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Merriam City Zoning Code

ARTICLE VI

- WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS AND ANTENNAS

Sec. 74-353. - Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish general guidelines for the siting of wireless communications towers and antennas. The goals of this chapter are to:

  1. Protect residential areas and land uses from potential adverse impacts of towers and antennas;
  2. Encourage the location of towers in nonresidential areas;
  3. Minimize the total number of towers throughout the community;
  4. Strongly encourage the joint use of new and existing tower sites as a primary option rather than construction of additional single-use towers;
  5. Encourage users of towers and antennas to locate them, to the extent possible, in areas where the adverse impact on the community is minimal;
  6. Encourage users of towers and antennas to configure them in a way that minimizes the adverse visual impact of the towers and antennas through careful design, siting, landscape screening, and innovative camouflaging techniques;
  7. Enhance the ability of the providers of telecommunications services to provide such services to the community quickly, effectively, and efficiently;
  8. Consider the public health and safety of communication towers; and
  9. Avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure through engineering and careful siting of tower structures. In furtherance of these goals, the city shall give due consideration to the city's master plan, zoning map, existing land uses, and environmentally sensitive areas in approving sites for the location of towers and antennas.

(Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-601, 12-4-1958)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sec. 74-354. - Definitions.

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:

Sec. 74-355. - Applicability.

  • New towers and antennas. All new towers or antennas in the city shall be subject to this chapter, except as provided in subsections (b) through (d) of this section.
  • Amateur radio station operators/receive only antennas. These regulations shall not govern any tower, or the installment of any antenna, that is under 70 feet in height and is owned and operated by a federally licensed amateur radio station operator or is used exclusively for receive-only antennas.
  • Preexisting towers or antennas. Preexisting towers and preexisting antennas shall not be required to meet the requirements of this chapter, other than the requirements of section 74-356(f) and (g).
  • AM array. For purposes of implementing this chapter, an AM array, consisting of one or more tower units and supporting ground system which functions as one AM broadcasting antenna, shall be considered one tower. Measurements for setbacks and separation distances shall be measured from the outer perimeter of the towers included in the AM array. Additional tower units may be added within the perimeter of the AM array by right.

    • (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-603, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Sec. 74-356. - General requirements.

  • Principal or accessory use. Antennas and towers may be considered either principal or accessory uses. A different existing use of an existing structure on the same lot shall not preclude the installation of an antenna or tower on such lot.
  • Lot size. For purposes of determining whether the installation of a tower or antenna complies with district development regulations, including, but not limited to, setback requirements, lot-coverage requirements, and other such requirements, the dimensions of the entire lot shall control, even though the antennas or towers may be located on leased parcels within such lot.
  • Inventory of existing sites. Each applicant for an antenna or tower shall provide to the zoning administrator an inventory of its existing towers, antennas, or sites approved for towers or antennas, that are either within the jurisdiction of the city or within one mile of the border thereof, including specific information about the location, height, and design of each tower. The zoning administrator may share such information with other applicants applying for administrative approvals or special use permits under this article or other organizations seeking to locate antennas within the jurisdiction of the city; provided, however, that the zoning administrator is not, by sharing such information, in any way representing or warranting that such sites are available or suitable.
  • Aesthetics. Towers and antennas shall meet the following requirements:
    1. Towers shall either maintain a galvanized steel finish or, subject to any applicable standards of the FAA, be painted a neutral color so as to reduce visual obtrusiveness.
    2. At a tower site, the design of the buildings and related structures shall, to the extent possible, use materials, colors, textures, screening, and landscaping that will blend them into the natural setting and surrounding buildings.
    3. If an antenna is installed on a structure other than a tower, the antenna and supporting electrical and mechanical equipment must be of a neutral color that is identical to, or closely compatible with, the color of the supporting structure so as to make the antenna and related equipment as visually unobtrusive as possible.
  • Lighting. Towers shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority. If lighting is required, the lighting alternatives and design chosen must cause the least disturbance to the surrounding views.
  • State or federal requirements. All towers must meet or exceed current standards and regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other agency of the state or federal government with the authority to regulate towers and antennas. If such standards and regulations are changed, then the owners of the towers and antennas governed by this article shall bring such towers and antennas into compliance with such revised standards and regulations within six months of the effective date of such standards and regulations, unless a different compliance schedule is mandated by the controlling state or federal agency. Failure to bring towers and antennas into compliance with such revised standards and regulations shall constitute grounds for the removal of the tower or antenna at the owner's expense.
  • Building codes; safety standards. To ensure the structural integrity of towers, the owner of a tower shall ensure that it is maintained in compliance with standards contained in applicable state or local building codes and the applicable standards for towers that are published by the Electronic Industries Association, as amended from time to time. If, upon 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 such tower into compliance with such standards. Failure to bring such tower into compliance within the 30 days shall constitute grounds for the removal of the tower or antenna at the owner's expense.
  • Measurement. For purposes of measurement, tower setbacks and separation distances shall be calculated and applied to facilities located in the city irrespective of municipal and county jurisdiction boundaries.
  • Not essential services. Towers and antennas shall be regulated and permitted pursuant to this article and shall not be regulated or permitted as essential services, public utilities, or private utilities.
  • Franchises. Owners or operators of towers or antennas shall certify that all franchises required by law for the construction or operation of a wireless communication system in the city have been obtained and shall file a copy of all required franchises with the zoning administrator.
  • Public notice. For purposes of this chapter, any special use request, variance request, or appeal of an administratively approved use or special use shall require public notice to all abutting property owners and all property owners of properties that are located within the corresponding separation distance listed in section 74-359(b)(5)2.4-607(B)(5)(b), Table 2, in addition to any notice otherwise required by the zoning regulations.
  • Signs. No signs shall be allowed on an antenna or tower.
  • Buildings and support equipment. Buildings and support equipment associated with antennas or towers shall comply with the requirements of section 74-360.
  • Multiple antenna/tower plan. The city encourages the users of towers and antennas to submit a single application for approval of multiple towers or antenna sites. Applications for approval of multiple sites shall be given priority in the review process.

