HomeMy WebLinkAboutExhibits V P' 1 7 1 /
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12, "ZONING ", SECTION 8.20, "WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES ", AND SECTION 2, "DEFINITIONS ", OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, BY
AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS AS SET OUT BELOW; PROVIDING A
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; DECLARING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS:
PART 1: That Chapter 12, "ZONING ", SECTION 8.20, "WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES ", and SECTION 2, "DEFINITIONS ",
of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, be amended as
set out in Exhibit "A ", attached hereto and made a part of this ordinance for all
purposes.
PART 2: That if any provisions of any section of this ordinance shall be held to be void or
unconstitutional, such holding shall in no way effect the validity of the remaining
provisions or sections of this ordinance, which shall remain in full force and effect.
PART 3: That any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be
punishable by a fine of not less than Twenty -five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than
Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00). Each day such violation shall continue or be
permitted to continue, shall be deemed a separate offense. Said Ordinance, being a
penal ordinance, becomes effective ten (10) days after its date of passage by the
City Council, as provided by Section 35 of the Charter of the City of College
Station.
PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED this 13th day of February, 2003.
APPROVED:
RON SILVIA, Mayor
ATTEST:
Connie Hooks, City Secretary
APPROVED:
City Attorn
ORDINANCE NO. Page 2
EXHIBIT "A"
That Chapter 12, "ZONING ", Section 8.20, "WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION
FACILITIES ", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, is hereby
amended as set out hereafter to read as follows:
8.20 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES (WTF)
A. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations pertaining to wireless
telecommunications facilities that are consistent with federal and state law. The City
Council of the City of College Station finds that:
It is in the public interest to promote competition in high quality telecommunications
services and the availability of broadband transmission services to all residences and
business.
It is in the public interest for the City to protect the public safety and welfare, safeguard
community and values, promote orderly planning and development and preserve historic
sites, structures and areas. Wireless telecommumcations facilities should not be allowed to
detract aesthetically from the visual quality of surrounding properties or the City.
The proliferation of wireless telecommunications facilities negatively impacts the appearance
and character of the community. Therefore the City should endeavor to minimize the size,
number and obtrusiveness of antennas and towers. Collocation and stealth technologies are
strongly encouraged to mitigate negative visual impacts and reduce the total number of
towers within the City.
B. WTF USE CATEGORIES: In order to expedite the siting and review process, WTF's have
been divided into use categories. The review process is more thorough as the intensity of
the use increases.
1. UNREGULATED FACILITIES; The WTF's listed below are not regulated by this
ordinance and do not require review or approval. This does not exempt these facilities
from other applicable city codes, ordinances, and permits.
a. Direct -to -home service antenna, citizen's radio band antenna, amateur radio
antennas.
b. Parabolic antenna less than 2 meters in diameter.
c. Omni - directional antenna (whip antenna) 6" or less in diameter and not
extending more than 12' above support structure.
d. Directional antenna 1 meter or less measured across the longest dimension and
not extending over 12' above support structure.
e. Public safety tower or antenna.
2. INTERMEDIATE FACILITIES:
a. New transmission tower less than 35 feet (10.5 meters) in height.
b. Parabolic antenna over 2 meters in diameter.
ORDINANCE NO. Page 3
c. Omni - directional antenna (whip antenna greater than 6" in diameter and /or
extending 12' above the support structure.
d. Directional antenna more than 1 meter measured across the longest dimension
and extending over 12' above support stricture.
e. Attached WTF's.
3. MAJOR FACILITIES:
New transmission tower greater than 35 feet (10.5 meters) in height.
C. PERMITTABLE LOCATIONS
All Intermediate WTF's are permitted by right in the following zoning districts:
A -O M -1 C -1 PDD (except PDD -H)
A -P R &D C -2 C -B
WPC NG C -3 M -2
Major WTF's are allowed in the following zoning districts with a Conditional Use
Permit
M -2 M -1 C -1 C -3
A -P R &D C -2
WTF's may locate on city -owned premises without a conditional use permit with
approval of the City Council and subject to the requirements of this ordinance.
D. REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW TRANSMISSION TOWERS
1. SETBACKS: The standard setbacks for each zoning district will apply to WTF's with
additional setbacks or separation being required in the sections below. To protect
citizens in their homes, transmission towers shall be placed a distance equal to the
height of the tower away from any residential structure or R -1, R -1A, or R -2 zone
boundary.
2. PROXIMITY TO MAJOR THOROUGHFARES: To preserve and protect the City's
major thoroughfares and entrances to the City, additional setbacks are placed on
WTF's proposed to be placed near these areas. The setback for these areas is
determined - by measuring from the centerline of the right -of -way of the thoroughfare.
Applicable thoroughfares include freeways and expressways, major arterials and -minor
arterials, as shown on the Thoroughfare Plan.
a. Intermediate WTF's must be 150' from applicable thoroughfares.
b. Major WTF's must setback from applicable thoroughfares by the height of the
tower x3.
3. SEPARATION BETWEEN TOWERS: In order to prevent tower proliferation and
protect the City's natural beauty and skyline, the number of transmission towers per
square mile has been limited. new transmission towers must be placed a minimum
distance from existing towers as described here:
a. New transmission towers 35 feet or less in height shall be separated from
existing towers by a minimum distance of 1500 feet.
ORDINANCE NO. Page 4
b. New transmission towers more than 35 feet and less than 75 feet in height shall
be separated from existing towers by a minimum distance of 2500 ft.
c. New transmission towers 75 feet or more in height shall be separated from
existing towers by a minimum distance of 3500 ft.
4. HEIGHT LIMITATIONS: Intermediate WTF's are subject to the normal height
restrictions for each zoning district where permitted by right. In any zoning district
where a tower is a conditional use, the requested height may be reduced through the
review of the visual impact analysis.
In no case shall a proposed transmission tower exceed 100 feet within the city limits,
except where a height variance is granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustments to
allow a tower or antenna that demonstrates a hardship that can only be remedied by
locating on a proposed site within the city limits.
5. STEALTH TOWERS
Any tower determined to meet the Stealth Tower definition of this ordinance by the
approving authority may be located in any zoning district with a Conditional Use
Permit. Approved Stealth Towers do not have to meet the tower separation or
thoroughfare setback requirements of this section.
E. LANDSCAPING SCREENING AND AESTHETIC STANDARDS: The following
requirements shall govern any transmission tower or any parabolic antenna larger than 2
meters.
a. Landscaping: Refer to Section 11 of the Zoning . Ordinance. Plant materials
and /or fencing that effectively screens the WTF site from view of the public
right -of -way will be required.
b. New transmission towers shall maintain a flat (not shiny, reflective, or glossy) or be painted in accordance with any applicable standards of the FAA
(unfinished galvanized steel is not acceptable).
If an antenna is installed on a support 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.
d. WTF's shall not be artificially lighted with the exception of motion detectors as
security lighting, unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority. If
lighting is required, the City may review the available lighting alternatives and
approve the design that would cause the least disturbance to the surrounding
properties.
e. Towers may not be used to exhibit any signage or other advertising.
F. ATTACHED WTF'S: WTF's may attach to the exterior of any non - residential and non -
historic building within any zoning district provided the antenna and antenna support
structure or equipment is mounted flush with the vertical exterior of the building or projects
no more than 24 inches from the surface of the building to which it is attached and does not
raise the height of the building more than 10 feet and does not violate the maximum height
restriction of that zoning district. The attached WTF must be colored so as to blend with
the surrounding surface of the building.
ORDINANCE NO. Page 5
STEALTH ANTENNAS: Any antenna meeting the stealth antenna definition of this
ordinance and locating on an alternative mounting structure may attach to the exterior of
any non - residential building within any zoning district with approval of the zoning official.
G. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
1. Site Plan Requirements
An application for administrative approval or a Conditional Use Permit for a WTF
shall include the following items (in addition to the site plan and other information
required for a standard CUP application):
a. An inventory of the applicant's existing and future towers that are either within the
City, the City's ETJ, or within at least 1 mile of the City's boundary where the ETJ
does not extend that far. The inventory shall include specific information about the
location, design, and height of each tower. The owner must have on file with the
development department a master list of all existing tower structures owned or
controlled by the owner. Such list must specify the name, address and telephone
number of the owner of record, the tower locations by address and legal
description, tower height, the number of antenna arrays on the tower, and the
names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all other users of the tower structures.
The zoning administrator may share such information with other applicants or
organizations seeking to locate antennas within the City.
b. Site plan drawn to scale clearly indicating the location, height, and design of the
proposed tower, equipment cabinets, transmission building sand other accessory
uses, access, parking, fences, and landscaped areas.
c. The linear separation distance from other transmission towers within a one mile
radius of the proposed tower site. The linear separation distance from all
residentially zoned properties, residential structures and applicable thoroughfares
(Section D.2) within 500 feet of the proposed tower.
d. A visual impact analysis, presented as color photo simulations, showing the
proposed site of the WTF. At least four views shall be submitted looking toward
the site (typically north, south, east and west) including views from the closest
residential property and from adjacent roadways. The photo - realistic
representation shall depict a "skyline" view showing the entire height of the
proposed tower or WTF, to scale, and the structures, trees, and any other objects
contributing to the skyline profile.
e. Plans for the antenna and the antenna tower shall be prepared and signed by a
licensed professional engineer and designed to withstand sustained winds of at
least 80 miles per hour.
ORDINANCE NO. Page 6
f All telecommunication facilities must meet or exceed the current standards and
regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other agency of the Federal Government
with the authority to regulate telecommunication facilities. An applicant for a
permit shall submit an affidavit confirming compliance with applicable regulations.
g. Grid plan (propagation map) of the service area for existing and future structures
for a period of not less than 5 years. The submission should include a map
showing the "search ring" that was required for siting the proposed facility.
2. Collocation Requirements
No new tower shall be built, constructed, or erected in the City unless the tower is
capable of supporting additional wireless telecommunication facilities. The applicant
must submit a letter addressed to the City declaring an intent and willingness to
construct a proposed tower that would allow additional service providers to locate on
the new tower.
3. Documentation of Need and Alternatives
No new communications tower shall be permitted unless the applicant demonstrates to
the reasonable satisfaction of the approving authority that no existing tower, building,
structure, or alternative technology can accommodate the applicant's proposed
antenna. The applicant shall submit information related to the availability of suitable
existing towers, other structures or alternative technology that can accommodate the
applicant's proposed antenna. The zoning official or approving authority may request
information necessary to demonstrate that reasonable alternatives do not exist. The
applicant must submit:
a. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all owners of other towers or
usable antenna support structures within a one -half mile radius of the proposed
new tower site, including City -owner property.
b. A sworn affidavit attesting to the fact that the applicant made diligent, but
unsuccessful, efforts to obtain permission to install or collocate the new facility on
existing towers or antenna support structures located within one -half mile radius of
the proposed tower site. The affidavit shall spell out the efforts taken by the
applicant.
c. A description of the design plan proposed by the applicant in the City. The
applicant must demonstrate the need for towers and why technological design
alternatives, such as the use of microcell, cannot be utilized to accomplish the
provision of the applicant's telecommunications services.
4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS: Major WTF's must apply for a conditional use
permit (CUP) (section C) under the procedures set forth in Section 14 of the zoning
ORDINANCE NO. Page 7
ordinance. In addition to the standard guidelines, the following additional factors shall
be considered by_ the Planning & Zoning Commission when determining whether to
grant a CUP for WWF's:
a. height of the proposed tower, surrounding topography and surrounding tree coverage and
foliage as they relate to:
(1) skyline impact, examining whether the proportions of the structure appears to
dominate or blend in with the surrounding environment.
