Planning Board DRAFT Summary Sheet - Telecommunications Update 02-2022
Telecommunications Update
Code Sections Affected
Table 4.2.1, Principal Use Table Subsection 4.3.3.C, Communication and Information Facilities
Key Intent
• Reduce the potential visual impacts of wireless towers on nearby residential properties
• Require collocation onto existing towers when possible
• Prioritize nonresidential districts when new towers are needed
Changes
• The amendment incorporates a state law provision that allows the County to require evidence that new antenna and equipment cannot be collocated onto an existing tower in the applicant’s search ring. Applicants for new towers would be required to submit information with their application package explaining why collocation is not reasonably feasible. Staff has already modified the special use permit application to include this provision, but this amendment would codify the requirement in the UDO. (See Subsection 4.3.3.C)
• Special use permit applicants would be required to conduct balloon tests at proposed tower sites. These tests are sometimes voluntarily performed by tower applicants as a way of demonstrating a proposed tower’s visual impact, though the code does not currently require them. The amendment would make tests a required part of a special use permit application submittal package (See Subsection 4.3.3.C)
• The amendment clarifies that monopole structures are permitted and that lattice type structures are prohibited in residential and commercial districts.
Towers in those districts are also required to conceal feed lines, antenna, and other equipment, either within the cannister or through an alternative method of screening. Towers located within general residential districts (RA, AR, R-20, R-20S, R-15, R-10, R-7, or R-5) must utilize faux tree stealthing in specific situations. (See Subsection 4.3.3.C)
• The amendment reduces setbacks for towers in nonresidential districts to incentivize developers to locate within those areas rather than in residential districts. Currently, tower setbacks are applied from residentially zoned areas at a distance equal to the height of the tower. As drafted, towers in nonresidential districts would be subject to engineered fall zones, which are certified to maintain public safety at a setback distance less than the height of the tower. (See Subsection 4.3.3.C)
• Wireless support structures are proposed as allowed by right in commercial districts to incentivize developers to locate towers within those districts rather than residential districts. Tower developers would be subject to administrative Technical Review Committee approvals in these areas, whereas developers would be required to go through the special use permit process in residential areas. Towers are currently allowed by right in the I-2 and I-2, Light and Heavy
Industrial, districts. (See Table 4.2.1)