Reading City Zoning Code
Appendix A
Small Wireless Communications Facility Design Manual
SECTION I. DEFINITIONS
The following terms are defined as follows:
1. Accessory Equipment — Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with a Wireless Communications Facility or Wireless Support Structure, including but not limited to transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries, cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds, shelters or similar structures.
2. Antenna — An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency (RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location pursuant to Federal Communications Commission authorization, for the provision of wireless service and any commingled information services.
3. Collocation — The mounting of one or more Wireless Communications Facilities, including antennae, on a pre-existing structure, or modifying a structure for the purpose of mounting or installing a Wireless Communications Facility on that structure.
4. Decorative Pole — A City-owned pole that is specially designed and placed for aesthetic purpose and on which no appurtenances or attachments, other than a Small Wireless Communications Facility, lighting, banners, or municipal attachments have been placed or are permitted to be placed.
5. Front Facade Area — The area of the public right-of-way directly in front of a structure, identified by drawing a perpendicular line from each comer of the front of the structure to the public right-of-way.
6. Prior Approved Design — A design for a small Wireless Communications Facility that has been reviewed and deemed to be in accordance with this Design Manual and approved for construction by the City.
7. Small Wireless Communications Facility — A Wireless Communications Facility that meets each of the following criteria:
(1) The Wireless Communications Facility —
(i) is mounted on a Wireless Support Structure that is 50 feet or less in height, or
(ii) is mounted on a Wireless Support Structure that is no more than 10 percent taller than other adjacent structures, or
(iii) does not extend an existing Wireless Support Structure to a height of more than 50 feet or by more than 10 percent above its preexisting height prior to the installation of any Wireless Communications Facilities, whichever is greater; and
(2) Each Antenna associated with the deployment of the Wireless Communications Facility (excluding the associated equipment) is no more than three cubic feet in volume; and
(3) All wireless equipment associated with the Wireless Support Structure including the wireless equipment associated with the Antenna and any pre-existing associated equipment on the Wireless Support Structure, are cumulatively no more than 28 cubic feet in volume.
(4) The Wireless Communications Facility does not require antenna structure registration under 47 CFR Part 17;
(5) The Wireless Communications Facility is not located on Tribal lands, as defined under 36 CFR 800. 16(x); and
(6) The Wireless Communications Facility does not result in human exposure to radio frequency radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards specified in 47 CFR 1.1307(b).
8. Stealth Technology — Camouflaging methods applied to Wireless Communications Facilities and accessory equipment which render them more visually appealing or blend the proposed facility into the existing structure or visual backdrop in such a manner as to render it minimally visible to the casual observer. Such methods include, but are not limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted Antennas, building-mounted Antennas painted to match the existing structure and Wireless Communications Facilities constructed to resemble trees, shrubs, and light poles.
9. Technically Feasible — By virtue of engineering or spectrum usage, the proposed placement for a small wireless facility or its design or site location can be implemented without a material reduction in the functionality of the Small Wireless Communications Facility.
10. Underground District — A zoning district in which all utility installations are required to by installed underground on a non-discriminatory basis.
11. Wireless Communications Facility Applicant (WCF Applicant) — Any person that applies for a Wireless Communications Facility building permit, zoning approval and/or permission to use the public ROW or other City-owned or third party land or property.
12. Wireless Support Structure — a pole, tower, base station, or other building, whether or not it has an existing Antenna facility, that is used or to be used for the provision of wireless service (whether on its own or comingled with other types of services).
SECTION II. GENERAL STANDARDS FOR SMALL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
1. All Small WCFs shall comply with the applicable requirements of this Small WCF Design Manual and Chapter 600, Part 22 of the City of Reading Code of Ordinances.
2. All Small WCFs shall be installed in and maintained in a workmanlike manner in compliance with the National Electric Safety Code, the National Electrical Code, the structural standards of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and any other industry standard applicable to the WCF, as applicable.
3. All Small WCFs shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines adopted by the City and all applicable requirements relating to streets and sidewalks as established by Chapter 508 of the City Code.
4. All Small WCFs shall comply with applicable federal and state standards regarding pedestrian access and movement.
5. All Small WCFs shall be designed and constructed in an effort to minimize aesthetic impact to the extent Technically Feasible. All applications for a Small WCF shall identify all design features intended to minimize aesthetic impact.
6. No Small WCFs shall extend beyond the boundaries of the rights-of-way unless approved on a case-by-case basis by the City Zoning Administrator. If a Small WCF or any portion thereof is to be located on private property, the WCF Applicant shall provide to the City evidence that the owner of such private property has granted the WCF Applicant an easement or other right to construct the Small WCF.
7. All Small WCFs shall be designed to withstand the effects of wind gusts and ice to the standard designed by the American National Standards Institute as prepared by the engineering departments of the Electronics Industry Association and Communications Industry Association (ANSVTIA-222, as amended), or to the industry standard applicable to the structure.
