1. Place antennas and towers on public property, if practical.

3. Place antennas and towers in employment zoned districts.

4. Place antennas and towers in districts (in descending order of preference: commercial districts, public institutional districts, and downtown business districts) which do not adjoin or adversely impact residential or waterfront districts.

5. Place antennas and towers on other nonresidential property.

6. Place antennas and towers in the city multifamily zoned areas.

7. Place antennas and towers in multifamily residential structures exceeding 30 feet in height.

8. Place antennas and towers in residential and waterfront districts only if (a) locations are not available on existing structures or in nonresidential districts; and (b) only on or in existing churches, parks, schools, utility facilities or other appropriate public facilities.

1. That the applicant has: (a) contacted the owners of structures in excess of 30 feet within a one-quarter-mile radius of the proposed site and from which a location standpoint could provide part of a network for transmission of signals; (b) asked for permission to install the antenna on those structures; and (c) received a denial of permission to install the antenna on those structures, together with the reason for such denial.

1. Permit Type.

2. Elements of a Complete Application. A complete application for the permits described in subsection (D)(1) of this section shall consist of an original of the following:

3. A complete application for a conditional use permit shall, in addition to the elements described in this section, include those elements as described in GHMC 17.96.050(B) through (D). (Ord. 1419 § 3, 2019; Ord. 1245 § 15, 2012; Ord. 1197 § 32, 2010; Ord. 771 § 12, 1997).

1. Historic district established and depicted by GHMC 17.99.500 with the general design standards shown at GHMC 17.99.510.

2. Height restriction district established by Chapter 17.62 GHMC and depicted on the city’s height restriction area map adopted pursuant to GHMC 17.62.020.

3. Visually sensitive areas established by the Gig Harbor Design Manual, Chapter 17.99 GHMC, and depicted in Appendix A of the Design Manual.

4. The city’s comprehensive plan identifies neighborhood design areas for consideration for the adoption of design standards. The city reserves the right to adopt future aesthetic design and concealment standards in accord with state and federal law.

1. Antennas and the associated equipment enclosures (including disconnect switches and other appurtenant devices) shall be fully concealed within the pole, unless such concealment is otherwise technologically infeasible (“technologically infeasible” means the inability of wireless deployment to operate), or is incompatible with the pole design, then the antennas and associated equipment enclosures must be camouflaged to appear as an integral part of the pole or flush mounted to the pole, meaning no more than six inches off of the pole, and must be the minimum size necessary for the intended purpose, not to exceed the volumetric dimensions of small wireless facilities. If the equipment enclosure is permitted on the exterior of the pole, the applicant is required to place the equipment enclosure behind any banners or road signs that may be on the pole; provided, that such location does not interfere with the operation of the banners or signs.

2. The distance between the outside of any antenna or equipment enclosure from the face of the pole shall be the minimum distance necessary and may not extend more than 28 inches from the face of the pole.

3. All conduit, cables, wires and fiber must be routed internally in the light pole. Full concealment of all conduit, cables, wires and fiber is required within mounting brackets, shrouds, canisters or sleeves if attaching to exterior antennas or equipment.

4. An antenna on top of an existing pole may not extend more than six feet above the height of the existing pole and the diameter may not exceed 16 inches, measured at the top of the pole, unless the applicant can demonstrate that more space is needed. The antenna shall be integrated into the pole design so that it appears as a continuation of the original pole, including colored or painted to match the pole, and shall be shrouded or screened to blend with the pole except for canister antennas which shall not require screening. All cabling and mounting hardware/brackets from the bottom of the antenna to the top of the pole shall be fully concealed and integrated with the pole.

5. Any replacement pole shall substantially conform to the design of the pole it is replacing (including but not limited to color, shape and style) or the neighboring pole design standards utilized within the contiguous right-of-way.

6. The height of any replacement pole may not extend more than 10 feet above the height of the existing pole or the minimum additional height necessary; provided, that the height of the replacement pole cannot be extended further by additional antenna height.

