(A) Testing.
(1) When construction of a tower is first completed and all initial power antennas are installed on the tower, the tower owner shall be required, at his or her expense, to measure the non-ionizing radiation levels within 30 days to determine if the emissions are within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines for safety regarding uncontrolled exposure to the general public.
(2) In order to effectively measure the radiation levels of both directional and omnidirectional antennas at cell tower locations, the following measurements are required.
(a) For cell towers with only omnidirectional antennas, owners are required to take a minimum of three measurements. The measurements must be taken in a circular pattern at the base of the tower, spaced at approximately 120-degree increments.
(b) For cell tower locations having directional antennas or a combination of omnidirectional and directional antennas, a minimum of six measurements must be taken in a circular pattern at the base of the tower, spaced at approximately 60-degree increments, with the first measurement taken directly below one of the directional antennas.
(B) Notice.
(1) The town must be notified when the non-ionizing radiation levels are being measured so that an official of the town can be present. Upon completion of the measurements, the tower owner shall provide the town with a certified report indicating the actual measurements taken and prove that they comply with the Federal Communications Commission guidelines. The tower owner shall also be required to provide proof that the meter used to measure radiation levels has been calibrated at the normal intervals required by the manufacturer to maintain the accuracy of the test equipment.
(2) Testing non-ionizing radiation levels will also be required again at any time that additional antennas are installed, the number of channels (transmitters) is increased or any other changes are made to the tower which would increase the power output at the specific location. It is required that the town be notified when these additional tests are made so that a town official can be present and a certified report again be provided as indicated above.
(Prior Code, § 14-312) (Ord. 2020-08, passed 11-12-2020) Penalty, see § 155.99