Chapter 15.20
RADIO ANTENNAS AND SIMILAR DEVICES

Sections:

15.20.010    Permit.

15.20.020    Proximity to utility lines – Support.

15.20.030    Grounding – Conductors and insulation.

15.20.040    Ham radio operators.

15.20.050    Notice of completion – Correction of noncompliance.

15.20.060    Violation – Nuisance.

15.20.070    Violation – Penalty.

15.20.010 Permit.

No structure described in BMC 15.20.020(A) shall be constructed, erected or installed in the city after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter unless a permit therefor, in writing, has first been obtained from the superintendent of the light department, at his office. A fee of $1.00 shall be paid for each permit at the time of application therefor. Temporary installation conforming to this chapter may continue for 30 days without fee after a permit is obtained and the fee paid. (Ord. 1054 § 2, 1953; prior code § 4-502)

15.20.020 Proximity to utility lines – Support.

A. No person shall install, construct, erect, maintain, use or have within the city any outside radio antenna, mast, pole or other structure whether intended for use in connection with reception or transmission of radio, telephone, telegraph or television or otherwise, which comes in contact with or in dangerous proximity to any electric light or power transmission line or wire, or any telephone or telegraph line or wire, or so that the same may become charged with electricity other than radio-frequency energy, or is mounted on, supported by or attached to any chimney, flue or smoke pipe or inserted in any vent, outlet or exhaust pipe, or otherwise is hazardous or dangerous to persons or property.

B. Each such antenna or similar device shall be mounted, supported and installed separately and independent of any other appurtenance or accessory of the building or structure upon or in connection with which the same is installed. Also, each such antenna or similar device shall be supported by four guy wires of not less than 1,000 pounds breaking strength for each 10 lineal feet or major portion thereof. (Ord. 1054 § 1, 1953; prior code § 4-501)

15.20.030 Grounding – Conductors and insulation.

All installations shall also comply with the following:

A. Metal structures supporting antennas or other devices shall be permanently and effectively grounded with not smaller than No. 8 copper conductor or its equivalent, securely fastened in place, and shall be protected from mechanical injury. Such conductor shall be properly connected to a metallic underground water system or, if not available, to a one-half-inch by eight-foot copper rod or its equivalent, and shall be run in as straight a line as possible from the metal structure to the grounding electrode.

B. Lead-in conductors outside of buildings shall have a clearance of two feet from circuits of 250 volts or less and 10 feet from the circuits of over 150 volts. Circuits below 150 volts may have a clearance of not less than four inches if all conductors are supported to ensure permanent separation. Each lead-in conductor from outdoor structures shall be protected by an approved lightning arrestor, unless enclosed in a continuous metallic conductor which has been properly grounded. Such arrestors shall be located as near as practical to the conductor entrance to the building and shall not be near combustible material or hazardous locations.

C. Radio interference eliminators, interference capacitors or noise suppressors connected to power-supply leads shall be of a type approved for the purpose and shall not be exposed to mechanical injury. (Ord. 1054 § 5, 1953; prior code § 4-505)

15.20.040 Ham radio operators.

Licensed operators of amateur radio broadcasting stations shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. Also, written notice shall be given to the superintendent of the light department of any additions, changes in location or structure of the original antenna within five days after such changes are made. (Ord. 1054 § 4, 1953; prior code § 4-504)

15.20.050 Notice of completion – Correction of noncompliance.

Notice in writing shall be given to the superintendent of the light department upon completion of installation. and any such structure not complying with any rules and regulations of the city shall be corrected within 10 days or be entirely removed. (Ord. 1054 § 3, 1953; prior code § 4-503)

15.20.060 Violation – Nuisance.

Any person who maintains any radio antenna, mast, pole or other structure, whether intended for use in connection with reception or transmission of radio, telegraph or television or otherwise, which is located, positioned or constructed in such a manner that the same may be in contact with or in dangerous proximity to any electric line or power-transmission line or wire, or does not conform to BMC 15.20.030, which device has been constructed subsequent to the passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter and in such a manner as to create a clear and present danger to public safety, is a public nuisance. (Ord. 1054 § 6, 1953; prior code § 4-506)

15.20.070 Violation – Penalty.

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $100.00 or by imprisonment in the city jail for not to exceed 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 1054 § 7, 1953)