7. The diameter of a replacement pole shall comply with the city’s setback and sidewalk clearance requirements and shall, unless technologically infeasible, not be more than a 25 percent increase of the existing nonwooden pole measured at the base of the pole, unless additional diameter is needed in order to conceal equipment within the base of the pole, and shall comply with the requirements in subsection (E)(4) of this section.

8. The use of the pole for the siting of a small wireless facility shall be considered secondary to the primary function of the pole. If the primary function of a pole serving as the host site for a small wireless facility becomes unnecessary, the pole shall not be retained for the sole purpose of accommodating the small wireless facility and the small wireless facility and all associated equipment shall be removed.

1. The wooden pole at the proposed location may be replaced with a taller pole for the purpose of accommodating a small wireless facility; provided, that the replacement pole shall not exceed a height that is a maximum of 10 feet taller than the existing pole, unless a further height increase is required and confirmed in writing by the pole owner and that such height extension is the minimum extension possible to provide sufficient separation and/or clearance from electrical and wireline facilities.

2. A pole extender may be used instead of replacing an existing pole but may not increase the height of the existing pole by more than 10 feet, unless a further height increase is required and confirmed in writing by the pole owner and that such height increase is the minimum extension possible to provide sufficient separation and/or clearance from electrical and wireline facilities. A “pole extender” as used herein is an object affixed between the pole and the antenna for the purpose of increasing the height of the antenna above the pole. The pole extender shall be painted to approximately match the color of the pole and shall substantially match the diameter of the pole measured at the top of the pole.

3. Replacement wooden poles must either match the approximate color and materials of the replaced pole or shall be the standard new wooden pole used by the pole owner in the city.

4. Antennas, equipment enclosures, and all ancillary equipment, boxes and conduit shall be colored or painted to match the approximate color of the surface of the wooden pole on which they are attached.

5. Antennas shall not be mounted more than 12 inches from the surface of the wooden pole.

6. Antennas should be placed in an effort to minimize visual clutter and obtrusiveness. Multiple antennas are permitted on a wooden pole; provided, that each antenna enclosure shall not be more than three cubic feet in volume.

7. A canister antenna may be mounted on top of an existing wooden pole, which may not exceed the height requirements described in subsection (B)(1) of this section. A canister antenna mounted on the top of a wooden pole shall not exceed 16 inches, measured at the top of the pole, and shall be colored or painted to match the pole. The canister antenna must be placed to look as if it is an extension of the pole. In the alternative, the applicant may propose a side-mounted canister antenna, so long as the inside edge of the antenna is no more than 12 inches from the surface of the wooden pole. All cables shall be concealed either within the canister antenna or within a sleeve between the antenna and the wooden pole.

8. The distance between the outside of any antenna or equipment enclosure from the face of the pole shall be the minimum distance necessary and may not extend more than 28 inches from the face of the pole.

9. An omni-directional antenna may be mounted on the top of an existing wooden pole, provided such antenna is no more than four feet in height and is mounted directly on the top of a pole or attached to a sleeve made to look like the exterior of the pole as close to the top of the pole unless technologically infeasible. All cables shall be concealed within the sleeve between the bottom of the antenna and the mounting bracket.

10. All related equipment, including but not limited to ancillary equipment, radios, cables, associated shrouding, microwaves, and conduit which are mounted on wooden poles shall not be mounted more than six inches from the surface of the pole, unless a further distance is technically and technologically required, and is confirmed in writing by the pole owner.

11. Equipment for small wireless facilities must be attached to the wooden pole, unless otherwise permitted to be ground mounted pursuant to subsection (E)(1) of this section. The equipment must be placed in the smallest enclosure possible for the intended purpose. The equipment enclosure and all other wireless equipment associated with the utility pole, including wireless equipment associated with the antenna and any preexisting associated equipment on the pole, may not exceed 28 cubic feet or the minimum amount necessary, whichever is smaller. Multiple equipment enclosures may be acceptable if designed to more closely integrate with the pole design and do not cumulatively exceed 28 cubic feet or the minimum amount necessary, whichever is smaller. The applicant is encouraged to place the equipment enclosure behind any banners or road signs that may be on the pole; provided, that such location does not interfere with the operation of the banners or signs.

