HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCAgenda_96Nov17PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
November 17, 1996
7 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Tom Brace _ Wayne Groff _ Alex Hanschen _ Paul Kuettel _
Irene Struck _ Wendy Treadwell _ Betty Wilcox _
Sue Gehrz _
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 21, 1996
C. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
September 18 & 25,1996
October 9, 1996
D. Public Hearing and consideration of a proposed amendment to Chapter 9 Part
2.07 of the zoning code related to placement of telecommunications
• antennas
E. STAFF UPDATES
F. ADJOURN
~~
City of Falcon Heights
Planning Commission
Minutes
21 October 1996
Present:
Tom Brace, Chair
Wayne Groff
Paul Kuettel
Irene Struck
Wendy Treadwell
Betty Wilcox
Susan Hoyt, City Administrator
Alex Henschen
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by Chair Tom Brace.
The minutes were unanimously approved with the correction to reflect a five year capital
improvement plan (not a fifteen year plan).
CONSIDERATION OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A SECOND HAND
STORE AT 1579A HAMLINE AVENUE, Chapter 9, Part 8.01 Subdivision 3(d)
Chair Brace explained that there was a request from Mr. Dirk Bordsen, the property
owner of 1579A Hamline Avenue, for a conditional use permit for a second hand furniture
store at this address. Administrator Hoyt reported that the request for the conditional use
permit must be approved by the planning commission if the property owner demonstrates
that he can meet reasonable conditions. The conditional use permit goes with the property
not with the person operating the business. Administrator Hoyt reported that the
proposed store would be operated by Ms. Sandy Roth, who planned to purchase her
goods from estate sales and auctions. Hoyt reviewed the proposed conditions for the
store. She stated that the property owner and the proprietor were able to meet these
conditions.
After questions and discussion about the proposed use and its viability in the city,
Chair Brace opened the public hearing at 7:31 PM. There being no one to address the
commission, Chair Brace closed the public hearing at 7:33 PM.
Commissioner Kuettel moved to approve the resolution approving a conditional use
permit for a second hand furniture store at 1579 Hamline Avenue with the conditions.
• Seconded by Commissioner Struck. The motion passed unanimously.
Absent:
• CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING CODE
REGARDING TELECONIl~IUNICATIONS AN7CENNAS AND TOWERS, Chapter 9
Part 2.07.
Administrator Hoyt reminded the planning commission that the city's moratorium on
telecommunications antennas and towers was due to expire on December 31, 1996. She
reviewed the proposed amendment to the city's zoning code regarding the placement and
design of telecommunications antennas and towers. In sum, the proposed amendments
permit personal communications devices under 20 feet in any district, pending certain
conditions. Commercial telecommunications antennas are permitted on the city hall roof
pending certain conditions and lease agreements.
The commission discussed the proposed amendments. Commissioner Brace and
Commissioner Treadwell stated their belief that it is important to have at least one location
within the city's land use controls that may work for corrnnercial antennas. Commissioner
Struck moved to schedule a public hearing on the proposed amendments for November
18, 1996 after 7:00 PM. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Groff. The motion
passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
• Respectfully submitted
Susan Hoyt
City Administrator
3
x
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 9, 1996
Mayor Gehrz convened the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
~T~~X~~~
Gehrz, Gibson Talbot, Jacobs, and Kuettel. Also present were Hoyt and Asleson.
ABSENT
Hustad.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Melvin Kuhens, 1747 Holton Street, requested that the city council designate the area
around Falcon Heights Elementary School as an official "school zone" and address the
speeding problem in the area.
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 1996 AND SEPTEMBER 25, 1996
Minutes were approved by unanimous consent.
• CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED
Motion was made by Councilmember Gibson Talbot to approve the following consent
agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Disbursements
2. Licenses
3. Approval of election judges
POLICY AGENDA
.REQUEST FOR PLACEMENT OF CROSSWALKS AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF
HOLTON STREET AND GARDEN AVENUE
Administrator Hoyt reported that a request has been received to place crosswalks at
Holton and Garden Avenues to facilitate school crossing in the area. The city engineer
recommends limiting crosswalks since they become ignored when there are too many
in the area. However, since this request is near a school, a clearly delineated crosswalk
complementing the school's crossing pattern makes some sense.
Melvin Kuhens, 1747 Holton Street, requested that the crosswalk be placed on the west
. side of the Garden/Holton intersection and to mark the streets along the edge to mark
where the children walk to school. In addition, he asked for more enforcement of the
four way stop signs already in place m the area.
