(A) The Telecommunications Act of 1996 affirmed the town’s authority concerning the placement, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities. North Carolina General Statutes governing the regulation of wireless telecommunication facilities, G.S. Ch. 160A, Article 19, Part 3E, provide for the safe and efficient integration of facilities necessary for the provision of advanced wireless telecommunications services throughout the community and to ensure the ready availability of reliable wireless services to the public, government agencies and first responders, with the intention of furthering the public safety and general welfare.
(B) The town finds that wireless telecommunications facilities may pose significant concerns to the health, safety, public welfare, character and environment of the town and its inhabitants. The town also recognizes that facilitating the development of wireless service technology can be an economic development asset to the town and of significant benefit to the town and its residents. In order to assure that the placement, construction or modification of wireless telecommunications facilities is consistent with the town’s land use policies, the town is adopting a single, comprehensive, wireless telecommunications facilities application and permitting process. The intent of this chapter is to minimize the physical impact of wireless telecommunications facilities on the community, protect the character of the community to the extent reasonably possible, establish a fair and efficient process for review and approval of applications, assure an integrated, comprehensive review of environmental impacts of such facilities, and protect the health, safety and welfare of the town.
(Ord. O-2007-30IN, passed 12-4-2007)