You can find the SWF design standards here. They include diagrams and photos to help visualize these installations.