Title 15.2. Counties, Cities and Towns
Chapter 22. Planning, Subdivision of Land and Zoning
§ 15.2-2316.4:5. Temporary support structures.
A. A locality shall include in its zoning ordinance provisions that allow for the use of temporary support structures that meet the requirements of this section. A temporary support structure that is 80 feet or less in height, on wheels, and erected for less than 30 days shall not be required to obtain a building permit. A building permit shall be required for a temporary support structure over 80 feet in height or that is erected for 30 days or more.
B. An application for a temporary support structure shall demonstrate that it is necessary for one of the following reasons:
1. Administering limited frequency and modulation testing to evaluate system performance and the need for additional wireless facility sites;
2. Supplementing communications coverage when a previously permitted wireless facility has become involuntarily non-operational through an accident or natural disaster;
3. A substantial increase in the communications needs of the locality due to an emergency declared by the locality, Commonwealth, or federal government;
4. A substantial increase in the communications needs of the businesses, residents, or visitors of the locality for a limited period of time due to a special event held within the locality; or
5. Any other reason deemed necessary and appropriate by the locality.
C. An application for a temporary support structure may request approval for up to 180 days. A locality may approve extensions beyond the initial approval period if (i) the requests are made in writing prior to the expiration of the initial approval period or current extended approval period, (ii) the extensions are reasonably necessary to resolve or accommodate the reasons for the initial approval, and (iii) the total time approved for extensions, including the initial 180 day period, does not exceed two years.
D. A temporary support structure shall be removed at the cost of the owner and the site restored to its previous condition within 48 hours of the end of the approval period.
E. If a locality fails to adopt provisions in its zoning ordinances to implement this section, applications for temporary support structures shall be deemed granted and no building permit or other permits shall be required.
2026, c. 688.