(2) shadow impact, whether or not the proposed tower will cast shadows that would
prevent the reasonable use of enjoyment of surrounding properties .
b. design of the tower, with particular reference to design characteristics that have the effect of
reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness.
c. proximity of the tower to residential structures and residential district boundaries.
d. economic impact on adjacent and nearby properties.
e. proposed ingress and egress.
f. availability of suitable alternatives and/or existing support structures.
g. All the information submitted as part of the site plan.
H. ABANDONMENT
Any WTF that is not operated for a continuous period of 12 months shall be considered
abandoned, and the owner of such a facility shall remove same within 60 days of receipt of
notice from the City notifying owner of such abandonment. If such facility is not removed
within said 60 days, the City may, remove such facility at the property owner's expense.
If there are two or more users of a single WTF, then this provision shall not become
effective until all users cease operations on the tower.
ORDINANCE NO. Page 8
That Chapter 12, "ZONING ", Section 2, "DEFINITIONS ", of the Code of Ordinances of the
City of College Station, Texas, is hereby amended as follows:
Stealth Tower - a man -made tree, clock tower, church steeple, bell tower, utility pole, light
standard, identification pylon, flagpole, or similar structure, that is camouflaged to be
unrecognizable as a telecommunications facility and is designed to support or conceal the
presence of telecommunication antennas.
Stealth Antenna - a telecommunications antenna located on an alternative mounting structure that
is effectively camouflaged or concealed from view. Examples include architecturally screened
roof - mounted antennas, building- mounted antennas painted and/or textured to match the existing
structure, and antennas integrated into architectural elements.
Alternative Mounting Structure - any building or structure other than a tower which can be used
for the location of telecommunication antennas and facilities. Antennas located on these
structures may include Attached WTF's or Stealth Antenna.
•
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12, "ZONING ", SECTION 8.20, "WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES ", AND SECTION 2, "DEFINITIONS ", OF THE
CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, BY
AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS AS SET OUT BELOW PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY
CLAUSE; DECLARING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS:
PART 1: That Chapter 12, "ZONING ", SECTION 8.20, "WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES ", and SECTION 2, "DEFINITIONS ", of
the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, be amended as set
out in Exhibit "A ", attached hereto and made a part of this ordinance for all
purposes.
PART 2: That if any provisions of any section of this ordinance shall be held to be void or
unconstitutional, such holding shall in no way effect the validity of the remaining
provisions or sections of this ordinance, which shall remain in full force and
effect.
PART 3: That any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this
chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof
shall be punishable by a fine of not less than Twenty -five Dollars ($25.00) nor
more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00). Each day such violation shall
continue or be permitted to continue, shall be deemed a separate offense. Said
Ordinance, being a penal ordinance, becomes effective ten (10) days after its date
of passage by the City Council, as provided by Section 35 of the Charter of the
City of College Station.
PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED this 8th day of May, 2003.
APPROVED:
RON SILVIA, Mayor
ATTEST:
Connie Hooks, City Secretary
APPROVED:
City Attorney,
O/ group/l egaliordlnance/amendmentform.doc
ORDINANCE NO. Page 2
EXHIBIT "A"
That Chapter 12, "ZONING ", Section 8.20, "WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION
FACILITIES ", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, is hereby
amended as set out hereafter to read as follows:
8.20 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES (WTF)
A. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations pertaining to wireless
telecommunications facilities that are consistent with federal and state law. The City
Council of the City of College Station finds that:
It is in the public interest to promote competition in high quality telecommunications
services and the availability a broadband transmission services to all residences and
business.
It is in the public interest for the City to protect the public safety and welfare, safeguard
community and values, promote orderly planning and development and preserve historic
sites, structures and areas. Wireless telecommunications facilities should not be allowed to
detract aesthetically from the visual quality of surrounding properties or the City.
The proliferation of wireless telecommunications facilities negatively impacts the
appearance, character and property values of the community. Therefore the City should
endeavor to minimize the size, number and obtrusiveness of antennas and towers.
Collocation and stealth technologies are strongly encouraged to mitigate negative visual
impacts and reduce the total number of towers within the City.