    • (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-604, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Sec. 74-357. - Permitted uses.

  • Generally. The uses listed in this section are deemed to be permitted uses and shall not require administrative approval or a special use permit.
  • Permitted uses. The following uses are specifically permitted: Antennas or towers located on property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the city provided a license or lease authorizing such antenna or tower has been approved by the city council.

    • (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-605, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Sec. 74-358. - Administratively approved uses.

  • Generally. The following provisions shall govern the issuance of administrative approvals for towers and antennas:
    1. The zoning administrator may administratively approve the uses listed in this section.
    2. Each applicant for administrative approval shall apply to the zoning administrator providing the information set forth in section 74-359(b)(1) and (b)(3) and a nonrefundable fee as established for special use permits to compensate the city for the costs of reviewing the application.
    3. The zoning administrator shall review the application for administrative approval and determine if the proposed use complies with section 74-359(b)(4) and (b)(5).
    4. The zoning administrator shall respond to each such application within 60 days after receiving it by either approving or denying the application. If the zoning administrator fails to respond to the applicant within the 60 days, then the application shall be deemed to be approved.
    5. In connection with any such administrative approval, the zoning administrator may, in order to encourage shared use, administratively waive any zoning district setback requirements in section 74-359(b)(4) or separation distances between towers in section 74359(b)(5) by up to 50 percent.
    6. In connection with any such administrative approval, the zoning administrator may, in order to encourage the use of monopoles, administratively allow the reconstruction of an existing tower to monopole construction.
    7. If an administrative approval is denied, the applicant shall file an application for a special use permit pursuant to section 74-359 prior to filing any appeal that may be available under the zoning regulations.
  • List of administratively approved uses. The following uses may be approved by the zoning administrator after conducting an administrative review:
    1. Locating antennas on existing structures or towers consistent with the terms of subsections (b)(1)a and b of this section.
      1. Antennas on existing structures. Any antenna which is not attached to a tower may be approved by the zoning administrator as an accessory use to any commercial, industrial, professional, institutional, or multi-family structure of eight or more dwelling units; provided, the antenna does not extend more than 30 feet above the highest point of the structure; the antenna complies with all applicable FCC and FAA regulations; and the antenna complies with all applicable building codes.
      2. Antennas on existing towers. An antenna which is attached to an existing tower may be approved by the zoning administrator and, to minimize adverse visual impacts associated with the proliferation and clustering of towers, collocation of antennas by more than one carrier on existing towers shall take precedence over the construction of new towers, provided such collocation is accomplished in a manner consistent with the following:
        1. A tower which is modified or reconstructed to accommodate the collocation of an additional antenna shall be of the same tower type as the existing tower, unless the zoning administrator allows reconstruction as a monopole.
        2. Height:
          1. An existing tower may be modified or rebuilt to a taller height, not to exceed 30 feet over the tower's existing height, to accommodate the collocation of an additional antenna.
          2. The height change referred to in subsection (1)b.2.i of this section may only occur one time per communication tower.
          3. The additional height referred to in subsection (1)b.2.i of this section shall not require an additional distance separation as set forth in section 74-359. The tower's premodification height shall be used to calculate such distance separations.
        3. On-site location:
          1. A tower which is being rebuilt to accommodate the collocation of an additional antenna may be moved on site within 50 feet of its existing location.
          2. After the tower is rebuilt to accommodate collocation, only one tower may remain on the site.
          3. A relocated on-site tower shall continue to be measured from the original tower location for purposes of calculating separation distances between towers pursuant to section 74-359(b)(5). The relocation of a tower hereunder shall in no way be allowed to cause a violation of section 74-359(b)(5).
          4. The on-site relocation of a tower which comes within the separation distances to residential units or residentially zoned lands as established in section 74-359(b)(5) shall only be permitted when approved by the zoning administrator.
    2. Locating any alternative tower structure in a zoning district other than industrial or heavy commercial that in the judgment of the zoning administrator is in conformity with the goals set forth in section 74-353.
    3. Installing a cable microcell network through the use of multiple low-powered transmitters/receivers attached to existing wireline systems, such as conventional cable or telephone wires, or similar technology that does not require the use of towers.

