Palos Verdes Estates
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
60 NONCOMMERCIAL ANTENNAS
§ 18.60.010 Satellite dishes.
A.
The purposes of this section are as follows:
1.
To recognize that satellite dishes create different and more extensive visual impacts than other antennas because of their bulk, diameter, surface area, opaqueness, mobility and eye level installation;
2.
To provide standards that address the different and more extensive visual impacts created by satellite dishes in order to:
a.
Conserve and preserve the unique views of the city and develop regulations that encourage view preservation,
b.
Preserve and protect the unique semirural and open character of the community and overall aesthetic and visual qualities of the city, and
c.
Conserve, protect and enhance the natural resources, beauty and open space of the community for the benefit and enjoyment of its residents of the entire region.
B.
A satellite dish located in any zoning district which is two feet or less in diameter shall not require approval by the planning director or a building permit. A satellite dish located in any commercial zoning district which is six feet or less in diameter shall not require approval by the planning director or a build-ing permit. This exemption shall not apply to satellite dishes located on a mast which is greater than twelve feet in height. Freestanding masts are measured from existing adjacent grade. Masts located on a building are measured from the point where the mast meets the roof surface.
C.
Except for satellite dishes determined to be exempt pursuant to subsection B of this section, approval from the planning director shall be required prior to the placement or installation of any satellite dish. Application for approval shall be made upon an application form provided by the city and shall be accompanied by the following:
1.
A plot plan of the lot, premises or parcel of land, showing the exact location of the proposed satellite dish, and exact location and dimensions of all buildings, parking lots, walkways, trash enclosures, and property lines.
2.
A radius map and a certified list of the names and addresses of all property owners within three hundred feet of the exterior boundaries of the property involved, as shown on the latest assessment roll of the county assessor.
3.
Building elevations and roof plan (for building- and/or rooftop-mounted facilities) indicating exact location and dimensions of satellite dish. For freestanding satellite dishes, indicate surrounding grades, structures, and landscaping from all sides.
4.
A fee, as established by resolution of the city council.
D.
Except for antennas determined to be exempt pursuant to subsection B of this section, one master satellite dish shall be allowed in a multiple-family development with two or more dwelling units, upon approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.20 PVEMC.
E.
The planning director shall approve or conditionally approve any application for installation of a satellite dish, if the director finds as follows:
1.
The satellite dish is no greater than twelve feet in diameter;
2.
The satellite dish is no greater than sixteen feet in height, as measured from the point at which the dish’s foundation meets grade to the highest point of the dish;
3.
The satellite dish is not located on the roof of a single-family residence or accessory structure, unless:
a.
The applicant submits a report from a qualified technician, describing the signal reception capabilities of the proposed satellite dish from alternative locations on the subject property, which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the director that no reasonable alternative location is available that would provide reasonable signal reception on the subject property at a height of sixteen feet or less or not on a roof,
b.
The satellite dish does not significantly impair a view from any adjacent property and is sub-stantially screened from view from any adjacent property, including any adjacent public or private street or sidewalk; provided, that such screening does not preclude reasonable reception,
c.
The overall height of the satellite dish does not exceed the maximum ridge line of the roof of the primary structure on the property, and
d.
The satellite dish is painted to match the color of the roof it is located on;
4.
The satellite dish is substantially screened from view from any adjacent properties and any adjacent public or private street or sidewalk. The method of screening may include landscaping, fences or walls as permitted by Chapter 18.32 PVEMC;
5.
The satellite dish is constructed using standard colors and in a manner that blends with its surroundings;
6.
The satellite dish is not installed on a slope of thirty-five percent or more;
7.
No portion of the satellite dish is located within any required setback. However, the satellite dish may be located in a rear or side setback if the applicant submits a report from a qualified technician, describing signal reception capabilities of the proposed satellite dish from alternative locations on the subject property, which demonstrates to the satisfaction of the director that no reasonable alternative location is available that would provide reasonable signal reception on the subject property. If placement in the rear or side yard is approved, a minimum setback of three feet from the adjacent property line is required. In addition, the satellite dish shall be substantially screened from view from any adjacent properties and any adjacent public or private street or sidewalk. No portion of the satellite dish may be located within any front yard area;
8.
Only one satellite dish is permitted per lot;
9.
The satellite dish is not used as a sign for any commercial establishment;
10.
All wires from satellite dishes shall be placed underground where feasible.
F.
Notice of the planning director’s decision shall be given to the property owner, all owners of adjacent properties, and any person specifically requesting such notice.
G.
Within fifteen days of the notice of the decision, the applicant or any interested person may appeal the planning director’s decision to the planning commission. Notice of the appeal hearing shall be given to the property owner, all owners of adjacent properties, and any person specifically requesting such notice at least fifteen days prior to the hearing date. The planning commission shall conduct a hearing in accordance with PVEMC § 17.04.100. The determination of the planning commission shall be final.
H.
All satellite dishes shall conform to the requirements of this section. Satellite dishes for which prior approval was granted by the city shall be made to conform to the provisions of this section within five years from the date written notice is mailed to the property owner. Satellite dishes which have been installed without prior approval from the city shall be brought into conformance with the requirements of this section within ninety days of the date written notice is mailed to the property owner.
(Ord. 700 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)
§ 18.60.020 Amateur radio antennas.
A.
This section regulates noncommercial amateur radio antennas that exceed fifteen feet in height and are affixed to real property or are located on vehicles parked on lots.
B.
Freestanding antennas are measured from existing adjacent grade. Antennas located on a building or vehicle are measured from the point where the structure meets the roof surface. The height of the antenna assembly includes the antenna support structure and is the maximum to which it is capable of being extended.
C.
The erection or replacement of amateur radio antenna assemblies shall be reviewed by the planning director. The director shall deny the permit if the application is incomplete, or the application does not adequately mitigate the proposed antenna’s adverse impact on the health, safety or welfare of the community, including, without limitation, adverse aesthetic impacts arising from the antenna design or location. The amateur radio antenna shall be substantially screened from view from any adjacent property, including any adjacent public or private street or sidewalk; provided, that such screening does not preclude reasonable reception. Any antenna approved pursuant to this section cannot be located in any front yard area and shall not be used for commercial purposes.
(Ord. 700 § 2 (Exh. 1), 2012)
