The purpose of this chapter is to provide a process for permitting the construction and subsequent maintenance of telecommunications systems, including towers and antennas, in certain districts within the City. Wireless communications facilities are either permitted or conditional uses in some zoning districts contingent upon a number of requirements being met. These criteria are an attempt to minimize adverse health, safety, public welfare or visual impacts through buffering, siting, design and construction, and a reduction in the need for new towers. This process is directed at maintaining a balance between the City's identified right to preserve its land use policies for the public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics and the Federal government's interest in providing for and spurring competition in the telecommunications arena. All legislation is directed at creating an environment where residents will have the greatest opportunity to benefit from the Telecommunications Act of 1996's intent to enhance competition while impacting the City's land use plan and its property values in the least intrusive manner possible.
(Ord. 1998-15. Passed 5-27-98.)