Jim Atherton, 1847 Simpson Street, asked for more enforcement of stop signs and for
the addition of crosswalks.
i
' City Council Minutes
October 9, 1996
Page 2
•
Administrator Hoyt noted that she would direct the issue of a white line street marker
to the engineer to see if this was a permitted street marking. The police have been
notified of the problem with the stop sign violations and are attempting to provide more
patrol of the area. Hoyt also noted for the viewing audience that the city had received
requests for. stop signs at Hamline and Garden, just east of Falcon Heights School. This
request will be handled by Ramsey County.
The council thanked the residents for their input and directed staff to investigate the
city's legal options and costs of installation.
CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE SALE OF $1,645,000 OF
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE LARPENTEUR AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION
AND STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Administrator Hoyt reported that the proposed bond issue would finance all city costs
for the Larpenteur Avenue streetscape and street reconstruction activities in the next
three years.
Bob Thistle, representing Springsted, Inc, outlined the bonding process and explained
that the proposed resolution would authorize his company to solicit offers for the sale
of bonds on behalf of the city. The funds to pay back the bonds will come from TIF
district revenue. Based upon current cash flow, there will be enough revenue from
these districts to cover the bond payments.
Mayor Gehrz asked if there was any looming TIF legislation that might affect the bond
sale. Thistle noted that the legislation may change in 1997 and the uses of TIF funds
might be restricted. It is unlikely, however, that legislation would be applied
retroactively.
Motion was made by Councilmember Jacobs to approve Resolution 96-16, authorizing
the solicitation of offers for the $1,645,000 general obligation tax increment bonds,
series 1996A. Motion passed unanimously.
CITY INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Gehrz reported that she'd distributed Falcon Heights' goals at the Minnesota
Mayors Conference, as other cities were interested in the goal setting process. She
also reported that Falcon Heights' tobacco ordinance had been featured on
Norwegian Public Television as a model for preventing youth access to tobacco.
Finally, she thanked St. Paul Dispatch for the tour that the council had taken of St.
• Paul's emergency dispatch center.
Councilmember Kuettel reminded the viewing audience that the city has a scavenging
ordinance and therefore it is against code to take materials from other people's
recycling bins. A call to the police with a license plate number would be appropriate
if this happens to a resident.
f
•
City Council Minutes
October 9, 1996
Page 3
Administrator Hoyt reported that the Fire Department would be having its open house
on Saturday, October 12th.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
~ ~~~
Carla Asleson
Recording Secretary
. ~~.~
Susan L. Gehrz, Mayor
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 1996
~ ~ 2 9 ~:-
Mayor Gehrz convened the meeting at 7:04 p.m.
PRESENT
Gehrz, Gibson Talbot, and Jacobs. Also present were Hoyt, Asleson, and Maurer.
ABSENT
Hustad (arrived later), Kuettel
COMMUNITY FORUM
There was no one wishing to take advantage of the community forum.
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 1996
Minutes were approved by unanimous consent.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED
• Motion was made by Councilmember Gibson Talbot to approve the following consent
agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
1. Disbursements
2. Licenses
3. Approval of a variance of three feet from the required five foot side yard setback for
the construction of a utility shed at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795
Holton Street, Chapter 9-2.04 subd. 1(c)
Councilmember Hustad arrived at 7:09 p.m.
POLICY AGENDA
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF
LARPENTEUR AVENUE FROM FULHAM STREET TO CLEVELAND AVENUE
Engineer Maurer reported that Ramsey County wishes to proceed with the first phase of the
Larpenteur Avenue reconstruction project and needs the city to approve the plans and enter
into a financing agreement. The city's share of the cost is S 123,100.36. The plans have
been reviewed by the city engineer and landscape architect. The U of M golf co_ urse
underpass is not included in the plans but may be added as a separate project at a later
time.
• Dan Soler, Ramsey County Project Engineer, reported that the City of Lauderdale approved
the plans on the previous evening. Lauderdale has asked for restorative treatment in the
ravine by Gas Bear Pond for erosion control. That ravine is about 200 to 300 feet long and
part of it is on the golf course property. This request is not in the Larpenteur plans,
although it may potentially be added as a separate project at a later time.
