(a) The applicant shall demonstrate, using the latest technological evidence, that the telecommunication facility must be placed where it is proposed in order to satisfy its necessary function in the applicant's grid system. Part of the demonstration shall include a drawing showing the boundaries of the area around the proposed location which would permit the facility to function properly in the company's grid system.
(b) If the applicant proposes to build a tower (as opposed to mounting an antenna on an existing structure), it is required to demonstrate that it has contacted the owners of all tall structures within an appropriate zoning district within a one-half (½) mile radius of the site proposed, asked for permission to install the antenna on those structures, and was denied for either non-economic reasons or that a clearly unreasonable economic demand was made by the owner of the potential antenna support structure, based on prevailing market values. "Tall structures" must be at least fifty feet in height and shall include but not be limited to: smoke stacks, water towers, buildings, antenna support structures of other telecommunications companies, other towers, and roadway light poles.
The City may deny the application to construct a new tower if the applicant has not made a good faith effort to mount the antenna on existing structures.
(c) The applicant shall demonstrate that the telecommunications facility is the minimum height required to function satisfactorily or to accommodate the co-location requirement. No facility that is taller than the necessary height shall be approved.
(d) The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed telecommunications facility is safe and that the surrounding properties will not be negatively affected by tower failure, falling ice or other debris, electromagnetic fields or radio frequency interference. The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed facility meets FCC radio frequency emission standards. Furthermore, all towers shall be fitted with anti-climbing devices as approved by the manufacturer.
(e) A chain-link fence shall be required around any tower and its support structures. The fence shall be a minimum of six feet in height and shall be erected to prevent access to non- authorized personnel.
(f) In order to screen support structures, fencing, and other ground level features and to soften the appearance of the site, any freestanding tower shall incorporate landscaping which includes evergreen trees, shrubs, and other landscaping vegetation. In addition, existing vegetation on and around the site shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible.
The City may permit any combination of vegetation, topography, walls, decorative fencing or other features instead of landscaping if the same degree of screening as the required landscaping is achieved.
If an antenna is mounted on an existing structure and other related equipment is housed inside of an existing structure, landscaping will not be required.
(g) The applicant must demonstrate to the City that it is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Towers built on speculation shall not be permitted. At least one licensed user must be committed to placing its facilities on a tower before the tower will be approved.
(h) Adequate parking shall be required for users of a tower such as maintenance personnel. If the site is not fully automated, the number of required parking spaces shall equal the number of employees working on the largest shift. All parking facilities shall be consistent with the applicable parking requirements established in the Zoning Code.
(i) Unless required otherwise by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the FCC, all towers shall be painted a non-contrasting gray or similar color minimizing its visibility. Towers shall meet all FAA regulations. No tower shall be lighted except when required by the FAA. No signs shall be permitted on any telecommunications facility. All utility lines serving a tower shall be underground.
Any antenna that is mounted to an existing structure shall be painted a color which matches, or is compatible with, the structure on which it is located.
(j) The owner of property used as a site of a telecommunications facility shall maintain such property and all structures in good condition and free of trash, outdoor storage, weeds, and other debris.
(Ord. 98-132. Passed 9-28-98.)