12. An applicant who desires to enclose both its antennas and equipment within one unified enclosure may do so; provided, that such enclosure is the minimum size necessary for its intended purpose and the enclosure and all other wireless equipment associated with the pole, including wireless equipment associated with the antenna and any preexisting associated equipment on the pole, do not exceed 28 cubic feet or the minimum amount necessary, whichever is smaller. The unified enclosure may not be placed more than six inches from the surface of the pole, unless a further distance is required and confirmed in writing by the pole owner. To the extent possible, the unified enclosure shall be placed so as to appear as an integrated part of the pole or behind banners or signs; provided, that such location does not interfere with the operation of the banners or signs.

13. The visual effect of the small wireless facility on all other aspects of the appearance of the wooden pole shall be minimized to the greatest extent possible.

14. The use of the wooden pole for the siting of a small wireless facility shall be considered secondary to the primary function of the pole. If the primary function of a pole serving as the host site for a small wireless facility becomes unnecessary, the pole shall not be retained for the sole purpose of accommodating the small wireless facility and the small wireless facility and all associated equipment shall be removed.

15. The diameter of a replacement pole shall comply with the city’s setback and sidewalk clearance requirements and shall not be more than a 25 percent increase of the existing utility pole measured at the base of the pole.

16. All cables and wires shall be routed through conduit along the outside of the pole. The outside conduit shall be colored or painted to match the pole. The number of conduit shall be minimized to the number technologically and technically necessary to accommodate the small wireless facility.

1. Small wireless facilities may be mounted to the sides of a building if the antennas do not interrupt the building’s architectural theme.

2. The interruption of architectural lines or horizontal or vertical reveals is discouraged.

3. New architectural features such as columns, pilasters, corbels, or other ornamentation that conceals antennas may be used if it complements the architecture of the existing building.

4. Small wireless facilities shall utilize the smallest mounting brackets necessary in order to provide the smallest offset from the building.

5. Skirts or shrouds shall be utilized on the sides and bottoms of antennas in order to conceal mounting hardware, create a cleaner appearance, and minimize the visual impact of the antennas. Exposed cabling/wiring is prohibited.

6. Small wireless facilities shall be painted and textured to match the adjacent building surfaces.

7. Placement of small wireless facilities on a structure that exists on the city’s historic register or 2008 historic places list is prohibited unless technologically infeasible to site on another structure.

1. Each strand-mounted facility shall not exceed three cubic feet in volume;

2. Only one strand-mounted facility is permitted per cable between any two existing poles;

3. The strand-mounted devices shall be placed as close as possible to the nearest utility pole, in no event more than five feet from the pole unless a greater distance is technically and technologically necessary or is required by the pole owner for safety clearance;

4. No strand-mounted device shall be located in or above the portion of the roadway open to vehicular traffic;

5. Ground-mounted equipment to accommodate a shared mounted facility is not permitted except when placed in preexisting equipment cabinets;

6. Pole-mounted equipment shall comply with the requirements of subsections A and B of this section;

7. Such strand-mounted devices must be installed to cause the least visual impact and without excess exterior cabling or wires (other than the original strand); and

8. Strand-mounted facilities are prohibited on nonwooden poles.

1. Ground-mounted equipment in the rights-of-way is prohibited, unless such facilities are placed underground or the applicant can demonstrate that pole-mounted or undergrounded equipment is technologically infeasible. If ground-mounted equipment is necessary, then the applicant shall submit a concealment element plan. Generators located in the rights-of-way are prohibited.

2. No equipment shall be operated so as to produce noise in violation of Chapter 173-60 WAC.

3. Small wireless facilities are not permitted on traffic signal poles unless denial of the siting could be a prohibition or effective prohibition of the applicant’s ability to provide telecommunications service in violation of 47 U.S.C. Sections 253 and 332.