B. WTF USE CATEGORIES: In order to expedite the siting and review process, WTF's have
been divided into use categories. The review process is more thorough as the intensity of
the use increases.
1. UNREGULATED FACILITIES: The WTF's listed below are not regulated by this
ordinance and do not require review or approval. This does not exempt these
facilities from other applicable city codes, ordinances, and permits.
a. Over the air reception devices exempted from local ordinances by the Federal
Communications Uommission (FCC)
b. Parabolic antenna less than 2 meters in diameter.
c. Omni - directional antenna (whip antenna) 6" or less in diameter and not
extending more than 12' above support structure.
d. Directional antenna 1 meter or less measured across the longest dimension and
not extending over 12' above support structure.
e. Public safety tower or antenna.
2. INTERMEDIATE FACILITIES:
a. New transmission tower less than 35 feet (10.5 meters) in height.
b. Parabolic antenna over 2 meters in diameter.
bli: Igroupldeve_serlunified development ordinanceludo draftsltelecommunications ordinancelcell towers ordinance amend.doc
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ORDINANCE NO. Page 3
c. Omni - directional antenna (whip antenna greater than 6" in diameter and/or
extending 12' above the support structure.
d. Directional antenna more than 1 meter measured across the longest dimension
and extending over 12' above support structure.
e. Attached WTF's.
3. MAJOR FACILITIES:
New transmission tower greater than 35 feet (10.5 meters) in height.
C. PERMITTABLE LOCATIONS
All Intermediate WTF's are permitted by right in the following zoning districts:
A -O M -1 C -1 PDD (except PDD -H) M -2
A -P R &D C -2 C -B
WPC NG C -3 City owned premises
Major WTF's are allowed in the following zoning districts with a Conditional Use
Permit
M -2 M -1 C -1 C -3
A -P R &D C -2 City owned premises
D. REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW TRANSMISSION TOWERS
1. SETBACKS: The standard setbacks for each zoning district will apply to WTF's
with additional setbacks or separation being required in the sections ioelow. To
t protect citizens in their homes transmission towers shall be placed a distance equal to
he height of the tower away from any residential structure or R -1, R -1B, or R -2 zone
boundary.
2. PROXIMITY TO MAJOR THOROUGHFARES: To preserve and protect the
appearance of the City's major thoroughfares and entrances to the City, additional
setbacks are placed on WTF's proposed to be placed near these areas. The setback for
these areas is determined by measuring from the centerline of the right -of -way of the
thoroughfare. Applicable thoroughfares include freeways and expressways, major
arterials and minor arterials, as shown on the Thoroughfare Plan.
a. Intermediate WTF's must be 150' from applicable thoroughfares.
b. Major WTF's must setback from applicable thoroughfares by the height of the
tower x3.
3. SEPARATION BETWEEN TOWERS: In order to prevent tower proliferation and
protect the City's natural beauty and skyline, the number of transmission towers per
square mile has been limited. New transmission towers must be placed a minimum
distance from existing towers as described here:
a. New transmission towers 35 feet or less in height shall be separated from
existing towers by a minimum distance of 1500 feet.
bli:lgroupldeve_serlunified development ordinanceludo draftsltelecommunications ordinancelcell towers ordinance amend.doc
4/30/03
ORDINANCE NO. Page 4
b. New transmission towers more than 35 feet and less than 75 feet in height shall
be separated from existing towers by a minimum distance of 2500 ft.
c. New transmission towers 75 feet or more in height shall be separated from
existing towers by a minimum distance of 3500 ft.
4. HEIGHT LIMITATIONS: Intermediate WTF's are subject to the normal height
restrictions for each zoning district where permitted by right. In any zoning district
where a tower is a conditional use, the requested height may be reduced through the
review of the visual impact analysis.
In no case shall a proposed transmission tower exceed 150 feet within the city limits,
except where a height variance is granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustments to
allow a tower or antenna that demonstrates a hardship that can only be remedied by
locating a tower or antenna exceeding such height on a proposed site within the city
limits.
