(A) Generally. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, place or re-erect, replace or make structural repairs to any tower without first making application for and securing a building permit as provided in this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(B) Report. The applicant shall provide a report from a qualified and licensed professional engineer which demonstrates the tower's compliance with all applicable structural and electrical standards, including but not limited to the State Building Code, and includes the engineer's certification.
(C) Permits. Permits are not required for the following:
(1) Adjustment, repair or replacement of existing antennas or the elements of an antenna array affixed to a tower or antenna, provided that adjustment or replacement does not reduce the safety factor;
(2) Routine maintenance (e.g., painting) and other nonstructural related repairs of towers; and
(3) Antennas and/or towers erected temporarily for test purposes, for emergency communication or for broadcast remote pick-up operations, provided that all requirements of division (E) below are met, with the exception of division (E)(8) below (regarding corrosive material) which is waived. Temporary antennas shall be removed within 72 hours following installation, unless additional time is approved by the Chief Building Official. Temporary towers erected for emergency purposes may be exempt from setback requirements of this chapter as determined by the Chief Building Official.
(D) Fee. The fee to be paid is that prescribed under Council resolution.
(E) Construction requirements. All antennas and towers erected, constructed or located within the city, including all necessary wiring, shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) All applicable provisions of the city code;
(2) Towers and their antennas shall be certified by a qualified and licensed professional engineer to conform with the latest structural standards and wind loading requirements of the Uniform Building Code and the electronics industry association and all other applicable reviewing agencies;
(3) With the exception of necessary electric and telephone service and connection lines approved by the city, no part of any antenna or tower nor any lines, cable, equipment or wires or braces in connection with either shall at any time extend across or over any part of the right-of-way, public street, highway, sidewalk or property line;
(4) Towers and their antennas shall be designed to conform with accepted electrical engineering methods and practices and to comply with the provisions of the National Electrical Code;
(5) All towers shall be constructed to conform with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration;
(6) All towers shall be reasonably protected against unauthorized climbing;
(7) Antennas and towers may only be erected in accordance with applicable zoning restrictions;
(8) Towers shall be constructed of corrosive resistant metal material; and
(9) Persons responsible for all communication towers and their antennas shall maintain a general liability insurance policy that provides coverage from any damage to property or injuries to persons caused by collapse of the tower. The insurance policy shall provide coverage on an occurrence basis in an amount no less than $1,000,000.
(Prior Code, § 4.12, Subd. 2) (Ord. 212, effective 4-27-2001)