4. Replacement poles and new poles shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), city construction and sidewalk clearance standards, city ordinances, and state and federal laws and regulations in order to provide a clear and safe passage within the rights-of-way. Further, the location of any replacement or new pole must: be physically possible, comply with applicable traffic warrants, not interfere with utility or safety fixtures (e.g., fire hydrants, traffic control devices), and not adversely affect the public welfare, health or safety.

5. Replacement poles shall be located as near as possible to the existing pole with the requirement to remove the abandoned pole.

6. No signage, message or identification other than the manufacturer’s identification or identification required by governing law is allowed to be portrayed on any antenna or equipment enclosure. Any permitted signage shall be located on the equipment enclosures, or another location required by law, and be of the minimum amount possible to achieve the intended purpose (no larger than four inches by six inches) or as otherwise required by law; provided, that signs are permitted as concealment element techniques where appropriate.

7. Antennas and related equipment shall not be illuminated except for security reasons, required by a federal or state authority, or unless approved as part of a concealment element plan.

8. Side arm mounts for antennas or equipment must be the minimum extension necessary and for wooden poles may be no more than 12 inches off the pole and for nonwooden poles no more than six inches off the pole.

9. The preferred location of a small wireless facility on a pole is the location with the least visible impact.

10. Antennas, equipment enclosures, and ancillary equipment, conduit and cable shall not dominate the structure or pole upon which they are attached.

11. Except for locations in the right-of-way, small wireless facilities are not permitted on any property containing a residential use in the residential zones.

12. The city may consider the cumulative visual effects of small wireless facilities mounted on poles or placement of new poles within the rights-of-way when assessing proposed siting locations so as to not adversely affect the visual character of the city. This provision shall not be applied to limit the number of permits issued when no alternative sites are reasonably available nor to impose a technological requirement on the applicant.

13. These design standards are intended to be used solely for the purpose of concealment and siting. Nothing herein shall be interpreted or applied in a manner which dictates the use of a particular technology. When strict application of these requirements would unreasonably impair the function of the technology chosen by the applicant, alternative forms of concealment or deployment may be permitted which provide similar or greater protections from negative visual impacts to the streetscape.

14. Placement of small wireless facilities in or on a structure or other location that is on the city’s historic register or 2008 historic places list is prohibited unless technologically infeasible to site elsewhere.

15. The city will review and update regulations pertaining to small wireless facilities on a regular basis to ensure regulations are consistent with evolving technology.

16. Prior to adding new small wireless facility equipment to an existing pole or structure, any and all nonworking, out-of-date or replaced equipment must be removed. (Ord. 1419 § 3, 2019).

1. The proposed small wireless facility cannot be located on an existing utility pole or light pole, electrical transmission tower or on a site outside of the public rights-of-way such as a public park, public property, building, transmission tower or in or on a nonresidential use in a residential zone whether by roof or panel-mount or separate structure;

2. The proposed small wireless facility receives approval for a concealment element design, as described in subsection C of this section;

3. The proposed small wireless facility also complies with the Shoreline Management Act, and SEPA, if applicable, and all other state and local laws; and

4. No new poles shall be located in a critical area or associated buffer required by the city’s critical areas management ordinance (Chapter 18.08 GHMC) except when determined to be exempt pursuant to said ordinance.

1. The concealment element design should seek to minimize the visual obtrusiveness of the small wireless facility. The proposed pole or structure should have similar designs to existing neighboring poles in the rights-of-way, including similar height unless technologically infeasible. If the proposed small wireless facility is placed on a replacement pole in a design zone, then the replacement pole shall be of the same general design as the pole it is replacing, unless the development services department otherwise approves a variation due to aesthetic or safety concerns. Any concealment element design for a small wireless facility on a decorative pole should attempt to mimic the design of such pole and integrate the small wireless facility into the design of the decorative pole. Other concealment methods include, but are not limited to, integrating the installation with architectural features or building design components, utilization of coverings or concealment devices of similar material, color, and texture – or the appearance thereof – as the surface against which the installation will be seen or on which it will be installed, landscape design, or other camouflage strategies appropriate for the type of installation. Applicants are required to utilize designs in which all conduit and wirelines are installed internally in the structure. Further, applicant designs should, to the extent technically and technologically possible, comply with the generally applicable design standards adopted pursuant to GHMC 17.61.035.

