Applications for the construction of cellular antenna towers for cellular telecommunications services or personal communications services shall be processed as follows:
(A) At least one (1) public hearing on the proposal shall be held, at which hearing interested parties and citizens shall have the opportunity to be heard. Notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be published at least once, in a newspaper of general circulation in Pike County, provided that one (1) publication occurs not less than seven (7) calendar days nor more than twenty-one (21) calendar days before the occurrence of such hearing.
(B) Notice of the proposal shall be posted on the site at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the hearing. Such notice shall consist of a written notice, of durable material at least two (2) feet by four (4) feet in size, stating that “[Name of applicant] proposes to construct a telecommunications tower on this site” and including the addresses and telephone numbers of the applicant and the Planning Commission. Notice of the proposal shall also be posted on the public road nearest the site. Such notice shall consist of a written notice, of durable material at least two (2) feet by four (4) feet in size, stating that “[Name of applicant] proposes to construct a telecommunications tower near this site” and including the addresses and telephone numbers of the applicant and the Planning Commission.
(C) Notice of the hearing shall be given at least fourteen (14) days in advance of the hearing, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of every parcel of property within five hundred (500) feet of the proposed tower or property contiguous to the site upon which the tower is proposed to be constructed. The notice shall include a map of the location of the proposed construction, the telephone number and address of the Planning Commission and shall inform the addressee of his or her right to participate in the Planning Commission’s proceedings on the application. Records maintained by the Property Valuation Administrator may be relied upon conclusively to determine the identity and address of the owner. In the event such property is in condominium or cooperative forms of ownership, then the person notified by mail shall be the president or chairperson of the owner group which administers property commonly owned by the condominium or cooperative owners. A joint notice may be mailed to two (2) or more co-owners of an adjoining property who are listed in the Property Valuation Administrator’s records as having the same address.
(D) Upon holding such hearing, the Planning Commission shall, within sixty (60) days commencing from the date that the application is received by the Planning Commission, or within a date specified in a written agreement between the Planning Commission and the applicant, make its final decision to approve or disapprove the uniform application. If the Planning Commission fails to issue a final decision within sixty (60) days, and if there is no written agreement between the Planning Commission and the utility to a specific date for the Planning Commission to issue a decision, it shall be presumed that the Planning Commission has approved the utility’s uniform application.
(Ord. 2004-015, passed 8-23-04)