(A) Collocation of small wireless facilities on land that is zoned for single-family development or that is used for single-family residential purposes, and any small wireless facility that extends more than ten feet above the utility pole, town utility pole, or wireless support structure on which it is collocated, are subject to applicable requirements of the UDO. Nevertheless, replacement of an existing streetlight for which the town is financially responsible with a streetlight capable of including a collocated, concealed small wireless facility is permitted on land zoned for single-family development or used for single-family purposes, pursuant to § 154.45.
(B) Collocation of qualifying small wireless facilities in town right-of-way or outside of town right-of-way on property that is in a non-residential zoning district and that is not used for single-family residential purposes is subject to the following requirements:
(1) Application. Applicants must complete an application as specified in form and content by the town.
(2) Height. Each new small wireless facility shall not extend more than ten feet above the utility pole, town utility pole, or wireless support structure on which it is collocated.
(3) Public safety. In order to protect public safety:
(a) Small wireless facilities shall not cause signal or frequency interference with public safety facilities or traffic control devices and shall not physically interfere with other attachments that may be located on the existing pole or structure;
(b) A structural engineering report prepared by an engineer licensed by the State of North Carolina shall be supplied by the applicant, certifying that the host structure is structurally and mechanically capable of supporting the proposed additional antenna or configuration of antennae and other equipment, extensions, and appurtenances associated with the installation;
(c) A traffic and pedestrian management plan must be submitted for any installation requiring any portion of such installation to be located within the public right-of-way.
(d) No portion of a small wireless facility may be placed in the public right-of-way:
1. In a manner that obstructs pedestrians or vehicular or bicycle access, obstructs sight lines or visibility for traffic, traffic signage or signals, or interferes with access by persons with disabilities; and an applicant may be required to place equipment in vaults in order to avoid obstructions or interference; or
2. That involves placement of pole-mounted equipment (other than cabling), the lowest point of which is lower than eight feet above ground level.
(e) An abandoned small wireless facility shall be removed within 180 days of abandonment.
(4) Objective design standards.
(a) No advertising signs or logos are permitted on small wireless facilities.
(b) Small wireless facilities shall be blended with the natural surroundings as much as possible. Colors and materials shall be used that are compatible with the surrounding area, except when otherwise required by applicable federal or state regulations. Small wireless facilities shall be located, designed, and/or screened to blend in with the existing natural or built surroundings to deduce the visual impacts as much as possible, and to be compatible with neighboring land uses and the character of the community.
(5) Stealth and concealment. All small wireless facilities shall be stealth facilities. Antenna and accessory equipment must be shrouded or otherwise concealed.
(6) Screening, landscaping, and spacing requirements for ground equipment. Ground equipment shall be screened, to the extent possible, with evergreen plantings or other acceptable alternatives approved by the Land Use Administrator.
(7) Historic preservation. Small wireless facilities located in designated historic districts or on property designated as a landmark pursuant to applicable law shall be required to obtain a certificate of appropriateness, if such certificate is required by the UDO or other applicable regulation.
(8) Applicable codes. Small wireless facilities must meet all applicable codes.
(Ord. 2018-002, passed 4-2-18; Am. Ord. 2021-008, passed 3-7-22)