City Council Minutes
September 25, 1996
Page 2
•
29
Motion was made by Councilmember Jacobs to approve Resolution
County's final plans for the reconstruction of Larpenteur Avenue between Fulh m ng Ramsey
Cleveland Avenue. Motion passed unanimously. Street and
Motion was made by Councilmember Hustad to a
Ramsey County for the construction and financing of the La penteur Avenue p orect~bnt with
Fulham Street and Cleveland Avenue. Motion passed unanimously. ~ etween
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC CO
SIGNALS AT THE INTERSECTION OF CLEVELAND AND LARPENTEUR NTROL
Administrator Hoyt reported that the proposed agreement states that Ramse Coun
maintain the traffic signal at Cleveland and Larpenteur with the exception of the Emer e
Vehicle. Preemption System (EVPS), which the city has requested for use y ty will
vehicles. The city would be responsible for the initial cost and the maint g ncy
with its emergency
This agreement would be very similar to the one that the city currently has w'th the EVPS.
for the traffic signal at Arona and Hamline. county
Motion was made by Councilmember Gibson Talbot to approve the agreement with
County for the maintenance of the traffic control signal and EVPS at the interse Ramsey
' Cleveland and Larpenteur. Motion passed unanimously, on of
UPDATE FROM NORTHWEST YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Paul Ciernia and Kay Andrews of Northwest Youth and Family Services gave a brief u d
the organization's activities, their revenue and funding sources, and the number off ate on
assisted by the organization in Falcon Heights. people
CITY INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Gehrz reported on a tree planting project in the University Grove neighborhood a
the League of Women Voters' town meeting. nd on
Administrator Hoyt reported that the Fire Department Open House was sc
heduled for October
5th. She also reported that the agreement between St. Paul and Falcon Heights for Adva
Life Support service had been approved by St. Paul and that St. Paul would begin rovnced
ALS service on Monday, September 30, 1996. p dmg
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
~. ~~Q .~~
.- ,,
Carla Asleson
Recording Secretary
~~ :~
Susan L. Gehrz, Mayor
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 1996 ~ ~ -~
Mayor Gehrz called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
PRESENT
Mayor Gehrz, Councilmembers Jacobs, Kuettel, Hustad. Also Administrator Ho t.
ABSENT y
Gibson Talbot
CONSENT AGENDA AppROVED
Motion was made by Councilmember Jacobs to approve the following consent
agenda. Motion passed unanimously.
1 • Request to fill the position of parks and public works superintendent
POLICY AGENDA
• SELECTION OF MEDIA COLD
RS FOR LARPENTEUR AVENUE
Michael Schroeder, the landscape architect for the Larpenteur Avenue project, presente
color for the concrete median. The council discussed the options but came to no conclusi
d three options for
REQUEST TO RENEGOTIATE THE RECYCLING CONTRACT °n.
Councilmember Jacobs explained that the Solid Waste Commission is asking the coun '
recommendation that staff start with renegotiating the recycling contract with E-Z Recyclin r
going out for RFP s, cil to approve the
g ather than
work. The council d scussed getting two rcostsr aone hwithFcere
pproach can be used if negotiating doesn't
Councilmember Jacobs said that there currently is not a good market for recyclables.
rene otiate the contract. The motion was a al boxes and one without cereal boxes.
g Hustad moved to
pproved unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p,m,
Susan L. Gehrz, Mayor
Susan Hoyt, Administrator and
Acting Recording Secretary
• Planning Commission
Date: 11 /18/96
Item: 1
ITEM: Public hearing and consideration of a proposed amendment to
Chapter 9 Part 2.07 of the zoning code related to placement of
telecommunications antennas
SUBMITTED BY: Susan Hoyt, City Administrator
REVIEWED BY: Planning Commission
Ellen Sampson, City Attorney
EXPLANATION/DESCRIPTION:
PUBLIC HEARING
At the October 21 planning commission meeting, the commission discussed the
proposed amendments to the city's zoning code related to telecommunications
devices and antennas. The commission scheduled a public hearing on the
proposed amendments for November 18, 1996 on or about 7:00 PM.
PURPOSE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGE
Due to recent changes in Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules on
communications, cities are studying where to place communications antennas
and towers to be able to accommodate the needs of residents and businesses
while protecting the public health, safety and general welfare of the community.
The city wants to;
facilitate the provision of wireless telecommunication services to residents
and businesses within the city;
- minimize adverse visual effects of towers and antennas;
avoid potential damage to adjacent properties;
- maximize the use of existing towers and buildings to accommodate new
wireless telecommunications antennas in order to reduce the number of
towers and antennas serving the community.
• BACKGROUND
Moratorium. In June, 1996 the city enacted a moratorium on communications
antennas and towers due to the tremendous number of inquiries from
commercial telecommunications businesses about where they could locate
antennas within the city. These businesses are aggressively seeking out
locations on public facilities, typically water towers, where they can locate
antennas high enough to avoid interterence from other activities. These
requests are considered "commercial towers and antennas". The moratorium
expires on December 31, 1996.
