[Amended 4-24-2023 by Ord. 41-2023]
The following words and phrases shall be used to interpret Part 21 of this chapter, as it specifically applies to telecommunications towers; otherwise, the general definitions given in § 600-2202 shall apply:
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT — Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a Wireless Communications Facility or Wireless Support Structure, including but not limited to utility or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries, cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds, shelters or similar structures.
ANTENNA — An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency (RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location pursuant to Federal Communications Commission authorization, for the provision of wireless service and any commingled information services.
ANTENNA STRUCTURE — Includes, but not limited to, towers, poles, brackets and similar devices used to hold and support antenna(s) and/or dish(es).
CITY — City of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania.
COLLOCATION — The mounting of one or more WCFs, including Antennas, on a pre-existing structure, or modifying a structure for the purpose of mounting or installing a WCF on that structure.
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT CABINET/BUILDING — Any unmanned, accessory building or structure, on the same lot as a tower or antenna structure, housing equipment to allow the facility to perform its intended function.
EQUIPMENT COMPOUND — An area surrounding or adjacent to a Wireless Support Structure within which base stations, power supplies, or Accessory Equipment are located.
FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
FCC — Federal Communications Commission.
HEIGHT — When referring to a WCF or Wireless Support Structure, means the distance measured from the finished grade of the parcel to the highest point on the tower or other structure, including the base pad and any antenna(s).
MODIFICATION OR MODIFY — The improvement, upgrade or expansion of existing Wireless Communications Facilities or base stations on an existing Wireless Support Structure or the improvement, upgrade, or expansion of the Wireless Communications Facilities located within an existing Equipment Compound, if the improvement, upgrade, expansion or replacement does not Substantially Change the physical dimensions of the Wireless Support Structure.
NON-TOWER WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (NON-TOWER WCF) — Wireless Communications Facilities that are Collocated on existing structures, such as, but not limited to buildings, water towers, electrical transmission towers, utility poles, light poles, traffic signal poles, flag poles and other similar structures that do not require the installation of a new tower.
REPLACEMENT OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (REPLACEMENT OF A WCF) — The replacement of existing Wireless Communications Facilities on an existing Wireless Support Structure or within an existing Equipment Compound due to maintenance, repair or technological advancement with equipment composed of the same wind loading and structural loading that is substantially similar in size, weight and height as the Wireless Communications Facilities initially installed and that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing Wireless Support Structure.
ROOF — The exterior surface on the top of a building or structure.
SMALL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY — A Wireless Communications Facility that meets the following criteria:
A. The Wireless Support Structure on which Antenna facilities are mounted:
(1) Is 50 feet or less in height;
(2) Is no more than 10 percent taller than other adjacent structures; or
(3) Is not extended to a height of more than 50 feet or by more than 10 percent above its height prior to the Collocation of any WCF as a result of the Collocation of new Antenna facilities; and
B. Each Antenna associated with the deployment (excluding the Accessory Equipment) is no more than three cubic feet in volume; and
C. All Accessory Equipment associated with the Wireless Support Structure including the wireless equipment associated with the Antenna and any pre-existing associated equipment on the Wireless Support Structure, is cumulatively no more than 28 cubic feet in volume.
D. The Wireless Communications Facility does not require Antenna structure registration under 47 CFR Part 17;
E. The Wireless Communications Facility is not located on Tribal lands, as defined under 36 CFR 800.16(x); and
F. The Wireless Communications Facility does not result in human exposure to radio frequency radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards specified in 47 CFR 1.1307(b).
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY — Camouflaging methods applied to Wireless Communications Facilities and Accessory Equipment which render them more visually appealing or blend the proposed facility into the existing structure or visual backdrop in such a manner as to render it minimally visible to the casual observer. Such methods include, but are not limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted Antennas, building-mounted Antennas painted to match the existing structure and facilities constructed to resemble trees, shrubs, and light poles.
STRUCTURAL CAPACITY — The physical ability of a tower and associated antennas to withstand design loading without collapsing.
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE — A modification substantially changes the physical dimensions of an support structure if it meets the criteria established by 47 CFR § 1.6100.
TOWER-BASED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (TOWER-BASED WCF) — Any structure that is used for the primary purpose of supporting one or more Antennas, including, but not limited to, self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers and monopoles, and the accompanying Antenna and Accessory Equipment.
WBCA — Pennsylvania Wireless Broadband Collocation Act (53 P.S. § 11702.1 et. seq.).
WIRELESS — Transmissions through the airwaves including, but not limited to, infrared line of sight, cellular, PCS, microwave, satellite, or radio signals.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (WCF) — An Antenna facility or a Wireless Support Structure that is used for the provision of wireless service, whether such service is provided on a stand-alone basis or commingled with other wireless communications services.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY APPLICANT (WCF APPLICANT) — Any person that applies for a Wireless Communications Facility building permit, zoning approval and/or permission to use the public ROW or other City-owned or third party land or property.
WIRELESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE — A pole, tower, base station, or other building, whether or not it has an existing Antenna facility, that is used or to be used for the provision of wireless service (whether on its own or comingled with other types of services).
