For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANTENNA. Structure or device which is used for the purpose of collecting or transmitting electromagnetic waves, including, but not limited to, directional antennas, such as panels, rods, discs, microwave dishes, satellite dishes and omnidirectional antennas, such as whip antennas.
ANTENNA ARRAY. One or more rods, panels, discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals, which may include an omnidirectional antenna (rod), a directional antenna (panel) and a parabolic antenna (disc). The ANTENNA ARRAY does not include the support structure defined below.
COLLOCATION/SITE SHARING. Use of a common WCF or common site by two or more wireless license holders or by one wireless license holder for more than one type of communications technology and/or placement of a WCF on a structure owned or operated by a utility or other public entity.
COMMERCIAL WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES. Licensed commercial wireless telecommunication services, including cellular, personal communication services (PCS), specialized mobilized radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobilized radio (ESMR), paging and similar services that are marketed to the general public.
COUNTY-OWNED INFRASTRUCTURE. Streetlights and traffic signals owned, operated and maintained by the county and within public right-of-way.
EQUIPMENT HOUSING. A combination of one or more equipment buildings or enclosures housing equipment that operates in conjunction with the antennas of a facility and the equipment itself.
FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.
FACILITY. The part of the signal distribution system used or operated by a telecommunications carrier or AM broadcast station under a license from the FCC consisting of a combination of improvements and equipment including:
(1) One or more antennas;
(2) A supporting structure and the hardware by which antennas are attached;
(3) Equipment house; and
(4) Ancillary equipment, such as signal transmission cables and miscellaneous hardware.
FCC. The Federal Communications Commission.
HEIGHT. The total height of the facility’s supporting structure and any antennas that will extend above the top of the supporting structure; however, if the supporting structure’s foundation extends more than three feet above the uppermost ground level along the perimeter of the foundation, then each full foot in excess of three feet shall be counted as an additional foot of the facility HEIGHT. The HEIGHT of a facility’s supporting structure is to be measured from the highest point of the supporting structure’s foundation.
LATTICE. A framework or structure of crossed metal strips typically resting on three members constructed vertically to which antennas are affixed.
MONOPOLE. A single, slender, continuously tapered and typically cylindrical- or polygon-sided, vertical structure to which antennas or antenna support structures are affixed.
PROVIDER. Excludes any person who is providing service to or for a private niche market.
SUPPORT STRUCTURE. A structure designed and constructed specifically to support an antenna, and may include a monopole, self-supporting (lattice) tower, guy-wire support tower and other similar structures. Any device which is used to attach an attached WCF to an existing building or structure shall be excluded from the definition of SUPPORT STRUCTURE.
TOWER. Any ground or roof-mounted pole, spire, antenna, structure, monopole or combination thereof, taller than 15 feet, including supporting lines, cables, wires, braces and masts, intended primarily for the purpose of elevating antenna, a meteorological device or similar apparatus above grade.
(1) TOWER, MULTI-USER. A tower to which are attached the antennas of more than one commercial wireless telecommunication service provider or governmental entity.
(2) TOWER, SINGLE-USER. A tower to which are attached only the antenna(s) of a single-user, although the tower may be designed to accommodate the antennas of multiple users as required in this code.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS. Any personal wireless service as defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which includes FCC-licensed commercial wireless telecommunications services including personal communication services (PCS), specialized mobile radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobile radio (ESMR), paging and similar services that currently exist or that may in the future be developed.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY (WCF). Any unstaffed facility for the transmission and/or reception of wireless telecommunications services, usually consisting of antenna connection cables, an accessory building and a support structure to achieve the necessary elevation. A WCF does not include the structure or improvements on, under or within which the equipment is collocated, or wireline backhaul facilities, coaxial or fiber optic cable that is between wireless support structures, utility poles, coaxial or fiber optic cable that is otherwise not immediately adjacent to or directly associated with an antenna.
(Ord. 11-21, passed 11-9-2021)