(A) Height - The maximum height of wireless communications facilities shall not exceed the height limitations of the zone in which such facilities are located; provided, however, that wireless communications facilities mounted on an existing structure that exceeds the height limit of the zone, may be as high as the structure. In the C-2, BRP, C-M and M-L zones, whether or not such zones are in a planned development zone, the height limitation shall be the basic height limitation for the zone before any adjustment thereof by the commission, as allowed by the portions of the code applicable to such zones, unless the commission grants additional height on the grounds and conditions stated in such portions of the code and in sections 16-530, 16-531, and 16-532. Height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the grade at the base of the wireless communications facility to the top of the wireless communications facility or, in the case of a roof-mounted wireless communications facility, from the grade directly below the exterior base of the building to the highest point of the wireless communications facility. Antennae and other projections from the wireless communications facility shall be included in the measurement of height. Exceptions to height limitations may be granted as provided in section 16-497. Exceptions to height limitations for top structures and freestanding structures that conceal antennae, but not for antennae not so concealed, may be granted in conformance with the provisions of this code.
(B) Setbacks -
(1) Towers - Towers and all components thereof and attachments thereto shall comply with the setback requirements for the zone in which they are located.
(2) Attached wireless communications facilities - An attached wireless communications facility antenna array may extend up to five feet horizontally beyond the edge of the attachment structure, regardless of setback requirements, provided that the antenna array does not encroach into an adjoining parcel or public right-of-way.
(C) Separation -
(1) Separation from residential property - In granting a special use permit or master special use permit, the commission shall require towers to be placed far enough from residentially zoned property to adequately mitigate visual impacts. Tower separation shall be measured from the base of the tower to the lot line of the residentially zoned property. No separation is required for stealth facilities.
(2) Separation distances between towers - Towers shall be separated from each other by at least 5,000 feet, as measured along a straight line between the base of the existing tower and the base of the proposed tower. No separation is required between stealth facilities, significantly screened facilities or any combination thereof.
(D) Location -
(1) General requirement - Wireless communications facilities shall be located to minimize their impact. Whenever possible, ground-mounted, non-stealth facilities shall be located next to existing trees, light poles or utility poles of comparable height, provided that such light poles and utility poles are not scheduled to be placed under ground and comply with the setbacks for the zone.
(2) Order of preference - Applicants shall propose antennae in the following order:
(a) Side-mounted antennae on existing structures;
(b) Antennae with appropriate visual or architectural screening atop existing structures;
(c) Antennae within existing signs; and
(d) Antennae on monopoles.
(3) Restricted locations - Wireless communications facilities shall not be established in any of the following locations, except for stealth, significantly screened and micro-cell facilities determined by the reviewing authority to be integrated with or screened by a non-antenna support structure (such as a street light, utility pole, building or landscape feature), so that such facilities will be substantially indistinguishable from their support structures:
(a) Within any residential zone, unless the parcel on which the wireless communications facility is proposed to be located is owned by a public utility or a public agency;
(b) Within any nonresidential zone on a site that contains a legally established residential use;
(c) Within 500 feet of a scenic highway;
(d) On any property that the city council has designated as a significant heritage feature;
(E) Landscaping and screening:
(1) Wireless communications facilities shall be landscaped and screened to comply with the requirements of the zone and any specific plan area in which they are located.
(2) Existing mature trees and natural land forms on the site shall be preserved to the extent feasible. Vegetation that causes interference with antennae or inhibits access to an equipment facility may be trimmed.
(3) Existing on-site vegetation may be used in lieu of other landscaping when approved by the manager.
(F) Wireless communications facilities shall be designed and maintained as follows:
(1) In general -
(a) Wireless communication facilities and accessory equipment shall have subdued colors and non-reflective materials that blend with the materials and colors of the surrounding area.
(b) Wireless communications facilities located 500 feet or less from a scenic highway shall be of stealth design to preserve the scenic resources and character of the city. Wireless communications facilities over 500 feet and less than 1,000 feet from a scenic highway shall be significantly screened, as determined by the manager.
(c) Wireless communications facilities shall not bear any signs or advertising devices other than certification, warning, or other required seals or signs.
(2) Towers - Towers shall have either a galvanized steel finish or, subject to FAA standards, be painted a neutral color to reduce visibility.
(3) Equipment facilities -
(a) Accessory equipment shall be located within a building, structure, enclosure or underground vault.
(b) Equipment facilities located 500 feet or less from a scenic highway shall be screened from view by an evergreen hedge with an ultimate height of at least six feet and a planted height of at least 36 inches.
(4) Rights-of-way - All wireless communications facilities located within street or road rights-of-way shall be either a micro-cell facilities mounted on an existing utility pole or stealth facilities; provided, however, that micro-cell facilities may not be mounted on utility poles or other structures in rights-of-way where utilities are scheduled to be placed under ground. In such locations, wireless communications facilities shall be removed at the owner's expense, as set out in section 16-494.
(G) Wireless communications facilities shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority. Equipment facilities may have security and safety lighting that is appropriately shielded to keep light within the boundaries of the site.
(H) Wireless communications facilities may be enclosed by a security fence and may be equipped with an appropriate anti-climbing device. Identification signs, including the emergency phone numbers of the cellular service provider, shall be posted at all equipment facilities and towers.
(I) The FCC has jurisdiction over the regulation of radio frequency emissions. As part of the application for wireless communications facilities, applicants shall provide all information provided to the FCC concerning the projected power density of such facilities and their compliance with FCC standards.
(J) Towers to which one or more antennae are attached as of the date of adoption of this article are subject to the following standards:
(1) Type of antenna - A tower that is modified or reconstructed to accommodate the co-location of an additional antenna shall be of the same tower type as the existing tower, unless a change is approved by the reviewing authority.
(2) Height -
(a) An existing tower may be modified or rebuilt to a greater height, not to exceed 16 feet over the allowed height for the zone, to accommodate the co-location of an additional antenna. The height change may occur only once per tower. Height shall be measured as described in subsection 16-492(A).
(b) A change in height shall not require additional distance separation. The tower's pre-modification height shall be used to calculate required distance separations.
(3) On-site location -
(a) A tower that is being rebuilt to accommodate the co-location of an additional antenna may be moved on the same site within 50 feet of its existing location. Only one tower shall remain on the site.
(b) A tower that is relocated on the same site shall continue to be measured from the original tower location for purposes of calculating separation distances between towers.
(K) Antennae attached to structures -
(1) Attached antennae shall be designed to be compatible and blend with the architecture, colors, and materials of the structures to which they are attached.
(2) Attached antennae shall be located to minimize their visibility from public streets and residential areas. Special screening devices may be required or approved by the reviewing authority.
(3) Equipment facilities associated with attached antennae shall be screened from public view.
(`64 Code, Sec. 34-237) (Ord. No. 2449, 2539)