    • (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-606, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Sec. 74-359. - Special use permits.

  • Generally. The following provisions shall govern the issuance of special use permits for towers or antennas by the city council:
    1. If the tower or antenna is not a permitted use under section 74-357 or permitted to be approved administratively pursuant to section 74-358, then a special use permit shall be required for the construction of a tower or the placement of an antenna in all zoning districts.
    2. Applications for special use permits under this section shall be subject to the procedures and requirements of ARTICLE V of this chapter, except as modified in this section.
    3. In granting a special use permit, the city council may impose conditions to the extent the city council concludes such conditions are necessary to minimize any adverse effect of the proposed tower on adjoining properties.
    4. Any information of an engineering nature that the applicant submits, whether civil, mechanical, or electrical, shall be certified by a licensed professional engineer authorized to practice their profession in the state.
    5. An applicant for a special use permit shall submit the information described in this section and a nonrefundable fee as established for special use permits, to reimburse the city for the costs of reviewing the application.
  • Towers.
    1. Information required. In addition to any information required for applications for special use permits pursuant to ARTICLE V of this chapter, applicants for a special use permit for a tower shall submit the following information:
      1. A scaled site plan clearly indicating the location, type and height of the proposed tower, on-site land uses and zoning, adjacent land uses and zoning (including when adjacent to other municipalities), master plan classification of the site and all properties within the applicable separation distances set forth in subsection (5) of this section, adjacent roadways, proposed means of access, setbacks from property lines, elevation drawings of the proposed tower and any other structures, topography, parking, and other information deemed by the zoning administrator to be necessary to assess compliance with this chapter.
      2. Legal description of the parent tract and leased parcel (if applicable).
      3. The setback distance between the proposed tower and the nearest residential unit, platted residentially zoned properties, and unplatted residentially zoned properties.
      4. The separation distance from other towers described in the inventory of existing sites submitted pursuant to subsection (d)(3) of this section hall be shown on an updated site plan or map. The applicant shall also identify the type of construction of the existing towers and the owner/operator of the existing towers, if known.
      5. A landscape plan showing specific landscape materials.
      6. Method of fencing, and finished color and, if applicable, the method of camouflage and illumination.
      7. A description of compliance with section 74-356(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (j), (l), and (m), subsections (b)(4) and (b)(5) of this section and all applicable federal, state or local laws.
      8. A notarized statement by the applicant as to whether construction of the tower will accommodate collocation of additional antennas for future users.
      9. Identification of the entities providing the backhaul network for the towers described in the application and other cellular sites owned or operated by the applicant in the municipality.
      10. A description of the suitability of the use of existing towers, other structures or alternative technology not requiring the use of towers or structures to provide the services to be provided through the use of the proposed new tower.
      11. A description of the feasible locations of future towers or antennas within the city based upon existing physical, engineering, technological or geographical limitations in the event the proposed tower is erected.
      12. If the proposed equipment generates radio frequency radiation, the applicant shall provide certification to the city that the equipment is FCC type accepted or shall provide to the city the certification from an RF Engineer that the devices proposed to be installed do not exceed the standards set forth in Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio Frequency Radiation, or successor standards promulgated by the FCC. In the event that more than one emitter of radio frequency (RF) radiation are to be collocated at the same site, or in the event of an application to add an emitter of radio frequency radiation at a site with one or more existing emitters of radio frequency radiation, the applicant shall provide to the city a statement listing the existing and maximum future projected measurements of RF radiation from the proposed facility for the following conditions:
        1. Existing or ambient: the measurement of existing RF radiation.
