A wireless telecommunications facility which includes a tower may be permitted as a conditional use in a multifamily residential or commercial district. In order to be considered for review, the applicant must prove that a newly-constructed tower is necessary in that collocation on an existing tower is not feasible. The following steps must also be taken for the application to be considered for review in this category:
(a) The applicant shall present a landscaping plan that indicates how the wireless telecommunications facility will be screened from adjoining uses.
(b) The applicant shall demonstrate that the telecommunications tower must be located where it is proposed in order to service the applicant's service area. There shall be an explanation of why a tower and this proposed site is technically necessary.
(c) Where the telecommunications facility is located on a property with another principal use, the applicant shall present documentation that the owner of the property has granted an easement or entered into a lease for the proposed facility and that vehicular access is provided to the facility.
(d) Any applicant requesting permission to install a new tower shall provide evidence of written contact with all wireless service providers who supply service within a quarter mile of the proposed facility. The applicant shall inquire about potential collocation opportunities at all technically feasible locations. The contacted providers shall be requested to respond in writing to the inquiry within thirty days. The applicant's letter(s), as well as response(s), shall be presented to the Planning Commission as a means of demonstrating the need for a new tower.
(e) After issuance of a permit to construct a wireless telecommunications facility, the permittee shall begin construction within 180 days and shall complete construction within 360 days or the permit and approval shall expire. As a condition of the permit, the Planning Commission shall require the applicant and the site owner to certify that if construction is not commenced within 180 days or completed within 360 days that the site shall be available for another wireless telecommunications facility.
(Ord. 399-96. Passed 4-14-97.)