THE CELL TOWER CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE UNDERSTANDING TOWER COMPANY RECEIVES SEARCH RING FROM CARRIER When carriers find coverage gaps, they create a search ring—a targeted area for a new cell tower. A tower company then partners with a site acquisition specialist to contact nearby property owners, starting with those at the center of the ring, where signal improvement is most effective. SECURING THE LEASE: THE STARTING POINT OF EVERY CELL TOWER PROJECT A cell tower project starts when a tower company signs an option lease with a property owner. This agreement grants the right to build while regulatory steps are completed. Why it matters: Ensures site control—essential for financing and permitting Allows property owners to reserve land during due diligence Contact JP Tower Consulting today to review your cell tower option lease quickly and confidently. ZONING & PERMITTING:THE WAITING GAME (3–18+ MONTHS) After signing the lease, the site is reviewed for regulations. In rural areas without zoning, towers can go live within 60 days. Coastal regions often face strict rules, extending timelines to years. Midwest and Southern states see faster approvals, with some towers completed in under a year. CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE: FROM GROUNDBREAKING TO GOING LIVE If regulatory hurdles are minimal, construction—from laying the foundation to installing antennas and equipment—can be completed in less than 3 months. If zoning boards, community concerns, or environmental assessments require input, the timeline becomes a long- haul project. When Permitting Is Clear: Less than 60 Days When Permitting Is Complex: Several Months to Years 9786068379 john@jptowerconsulting.com www.jptowerconsulting.com Get in Touch with JP Tower Consulting Get In Touch Have questions about your cell tower lease? JP Tower Consulting helps with negotiations, renewals, and disputes—contact us today for expert guidance.