Building Permit (BP) - A building permit is the document issued by the governing authority which authorizes the permitee to commence telecom towers construction.
NTP - “Notice to Proceed” A checklist confirming that activities required by the Client in the site acquisition process have been completed. The NTP is generally completed and sent to the Client with the building permit.
Search Ring - A two/three mile radius ring overlaid on a street map, used by wireless (non-directional) carriers, which defines the area for the site acquisition field agent to begin searching for a site candidate. A Search Ring is typically not used by microwave (directional) carriers because their needs are specifically determined by path design being point A to point B, thus a search ring may or may not be applicable.
SOW - “Scope of Work.” A negotiable contract, signed by both parties, which defines the parameters of the work to be done.
Zoning - Where applicable, zoning is generally the first step in the process of acquiring a permit necessary to construct a site. The need for zoning resolution varies by county, city, state and type of site, the conditions of which are bylaws of the municipality having jurisdiction.
Geotech Analysis ( Soils report) - A ground boring extraction of soil that is analyzed to determine what type of material exists at each depth. This report is used in preparation of the structural and foundation calculations of the proposed structure.
Site Plan - A comprehensive and detailed multi-page drawing of a site’s construction requirements, including, but not limited too; mechanical, electrical, grounding, site compound, shelter foundation, structure elevation and survey details. The site plans ( telecom network planning ) are prepared by a licensed Architectural & Engineering firm. Once sealed & stamped by the preparing architect, the plans are used for filing with zoning and permitting entities. Once approved for permit, the site plans are stamped “Approved for Construction” and issued to the field.
Structural Analysis - An evaluation of any existing structure to determine whether or not the structure and foundation, coupled with existing loading, is able to accommodate additionally proposed loading from a carrier wanting to collocate.
Survey - A licensed land surveyor performs a survey. The surveyor measures the land and where any existing structures are located on that land. These measurements guarantee that structures not belonging to the property are properly identified. Structures such as fences, driveways, and storage sheds are also identified and more importantly depicted as not encroaching into any public areas such as utility easements and any other adjoining properties.
Tower Mapping - An evaluation performed on an existing structure to determine existing antenna quantity and type, mounting heights, and number of coaxial runs installed on the structure. Tower mapping is typically used if no existing information exists or can be obtained about the structure or what’s installed on it.
Raw Land Site (AKA Greenfield site) - A site built from the ground up wherein the search results in no existing structure being identified capable of accommodating Client’s needs.
Collocation - In a search ring wherein the site candidate approved by Client’s RF team is an existing structure. Existing structures shall be designated as existing towers, buildings, water tanks or other structures having the capacity and compatibility of collocation.
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