Chapter 18.30
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Sections:
18.30.020 Wireless communication facilities--Permitted when.
18.30.030 Wireless communication facility.
18.30.040 Public utility facilities.
18.30.010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
“Attached wireless communication facility” means a wireless communication facility that is affixed to an existing structure, for example, an existing building, tower, water tank, utility pole, etc. which does not include an additional wireless communications support structure.
“Public utility facilities” means facilities for the transmission, distribution, or collection of electric, telephone, telegraph, cable television, natural gas, water and sewer utility services.
“Wireless communication facility” means an unstaffed facility for the transmission and/or reception of radio frequency (RF) signals usually consisting of an equipment shelter or cabinet, a “wireless communication support structure” as defined in this section and/or other transmission and reception devices. This definition does not include ancillary antennas such as are usual to individual businesses and residences and which conform to height limits and other development standards in the zone in which such antennas would be located.
“Wireless communication support structure” means a structure erected to support a wireless communication antenna and connecting appurtenances. Support structure types include, but are not limited to, monopoles, lattice towers, wood poles and guyed towers. (Ord. 317 §1, 1997)
18.30.020 Wireless communication facilities--Permitted when.
A. Attached wireless communication facilities (not permitted on residential structures) shall be permitted in all zones within the town as a permitted use.
B. Wireless communication facilities are not permitted in residential zones; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to utility facilities located on a property which are accessory to the property or to the transmission, distribution or collection lines and equipment necessary to provide a direct utility connection to the property or neighboring properties, or to those utility facilities located on public rights-of-way.
C. Wireless communication facilities located more than three hundred feet from residential zones (as measured from the wireless communication support structure to the property line of the nearest residentially zoned parcel) are permitted in commercial and industrial zones by conditional use permit; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to utility facilities located on a property which are accessory to the property or to the transmission, distribution or collection lines and equipment necessary to provide a direct utility connection to the property or neighboring properties, or to those utility facilities located on public rights-of-way. (Ord. 317 §§2--4, 1997)
18.30.030 Wireless communication facility.
A conditional use permit for a wireless communication facility (commercial and industrial zones) shall be subject to the following additional standards:
A. Such facilities shall not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.
B. The applicant shall demonstrate the need for any proposed tower (wireless communication support structure) to be located near a residential area, the procedures involved in the site selection and an evaluation of alternative sites and existing facilities on which the proposed facility could be located or co-located.
C. A site development plan shall be submitted showing the location, size, screening and design of all buildings and structures, including fences; the location, size and nature of outdoor equipment; and the location, number and species of all proposed landscaping.
D. The facility shall be designed to be aesthetically and architecturally compatible with the natural and built environments. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, building design and the use of exterior materials harmonious with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and the use of landscaping and privacy screening to buffer the facilities and activities on the site from surrounding properties (e.g., towers, transformers, tanks, etc.) shall be designed and located on the site to minimize adverse impacts on surrounding properties.
E. All wireless facilities shall comply with national, state or local standards whichever is more restrictive, in effect at that time of application for non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.
F. The applicant shall demonstrate a justification for the proposed height of the structures and an evaluation of alternative designs which might result in lower heights. If additional height over that allowed in the zone is justified it may be approved.
Provided, however, that this section shall not apply to utility facilities located on a property which are accessory to the property or to the transmission, distribution or collection lines and equipment necessary to provide a direct utility connection to the property or neighboring properties, or to those utility facilities located on public rights-of-way. (Ord. 317 §5, 1997)
18.30.040 Public utility facilities.
Public utility facilities necessary for the transmission, distribution or collection of electric, telephone, telegraph, cable television, natural gas, water and sewer utility services are permitted by conditional use permit in all zones and shall be subject to the following standards:
A. Such facilities shall not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.
B. The applicant shall demonstrate the need for public utility facility to be located in a residential area, the procedures involved in the site selection and an evaluation of alternative sites and existing facilities on which the proposed facility could be located or co-located.
C. A site development plan shall be submitted showing the location, size, screening and design of all buildings and structures, including fences; the location, size and nature of outdoor equipment; and the location, number and species of all proposed landscaping.
D. The facility shall be designed to be aesthetically and architecturally compatible with the natural and built environments. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, building design and the use of exterior materials harmonious with the character of the surrounding neighborhood and the use of landscaping and privacy screening to buffer the facilities and activities on the site from surrounding properties (e.g., towers, transformers, tanks, etc.) shall be designed and located on the site to minimize adverse impacts on surrounding properties.
E. All wireless facilities shall comply with national, state or local standards whichever is more restrictive, in effect at the time of application, for non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.
F. The applicant shall demonstrate a justification for the proposed height of the structures and an evaluation of alternative designs which might result in lower heights. If additional height over that allowed in the zone is justified it may be approved.
G. The applicant shall include an analysis of the feasibility of future consolidated use of the proposed facility with other public utility facilities.
Provided, however, that this section shall not apply to utility facilities located on a property which are accessory to the residential use of that property or to the transmission, distribution or collection lines and equipment necessary to provide a direct utility connection to the property or neighboring properties, or to those utility facilities located on public rights-of-way. (Ord. 317 §6, 1997)