For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTERNATIVE SUPPORT STRUCTURE. Clock towers, steeples, silos, light poles, water towers, buildings or similar structures that may support telecommunication facilities.
ANTENNA. Any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of electromagnetic waves when such system is either external to or attached to the exterior of a structure. ANTENNAS shall include devices having active elements extending in any direction, and directional beam type arrays having elements carried by and disposed from a generally horizontal boom that may be mounted upon and rotated through a vertical mast or tower interconnecting the boom and antenna support, all of which elements are deemed to be a part of the ANTENNA.
ANTENNA, BUILDING MOUNTED. Any antenna, other than an antenna with its supports resting on the ground, directly attached or affixed to a building.
ANTENNA, GROUND MOUNTED. Any antenna with its base placed directly on the ground.
BUILDING. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any individual, animal, process, equipment, goods or materials of any kind.
CAMOUFLAGED TOWER. Any telecommunication tower that due to design or appearance entirely hides, obscures or conceals the presence of the tower and antennas.
CARRIER. Any company, corporation, firm or individual who provides or supplies wireless telecommunication service. For the purpose of this subchapter, PROVIDER shall have the same meaning as CARRIER.
GUYED TOWER. A telecommunications tower that is supported in whole or in part by guy wires and ground anchors or other means of support besides the superstructure of the tower itself.
HEIGHT, TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER. The distance measured from the original grade at the base of the tower to the highest point of the tower. This measurement excludes any attached antennas, protection devices (e.g., lightning rods) and lighting.
LATTICE TOWER. A telecommunication tower that consists of vertical and horizontal supports and crossed metal braces.
MONOPOLE. A telecommunication tower of a single pole design.
NAVIGABLE STREAM OR LAKE. As designated on the United States geological survey (USGS) map and/or the county zoning map.
NON-CONFORMING. Any preexisting telecommunications facility that was in existence prior to the adoption of this subchapter and that has not been issued a conditional use permit or was issued a conditional use permit prior to the adoption date hereof.
OPERATION. Other than nominal use; when a facility is used regularly as an integral part of an active system of telecommunications, it shall be deemed in OPERATION.
PLATFORM. A support system that may be used to connect antennas and antenna arrays to telecommunication towers or alternative support structures.
SATELLITE DISH. A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh or bar configured that is shallow dish, cone, horn or cornucopia shaped and is used to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals. This definition is meant to include, but is not limited to, what are commonly referred to as satellite earth stations, TVROs (satellite television receive only) and satellite microwave antennas.
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY. A facility, site or location that contains one or more antennas, telecommunication towers, alternative support structures, satellite dish antennas, other similar communication devices and support equipment, which is used for transmitting, receiving or relaying telecommunications signals.
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY COLOCATED. A telecommunication facility comprised of a single telecommunication tower or building supporting multiple antennas, dishes or similar devices owned or used by more than one public or private entity.
TELECOMMUNICATION SUPPORT FACILITY. The telecommunication equipment buildings and equipment cabinets.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER. Any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including camouflaged towers, lattice towers, guyed towers or monopole towers. This includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, and common carrier towers.
UTILITY POLE MOUNTED ANTENNA. An antenna attached, without regard to mounting, to or upon an existing or replacement electric transmission or distribution pole, streetlight, traffic signal, athletic field light, utility support structure or other similar structure approved by the county’s Planning and Zoning Department.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. The official appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to administer the county’s Zoning Ordinance.
(Ord. 11-05-2009, passed 11-5-2009)