2. If the director has already approved a concealment element design either for the applicant or another small wireless facility along the same public right-of-way or for the same pole type, then the applicant shall utilize a substantially similar concealment element design, unless it can show that such concealment element design is technologically infeasible, or that such deployment would undermine the generally applicable design standards.

1. “Base station” is a structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables FCC-licensed or FCC-authorized wireless communications between user equipment and a communications network. The term does not encompass a tower as defined herein nor any equipment associated with a tower. Base station includes, without limitation:

The term does not include any structure that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the city under this section, does not support or house equipment described in subsections (A)(1)(a) and (b) of this section.

2. “Colocation” means the mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communication purposes.

3. “Eligible facilities request” means any request for modification of an existing tower or base station that does not substantially increase the physical dimensions of such tower or base station, involving:

4. “Eligible support structure” means any tower or base station as defined in this section; provided, that it is existing at the time the relevant application is filed with the city.

5. Existing. A constructed tower or base station is “existing” if it has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, or under another state or local regulatory review process; provided, that a tower that has not been reviewed and approved because it was not in a zoned area when it was built, but was lawfully constructed, is existing for purposes of this definition.

6. Substantial Change. A modification “substantially changes” the physical dimensions of an eligible support structure if it meets any of the following criteria:

1. To toll the time frame for incompleteness, the designated official shall provide written notice to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application, clearly and specifically delineating all missing documents or information required in the application.

2. The time frame for review begins running again when the applicant makes a supplemental submission in response to the designated official’s notice of incompleteness.

3. Following a supplemental submission, the designated official will notify the applicant within 10 days that the supplemental submission did not provide the information identified in the original notice delineating missing information. The time frame is tolled in the case of second or subsequent notices pursuant to the procedures identified in this subsection. Second or subsequent notice of incompleteness may not specify missing documents or information that was not delineated in the original notice of incompleteness.

1. Siting on Lot. Large satellite dish antennas shall be sited in the rear yard as a first order of preference. If the applicant demonstrates that reception is not available in this location, the second order of preference for siting shall be the side yard. If the applicant demonstrates that reception is not available in this location, the third order of preference shall be the front yard. Finally, if reception is not available in any other location, the satellite dish antenna may be located on or attached to a roof, pursuant to the special exception procedures in GHMC 17.61.100.

2. Height and Size. Antennas, antenna mountings and large satellite dishes shall be no taller than the minimum required for the purposes of obtaining an obstruction-free reception window. Large satellite dish antennas shall not exceed 12 feet in diameter and 15 feet in height, including their bases. Height shall be measured from existing grade.

3. Color. To the extent technically feasible, specific paint colors may be required to allow the antenna or large satellite dish and mounting structures to blend better with the surroundings.

4. Screening, Landscaping. Screening of all large satellite dish antennas may be required with one or a combination of the following methods: fencing, walls, landscaping, structures or topography which will block the view of the antenna as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main floor living areas of residential properties within approximately 500 feet. Screening may be located anywhere between the antenna and the abovementioned viewpoints. A dense vegetative screen (pursuant to GHMC 17.04.269) shall be provided for large satellite dish antennas that are visible from any portion of the right-of-way. Landscaping installed for the purposes of screening shall be maintained in healthy condition.

5. Signs Prohibited. Satellite dish antennas shall not be used for the purposes of signage or message display of any kind.

6. IBC Conformance. Construction plans and final construction of the mounting bases of all large satellite dish antennas shall be in accordance with the requirements established in the latest edition of the International Building Code adopted by the city.

7. Type of Dish. Aluminum mesh dishes should be used, as practicable, instead of a solid fiberglass type large satellite dish antenna.