Locations in Falcon Hei hts. In Falcon Heights, the staff directs these
communication inquiries to the St. Paul Water Utility and the U of M because the
companies are looking for water tower locations. Thy St. Paul Water Utility
owns a water tower on the State Fair property and also at Dudley just off of
Cleveland Avenue on the southern border of the city. The St. Paul Water Utilit
will consider leasing space to these communications companies. In addition to
these water towers, the University of Minnesota is located on high ground, has
the tallest water tower and also several tall buildings on the St. Paul (Falcon
Heights) campus.
DRAFT ORDINANCE
Draft ordinance . Despite the fact that most communications companies will
want to locate antennas on existing water towers outside the city's land use
jurisdiction, it is timely to update the city's ordinance. It is also important to kee
it simple. The draft ordinance reflects the following criteria: p
1 • All antennas must be located on a man-made structure, cannot be
free-standing and cannot exceed 20 feet in height.
- maximum height of 20 feet above a principal or accessory structure
(the structure must not be constructed for the purpose of
supporting the antenna)
no free-standing towers or antennas
subject to aesthetic requirements regarding color, no signs
and no lighting
2
•
2• Private antennas over 10 feet in height are a conditional use in
any zoning district.
requires a conditional use permit for over 10 feet in height above a
structure. (Maximum height is 20 feet above a structure)
recognizes that the FCC requires cities to allow private
communications antennas for amateur radio in every district
This means that if technics//y necessary the conditional use permit
can allow a taller antenna or afree-standing antenna or tower for
amateur radio transmissions. If found technically necessary, these
facilities must be setback in the rear yard -one foot from each
property line for every one foot of antenna or tower. (Most cities
require a two or four foot setback to one foot of tower but this
would make it impossible to accommodate this unique request in
almost all yards in Falcon Heights.)
3. Satellite dish antennas are not subject to zoning.
Recognizes the likelihood that the FCC ruling would not permit
cities' to regulate the location of satellite dish antennas.
4. Commercial antennas must be located on the U of M water tower or
the U of M or State Fair public buildings or on the St. Paul Water
Utility towers if approved by these authorities. There is also a
location proposed on the city hall if certain conditions are met.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed ordinance
2. Current ordinance
3. Proposed,resolution recommending an ordinance amending the zoning
code, Chapter 9, 2.07 Subdivision 2.
ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Report from staff
2• Questions from commissioners to the staff
3. Open public hearing
4. Close public hearing
b. Discuss proposed ordinance
6. Move the resolution approving the ordinance in the desired final form for
consideration by the city council
3
0
• Draft 11/1 a^96
9 - 2.07 Heights Limitations
(Delete Subdivision 1. a. (3) and (4) of existing code and replace with
Subdivision 2)
Subdivision 2. Telecommunication Antennas
a. Tower height. Tower height includes the height of the tower from grade
to peak including all antennas and other attachments. If the tower is
located on a structure, the tower height is from base to peak including all
antennas and other attachments.
b. Antenna height. Antenna height includes the height of the antenna from
the base of the antenna to the peak and all other attachments.
c. Private antennas.
1) Private antennas 10 feet or less are a permitted use.
• 2) Private antennas over 10 feet but no more than 20 feet in height
above aman-made structure, where the man-made structure exists
as a principal or a permitted accessory use on the property, shall
be a conditional use in all districts.
a) The setback for the antenna must be one foot/per foot of
antenna from all property lines.
3) In accordance with the Federal Communications Commission
preemptive ruling PRB1,
a) a private antenna may exceed 20 feet in
height above aman-made structure for the purpose of
supporting amateur radio provided that a determination is
made by the city council as part of the conditional use permit
that the additional antenna height is technically necessary
to successfully engage in amateur radio communications;
b) afree-standing tower or afree-standing antenna not to
exceed 50 feet from grade to peak may be constructed for
the purpose of supporting amateur radio provided that a
determination is made by the city council as part of its
. conditional use permit that a freestanding tower and/or
antenna is technically necessary to successfully engage in
amateur radio communications.
