Many school districts have banned cell towers. Communities are opposed to cell towers at schools due to the radiation exposure. Numerous studies document health effects from long term exposure to cell tower radiation.
- Los Angeles Board of Education California which has three Resolutions prohibiting and opposing cell towers on on near school property and the district developed a “cautionary level” for radiofrequency radiation 10,000 times lower than FCC limits.
- Palo Alto CA Unified School District passed Resolution No. 2018-19.19 prohibiting cell antennas on school grounds and opposing cell antennas “on or in close proximity to schools to ensure individuals, especially children, are protected from the potential negative effects associated with radiation exposure.” The resolution supports the City 1,500 setback for cell towers from schools.
- West Linn-Wilsonville Oregon School Board prohibits cell towers on school property.
- Temecula Valley Unified School District passed a ban on new cell towers or renewing existing tower leases for towers on school property.
Many school districts have stopped renewing contracts or considering proposals for new cell towers.
- Montgomery County Maryland Schools no longer allows cell towers on elementary schools.
- Prince George’s County Maryland Board of Education decided not to renew a cell tower master leasing agreement that had allowed over 60 schools to be marketed as cell tower sites and they were joined in opposition by local governments such as the Greenbelt City Council.
- Portland Oregon Schools ended new leases for cell towers.
- The Sutherland Elementary School Local School Council in Illinois unanimously voted against renewing two contracts for cellular equipment that is installed on a smokestack at the school.
- The San Jose Diocese halted new contracts with telecommunications companies for schools and churches.
Many local governments restrict cell towers near schools with cell tower/school setbacks.
- Shelburne, Massachusetts: 3,000 feet for schools and 1,500 feet for homes.
- Williamson County Tennessee: 1,500 foot setback for schools.
- Copake, New York: 1,500 feet from homes, schools, churches and public buildings.
- Sallisaw, Oklahoma: 1,500 feet from homes or structures.
- Stockbridge, Massachusetts: 1,000 feet for schools, playgrounds and athletic fields. 600 feet for residential.
- Walnut City, California: 1,500 feet setbacks for schools, parks and residential zones.
- Calabasas, California: 1,000 feet for homes and schools.
- Davis, California – 500 feet of residential zones and schools.
- Bar Harbor, Maine: 1500 feet setback for schools.
- Bedford, New Hampshire: 750 feet from nearest residentially-zoned property.
- San Diego County: 300 feet for small cell wireless for schools, childcare centers, hospitals, religious facilities, fire and police stations.
- Fairfax, California: 300 ft. from schools and parks.
