The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.

   Alteration means any modification, replacement, or reconstruction that materially increases the height or any other dimension of a WTF.

   Antenna means any system of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals. Types of antennas are as follows:

      (1)   Omni-directional antenna (also known as a "whip" antenna) transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a 360 degree radial pattern.

      (2)   Directional antenna (also known as a "panel" antenna) transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a specific directional pattern of less than 360 degrees.

      (3)   Parabolic antenna (also known as a "dish" antenna or satellite dish) is a bowl-shaped device for the reception and/or transmission of radio frequency signals in a specific directional pattern.

   Attached wireless telecommunication facility means a wireless telecommunication facility that is affixed to an existing structure that is not primarily used for the support or attachment of a wireless telecommunication facility and is not a normal component of such a facility.

   Collocation means when more than one wireless telecommunications provider shares a wireless telecommunications support structure.

   Compound means the fenced WTF area which may be a portion of a parcel or site, or the entire parcel or site.

   Direct-to-home services mean the distribution or broadcasting or programming or services by satellite directly to the subscriber's premises without use of ground receiving or distribution equipment, except at the subscriber's premises or in the uplink process to the satellite; examples are direct broadcast satellites (DBS), multichannel multipoint distribution system (MMDS), and television broadcast stations (TVBS).

   Existing support structure means any structure existing prior to the adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived that currently supports or can support a wireless telecommunication facility.

   FAA means Federal Aviation Administration.

   FCC means Federal Communications Planning and Zoning Commission.

   Height means the distance measured from ground level at the base of a wireless telecommunication facility to the highest point on the facility including any antenna or related equipment.

   Historic resource means any district, structure or site designated as historically significant by any lawfully authorized local, state or federal historic preservation entity or governmental entity, including the city.

   Intermediate facility means a WTF measuring no more than 110 feet (33 meters) but greater than 35 feet (10.5 meters) in height.

   Major facility means a WTF measuring greater than 110 feet (33 meters) in height.

   Minor facility means a WTF measuring 35 feet (10.5 meters) or less in height (includes private or commercial ham radio operators, repeaters, whip, directional, or parabolic antennas or any other small antenna facility).

   Related equipment means all equipment or structures ancillary to the transmission and reception of voice and data via radio frequencies; such equipment or structures may include, but are not limited to, cable, conduit and connectors, cabinets, and fencing.

   Service provider means any company, corporation, alliance, individual or other legal entity that provides a wireless telecommunication service directly to the public for a fee or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public regardless of the facilities used; services include, but are not limited to, portable phones, car phones, pagers, digital data transmission, or radio or television communications.

   Stealth technology or stealth facility means design technology that blends the WTF into the surrounding environment, so it is unrecognizable as a telecommunications facility; examples of stealth facilities include, but are not limited to, architectural screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing structure, antennas integrated into architectural elements such as church spires or window wall, and antenna structures designed to resemble light poles or flagpoles.

   Support structure means any structure that supports a wireless telecommunication facility; support structures types include, but are not limited to, any existing or newly constructed structure such as buildings, water towers, light poles, stanchions, monopoles, lattice towers, wood poles or guyed towers.

   Transmission tower means a wireless telecommunications support structure designed primarily for the support and attachment of a wireless telecommunications facility. Transmission towers include:

      (1)   Monopole tower. A self-supporting structure composed of a single spire used to support telecommunications antenna and/or related equipment.

      (2)   Lattice tower. A self-supporting three- or four-sided, open, steel frame structure used to support telecommunications antenna and/or related equipment.

      (3)   Guyed tower. An open, steel frame that requires wires and anchor bolts for support.

   Wireless telecommunications facility (WTF) means an unstaffed facility operating for the transmission and reception of low-power radio signals consisting of an equipment shelter or cabinet, a support structure, antennas (e.g., omni-directional, panel/directional, or parabolic) and related equipment.

(Code 2014, § 46-770; Ord. No. 629, § 01.25.001, 12-1-2006)

Some minor transmission towers and all intermediate and major transmission towers require a conditional use permit (CUP) from the planning and zoning commission. The planning and zoning commission may place additional conditions on the site where it deems necessary to do so to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public. The criteria in article XXIII of this chapter will govern the issuance of conditional use permits for WTFs. In addition to the standard criteria, the following additional factors shall be considered when determining whether to grant a conditional use permit for WTFs:

      (1)   Height of the proposed tower, surrounding topography and surrounding tree coverage and foliage as they relate to:

         a.   Skyline impact, examining whether the proportions of the structure appear to loom over or blend in with the surrounding environment; and

         b.   Shadow impact, whether or not the proposed tower will cast shadows that would prevent the reasonable use or enjoyment of surrounding properties.

      (2)   Design of the tower, with particular reference to design characteristics that have the effect of reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness.

      (3)   Proximity of the tower to residential structures and residential district/boundaries.

      (4)   Economic impact on adjacent and nearby properties.

      (5)   Proposed ingress and egress.

      (6)   Availability of suitable alternative, existing support structures.

(Code 2014, § 46-772; Ord. No. 629, § 01.25.003, 12-1-2006)

(Code 2014, § 46-771; Ord. No. 629, § 01.25.002, 12-1-2006)