8. Number of Dishes Allowed. Only one large dish satellite antenna shall be allowed on each residentially zoned property.

1. Siting on Lot. Amateur radio towers may be ground- or roof-mounted; however, ground-mounted towers must be located at a point farthest from lot lines as feasible, or the point farthest from residential structures on abutting properties.

2. Height and Size. The height of a ground-mounted tower may not exceed 65 feet unless an applicant demonstrates physical obstructions to reception. Telescoping towers may exceed the 65-foot height limit only when extended and operating. The combined structure of a roof-mounted tower and antenna shall not exceed a height of 25 feet above the existing roofline.

3. Color. To the extent technically feasible and in compliance with safety regulations, specific paint colors may be required to allow the tower to blend better with its setting.

4. Screening, Landscaping. Screening of the bases of ground-mounted amateur radio towers shall be provided with one or a combination of the following methods: fencing, walls, landscaping, structures, and/or topography which will block the view of the antenna as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main floor living areas of residential properties within approximately 500 feet of the tower. Screening may be located anywhere between the base and the abovementioned viewpoints. Landscaping for the purposes of screening shall be maintained in a healthy condition. Bases of amateur radio towers shall be solidly screened by a view-obscuring fence, wall, or evergreen plantings at least six feet in height.

5. Signs Prohibited. No signs shall be placed or posted on amateur radio towers.

6. IBC Conformance. Construction plans and final construction of the mounting bases and towers of amateur radio towers covered by this section shall meet the structural design requirements of this section and shall be in accordance with the requirements established in the International Building Code as adopted by the city.

1. Siting on Lot. No wireless communications facilities shall be located within required building setback areas unless it is demonstrated that locating the proposed facility within the required setback area will take advantage of an existing natural or artificial feature to conceal the facility or minimize its visual impacts.

2. Height and Size. The combined antenna and supporting structure shall not extend more than 15 feet above the existing or proposed roof structure.

3. Color, Screening, Landscaping.

4. Signs Prohibited. No wireless equipment shall be used for the purposes of signage or message display of any kind.

5. Conform to IBC. Wireless communication facilities shall comply with all applicable IBC requirements.

6. Abandonment, Disrepair. A wireless communication facility shall be removed by the facility owner within 12 months of the date it ceases to be operational or if the facility falls into disrepair and is not maintained. Disrepair includes structural features, paint, landscaping, or general lack of maintenance which could result in safety or visual impacts.

7. Colocation. Placement of a freestanding wireless communication facility may be denied if placement of the antenna on an existing structure can accommodate the applicant’s/operator’s communications needs. The applicant shall also comply with the colocation requirements of GHMC 17.61.020(C). The colocation of a proposed antenna on an existing broadcast and relay tower or placement on an existing structure shall be explored and documented by the applicant/operator in order to show that reasonable efforts were made to identify alternate locations.

8. Equipment Shelters.

1. Ground-mounted antennas are subject to the following requirements:

2. Roof-mounted antennas shall be solidly screened at least as high as the center of the dish. The screening shall be of a material and design compatible with the building, consistent with the city’s design review manual, and can include parapet walls or other similar screening.

1. Placement. Amateur radio towers reviewed under this section shall not be located within any easement, the front yard, side or rear yard building setback areas. Amateur radio towers may be ground- or roof-mounted; however, ground-mounted towers must be located at a point farthest from lot lines as feasible, or the point farthest from residential structures on abutting properties.

2. Paint Colors. To the extent technically feasible and in compliance with safety regulations, specific paint colors may be required to allow the tower to blend better with its setting.

3. Screening. Screening of the bases of ground-mounted amateur radio towers shall be provided with one or a combination of the following methods: fencing, walls, landscaping, structures, or topography which will block the view of the antenna as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main floor living areas of residential properties within approximately 500 feet. Screening may be located anywhere between the base and the abovementioned viewpoints. Landscaping for the purposes of screening shall be maintained in a healthy condition. Bases of amateur radio towers shall be solidly screened by a view-obscuring fence, wall, or evergreen plantings at least six feet in height.

