A. Exempt Facilities: The following are exempt from this chapter:
1. FCC licensed amateur (ham) radio facilities;
2. Satellite earth stations, dishes and antennas used for private television reception;
3. A wireless facility installed upon the declaration of a state of emergency by the federal, state or local government, or a written determination of public necessity by the city; except that such facility must comply with all federal and state requirements. The wireless facility shall be exempt from the provisions of this section for up to one month after the duration of the state of emergency;
4. A temporary, wireless facility installed for providing coverage of a special event such as news coverage or sporting event, subject to any required approvals by the city. The wireless facility shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter for up to two (2) weeks before and one (1) week after the duration of the special event;
5. Antennas attached to existing structures (such as office buildings, houses or apartments) for internet purposes and used solely for occupants of the building to which the antennas are attached as long as the height limitations of the zoning district are not exceeded; and
6. City facilities, equipment and services, including, but not limited to, those involving police, fire, public health and safety.
B. Applicability: All new poles and antennas shall be subject to these regulations.
1. New poles exceeding the maximum height limitation of surrounding poles require a special review by the city and approval of a waiver or variance by the city.
2. Antennas attached to utility poles and street lights in the right-of-way shall not extend more than ten (10) feet above the highest point of the pole structure.
1. The following shall apply for a permit under this chapter on a form and in the manner prescribed by the city:
a. A person that provides wireless service.
b. A person that owns or otherwise makes available infrastructure required for wireless service.
2. Any application for a permit must include the following:
a. The name, business address, and point of contact for the applicant.
b. The location of the proposed or affected pole or small wireless facilities.
D. Permit(s) Required: No person shall develop, construct, modify or operate a pole or antennas or related equipment for commercial purposes in any right-of-way of the city prior to approval of its application for the requisite permit(s) by the city and issuance of the permit(s) by the city. Applicants shall submit their application for a permit to the public works director and shall pay an application fee and permit fees in accordance with the city's fee schedule. Work shall be completed by dates as set forth in the permit(s).
E. Effect Of Permit: A permit from the city authorizes an applicant to undertake only the activities specified in the application and permit, and in accordance with this chapter. A permit does not authorize attachment to or use of existing poles or other structures in the right-of-way. A permittee or provider must obtain all necessary written approval from the owner of any pole or other support structure prior to any attachment or use and such written approval shall be submitted with the permit request. A permit does not create a property right for the applicant. The applicant shall not interfere with other uses or users of the right-of-way.
F. Ordinary Maintenance Or Repair: A permit shall not be required for ordinary maintenance or repair. The provider or other person performing the ordinary maintenance or repair shall obtain any other permit required by applicable laws.
G. Bonds: Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the city, a performance or construction bond or other form of surety acceptable to the city equal to at least one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the estimated cost of the work in the right-of-way shall be provided before the applicant commences work. The bond shall be released after city inspection and completion of construction to the city's satisfaction.
H. Collocation: It is the policy of the city to minimize the number of wireless support structures and to encourage the collocation of antennas of more than one wireless service provider on a single pole to the extent feasible.
I. Design Justification: At the time of filing an application, an applicant shall also provide a clear and complete written analysis that includes design drawings that explains how the proposed design complies with the applicable design standards under this chapter to the maximum extent feasible. A complete design justification must identify all applicable design standards under this chapter and provide a factually detailed reason why the proposed design either complies or cannot feasibly comply.
1. To the extent feasible, antennas shall be placed and colored to reasonably blend into the architectural detail and coloring of the host structure. Non-wooden poles shall be painted a color that best allows them to blend into the surroundings. The use of grays, blues, greens, bronze, browns or other site-specific colors are encouraged and may be appropriate; however, each case should be evaluated individually.
2. Security lighting for the equipment shelters or cabinets and other on the ground ancillary equipment is permitted, as long as it complies with the city code.
3. Equipment shelters and cabinets and other on-the-ground ancillary equipment shall be screened with fencing or landscaping (other than in the right-of-way) or with another design as required by the city code. Alternatively, where feasible, the applicant shall incorporate the cabinet and other equipment into the base of a new pole (for example, for a small wireless facility) provided there is adequate space in the right-of-way and that ADA sidewalk accessibility requirements can be met. All provisions of the ADA (including, but not limited to, clear space requirements) shall be met by the applicant.
4. All poles, antennas and related equipment must meet current standards and regulations of the FCC and any other agency of the federal or state government with the authority to regulate poles, antennas and related equipment.
5. To ensure the structural integrity of poles, the poles must be maintained in compliance with industry standards and applicable codes and approved by a structural engineer licensed in the state.
6. No facilities may bear any signage or advertisement(s) other than signage required by law or expressly permitted or required by the city.
7. All poles, facilities and equipment in or near residential zones or the downtown area shall be sited and designed to minimize adverse visual impacts on surrounding properties and the traveling public to the greatest extent reasonably possible, consistent with the proper functioning of the poles, facilities and equipment. Such poles, facilities and equipment enclosures shall be integrated through location and design to blend in with the existing characteristics of the site. Such poles, facilities and equipment shall also be designed to either resemble the surrounding landscape and other natural features where located in proximity to natural surroundings, or be reasonably compatible with the built environment, through matching and complementary existing structures and specific design considerations such as architectural designs, height, scale, color and texture or be reasonably consistent with other uses and improvements permitted in the relevant zone.