8. If Collocation of a Small WCF on an existing Wireless Support Structure cannot be achieved, a Small WCF may be installed on a new or replacement Wireless Support Structure.
SECTION III. ANTENNA AND ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
1. Antenna Standards
a. Any Antenna associated with a Small WCF shall not exceed three (3) cubic feet in volume.
b. The Collocation of a Small WCF on an existing Wireless Support Structure shall not extend more than five (5) feet above the existing Wireless Support Structure.
c. All pole-top Antennas shall be flush-mounted as closely to the top of the Wireless Support Structure as Technically Feasible.
d. All Antennas shall be of a design, style, and color that matches the Wireless Support Structure upon which they are attached.
e. Any necessary pole-top extension shall be of the minimum height necessary to achieve separation from the existing pole attachments in accordance with the National Electric Safety Code and any other industry standard applicable to the WCF.
f. Any Antenna mounted on a lateral standoff bracket shall protrude no more than necessary to meet clearances from the pole and existing pole attachments in accordance with the National Electric Safety Code and any other industry standard applicable to the WCF.
g. If mounted on an existing Wireless Support Structure, no Antenna shall impair the function of said structure.
h. Antenna placement shall not materially impair light, air, or views from adjacent windows.
2. Accessory Equipment Standards
a. All Accessory Equipment associated with a Wireless Support Structure shall not exceed twenty-eight (28) cubic feet in volume. Equipment utilized solely for mitigation of the aesthetic impact of the Small WCF or required for utility service shall not be included in the Accessory Equipment volume calculation.
b. Accessory Equipment shall be mounted flush to the side of a Wireless Support Structure, or as near flush to the side of a Wireless Support Structure as Technically Feasible.
c. Pole-mounted Accessory Equipment shall be mounted so as to provide a minimum of fifteen (15) feet vertical clearance from ground level.
d. Accessory Equipment shall be of a color that matches the Wireless Support Structure upon which such Accessory Equipment is mounted.
e. All Accessory Equipment shall be contained within a single equipment shroud or cabinet. Such equipment shroud or cabinet shall be of the smallest dimensions Technically Feasible.
f. All Small WCFs shall post a sign in a readily visible location identifying the name and phone number of a party to contact in the event of an emergency. The only other signage permitted shall be that required by the FCC or any other federal or state agency. All signage associated with a Small WCF shall be clearly shown in the application and shall be subject to approval by the City Zoning Administrator.
g. The placement of Accessory Equipment shall not materially impair light, air, or views from adjacent windows.
h. No Accessory Equipment shall feature any visible lighting, including flashing indicator lights, unless required by state or federal law.
3. Wiring Standards
a. Exposed wiring is prohibited on any Small WCF, Accessory Equipment, or Accessory Equipment enclosure.
b. Transmission, fiber, power cables and any other wiring shall be contained within any Wireless Support Structure for which such concealment is Technically Feasible. If such wiring cannot be contained within the Wireless Support Structure, all wiring shall be contained within conduit or U-guard that is flush-mounted to the Wireless Support Structure.
c. All wiring shall be installed tautly and without excessive slack or extra cable storage on the Wireless Support Structure.
d. Any conduit or U-guard shall be of a color that matches the Wireless Support Structure to which the Small WCF is attached.
e. Loops of extra wiring shall not be attached to any Wireless Support Structure.
SECTION IV. WIRELESS SUPPORT STRUCTURE STANDARDS
1. Replacement Wireless Support Structures
a. The maximum height of any proposed replacement Wireless Support Structure shall be fifty (50) feet above ground level.
b. Any replacement Wireless Support Structure shall be of comparable materials and design to the existing Wireless Support Structure being replaced except as otherwise required by the pole owner.
c. Any replacement Wireless Support Structure shall be placed within a five (5) foot radius of the existing Wireless Support Structure being replaced.
d. Any replacement Wireless Support Structure shall be designed to accommodate all uses that existed on the Wireless Support Structure being replaced. As part of an application for a Small WCF, the applicant shall provide documentation from a structural engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania confirming that the replacement Wireless Support Structure, Small WCF, and prior existing uses shall be structurally sound.
2. New Wireless Support Structures
a. The maximum height of any new Wireless Support Structure shall be fifty (50) feet above ground level.
b. Any new Wireless Support Structure shall be of comparable materials and design to adjacent Wireless Support Structures except as required by the pole owner.
c. Any Small WCF requiring the installation of a new Wireless Support Structure shall be set back from any residential structure by a minimum distance of at least 100% of the height of the proposed Small WCF.
d. New Wireless Support Structures shall be designed to match the design of existing light poles within a five hundred (500) foot radius.
e. To the extent Technically Feasible, no new Wireless Support Structure shall be installed:
i. In the Front Facade Area of any residential structure;
ii. Within ten (10) feet of the edge of any driveway; or
iii. In the public rights-of-way directly opposite any driveway.
