A. Defective or unsafe antennas, telecommunications towers or telecommunications facilities are to be repaired or removed within six (6) months at the owner's or operator's expense. If the facilities are not operated for a continuous period of twenty four (24) months they shall be considered abandoned and must be removed within ninety (90) days. If not removed, the city may remove at the expense of the owner or operator.
B. The owner or occupant of property within the city shall not permit, leave or cause to be left on said property any telecommunications facility which has been abandoned. The provider shall remove its facility within ninety (90) days of the date that the facility has been deemed abandoned. If the facility is not removed within the required time, the facility shall be deemed to be abandoned and the city shall have authority to enter the premises and remove the abandoned facilities. All costs of removal shall be collected from the property owner or occupant in the manner provided for summary abatement of nuisances. This requirement shall apply to collocated facilities unless the collocation agreement provides for the removal of abandoned facilities by the tower operator.
C. Existing towers that do not comply with the new regulations may continue. Tower expansions or replacements must comply with this chapter. If they are damaged or destroyed they may be repaired or restored to their former use, location and physical dimensions without complying with the new regulations. The existing tower may be replaced, repaired, rebuilt and/or expanded to accommodate collocated antennas or facilities, or to upgrade the facilities to current engineering, technological or communications standards by obtaining zoning approval under the city zoning code. (Ord. 1514, 10-24-2000)