8. Where technologically possible, applicants shall place the antennas and wiring inside the pole when erecting a new metal pole or replacing a current pole.
9. The applicant shall use stealth design to the maximum extent feasible unless otherwise approved by the city. Stealth and concealment techniques must be appropriate given the proposed location, design, visual environment, and nearby uses, structures, and natural features. Stealth design shall be designed and constructed to substantially conform to surrounding building designs or natural settings. Stealth design that relies on screening in order to reduce visual impact must screen all substantial portions of the facilities and equipment from view.
10. All pole-mounted transmission and reception equipment shall be mounted as close as technically possible to the pole so as to reduce the overall visual profile to the maximum extent feasible subject to applicable safety codes.
K. Construction Provisions:
1. All structures shall be constructed and installed to manufacturer's specifications and constructed to withstand wind speed as required by Industry standards.
2. To the extent feasible, new poles must be designed to match the existing light fixtures and other poles, and they shall serve a dual purpose (for example, a new streetlight, flag pole or banner display).
1. Small cell facilities shall not be installed unless the equipment and facilities are compliant with the city's aesthetic guidelines, as they may be amended from time to time.
2. A provider shall not construct or replace any equipment or facilities not clearly depicted in an application unless such is of comparable size, shape and color to that being replaced.
3. All work shall be performed in a professional manner consistent with the highest standards of workmanship.
4. Equipment and facilities shall be maintained in a good and safe condition and in a manner that complies with all applicable federal, state and local requirements.
5. In accordance with applicable law, equipment and facilities shall not be installed in any location in the right-of-way that causes any interference with the city's public safety radio system, traffic and emergency signal light system, or other city safety communications systems or system components.
6. Structures shall be constructed to meet all applicable code requirements.
M. Noise Study: A noise study shall be conducted at the sole cost and expense of the applicant if requested by the city, and the proposed site is in or within three hundred feet (300') of a residential district or the downtown area. The small wireless facility shall not impede upon the peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the surrounding area and shall not create a nuisance to pedestrian or vehicular traffic. If such occurs, the small wireless facility may be declared a nuisance and subject to abatement.
N. Traffic Control: Unless otherwise specified in the permit, the permittee shall erect a barrier around the perimeter of any excavation and provide appropriate traffic control devices, signs and lights to protect, warn and guide the public (vehicular and pedestrian) through the work zone. The manner and use of these devices shall be as described within a traffic control plan. The permittee shall maintain all barriers and other traffic control and safety devices related to an open excavation until the excavation is restored to a safe condition or as otherwise directed by the city.
O. Work In The Right-Of-Way: All excavation within the right-of-way shall require a permit. All work performed in the right-of-way shall also be in accordance with manual on uniform traffic control devices standards and must be reviewed and approved by the public works director before any work can begin.
P. As-Builts And Maps: The provider shall furnish to the city paper and electronic maps showing the location of its equipment in the right-of-way and as-builts after construction is completed.
Q. Safety And Due Care: The permittee shall employ due care during installation, maintenance or any other work and shall comply with all safety and construction requirements of applicable laws, city guidelines, standards and practices and any additional commonly accepted safety standards.
R. Interference: The providers' facilities, equipment and structures shall not physically interfere with any existing facilities, equipment or structures in the right-of-way, and they shall locate their lines and equipment in such a manner as not to interfere with the usual traffic patterns (vehicular or pedestrian) or with the rights or reasonable convenience of owners of property that abut any right-of-way.
S. Locates: Before beginning any excavation in the right-of-way, the permittee shall comply with Montana Digline/ "One-Call Center"("Montana 811").
T. Compliance With Permit: All construction practices and activities shall be in accordance with the permit and approved final plans and specifications. The city and its representatives shall be provided access to the work site and such further information as they may require to ensure compliance with such requirements. All equipment that does not comply with the permit, the approved plans and specifications for the work, or the requirements of this chapter, shall be removed at the sole expense of the permittee. The city may stop work in order to assure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
1. The provider, or its agent or contractor, shall restore, repair and replace any portion of the right-of-way or other public property that is damaged or disturbed by the provider's wireless facilities, infrastructure or work in or adjacent to the right-of-way or other public property as required in this chapter and all other applicable laws and city policies.
2. If the provider fails to timely restore, repair or replace the right-of-way or other public property, the city or its contractor may do so and the provider shall pay the city's costs and expenses in completing the restoration, repair or replacement, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses.
V. Report: A written report will be prepared and signed by a professional engineer or qualified employee of the provider which assesses whether the proposed wireless facilities demonstrate compliance with the radio frequency emissions limits established by the FCC.
1. The city reserves the right to conduct an inspection of new or existing poles, antenna support structures, equipment, and facilities upon reasonable notice to the owner or operator to determine compliance with this chapter and to prevent structural and equipment failures and accidents which may cause damage, injuries or nuisances to the public. Inspections may be made to determine compliance with any construction standards set forth in the city code, federal and state laws and applicable industry standards.
a. The city reserves the right to require the applicant to engage a qualified professional engineer at the applicant's sole cost and expense to conduct the inspection described in W1.
