A. Goals: The goals of this chapter are to: 1) encourage the location of towers in nonresidential areas and minimize the number of towers throughout the city; 2) encourage the collocation of towers and antennas at new and existing tower sites; 3) encourage users of towers and antennas to locate them in areas where the adverse impact on the community is minimal; 4) encourage users of towers and antennas to configure them in a way that minimizes their adverse visual impact by utilizing multiple use facilities and stealth treatment to camouflage and conceal multiple use facilities; and 5) enhance the ability of the providers of telecommunications services to provide such services to the community quickly, effectively and efficiently.
B. Principal Or Accessory Use: Antennas and towers are considered either principal or accessory uses. A different existing use or an existing structure on a property shall not preclude the installation of an antenna or tower on such property. A tower or antenna shall comply with all applicable zoning standards except for height restrictions. Towers and antennas that are constructed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute the expansion of a nonconforming use or structure.
C. Inventory Of Existing Sites: Each applicant for an antenna or tower shall provide to the community development department an inventory of its existing and any planned towers that are within the city and within one-fourth (1/4) mile of the border thereof, including specific information about the (proposed) location, height and design of each tower. The community development department may share such information with other applicants applying for an antenna or tower under this chapter for the purpose of encouraging collocation; provided, however, that the community development department is not, by sharing such information, in any way representing or warranting that such sites are available or suitable.
D. Aesthetic Requirements: This section shall govern the location of all towers and antennas.
1. Towers and antennas shall be constructed using stealth treatment.
2. At a tower site, the design of the buildings and related structures shall, to the extent possible, use materials, colors, textures, screening and landscaping that will blend the tower facilities to the natural setting and built environment, and may include wooden fences, landscaping and trellis and similar treatment. All on site utility lines related to a tower or antenna shall be placed underground.
3. If an antenna is installed on a structure other than a tower, the antenna shall be constructed using stealth treatment and the supporting electrical and mechanical equipment shall be completely screened or be of a neutral color that is identical to, or closely compatible with, the color of the supporting structure so as to make the antenna and related equipment as visually unobtrusive as possible.
4. Towers shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by law. If site lighting is required, the planning commission may review the available lighting alternatives and approve a design that would cause the least disturbance to the surrounding views.
E. Support Equipment: Underground vaults may be required for support equipment in order to mitigate physical, aesthetic or safety siting issues. Aboveground support equipment in residential areas shall be discouraged. While discouraged, support radio equipment may be allowed in the right of way in the discretion of the community development director and subject to the issuance of an encroachment permit by the public works department. (Ord. 2433 § 1, 2000)