5. STEALTH TOWERS
Any tower determined to meet the Stealth Tower definition of this ordinance by the
approving authority may be located in any zoning district with a Conditional Use
Permit. Approved Stealth Towers do not have to meet the tower separation or
thoroughfare setback requirements of this section.
E. LANDSCAPING SCREENING AND AESTHETIC STANDARDS: The following
requirements shall govern any transmission tower or any parabolic antenna larger than 2
meters.
a. Landsca ing: Refer to Section 11 of the Zoning Ordinance. Plant materials
and/or feencing that effectively screens the WTF site from view of the public
right -of -way will be required.
b. New transmission towers shall maintain a flat (not shiny, reflective, or glossy)
finish or be painted in accordance with any applicable standards of the FAA
(unfinished galvanized steel is not acceptable).
c. If an antenna is installed on a support 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.
d. WTF's shall not be artificially lighted with the exception of motion detectors as
security lighting, unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority. If
lighting is required, the City may review the available lighting alternatives and
approve the design that would cause the least disturbance to the surrounding
properties.
e. Towers may not be used to exhibit any signage or other advertising.
G. ATTACHED WTF'S: WTF's may attach to the exterior of any non - residential and non -
historic building within any zoning district provided the antenna and antenna support
structure or equipment are mounted flush with the vertical exterior of the building or projects
no more than 24 inches from the surface of the building to which it is attached and does not
raise the height of the building more than 10 feet and does not violate the maximum height
restriction of that zoning district. The attached WTF must be colored so as to blend with the
surrounding surface of the building.
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ORDINANCE NO. Page 5
STEALTH ANTENNAS: Any antenna meeting the stealth antenna definition of this
ordinance and locating on an alternative mounting structure may attach to the exterior of any
non - residential building within any zoning district with approval of the zoning official.
H. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
1. Site Plan Requirements
An application for administrative approval or a Conditional Use Permit for a WTF
shall include the following items (in addition to the site plan and other information
required for a standard CUP application):
a. An inventory of the applicant's existing and future towers that are either within the
City, the City's ETJ, or within at least 1 mile of the City's boundary where the ETJ
does not extend that far. The inventory shall include specific information about
the location, design, and height of each tower. The owner must have on file with
the development department a master list of all existing tower structures owned or
controlled by the owner. Such list must specify the name, address and telephone
number of the owner of record, the tower locations by address and legal
description, tower height, the number of antenna arrays on the tower, and the
names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all other users of the tower
structures. The zoning administrator may share such information with other
applicants or organizations seeking to locate antennas within the City.
b. Site plan drawn to scale clearly indicating the location, height, and design of the
proposed tower, equipment cabinets, transmission buildings and other accessory
uses, access, parking, fences, and landscaped areas.
c. The linear separation distance from other transmission towers within a one mile
radius of the proposed tower site. The linear separation distance from all
residentially zoned properties, residential structures and applicable thoroughfares
(Section D.2) within 500 feet of the proposed tower.
d. A visual impact analysis, presented as color photo simulations, showing the
proposed site of the WTF. At least four views shall be submitted looking toward
the site (typically north, south, east and west) including views from the closest
residential property and from adjacent roadways. The photo- realistic
representation shall depict a "skyline" view showing the entire height of the
proposed tower or WTF, to scale, and the structures, trees, and any other objects
contributing to the skyline profile.
e. Plans for the antenna and the antenna tower shall be prepared and signed by a
licensed professional engineer and designed to withstand sustained winds of at
least 80 miles per hour.
bli :I groupldeve_serlunified development ordinanceludo draftsltelecommunications ordinancelcell towers ordinance amend.doc
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ORDINANCE NO. Page 6
f. All telecommunication facilities must meet or exceed the current standards and
regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other agency of the Federal
Government with the authority to regulate telecommunication facilities. An
applicant for a permit shall submit an affidavit confirming compliance with
applicable regulations.
g. Grid plan (propagation map) of the service area for existing and future structures
for a period of not less than 5 years. The submission should include a map
showing the "search ring" that was required for siting the proposed facility.
