§ 1605 — Fees

The Department may not charge a wireless provider an application fee or fee or rate for the use of the ROW with respect to the construction, installation, mounting, maintenance, modification, operation, or replacement of a wireless facility or small wireless support structure in the ROW, including collocation in such ROW. However, wireless providers shall pay the actual, reasonable costs borne by the Department attributable to the processing and administration of a program to authorize the accommodation, review and issuance of construction permits, and conduct inspections of wireless facilities in the ROW if necessary. Such fees shall not exceed $100 for each small cell facility on a permit application. If there are additional nonrecurring expenses associated with inspections for new installations or construction, wireless providers shall pay the actual, reasonable cost borne by the Department attributable to each provider’s inspections where it exceeds the permit fee collected. In any controversy concerning the appropriateness of the fee, the Department shall have the burden of proving that the fees are reasonably related to the actual, direct and reasonable costs incurred. Micro wireless facilities are not subject to such processing and administration costs.

Legislative History

81 Del. Laws, c. 159, § 1