4. Signs. Amateur radio towers shall not be used for the purposes of signage and shall not display a sign of any kind.

5. IBC Conformance. Construction plans and final construction of the mounting bases and towers of amateur radio towers covered by this section shall meet the structural design requirements of this section and shall be subject to approval by the city building official.

6. Commercial Use Prohibited. Amateur radio towers located in residential districts shall not be constructed or used for commercial purposes.

7. Height. The height of a ground-mounted tower may not exceed 65 feet unless an applicant demonstrates that physical obstructions impair the adequate use of the tower. Telescoping towers may exceed the 65-foot height limit only when extended and operating. The combined structure of a roof-mounted tower and antenna shall not exceed a height of 25 feet above the existing roofline.

1. Colocation. Installation of a freestanding wireless communication facility may be denied if placement of the antenna on an existing structure can accommodate the operator’s communications needs. The applicant shall be required to comply with the colocation requirements of GHMC 17.61.020. The colocation of a proposed antenna on an existing broadcast and relay tower or placement on an existing structure shall be explored and documented by the operator in order to show that reasonable efforts were made to identify alternate locations.

2. Siting on Lot. No wireless communications facilities shall be located within required building setback areas unless it is demonstrated that locating the proposed facility within the required setback area will take advantage of an existing natural or artificial feature to conceal the facility or minimize its visual impacts.

3. Height. The combined antenna and supporting structure shall not extend more than 15 feet above the existing or proposed roof structure.

4. Signs. No wireless equipment shall be used for the purposes of signage or message display of any kind.

5. Visibility. Location of wireless communication antennas on existing buildings shall be screened or camouflaged to the greatest practicable extent by use of shelters, compatible materials, location, color, and/or other visual mitigation techniques to reduce visibility of the antenna as viewed from any street or residential property.

6. Screening. Screening of wireless equipment shall be provided with one or a combination of the following materials: fencing, walls, landscaping, structures, or topography which will block the view of the antenna and equipment shelter as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main floor living areas of residential properties within 500 feet. Screening may be located anywhere between the base and the abovementioned viewpoints. Landscaping for the purposes of screening shall be maintained in a healthy condition.

7. Fencing. Any fencing required for security shall meet screening codes in the same manner as applied to screening for mechanical and service areas.

8. IBC Conformance. Construction plans and final construction of the mountings of wireless antenna and equipment shelters shall be approved by the city building official. Applications shall document that the proposed broadcast and relay tower and any mounting bases are designed to reasonably withstand wind and seismic loads.

9. Abandonment, Disrepair. A wireless communication facility shall be removed by the facility owner within 12 months of the date it ceases to be operational or if the facility falls into disrepair and is not maintained. Disrepair includes structural features, paint, landscaping, or general lack of maintenance which could result in safety or visual impacts.

10. Equipment Shelters. Associated above-ground equipment shelters shall not exceed 240 square feet (e.g., 12 feet by 20 feet) unless operators can demonstrate that more space is needed. A dense vegetative screen shall be created around the perimeter of the shelter. Operators shall consider undergrounding equipment if technically feasible or placing the equipment within an existing structure. Aboveground equipment shelters for antennas located on buildings shall be located within, on the sides or behind the buildings and screened to the fullest extent possible.

1. Location. Broadcast and relay towers are restricted to employment districts west of SR-16, north of a line extending east-west from 97th Street NW and south of the Swede Hill interchange.

2. Siting on Lot. Broadcast and relay towers reviewed under this section shall not be within required building setback areas unless it is demonstrated that locating the proposed facility within the required setback area will take advantage of an existing natural or artificial feature to conceal the facility or minimize its visual impacts in any required building setback areas.

3. Height and Size. The combined height of a broadcast and relay tower and antenna shall not exceed 85 feet except when colocation is specifically provided for; then the broadcast and relay tower shall not exceed 100 feet.

4. Color. To the extent technically feasible and in compliance with safety regulations, specific colors of paint may be required to allow the broadcast and relay tower to blend better with its setting.

