Cellular site leasing
The steps below detail the process required for cellular carriers and others to lease space on SMUD's transmission poles, towers and substations and upon SMUD buildings and grounds.
You can also get more information about the process and requirements by reviewing the SMUD Lease Facilities (pdf)
Project steps
Step 1: Submit your project application
- Complete a request to place facilities on or upon SMUD facilities and submit your preliminary plans, a passing structural analysis and an initial deposit (costs shown below).
- SMUD only accepts applications for wireless/cell site lease facilities online.
Step 2: Application review
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We'll review your application and first determine if your request is possible at the desired location. Reasons for an initial application denial could be related to SMUD's future plans, the structural integrity of an existing facility, interference with existing SMUD facilities, etc.
Step 3: Design review and inspection
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We'll notify you if your initial application is approved. You'll then need to pay the design review and inspection fee (costs shown below) through our Project Application website. Next, follow the guidelines in the Electric Service Requirements, Engineering Specification T012 Installations on District Facilities document as detailed in section 8.2 to submit transmittal letters and all design documents and drawings to realestate@smud.org.
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Upon receipt of the fee and documentation, we'll begin the second and final portion of our review–approving the installation.
Step 4: Master License Agreement (MLA) and SMUD Site License Agreement (SLA)
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Once the plans have been approved by SMUD, the MLA will be developed if one is not already in place. The SLA will also be created and will include the site license specifics, fees, terms, options, notification requirements, site specific conditions, etc. It will be emailed to you for signature.
Step 5: Notice to Construct
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When the SLA and MLA are finalized, and when we've received zoning and building permit approvals, you'll receive a "Notice to Construct with SMUD Inspector" to arrange for a pre-construction meeting. Under our lease facility program, we typically require the customer to hire qualified electrical workers to perform any and all work regarding this installation under the direction of a SMUD inspector. SMUD's inspector(s) will work directly with your qualified electrical workers in setting schedules, holding clearances, etc.
Step 6: As-built drawings
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You're responsible for providing signed and stamped as-built drawings by a licensed architect and engineering firm.
Are you ready to get started?
Costs
Application fee
A non-refundable fee of $2,500 is required for our administrative staff to review all of the applicant's construction drawings and structural analysis documentation and process the application.
Design review and inspection fee
A non-refundable fee of $15,000 is required for costs associated with construction management of the site, including engineering review, on-site supervision and inspection services.
Contact us
If you have questions regarding the process, please email us or call at 916-732-6868.