A.

Purpose: The purpose of this section is to regulate the installation of communications antenna, satellite dishes, and support structures in order to:

1.

Encourage collocation of new and existing structures;

2.

Minimize the total number of structures throughout the community;

3.

Encourage the use of stealth structures;

4.

Protect the character and integrity of Grapevine neighborhoods and districts, including the historic district; and

5.

Enhance the ability of telecommunication service providers to provide such services to the community quickly, effectively, and efficiently.

B.

Applicability:

1.

This section applies to all commercial and amateur antenna installations located outside of the City of Grapevine's right-of-way, unless exempted by Section 59.B.3.

2.

Information required to demonstrate compliance with this section shall be shown on a Site Plan and Landscape Plan pursuant to Section 47, Site Plan Review, and Section 53, Landscaping Regulations.

3.

Direct broadcast satellite reception, multi-channel multi-point distribution as defined by the Federal Communications Commission, television reception antennas, and amateur radio antennas meeting the following requirements do not require a permit unless identified in Section 49.B.1.

a.

In any zoning district, antennas that are one meter (39 inches) or less in diameter.

b.

In nonresidential zoning districts, antennas that are two (2) meters or less in diameter.

c.

In any zoning district, antennas designed to receive television broadcasts.

d.

In any zoning district, amateur radio antennas concealed behind, on, or within attics, eaves, gutters, or roofing.

e.

In any zoning district, amateur radio ground-mounted whips and wire antennas unless mounted on a pole or mast over twenty (20) feet in height.

4.

An AM array shall be subject to these regulations. An AM array consisting of one or more support structure units and supporting ground equipment, which functions as one AM broadcasting antenna, shall be considered one support structure. Measurements for setbacks and separation distances shall be measured from the outer perimeter of the support structures, including the guide wires, in the array. Additional support structure units may be added within the perimeter of the AM array by right.

5.

Exceptions:

a.

Small cell node support poles, transport facilities, and network nodes, as they are defined in Section 12 and Texas Local Government Code Chapter 284, within the rights-of-way in the City shall not be subject to this Section but shall be subject to the provisions of the City's Right-of-Way Ordinance.

b.

Regulations contained herein shall not apply to the extent that they have been preempted by specific regulations of the Federal Communications Commission to the contrary.

C.

Site Standards for all Commercial Antennas and Antenna Support Structures/Towers:

1.

Collocation required:

a.

Collocation of antennas on telecommunication structures shall be required. No new antennas or telecommunication structures shall be permitted unless the applicant demonstrates to the reasonable satisfaction of the city that the service provider is experiencing a significant gap in service for which no existing telecommunication structure can accommodate the applicant's proposed antennae. Evidence submitted to demonstrate the factors shall consist of a propagation map and corresponding data that identifies the following:

(a)

That a large number of the service provider's subscribers are unable to connect or maintain a connection to the national telephone network through applicant's wireless telecommunications network;

(b)

That no existing telecommunication structures, including elevated storage tanks, are located within the geographic service area which meet the applicant's engineering requirements;

(c)

That existing telecommunication structures are not of sufficient height or structural strength to meet the applicant's engineering requirements; and

(d)

That there are other limiting factors that render existing telecommunication structures unsuitable.

b.

A "dead spot" or small area within a service area where the field strength is lower than the minimum level for reliable service, does not constitute a significant gap in service.

2.

Minimum Distance Between Structures Required:

a.

When new telecommunication structures are proposed, the following separation between structures must be maintained:

b.

Separation distances may be reduced with the approval of a Specific Use Permit, in accordance with Section 49.

3.

Design Standards for All Commercial Antennas and Telecommunication Structures:

a.

Telecommunication structures (high-rise and low-rise) shall be of a monopole design with all associated antennae fully encased within the structure.

b.

Unless otherwise permitted herein, all commercial signs, lights, and attachments shall be prohibited on any antennae or telecommunication structure, unless required for communications operations, structural stability, or as required for flight visibility by the FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

c.

Any proposed telecommunications structure shall be designed in all respects to accommodate both the applicant's antennae and comparable antennae as follows:

d.

Telecommunication structures must be designed to allow for future rearrangements of antennae upon the tower and to accept antennas mounted at varying heights.

e.

A minimum 6-ft tall masonry screening wall with Low Evergreen Shrubs shall be provided around all associated ground equipment and/or materials. The maximum height of the masonry screening wall shall not exceed the maximum allowable screening device height of the governing zoning district.

4.

Heights and Setbacks:

a.

Notwithstanding any height restrictions and exceptions within this section, antenna and telecommunication structures (low-rise and high-rise):

(a)

Shall not exceed 125' if located in a non-residential district;

(b)

Shall not exceed a height of 175' if located in an industrial district; and

(c)

Shall not exceed height limitations imposed by virtue of aircraft approach and turning zone height restrictions.

b.

Telecommunication structures (low-rise and high-rise) shall be setback from all property lines a distance equal to the height of the telecommunication structure. This setback may be reduced with the approval of a Specific Use Permit.

D.

Satellite dishes, parabolic antennas, and other similar antennas: Satellite dishes, parabolic antennas, and other similar antennas shall also comply with the following:

1.

In residential districts, the following regulations shall apply:

a.

All (any size) satellite dishes, parabolic antennas, and other similar antennas shall be prohibited within the front yard and side yard at corner setback areas.

b.

Satellite dishes, parabolic antennas, and other similar antennas greater than three feet shall not exceed 12 feet in diameter, shall be allowed only in the rear half of a lot, shall observe secondary building setbacks, and shall be required to receive a permit.

c.

Satellite dishes shall be permitted on the roof of a building, provided they do not exceed three feet in diameter and do not extend more than ten feet above the roof of the building, except satellite dishes shall be prohibited upon roofs of residential uses within the HGT district if visible from a public right-of-way.

d.

Satellite dishes, parabolic antennas, and other similar antennas greater than three feet in diameter within the HGT district shall be so located and screened within the rear half of the lot so as to blend with and conform to the historic district's design standards and/or character in order to preserve the historic integrity of the district. Design approval shall be through the normal historic district design review process prior to submitting a permit application.

e.

Only one satellite dish, parabolic antenna, or other similar antenna shall be permitted per dwelling unit.

2.

In all nonresidential zoning districts, the following shall apply:

a.

All (any size) satellite dishes, parabolic antennas, and other similar antennas shall be allowed only in the rear half of a lot, and shall observe secondary building setbacks.

b.

Satellite dishes, parabolic antennas, and other similar antennas shall be permitted on the roof of a building, provided they do not exceed three feet in diameter and do not extend more than ten feet above the roof of the building, except satellite dishes shall be prohibited upon roofs of residential uses within the HGT district if visible from a public right-of-way.

c.

Satellite dishes over three feet in diameter, but not exceeding 12 feet in diameter, may be mounted on the roof of a structure, provided a letter affirming its structural stability is written by a registered architect or engineer and submitted to the chief building official. Roof-mounted satellite dishes may not extend more than 12 feet above the roof of the building. Roof-mounted satellite dishes that comply with the above do not require additional yard setbacks or setbacks from residential areas or dwellings.

d.

Satellite dishes greater than three feet in diameter within the HGT and PD districts shall be so located and screened within the rear half of a lot as to blend with and conform to the district's design standards and character in order to preserve the integrity of the district. Design approval shall be through the normal historic district design review process prior to submitting a permit application.

e.

Only one satellite dish, parabolic antenna, or other similar antenna shall be permitted per primary structure, unless specifically required for business needs and approved through the site plan process.

(Ord. No. 2024-111, § 59, 12-17-24)