VirginiaHB8762026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Zoning; wireless facilities, temporary support structures.

Sponsored By: Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31 (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Zoning; wireless facilities; temporary support structures. Requires a locality to include in its zoning ordinance provisions that allow for the use of temporary support structures that meet certain requirements. The bill defines a temporary support structure as a monopole or portable wireless communications facility used to provide wireless voice, data, or image transmission within a designated area. The bill provides that an application for a temporary support structure may request approval for up to 180 days with extensions not to exceed two years.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Faster permits for small cell projects

The law sets which wireless projects get a fast, administrative review. New poles qualify if they are 50 feet or less and, with antennas, are no more than 10 feet above the tallest utility pole within 500 feet in the same right-of-way or pole line. The site cannot be in a historic district, the new pole must support small cells, and the fast track does not apply in localities that have spent 35% or more of general fund revenue on undergrounding since 1980. Co-location on an existing structure of a facility that is not a small cell also qualifies. The law defines small cell size limits (antennas up to 6 cubic feet; other gear up to 28 cubic feet, with some items excluded) and sets micro-wireless device dimensions (up to 24 by 15 by 12 inches; exterior antenna up to 11 inches).

Rules for temporary wireless poles

Localities must allow temporary wireless support structures in their zoning rules. A temporary support structure is a portable pole or facility with no permanent ground location and no concrete footing or permanent foundation. No building permit is needed if it is on wheels, 80 feet or shorter, and up for less than 30 days; a permit is required if it is over 80 feet or stays 30 days or more. Applications must show a need, such as testing, restoring service after a disaster, a declared emergency, or a short-term special event; localities may allow other appropriate reasons. Initial approvals can be up to 180 days, with written extensions before expiration as needed for the same reason, but the total time cannot exceed two years. Owners must remove the structure and restore the site within 48 hours after approval ends, at their cost. If a locality fails to adopt these zoning rules, applications are deemed approved and no permits are required.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 213 • No: 5

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Reported from Local Government

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote 2/5/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 92 • No: 4 • Other: 1

House vote 1/30/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 7 • No: 0

House vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns

Yes: 19 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0688)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 688 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/12/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB876ER)

    3/11/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/11/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/11/2026Senate
  9. Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026Senate
  10. Read third time

    3/4/2026Senate
  11. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/3/2026Senate
  12. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  13. Rules suspended

    3/3/2026Senate
  14. Reported from Local Government (15-Y 0-N)

    3/2/2026Senate
  15. Referred to Committee on Local Government

    2/6/2026Senate
  16. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/6/2026Senate
  17. Read third time and passed House (92-Y 4-N 1-A)

    2/5/2026House
  18. Read second time and engrossed

    2/4/2026House
  19. Read first time

    2/3/2026House
  20. Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns (19-Y 1-N 1-A)

    1/30/2026House
  21. Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 0-N)

    1/30/2026House
  22. Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #1

    1/28/2026House
  23. Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

    1/13/2026House
  24. Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104770D

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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