5. Landscaping, Screening. Any fencing required for security shall meet screening codes in the same manner as applied to screening for mechanical and service areas.

6. Signs Prohibited. Broadcast and relay towers shall not be used for the purposes of signage to display a message of any kind.

7. Colocation. Placement of a broadcast and relay tower may be denied if an alternative placement of the antenna on a building or other existing structure can accommodate the communications needs. Applicants shall be required to provide documentation that reasonable efforts to identify alternative locations were made.

8. Future Colocation Accommodation. Owners and operators of a proposed broadcast and relay tower shall provide information regarding the opportunity for the colocation of other antenna and related equipment. If feasible, provision for future colocation may be required.

9. Federal Requirements. All towers and antennas must meet or exceed current standards and regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other agency of the federal government with the authority to regulate towers and antennas. If those standards and regulations are changed, then wireless service providers governed by this chapter shall bring their towers and antennas into compliance with the revised standards and regulations within three months of their effective date or the timelines provided by the revised standards and regulations, whichever is longer. The revised standards and regulations are not retroactively applicable to existing providers, unless otherwise provided by federal law. Failure to bring towers and antennas into compliance with the revised standards and regulations shall constitute grounds for the city to remove a provider’s facilities at the provider’s expense.

10. Building Codes, Safety Standards. To ensure the structural integrity of towers, antennas and facilities, the applicant/owner shall ensure that they are maintained in compliance with standards contained in the applicable city building codes and the applicable standards for towers published by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA), as amended from time to time. If, upon application for a building permit or inspection, the city concludes that a tower fails to comply with such codes and standards and constitutes a danger to persons or property, then upon notice being provided to the owner of the tower, the owner shall have 30 days to bring the tower into compliance with such standards. If the owner fails to bring the tower into compliance within 30 days, the city may remove the tower at the owner’s expense.

11. Structural Design. Towers shall be constructed to Electronic Industry Association standards, which may be amended from time to time, and to all applicable codes adopted by the city. Further, any improvements or additions to existing towers shall require submission of site plans stamped by a professional engineer which demonstrate compliance with EIA standards and all other applicable industry practices. The plans shall be submitted and reviewed at the time applications for building permits are submitted.

12. Abandonment, Disrepair. All broadcast and relay towers shall be removed by the facility owner within 12 months of the date they cease to be operational, or if the facility falls into disrepair and is not maintained. Disrepair includes structural features, paint, landscaping, or general lack of maintenance which could result in safety or visual impacts. (Ord. 1419 § 3, 2019; Ord. 771 § 12, 1997. Formerly 17.61.050).

1. A completed application form as required by the city planning and building services department.

2. The applicant for a special exception shall demonstrate that the proposed material, shape and color of the antenna will minimize negative visual impacts on adjacent or nearby residential uses to the greatest extent possible. The use of certain materials, shapes and colors may be required in order to minimize visual impacts.

3. The required application fee.

4. A written statement which satisfactorily demonstrates that all of the special exception criteria have been met.

1. The applicant has demonstrated that strict application of this code would prohibit or effectively prohibit the provision of telecommunications services; and

2. The proposed material, shape and color of the antenna will minimize visual impacts on neighboring properties to the greatest extent possible; and

3. Where appropriate, the applicant has demonstrated that the antenna will allow colocation for additional antennas and/or telecommunication facilities.

1. Large Satellite Dish Antenna and Other Antenna – Special Exceptions.

2. Amateur Radio Towers – Special Exceptions – Residential Zones. Where a property owner desires to vary from the height, location or setback limitations, the special exception criteria must be met.

3. Wireless Communications Facilities (Other than Small Wireless Facilities) – Special Exceptions.

4. Broadcast and Relay Towers – Special Exceptions.

1. The accuracy and completeness of submissions;

2. The applicability of analysis techniques and methodologies;

3. The validity of the conclusions reached; and

4. Any specific technical issues designated by the city. (Ord. 1419 § 3, 2019; Ord. 771 § 12, 1997. Formerly 17.61.070).