Small wireless facilities that may be permitted to be placed in right-of- way within the jurisdiction of the city as attachments to existing utility poles, alternative antenna structures, or city-owned infrastructure are subject to the following regulations:
(A) Aesthetics. A small wireless facility shall reasonably match the aesthetics of an existing utility pole or wireless support structure in the area that incorporates decorative elements.
(B) Number limitation and co-location. The Public Works Director or their designee may regulate the number of small wireless facilities allowed on each utility pole or unit of city-owned infrastructure to minimize visual clutter and distractions to vehicular traffic. This policy does not preclude or prohibit co-location of small wireless facilities on towers or monopoles that meet the requirements as set forth elsewhere in this section or as required by federal law.
(C) Separation and clearance requirements for existing decorative poles. Small wireless facilities may be attached to a utility pole, alternative antenna structure, monopole, or city-owned infrastructure including decorative only where such pole, structure or infrastructure is located evenly behind the curb. This supports the FCC order that creates a one-touch-make-ready (OTMR) regiment for pole attachments. Decorative or streetscape lighting exists in numerous locations in Newton, Iowa generally in and adjacent to the central business district.
(D) Separation and clearance requirement new small wireless facilities. For new small wireless facilities between existing decorative or streetscape light poles no closer than a distance equal to 100% of the height of such facility to any residential building and no closer than 300 feet from any other small wireless facility for the same carrier. A new small wireless facility shall be installed on the nearest lot line and not in front of the building or structure on the lot. A separation or lesser clearance may be allowed by the Public Works Director or their designee as an administrative variance to this policy when the applicant establishes that the lesser separation or clearance is necessary to close a significant coverage or capacity gap in the applicant's services or to otherwise provide adequate services to customers, and the proposed antenna or facility is the least intrusive means to do so within the right-of-way.
(Ord. 2376, passed 5-19-2020)