        2. Existing plus proposed: maximum estimate of RF radiation from the existing facility plus the proposed additional emitter of RF radiation.
        3. The statement provided to the city shall be signed and sealed by an RF Engineer, stating that the RF radiation measurements are accurate and meet FCC guidelines.
    2. Factors considered in granting special use permits for towers. In addition to any standards for consideration of special use permit applications pursuant to ARTICLE V of this chapter, the city council shall consider the following factors in determining whether to issue a special use permit, although the city council may waive or reduce the burden on the applicant of one or more of these criteria if the city council concludes that the goals of this chapter are better served thereby:
      1. Height of the proposed tower;
      2. Proximity of the tower to residential structures and residential district boundaries;
      3. Nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties;
      4. Surrounding topography;
      5. Surrounding tree coverage and foliage;
      6. Design of the tower, with particular reference to design characteristics that have the effect of reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness;
      7. Proposed ingress and egress; and
      8. Availability of suitable existing towers, other structures, or alternative technologies not requiring the use of towers or structures, as provided in subsection (b)(3) of this section.
    3. Availability of suitable existing towers, other structures, or alternative technology. No new tower shall be permitted unless the applicant demonstrates to the reasonable satisfaction of the city council that no existing tower, structure or alternative technology that does not require the use of towers or structures can accommodate the applicant's proposed antenna. An applicant shall submit information requested by the zoning administrator, planning commission, or city council related to the availability of suitable existing towers, other structures or alternative technology. Evidence submitted to demonstrate that no existing tower, structure or alternative technology can accommodate the applicant's proposed antenna may consist of any of the following:
      1. No existing towers or structures are located within the geographic area which meet the applicant's engineering requirements.
      2. Existing towers or structures are not of sufficient height to meet the applicant's engineering requirements.
      3. Existing towers or structures do not have sufficient structural strength to support the applicant's proposed antenna and related equipment.
      4. The applicant's proposed antenna would cause electromagnetic interference with the antenna on the existing towers or structures, or the antenna on the existing towers or structures would cause interference with the applicant's proposed antenna.
      5. The fees, costs, or contractual provisions required by the owner in order to share an existing tower or structure or to adapt an existing tower or structure for sharing are unreasonable. Costs exceeding new tower development are presumed to be unreasonable.
      6. The applicant demonstrates that there are other limiting factors that render existing towers and structures unsuitable.
      7. The applicant demonstrates that an alternative technology that does not require the use of towers or structures, such as a cable microcell network using multiple low-powered transmitters/receivers attached to a wireline system, is unsuitable. Costs of alternative technology that exceed new tower or antenna development shall not be presumed to render the technology unsuitable.
    4. Setbacks. The following setback requirements shall apply to all towers for which a special use permit is required; provided, however, that the city council may reduce the standard setback requirements if the goals of this chapter would be better served thereby:
      1. Towers must be set back a distance equal to at least 75 percent of the height of the tower from any adjoining lot line.
      2. Guys and accessory buildings must satisfy the minimum zoning district setback requirements.
    5. Separation. The following separation requirements shall apply to all towers and antennas for which a special use permit is required; provided, however, that the city council may reduce the standard separation requirements if the goals of this chapter would be better served thereby.
      1. Separation from off-site uses/designated areas:
        1. Tower separation shall be measured from the base of the tower to the lot line of the off-site uses or designated areas as specified in Table 1, except as otherwise provided in Table 1.
        2. Separation requirements for towers shall comply with the minimum standards established in Table 1.
      2. Separation distances between towers: Separation distances between towers shall be applicable for and measured between the proposed tower and preexisting towers. The separation distances shall be measured by drawing or following a straight line between the base of the existing tower and the proposed base, pursuant to a site plan, of the proposed tower. The separation distances (listed in linear feet) shall be as shown in Table 2.
