(A) To the greatest extent feasible, applicants are encouraged to consider properties owned by the local government for the location of cellular towers. Whenever possible, cellular antenna towers, whether temporary or permanent, shall be sited at locations that minimize their adverse effect on residential uses in the immediate area. Only when no other adequate site is available shall a cellular antenna tower be permitted in a residential zone, unless located on a property not used or intended for residential purposes.
(B) In accordance with the procedures established by this subchapter, cellular antenna towers may be permitted in any zone when approved by the Planning Commission, with the following exceptions.
(1) No cellular antenna tower shall be constructed on land that is environmentally sensitive or a geologic hazard area as delineated in the county’s Comprehensive Plan and the definitions herein, unless the tower has received approval or necessary permits from the appropriate state or federal governmental regulatory agency charged with permitting activities in these areas.
(2) No cellular antenna tower shall be located along a scenic byway, as designated by the commonwealth, so as to have a negative impact on the scenic qualities of the roadway and the views from the roadway. When approved by the Planning Commission, any wireless communications facility proposed to be located along a state and/or federally designated scenic byway, or within a scenic view corridor, shall be located on an existing tower structure or utility pole, or shall be designed as an alternative tower, as described herein. Any tower or antenna that is not an alternative tower design shall be designed to blend into the surrounding environment through the use of color and/or other camouflaging architectural treatments, except in instances where color is dictated by federal or state authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition, the base of the tower and any supporting equipment shall be located either 300feet from the right-of-way or beyond the view shed of the designated scenic byway, whichever is greater.
(Ord. 20.920-1, passed 3- -2020)