f. Decorative Poles:
i. No Small WCF shall be permitted on an existing Decorative Pole unless the WCF Applicant provides documentation showing that such Decorative Pole is the only Technically Feasible location for placement and that no suitable alternative sites exist.
ii. Decorative Poles shall be required:
1. For the replacement of any existing Decorative Pole; and
2. In any zoning district where all utilities are required to be placed underground on a non-discriminatory basis.
iii. For any replacement Decorative Pole, the new Decorative Pole shall match the existing Decorative Pole in shape, design, color, and material to the extent Technically Feasible. The City shall have final approval of any such replacement Decorative Pole.
iv. No Small WCF shall be permitted on an existing Decorative Pole unless the applicant provides documentation showing that such Decorative Pole is the only Technically Feasible location for placement and that no suitable alternative sites exist. The WCF Applicant shall provide documentation from a structural engineer that said Decorative Pole can support the additional loads.
SECTION V. APPROVAL; AMENDMENT.
1. The City Zoning Administrator shall reasonably determine whether a proposed Small WCF design complies with the requirements of this Design Manual.
2. Any requests for relief from the requirements of this Design Manual shall be considered on a case-by-case basis by the City Zoning Administrator and shall be approved upon a determination by the City Zoning Administrator that such relief is necessary to prevent the effective prohibition of wireless service pursuant to the rules of the Federal Communications Commission.
3. Upon approval of a design for a Small WCF requiring relief from the requirements of this Design Manual, such design shall be incorporated by reference into this Design Manual as a Prior Approved Design.
4. All requirements herein shall apply to any Small WCF constructed after the date on which the City adopts this Design Manual. The requirements of this. Design Manual shall not apply to any Small WCF constructed prior to the date of adoption, except that any modification, repair or replacement shall be performed in compliance with these requirements.
5. This Design Manual may be amended from time to time as recommended by the Zoning Administrator, provided that such amendments are subsequently approved by a committee of Council. If a committee of Council does not take action to approve or deny any such amendment within thirty (30) days of recommendation by the Zoning Administrator, the amendment shall be deemed approved and this Design Manual shall be so amended.
SECTION VI. PRIOR APPROVED DESIGNS
1. A record of Prior Approved Designs shall be kept on file at the City Zoning Office.
Small Wireless Communications Facility Design Checklist
The information detailed in the following checklist shall be included with any application for a Small Wireless Communications Facility:
Item | Description | Included in Application ? | |
Yes | No | ||
Cover Letter | · The application shall include a cover letter detailing the location of the proposed site, all equipment being proposed, and a certification that the Applicant has included all information required by the City Code. The cover letter shall include the name and contact information for the WCF Applicant and, if different, the owner of the proposed Small WCF. | ||
Site Plan | · Site plan shall show all proposed equipment associated with the Small WCF. · The manufacturer and model, proposed location, and physical dimensions of each piece of equipment should be clearly shown. · Before and after diagrams of the proposed site showing the dimensional changes shall be included. · If the proposed Utility Pole supports existing attachments, the site plan shall show the location and dimensions of all such attachments. · If installation of a new or replacement Utility Pole is being proposed, the site plan shall include the color, dimensions, material and type of Utility Pole proposed. · The site plan shall include an aerial photo showing the location of any existing structures within five hundred (500) feet of the proposed location, including but not limited to residential structures, commercial structures, light poles, traffic signals, traffic signage, and existing Utility Poles. | ||
Photo Simulations | · Before-and-after photo simulations shall depict the Small WCF from at least three locations near the proposed site. · The photo simulations should reflect the proposed design and location of all Accessory Equipment associated with the Small WCF. | ||
Engineer Certifications | · A written certification by a structural engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania confirming that the proposed Small WCF and Wireless Support Structure are structurally sound and shall not endanger public health and safety. · A report by a qualified engineering expert which shows that the Small WCF will comply with applicable FCC regulations, including applicable standards for radio frequency emissions. | ||
Paint | · Accessory Equipment shall be painted a color that matches the Utility Pole upon which such Accessory Equipment is mounted. · Application shall detail the proposed painting of any Accessory Equipment necessary to achieve aesthetic uniformity of the site. | ||
Wiring | · All proposed wires associated with the Small WCF shall be clearly shown. · A depiction and description of the concealment methods to be utilized for the wiring shall be included. · No exposed wiring is permitted. | ||
Signage | · Signage shall be posted in a readily visible location and identify the owner's permit number and the name and phone number of a party to contact in the event of an emergency. · If required, FCC-mandated signage is permitted. Applicant shall identify such signage in its application. | ||
Certificate of Insurance | · A certificate of insurance as required by Section 600-2104A(15). | ||
Certification of Compliance | · A signed statement affirming the proposed WCF and WCF application's compliance with the applicable requirements of Section 600-2104 of the City Zoning Code and this Small WCF Design Manual. | ||