    • Table 1. Off-Site Use/Designated Area Separation Distance
    Single-family or duplex residential units200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant single-family or duplex residentially zoned land which is either platted or has preliminary subdivision plan approval which is not expired.200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant unplatted residentially zoned lands.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Existing multi-family residential units greater than duplex units.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Nonresidentially zoned lands or nonresidential uses.None; only setbacks apply
    Table 1. Off-Site Use/Designated Area Separation Distance
    Single-family or duplex residential units200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant single-family or duplex residentially zoned land which is either platted or has preliminary subdivision plan approval which is not expired.200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant unplatted residentially zoned lands.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Existing multi-family residential units greater than duplex units.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Nonresidentially zoned lands or nonresidential uses.None; only setbacks apply
    Table 1. Off-Site Use/Designated Area Separation Distance
    Single-family or duplex residential units200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant single-family or duplex residentially zoned land which is either platted or has preliminary subdivision plan approval which is not expired.200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant unplatted residentially zoned lands.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Existing multi-family residential units greater than duplex units.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Nonresidentially zoned lands or nonresidential uses.None; only setbacks apply
    Table 1. Off-Site Use/Designated Area Separation Distance
    Single-family or duplex residential units200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant single-family or duplex residentially zoned land which is either platted or has preliminary subdivision plan approval which is not expired.200 feet or 300 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Vacant unplatted residentially zoned lands.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Existing multi-family residential units greater than duplex units.100 feet or 100 percent height of tower whichever is greater
    Nonresidentially zoned lands or nonresidential uses.None; only setbacks apply
    Table 2. Existing towers - Types
     LatticeGuyedMonopole 75 Feet in Height or GreaterMonopoleLess Than 75 Feet in Height
    Lattice5,0005,0001,500750
    Guyed5,0005,0001,500750
    Monopole 75 feet in height or greater1,5001,5001,500750
    Monopole less than 75 ft in height750750750750
    Table 2. Existing towers - Types
     LatticeGuyedMonopole 75 Feet in Height or GreaterMonopoleLess Than 75 Feet in Height
    Lattice5,0005,0001,500750
    Guyed5,0005,0001,500750
    Monopole 75 feet in height or greater1,5001,5001,500750
    Monopole less than 75 ft in height750750750750
    Table 2. Existing towers - Types
     LatticeGuyedMonopole 75 Feet in Height or GreaterMonopoleLess Than 75 Feet in Height
    Lattice5,0005,0001,500750
    Guyed5,0005,0001,500750
    Monopole 75 feet in height or greater1,5001,5001,500750
    Monopole less than 75 ft in height750750750750
    Table 2. Existing towers - Types
     LatticeGuyedMonopole 75 Feet in Height or GreaterMonopoleLess Than 75 Feet in Height
    Lattice5,0005,0001,500750
    Guyed5,0005,0001,500750
    Monopole 75 feet in height or greater1,5001,5001,500750
    Monopole less than 75 ft in height750750750750
      1. Security fencing. Towers shall be enclosed by security fencing not less than six feet in height and shall also be equipped with an appropriate anti-climbing device; provided however, that the city council may waive such requirements, as it deems appropriate.
      2. Landscaping. The following requirements shall govern the landscaping surrounding towers for which a special use permit is required; provided, however, that the city council may waive such requirements if the goals of this chapter would be better served thereby.
        1. Tower facilities shall be landscaped with a buffer of plant materials that effectively screens the view of the tower compound from property used for residences. The standard buffer shall consist of a landscaped strip at least four feet wide outside the perimeter of the compound.
        2. In locations where the visual impact of the tower would be minimal, the landscaping requirement may be reduced or waived.
        3. Existing mature tree growth and natural land forms on the site shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible. In some cases, such as towers sited on large, wooded lots, natural growth around the property perimeter may be sufficient buffer.

