For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Words used in the present tense include the future tense. Words used in the singular number include the plural and words used in the plural number include the singular. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not merely directory. The word “may” is permissive. The words “used” or “occupied” include the words intended, designed or arranged to be used or occupied.
ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURE. A structure that is not primarily constructed for the purpose of holding antennas but on which one or more antennas may be mounted. ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES include, but are not limited to, buildings, water tanks, pole signs, billboards, church steeples and electric power transmission towers.
AMATEUR RADIO TOWER. Any tower used for amateur radio transmissions consistent with the “Complete FCC U.S. Amateur Part 97 Rules and Regulations” for amateur radio towers.
ANTENNA. Any exterior transmitting or receiving device which radiates or captures electromagnetic waves.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT. The Board of Adjustment consists of five members and five alternates who shall be citizens of the county. These members shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners for three-year terms and shall serve as the County Communications Tower Review Board. Alternates shall also be appointed to three-year terms.
CO-LOCATION. The placement of an additional antenna on an existing tower, including required support equipment and buildings at the base of the tower and any necessary modification to the structure of the existing tower.
COMMUNICATIONS TOWER (TOWER). Any structure that is designed and built for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, personal communications service towers (PCS), microwave towers, common-carrier towers and cellular telephone towers.
PERMIT (LEVEL I). The permit issued by the Ordinance Administrator as designated by this chapter to an individual, corporation, partnership or other entity to engage in the creation of amateur radio tower which exceeds 50 feet.
PERMIT (LEVEL II). The permit issued by the Ordinance Administrator as designated by this chapter to an individual, corporation, partnership or other entity to engage in co-location, alternative structure placement and/or tower replacement (replacement tower) excluding amateur radio towers.
PERMIT (LEVEL III). The permit issued by the Ordinance Administrator as designated by this chapter to an individual, corporation, partnership or other entity to engage in the creation of new towers, excluding amateur radio towers.
REPLACEMENT TOWER. A new communications tower intended to replace an existing tower meeting the requirements of this chapter.
STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which required permanent location on the ground or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground, including advertising signs.
TOWER BASE. The foundation, usually concrete, on which the tower and other support equipment are situated. For measurement calculations, the tower base is that point on the foundation reached by dropping a perpendicular from the geometric center of the tower.
TOWER HEIGHT. The vertical distance measured from the tower base to the highest point of the tower, including any antenna, lighting or other equipment affixed thereto.
TOWER SITE. The land area that contains, or will contain, a proposed tower, support structures and other related buildings and improvements.
VARIANCE. A modification of the terms of this chapter where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property, a literal enforcement of this chapter would result in an unnecessary hardship. A VARIANCE shall be reviewed and issued by the Telecommunications Tower Review Board.
(Ord. passed 12-4-2000; Ord. passed 6-17-2002)