(a) Authorization to Retain Independent Consultants. During review of any permit application, the City may select and retain an independent consultant, or agree with an Applicant to use a mutually-approved consultant, who has expertise in a relevant field that is beyond the City's capability, and whose review is reasonably related to a unique aspect of the application. In the event that the City decides to retain an independent consultant for technical review, it shall send written notice to the Applicant including a nonbinding estimate of the cost for such review. The applicant shall have five business days from the date of mailing of notice to do any of the following:
(1) Amend the application to avoid the need for independent review, (subject to tolling the time for a City response);
(2) Propose and agree upon an independent consultant to provide opinions as part of the application; or
(3) Elect to withdraw the application without any liability for any costs or expenses in connection with the independent technical review.
(b) Scope. The City may request independent consultant review on any issue that involves specialized or expert knowledge in connection with the permit application. Technical review issues may include, but are not limited to:
(1) Permit application completeness or accuracy;
(2) Planned compliance with applicable RF exposure standards;
(3) Whether and where a significant gap exists or may exist, and whether such a gap relates to service coverage or service capacity;
(4) The applicability, reliability, and/or sufficiency of analyses or methodologies used by the applicant to reach conclusions about any issue within this scope; and
(5) Any other issue that requires expert or specialized knowledge identified by the City.
(Ord. 2018-16. Passed 6-19-18.)