Who We Are

We are residents of Nevada County who have come together to support a strong, safe cell tower and wireless communications ordinance.

As the County updates the 20-year-old cell tower ordinance, Board Supervisors and Planning Staff have asked for public feedback.

On March 31st, 2025 a Public Workshop facilitated by Supervisor Lisa Swarthout was held in Nevada City and attended by 60+ members of the community. Planning Staff presented an outline of their recommendations and public comments were provided. Watch Here: https://youtu.be/s3EfpEzbn3s

While community members are eager to have improved cell phone service for themselves and emergency responders, we have concerns about clear guidelines for the siting and installation of wireless facilities. We seek to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and the safety of our environment and residents. The public also needs local oversight of the permitting procedures and deployment of wireless installations.

What You Can Do

1) Sign up below to receive news and updates.

2) Watch the Public Workshop to understand the issues: https://youtu.be/s3EfpEzbn3s

3) Set up meetings with your Planning Commissioners and Board Supervisors and let them know what issues are important to you and your concerns.

  • Would you like the code changed to reflect more than a 30-foot setback of a tower from an adjacent property in the rural zone? Demand strong setbacks!

  • Do want to be informed when a cell tower is coming into your neighborhood?  The Planning Department is recommending that no public notice be given for cell towers under 100 feet. Let them know you would like the requirement of a Conditional Use Permit to continue for all towers so that Public Noticing continues. If they change to an Administrative Permit, we will not know until it is being installed.

  • Worried about fires? Ask that no cell tower be placed in a location where there is only one route of egress. Cell tower fires are electrical fires, and they cannot be extinguished through conventional means: the power has to be cut first, which can take up to 60 minutes. 

  • Did you know the plastics from the monopine cell towers “disguised” as pine trees distribute plastic throughout the area in very high amounts, polluting our soil and water, and nearby properties? Hold the industry applicants liable for clean-up and alternative methods.

4) Learn about the strong protective ordinances adopted nationwide: