Methods and apparatuses for identifying backup candidate cell sites for a primary cell site are described. A backup candidate cell site may comprise a cell site that is available to replace or support a primary cell site that serves a coverage area in the event that the primary cell site fails or experiences a significant reduction in signal transmission capability. The backup candidate cell sites may be identified based on a distance between a backup candidate cell site and the primary cell site, a minimum distance between the backup candidate cell site and one or more hosted sites that comprise sources of signal interference, and a buffer range between the antenna height for the primary cell site and the backup candidate cell site. Height conflicts occurring between cell site antennas and clutter within proximity of the antennas may be identified.