An application must be filed with the Public Works Department before any work in the PROW or on public property is carried out, including modification, change, or replacement of equipment that would be different in size, weight, or appearance than the existing equipment that is not otherwise exempt under this chapter. The following information shall be submitted in an application for an encroachment permit:
(A) Contact information for the user of the public right-of-way and contractors performing the work. Include all contractor's/trade's/professional licenses held and license numbers.
(B) Description of the work to be performed, including the specific location or the requested make-ready work.
(C) Construction drawings demonstrating compliance with the town's engineering specifications and standard details, the NCDOT Subdivision Road Manual, the latest edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and all relevant portions of the Unified Development Ordinance.
(D) Description of all existing infrastructure within the proposed work area and any proposed modification, improvement, or movement of infrastructure.
(E) Evidence that the owners of other utilities or encroachers near the new work have been notified.
(F) Proposed work schedule.
(G) Insurance. The town may require persons that do work in the PROW and users to provide insurance by a company authorized to do business in the state, including, but not limited to: i) workers' compensation coverage for all employees; ii) employers' liability insurance; iii) commercial general liability; and iv) business auto policy. The town may require that the town, its officials, employees, and consultants be named as additional insureds on such insurance policies. In such cases, the applicant shall provide a certificate of insurance. If an applicant has previously damaged town property or has not adequately repaired damaged town property during the past three years, the amount of insurance shall be as determined by the town, in part based on the scope of the work and the tenure or term of occupancy.
(H) To facilitate the preparation and submittal of an application in compliance with this chapter, and thereby expedite the review and permitting of an application, a pre-application meeting may be held.
(I) No permitting of unidentified facilities: no permit or authorization shall be granted for new equipment or facilities that is not expressly and individually identified at the time of the application, including the specific location and design characteristics of each facility.
(J) Site visit: a site visit of each facility or proposed location of a new facility may be conducted to determine the physical condition of the facility or proposed location and to identify any issues of concern, non-compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and any safety issues or concerns.
(K) Installations in the PROW shall be located and constructed to create the least visual impact on the immediate surrounding area and the least physical intrusion and impact on the limited space in the PROW. Such facilities/equipment shall not be constructed in a sight triangle or so close to the curb or edge of pavement that a safety hazard is created (see UDO § 155.2.6 on Sight Triangles).
(L) Riser cable: all riser or other vertically run cable of any kind attached to a pole or other support structure shall be protected with non-conductive, nondegradable material matching the color of the pole or support structure as closely as is reasonably possible.
(M) New and replacement wireless telecommunications facilities (poles or support structures that are not substantial modifications or routine maintenance): an application for a new or replacement pole or support structure must include detailed design criteria, including material composition, aesthetic appearance and structural adequacy analysis with calculations which must be able to be independently verified using the information submitted by the applicant.
(1) New and replacement installations shall be consistent throughout town limits;
(2) When feasible and in lieu of installing new poles, new installations shall be accomplished by replacing an existing distribution pole, secondary pole, or streetlight with a new pole that meets the standards set forth in this section;
(3) Installations shall be on non-conductive poles;
(4) All wireless facilities and base stations (including radios, network equipment and batteries) shall be i) enclosed in a pedestal cabinet near the pole; ii) in a pole-mounted cabinet; or iii) under a pole-mounted shroud;
(5) Equipment installations shall be on poles that meet or exceed current NESC standards and wind and ice loading requirements of the latest edition of TIA 222.
(6) New utility poles in residential subdivisions shall comply with the town's decorative pole standards.
(Ord. 1816, passed 8-13-20)