(A) The Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the General Assembly of North Carolina pursuant to G.S. §§ 153A-121 and 153A-340, affirmed the county’s authority to regulate the placement, construction, and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities.
(B) The county finds that wireless telecommunications facilities may pose significant concerns to the health, safety, public welfare, character, and environment of the county and its inhabitants.
(C) The county also recognizes that facilitating the development of wireless service technology can be an economic development asset to the county, and of significant benefit to the county and its residents.
(D) In order to ensure that the placement, construction, or modification of wireless telecommunications facilities is consistent with the county’s land use policies, the county is adopting a single, comprehensive, wireless telecommunications facilities application and permit process.
(E) The intent of this chapter is to minimize the negative impact of wireless telecommunications facilities, establish a fair and efficient process for review and approval of applications, assure an integrated, comprehensive review of environmental impacts of such facilities, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the county.
(1996 Code, § 156.01) (Ord. passed 10-7-2002; Ord. passed 12-3-2007)