§ 3-20. Regulation of wireless telecommunication facilities

Facilities, including antennas, used in conjunction with wireless telecommunication facilities, shall be governed by the applicable provisions of this ordinance in compliance with the following standards. For the purposes of this section, the term "antenna" means one or more wireless telecommunication antennas mounted on a monopole tower.

A. Existing structures. Roof-mounted wireless telecommunication antennas are allowed on nonresidential buildings in all zoning districts provided the antenna does not exceed the height of the building by more than 15 feet. Associated equipment shall be placed either within the same building or in a separate building which matches the existing building in character and building materials.

Wireless telecommunication antennas are allowed on existing utility structures exceeding 75 feet in height (including power or telephone poles, water storage facilities, and similar buildings and structures) operated by the city or public utility companies provided that the antenna does not exceed the height of the structure by more than 15 feet.

B. Freestanding towers. Wireless telecommunication antennas are allowed in industrial (I-1) and industrial (I-2) districts. An SUP, as otherwise provided by this ordinance, for wireless telecommunication antennas is required for commercial and freeway districts (unless otherwise allowed by right under an incentive provided below).

Freestanding wireless telecommunication antennas must be a minimum of three to one height to distance ratio from single-family residential district boundary lines.

Freestanding wireless telecommunication antennas must be a minimum distance of 5,000 feet from another wireless telecommunication antenna (unless excepted by reason of an incentive provided below).

Equipment buildings must be similar in color and character to the main or adjoining building or structure and screened by a chain link fence, a wrought iron fence with evergreen hedge, or masonry wall.

C. Incentives. Wireless telecommunication antennas located on existing buildings or utility structures are not subject to the 5,000 foot separation requirement.

A wireless telecommunication antenna may be located less than 5,000 feet but not less than 3,000 feet from another wireless telecommunication antenna provided that (i) the antenna will be used for two or more wireless communication providers; or (ii) the antenna is designed and built so as to be capable of use by two or more wireless communications providers and the owner of the antenna certifies to the city that the antenna is available for use by another wireless communications provider on a reasonable and nondiscriminatory basis and at a cost not exceeding the actual prorated share of the design, construction and maintenance costs of the facilities.

(Ord. No. 1449, 3-3-97)