2. If, upon inspection, the city concludes that a pole, antenna support structure, equipment or facility fails to comply with codes or standards and constitutes a danger to persons or property, then upon written notice being provided to the owner or operator, the owner or operator shall have sixty (60) days to bring such into compliance with the codes and standards. Failure to bring such into compliance within said sixty (60) days shall constitute grounds for removal at the owner's or operator's expense.
X. Maintenance: The poles, antenna support structures, equipment and facilities shall at all times be kept and maintained in good condition, order and repair by the person owning or operating the small cell facility so that the same do not constitute a nuisance to or a danger to the life or property of any person or the public.
Y. Indemnification: Each permit issued for a small cell facility, including, but not limited to, a pole, antenna support structure, equipment or facilities located in the right-of-way shall be deemed to have as a condition of the permit a requirement that the applicant and provider defend, indemnify and hold harmless the city and its officers, agents, employees, volunteers and contractors from any and all liability, damages, or charges (including attorneys' fees and expenses) arising out of claims, suits, demands, or causes of action as a result of the permit process, a granted permit, installation, construction, location, performance, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, upgrade, removal or restoration of the small cell facility.
Z. Insurance: No person shall own or operate a small cell facility in the right-of-way without having secured and at all times maintain in place insurance coverage which conforms to the following:
1. Each telecommunications provider shall secure and maintain the following insurance policies insuring both the telecommunications provider and the city against claims for death or injuries to persons, or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the exercise of the rights, privileges, and authority granted to the telecommunications provider:
a. Comprehensive general liability insurance, written on an occurrence basis, with limits not less than:
(1) Three million dollars ($3,000,000) for bodily injury or death to each person; and
(2) Three million dollars ($3,000,000) for property damage resulting from any one (1) accident.
b. Automobile liability insurance for owned, non-owned and hired vehicles with a combined single limit of three million dollars ($3,000,000) for each accident;
c. Worker's compensation within statutory limits and employer's liability insurance with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000);
d. Excess umbrella liability with limits of no less than five million dollars ($5,000,000) per occurrence and in the aggregate.
2. Insurance shall be placed with insurers licensed to do business in the state with an A.M. best's rating of A-VII or better. The liability insurance policies required by this subsection shall be maintained by the telecommunications provider throughout the term of the permit, and such other period of time during which the telecommunications provider has telecommunications facilities in the public ways or is engaged in the removal of its telecommunications facilities. Failure to maintain such insurance shall be grounds for cancellation of the permit, Franchise, easement, lease or agreement. The telecommunications provider shall furnish acceptable certificates of insurance, together with an endorsement naming the city, its elected and appointed officers, officials, agents, employees, representatives, consultants, and volunteers as additional insureds, to the city prior to the commencement of any work or installation of any telecommunications facilities pursuant to said permit(s).
3. The telecommunications provider's insurance shall be primary and noncontributory insurance with respect to the city. Any insurance maintained by the city shall be in excess of the telecommunications provider's insurance and shall not contribute with it. Maintenance of insurance shall not be construed to limit the liability of the telecommunications provider to the coverage provided by such insurance or otherwise limit the city's recourse to any remedy available at law or in equity.
4. In addition to the coverage requirements set forth in this subsection, the telecommunications provider must notify the city of any cancellation or reduction in said coverage at least forty-five (45) calendar days in advance in writing. At least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to said cancellation or reduction in coverage, the telecommunications provider shall obtain and furnish to the city replacement insurance and certificates of insurance meeting the requirements of this subsection.
5. All insurance coverage shall be kept in force while the telecommunications provider has any facilities in the city, and for one (1) year thereafter. Certificates of insurance and endorsements shall be provided to the city in writing.
6. All insurance policies shall contain a waiver of subrogation against the city for any claims arising out of the telecommunications provider's work or service. The telecommunications provider shall be responsible for all deductibles under the policies.
AA. Final Inspection And Site Condition:
1. Upon final inspection, if it is found that the pole, antenna support structure, equipment or facilities do not substantially comply with the approved plans and photo simulations, the provider shall make any and all such changes required to promptly bring them into compliance.
2. The pole, equipment, facilities and site, including all landscaping, must be maintained at all times in a neat and clean manner and in accordance with all approved plans. Graffiti shall be removed promptly by the owner or operator of the pole, equipment, facilities or site, as applicable.
1. An antenna may be installed on an existing pole or support structure, but the installation of replacement or taller poles or new overhead wiring to accommodate the antennas will not be permitted without city approval.
2. A small cell pole must not be installed on or within sixty (60) feet of a single-family or multi-family dwelling unit.
3. The applicant shall provide proof that it is a licensed provider and will comply with all applicable federal, state and city laws and regulations, including those regarding wireless services.
4. Subject to the other requirements in this chapter, a small cell antenna may be attached to an existing pole or support structure owned or operated by the city in the right-of-way and shall be a permitted use.
(Ord. 414-2026, 2-10-2026)