Large buildings must meet emergency radio coverage rules

Local zoning rules must require covered buildings to meet the 95% test for 800 MHz public safety radio coverage inside buildings. This applies to new buildings of at least 25,000 square feet and to portions of buildings that meet the stated definition of modified or renovated. Coverage may occur naturally or may require emergency communications equipment. The Act takes effect February 1, 2027.

An issuing agency may grant a temporary certificate of occupancy for up to three months. This applies to buildings covered by the emergency communications requirements. A permanent certificate of occupancy may not be issued until the building meets the 95% coverage requirement. The temporary certificate is allowed only if a reasonable effort to meet the requirements was made before it was issued. The temporary certificate may last up to three months.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security must make implementation rules and publish and update a county map showing where buildings must comply. The rules and map concern buildings covered by the emergency communications requirements in Delaware. A building may be temporarily exempt from certification while 800 MHz project towers in its county are unfinished. The building's design and construction must allow later installation of equipment needed to meet the coverage test. A temporarily exempt building must be certified within six months after all Next Generation 800 MHz project towers in its county are fully operational.