While the siting of wireless facilities is generally a local
matter subject to zoning ordinances and statutes, the FCC has
some rules relating to the location and construction of
communications towers. For example, to ensure safe air
navigation FCC rules require the registration of towers or other
structures that support antennas, such as water towers or
buildings, that are more than 200 feet in height or located near
an airport runway. The FCC administers these requirements
through the Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) system. The FCC
also administers rules to ensure the construction of
communications towers complies with environmental and historic
preservation laws, including the National Environmental Policy
Act and National Historic Preservation Act. In addition, the FCC
has provided guidance on how long a state or local government
has to act on a zoning application.