    (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-607, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Sec. 74-360. - Buildings or other equipment storage.

  • Antennas mounted on structures or rooftops. The equipment cabinet or structure used in association with antennas shall comply with the following:
    1. The cabinet or structure shall not contain more than 150 square feet of gross floor area or be more than eight feet in height. In addition, for buildings and structures which are less than 65 feet in height, the related unmanned equipment structure, if over 150 square feet of gross floor area or eight feet in height, shall be located on the ground and shall not be located on the roof of the structure.
    2. If the equipment structure is located on the roof of a building, the area of the equipment structure and other equipment and structures shall not occupy more than ten percent of the roof area.
    3. Equipment storage buildings or cabinets shall comply with all applicable building codes.
  • Antennas mounted on utility poles or light poles. The equipment cabinet or structure used in association with antennas shall be located in accordance with the following:
    1. In residential districts, the equipment cabinet or structure may be located:
      1. In a side yard; provided, the cabinet or structure is no greater than four feet in height or 100 square feet of gross floor area and the cabinet/structure is located a minimum of ten feet from all lot lines. The cabinet/structure shall be screened by an evergreen hedge with an ultimate height of at least 42-48 inches and a planted height of at least 36 inches.
      2. In a rear yard; provided, the cabinet or structure is no greater than eight feet in height or 150 square feet in gross floor area. The cabinet/structure shall be screened by an evergreen hedge with an ultimate height of eight feet and a planted height of at least 36 inches.
    2. In commercial or industrial districts the equipment cabinet or structure shall be no greater than eight feet in height or 200 square feet on gross floor area. The structure or cabinet shall be screened by an evergreen hedge with an ultimate height of eight feet and a planted height of at least 36 inches. In all other instances, structures or cabinets shall be screened from view of all residential properties which abut or are directly across the street from the structure or cabinet by a solid fence six feet in height or an evergreen hedge with an ultimate height of eight feet and a planted height of at least 36 inches.
  • Antennas located on towers. The related unmanned equipment structure shall not contain more than 240 square feet of gross floor area or be more than 11 feet in height, and shall be located in accordance with the minimum yard requirements of the zoning district in which located.
  • Modification of building size requirements. The requirement of subsections (a) through (c) of this section may be modified by the zoning administrator in the case of administratively approved uses or by the city council in the case of uses permitted by special use to encourage collocation.

    • (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-608, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Sec. 74-361. - Removal of abandoned antennas and towers.

    Any antenna or tower that is not operated for a continuous period of 12 months shall be considered abandoned, and the owner of such antenna or tower shall remove the same within 90 days of receipt of notice from the city notifying the owner of such abandonment. Failure to remove an abandoned antenna or tower within the 90 days shall be grounds to remove the tower or antenna at the owner's expense. If there are two or more users of a single tower, then this provision shall not become effective until all users cease using the tower.

    (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-609, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Sec. 74-362. - Nonconforming uses.

  • Not expansion of nonconforming use. Towers that are constructed and antennas that are installed, in accordance with the provisions of this article shall not be deemed to constitute the expansion of a nonconforming use or structure.
  • Preexisting towers. Preexisting towers shall be allowed to continue their usage as they presently exist. Routine maintenance (including replacement with a new tower of like construction and height) shall be permitted on such preexisting towers. New construction other than routine maintenance on a preexisting tower shall comply with the requirements of this article.
  • Rebuilding damaged or destroyed nonconforming towers or antennas. Notwithstanding section 74-361, bona fide nonconforming towers or antennas that are damaged or destroyed may be rebuilt without having to first obtain administrative approval or a special use permit and without having to meet the separation requirements specified in section 74-359(b)(4) and (b)(5). The type, height, and location of the tower onsite shall be of the same type and intensity as the original facility approval. Building permits to rebuild the facility shall comply with the then applicable building codes and shall be obtained within 180 days from the date the facility is damaged or destroyed. If no permit is obtained or if the permit expires, the tower or antenna shall be deemed abandoned as specified in section 74-361.

    • (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-602, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Secs. 74-363—74-382. - Reserved.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Alternative tower structure

    Alternative tower structure means manmade trees, clock towers, bell steeples, light poles and similar alternative-design mounting structures that camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas or towers.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Antenna

    Antenna means any exterior transmitting or receiving device mounted on a tower, building or structure and used in communications that radiate or capture electromagnetic waves, digital signals, analog signals, radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications signals or other communication signals.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Backhaul network

    Backhaul network means the lines that connect a provider's towers/cell sites to one or more cellular telephone switching offices, or long distance providers, or the public switched telephone network.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    F

    FAA means the Federal Aviation Administration.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    F

    FCC means the Federal Communications Commission.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Height

    Height means, when referring to a tower or other structure, the distance measured from the finished grade of the parcel to the highest point on the tower or other structure, including the base pad and any antenna.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Preexisting towers and preexisting antennas

    Preexisting towers and preexisting antennas means any tower or antenna for which a building permit or special use permit has been properly issued prior to the effective date of this chapter, including permitted towers or antennas that have not yet been constructed so long as such approval is current and not expired.

    Effective on: 1/1/1901

    Tower

    Tower means any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for telephone, radio and similar communication purposes, including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers, or monopole towers. The term "tower" includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures, and the like. The term "tower" includes the structure and any support thereto.

    (Ord. No. 54, art. 4, § 4-602, 12-4-1958)

    Effective on: 1/1/1901