The following is a list of design criteria.
(A) New communications facilities shall be located in accordance with the site selection and protocol requirements of this subchapter and shall be designed to accommodate antennas for more than one user. All facilities must be architecturally compatible with surrounding buildings and land uses or otherwise integrated, through location and design, to blend in with the existing characteristics of the site to the extent practical. All facilities must meet or exceed current standards and regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other agency of the federal government with the authority to regulate such facilities. If such standards and regulations are changed then the owners of the communications facilities shall bring those facilities into compliance with the revised standards and regulations within three months of the effective date of such standards and regulations unless a more stringent schedule is mandated by the controlling federal agency. Failure to bring facilities into compliance with such revised standards and regulations shall constitute grounds for the removal of the facility.
(B) All telecommunications facilities must be located on properties that comply with the lot area requirements of this chapter. Additionally any telecommunications facility located in a residential zoning district must be located on a lot with a minimum size of three acres.
(C) All communications facilities must be separated from communications facilities on other properties by at least 1,500 feet.
(D) The maximum height for any antenna support structure shall be 150 feet upon property zoned heavy commercial, 120 feet on property zoned light commercial and 100 feet on all other properties, unless additional height is approved by variation by the Mayor and City Council after a proper public hearing and recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Commission in the event of a planned unit development amendment.
(E) All antenna support structures must be set back a distance equal to their height from any property line. At a minimum, any such antenna tower shall provide a lot line setback at least equal to one-half its height from the antenna to all adjoining residential property lines.
(F) Communications towers shall have a non-contrasting blue, grey or black finish, or a similar color that minimizes their visibility, unless a different color is required by the FCC or FAA.
(G) All telecommunications facilities shall be lighted only if required by the FCC or the FAA. Where tower lighting is required, it shall be shielded or directed to the greatest extent possible in such a manner as to minimize the amount of light that falls onto nearby properties, particularly residences. A manually-operated or motion detection light above the equipment shed door is permitted but shall be kept off except when personnel are actually present at night.
(H) Communications towers shall be constructed in accordance with standards of the Electronic Industries Association and all applicable construction and building codes, as may be amended from time to time. Surrounding areas shall not be negatively affected by support structure failure, falling ice or other debris or interference. All support structures shall be fitted with anti-climbing devices as approved by the manufacturers.
(I) Building mounted facilities must be architecturally compatible with the building on which they are mounted and designed and located so as to minimize any adverse aesthetic impact. Any support structure or mechanical equipment must be screened or enclosed in such a manner as to mask such equipment. Such screening shall be of non-combustible material and of the same color, character and design as the building upon which the screening is erected. An antenna must be mounted to the wall of a building or extend above the roof of a building without said screening provided the antenna is painted, or otherwise made to match the color of the building or structure or background against which they are most commonly seen. Communications facilities shall not occupy more than an aggregate total of 10% of the roof area of any building.
(J) Site location and development shall preserve the preexisting character of the site as much as possible. Existing vegetation must be preserved or improved, and disturbance of the existing topography of the site must be minimized. All ground mounted facilities and equipment shall be enclosed with a solid six-foot high fence. Landscaping shall be required to screen as much of the support structure as possible, the fence surrounding the support structure and any other ground level features, and in general soften the appearance of the facility. As a condition of permit the city may set conditions concerning existing vegetation, topography, walls, fences or other landscaping to achieve an acceptable degree of screening.
(K) Driveways and parking areas constructed in compliance with city code must be provided as necessary for each telecommunications facility. If any site is not automated, the number of required parking spaces shall equal the number of people on the largest shift. Any security fencing must be of a color and design to blend into the character of the existing environment.
(L) No telecommunications facility shall cause interference with the reception of television and radio broadcasts to the property on which they are located or to surrounding properties.
(M) The telecommunications tower when fully loaded with antennas, transmitters, other equipment and camouflaging (if needed), shall be designed to withstand the forces expected during the “maximum credible earthquake”. All equipment mounting racks and equipment used shall be anchored in such a manner that such a quake will not tip them over, throw the equipment off the shelves or otherwise act to damage it. Measures shall be taken to keep the facility operational in the event of disaster.
(N) Backup generators shall only be operated during power outages and for testing and maintenance purposes. If the facility is located within 100 feet of a residential dwelling unit, noise attenuation measures shall be included to reduce noise levels to an exterior noise intensity level of at least 60 dB (decibels) at the property line and an interior level of 45 dB.
(1960 Code, § 60-7-38) (Ord. 6132, passed 5-1-2000)