The purpose and intent of this chapter are to provide a uniform and comprehensive set of standards for the development and installation of telecommunications and related facilities. The regulations contained herein are designed to protect and promote public health, safety, community welfare and the aesthetic quality of the City of London as set forth within the goals, objectives and policies of the City of London Zoning Code, and to encourage managed development of telecommunications infrastructure, while at the same time not unduly restricting the development of needed telecommunications facilities.
It is intended that the City shall apply these regulations to accomplish the following:
(a) Minimize adverse visual effects of telecommunications towers, antennas and related facilities through design and siting standards.
(b) Maintain and ensure that a nondiscriminatory, competitive and broad range of telecommunications services and high quality telecommunications infrastructure consistent with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 are provided to serve the community, as well as to serve as an important and effective part of the City of London's police, fire and emergency response network.
(c) Provide a process for obtaining necessary permits for telecommunications facilities while at the same time protecting the legitimate interests of the residents of the City of London.
(d) Protect environmentally sensitive areas of the City of London by regulating the location, design and operation of telecommunications facilities.
(e) Encourage the use of alternative support structures, the colocation of new antennas on existing telecommunications towers, camouflaged towers, monopoles, and the construction of towers with the ability to locate three or more providers.
This chapter is not intended to regulate residential satellite dishes or residential television antennas which are privately used.
(Ord. 242-98. Passed 1-7-99.)