(A) All proposed telecommunications facilities shall be located so as to minimize their visual impact to the maximum extent feasible.
(B) To the extent feasible, all facade-mounted telecommunications facilities shall be sited and designed to appear as an integral part of the structure.
(C) Facade-mounted antennas shall be integrated architecturally with the style and character of the structure or otherwise made as unobtrusive as possible. If possible, antennas should be located entirely within an existing or newly created architectural feature so as to be completely screened from view. To the extent feasible, facade-mounted antennas should not be located on the front or most prominent facade of a structure and should be located out of the pedestrian line-of-sight, unless stealthing techniques reasonably eliminate visual impacts.
(D) Whenever possible, base transceiver stations, equipment cabinets, back-up generators and other equipment associated with building-mounted antennas shall be installed within the existing building envelope or underground. If this is not feasible, the equipment shall be screened, fenced, landscaped or otherwise treated architecturally to minimize its appearance from off-site locations and to visually blend with the surrounding environment. Equipment buildings shall be designed in an architectural style and constructed of exterior building materials that are consistent with surrounding development and/or land use setting (if applicable).
(E) Roof-mounted antennas and associated equipment shall be located as far back from the edge of the roof as technically possible to minimize visibility from street level locations. Where appropriate, construction of a rooftop parapet wall or other appropriate screening to hide the facility may be required.
(F) No advertising signage or identifying logos shall be displayed on any telecommunications facility, except for small identification plates used for emergency notification or hazardous or toxic material warning.
(G) The applicants are encouraged to consider providing architectural treatments and to use “stealth techniques” to reduce potential visual impacts for all telecommunication facilities, and especially for those proposed in areas easily visible from a major traffic corridor or commercial center or in residential areas. Stealth techniques can be required as conditions of approval when determined to be necessary to mitigate adverse visual impact.
(H) The colors and materials of telecommunications facilities shall be chosen to minimize the visual impact of the facilities. All telecommunications facilities shall be painted a non-reflective matte finish color to blend with the sky and/or predominant surroundings. The exact color shall be determined based upon a photo simulation submitted by the applicant.
(I) Landscaping, whenever appropriate, shall be used as screening to reduce the visual impacts of telecommunications facilities. Any proposed landscaping shall be visually compatible with existing vegetation in the vicinity. Any revegetation and landscape plan shall incorporate language to comply with the county’s water conservation plan.
(J) Any vegetation that is disturbed during construction shall be restored to its original condition. Planting used for restoration shall be similar to the existing vegetation in the area.
(K) The use of lighting shall not be allowed on telecommunication facilities unless required as a public safety measure and must comply with San Benito County Code Chapter 19.31, as amended from time to time.
(L) All proposed base transceiver stations should be the minimum size and number feasible for the operation of the telecommunications network.
(1966 Code, § 34-7) (Ord. 762, § 1(part), 2003)