2. Collocation Requirements
No new tower shall be built, constructed, or erected in the City unless the tower is capable of
supporting additional wireless telecommunication facilities. The applicant must submit a letter
addressed to the City declaring an intent and willingness to construct a proposed tower that
would allow additional service providers to locate on the new tower.
3. Documentation of Need and Alternatives
No new communications tower shall be permitted unless the applicant demonstrates to the
reasonable satisfaction of the approving authority that no existing tower, building, structure, or
alternative technology can accommodate the applicant's proposed antenna. The applicant shall
submit information related to the availability of suitable existing towers, other structures or
alternative technology that can accommodate the applicant's proposed antenna. The zoning
official or approving authority may request information necessary to demonstrate that reasonable
alternatives do not exist. The applicant must submit:
a. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all owners of other towers or usable antenna
support structures within a one -half mile radius of the proposed new tower site, including
City -owned property.
b. A sworn affidavit attesting to the fact that the applicant made diligent, but unsuccessful,
efforts to obtain permission to install or collocate the new facility on existing towers or
antenna support structures located within one -half mile radius of the proposed tower site.
The affidavit shall spell out the efforts taken by the applicant.
c. A description of the design plan proposed by the applicant to the City. The applicant must
demonstrate the need for towers and why technological design alternatives, such as the use of
microcell, cannot be utilized to accomplish the provision of the applicant's
telecommunications services.
bli: Igroupldeve_serlunified development ordinanceludo draftsltelecommunications ordinancelcell towers ordinance amend.doc
4/30/03
ORDINANCE NO. Page 7
4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS: Major WTF's must apply for a conditional use permit
(CUP) (section C) under the procedures set forth in Section 14 of the zoning ordinance. In
addition to the standard guidelines, the following additional factors shall be considered by the
Planning & Zoning Commission when determining whether to grant a CUP for WTF's:
a. height of the proposed tower surrounding topography and surrounding tree
coverage and foliage as they relate to:
(1) skyline impact, examining whether the proportions of the structure appears
to dominate or blend in with the surrounding environment.
(2) shadow impact, whether or not the proposed tower will cast shadows that
would prevent the reasonable use or enjoyment of surrounding properties.
b. design of the tower, with particular reference to design characteristics that have
the effect of reducing or eliminating visual obtrusiveness.
c. proximity of the tower to residential structures and residential district
boundaries.
d. economic impact on adjacent and nearby properties.
e. proposed ingress and egress.
f. availability of suitable alternatives and/or existing support structures.
g. All the information submitted as part of the site plan.
I. ABANDONMENT
Any WTF that is not operated for a continuous period of 12 months shall be considered
abandoned and the owner of such facility shall remove same within 60 days of receipt of notice
from the City notifying owner of such abandonment. If such facility is not removed within said
60 days, the City may remove such facility at the property owner's expense. If there are two or
more users of a single WTF, then this provision shall not become effective until all users cease
operations on the tower.
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4/30/03
ORDINANCE NO. Page 8
That Chapter 12, "ZONING ", Section 2, "DEFINITIONS ", of the Code of Ordinances of the City
of College Station, Texas, is hereby amended as follows:
Stealth Tower - a man -made tree, clock tower, church steeple, bell tower, utility pole, light
standard, identification pylon, flagpole, or similar structure, that is camouflaged to be
unrecognizable as a telecommunications facility and is designed to support or conceal the
presence of telecommunication antennas.
Stealth Antenna - a telecommunications antenna located on an alternative mounting structure that
is effectively camouflaged or concealed from view. Examples include architecturally screened
roof - mounted antennas, building- mounted antennas painted and/or textured to match the existing
structure, and antennas integrated into architectural elements.
Alternative Mounting Structure - any building or structure other than a tower which can be used
for the location of telecommunication antennas and facilities. Antennas located on these
structures may include Attached WTF's or Stealth Antenna.
bli :I groupldeve_serlunified development ordinanceludo draftsltelecommunications ordinancelcell towers ordinance amend.doc
4/30/03