(1) Afree-standing tower or antenna must be located in
the rear yard and be set back one foot from the
side and rear property lines for each foot of tower
and/or antenna.
d. Commercial antennas. Commercial receiving or transmitting antennas
shall be prohibited in properties zoned residential, commercial or public
except
1) when located on existing water towers and public structures within
the city limits, but outside the city's land use jurisdiction, as
approved by the public institutional property owners controlling
these water towers and public structures;
2)) when located on city hall with a maximum antenna
height of 20 feet under a negotiated lease whenever such
placement is technically feasible pending the following minimal
conditions:
. (a) The antennas will not interfere with the purpose for
which the city owned property is intended;
(b) The antennas or tower have no adverse impact on
surrounding private property;
(c) The applicant is willing to obtain adequate liability insurance
and commit to a lease agreement which includes equitable
compensation for the use of public facilities and other
necessary provisions and safeguards. The fees shall be
established by the city council;
(d) The applicant will submit a letter of credit, performance
bond, or other security acceptable to the city to cover the
antennas' or towers' removal.
(e) The antennas or tower will not interfere with other users of a
higher priority including law enforcement, fire, ambulance
and other governmental agencies.
(f) Upon reasonable notice, the antennas or towers may be
required to be removed at the owner's expense.
(g) The applicant must reimburse the city for any costs which it
incurs because of the presence of the applicant's antennas
or towers.
2
e. Antennas -Aesthetics. All antennas and towers upon which antennas are
placed shall be designed and situated so as to be as visually unobtrusive
as possible, screened when appropriate, utilizing a city approved color
and containing no signs, logos or lighting, except as may be required by
any state or federal regulation. Free standing antennas and towers (built
upon the ground as opposed to placement on the roof of an existing
building) are found to be an aesthetic blight and are prohibited.
License required. The applicant shall present documentation of the
possession of any required license by local, state or federal agencies.
g. Nonconforming Uses. Existing transmitting and receiving facilities at the
time of the adoption of this section may remain in service. However, at
such time as any material change is made in the facilities, full compliance
with this section shall be required. No transmitting or receiving antennas
or towers may be added to existing nonconforming facilities.
h. Building Permit. A building permit shall be required for the construction of
new antennas and towers upon which antennas will be placed and shall
include wind loading and strength and footing calculations prepared by a
Minnesota registered engineer, whenever deemed necessary by the city
engineer.
Private satellite dish antennas. Private satellite dish antennas are not
subject to this subdivision.
Hand-held telephone. two-wav radio or similar devices. Hand-held
telephone, two way radio or similar devices not requiring an exterior
reception or receiving antennae are permitted if operated so as not to be
visible from outside a principal building nor producing any electrical or
other affect upon adjacent or nearby properties.
3
Draft 11/1 a/96
ADD TO DEFINITIONS SECTION OF CITY CODE
Antenna. Equipment used for transmitting or receiving telecommunication,
television or radio signals, which is located on the exterior of, or attached to any
building or structure, but not including "satellite dish antennas".
Antenna -Commercial. Any pole, spire or structure, or any combination, to
which an antenna is, or could be attached, or which is designed for an antenna
to be attached, and all supporting lines, cables, wires and braces erected for the
commercial use of information.
Tower site. A location(s) on which is or may be located one or more
telecommunication radio or television antennas available for connection and use
by any person, firm or corporation.
Antenna -satellite dish A parabolic shaped antenna (including all supporting
apparatus) used for receiving televisions signals, which is located on the ground
or exterior of, or outside of, any building or structure.
•
4
s 9.2.0
9-2.07 Height Limitations
Subdivision 1. Heicrht Limitations
Any structural height that exceeds the zoning code must have
a conditional use permit.
a. Exemot:
1. Height limitations shall not apply to belfries,
cupolas and domes, monuments, public and public utility
facilities, silos, barns, church spires, chimneys,
smokestacks, flag poles, and parapet walls extending
not more than four feet above the limiting height of
the building.
2. Height limitations shall not apply to roof top
structures such as mechanical equipment, elevator shaft
and equipment enclosures and similar structures,
provided said exceptions do not exceed ten (10) feet in
height above the roof line and the area does not exceed
fifteen percent (15°s) of the roof area.
• ~ Height limitations shall not apply to private T.V.
~; or radio reception antennae extending more than ten
~~^ - (10) feet above the limiting height of the building
. except if any portion of the structure exceeds four (4)
~~~' .~ feet in diameter and is more than twenty percent (20 0 }
~' opaque, a conditional use permit shall be required.
~~`' Any T.V. or radio transmission or reception device or
p,e~~ structure not attached to the principal building shall
require a conditional use permit.
4. Hand-held telephone, two-way radio or similar
devices not requiring an exterior reception or
('~l receiving antennae are permitted if operated so as not
~(~~" -' to be visible from outside a principal building nor
producing any electrical or other affect upon adjacent
or nearby properties.
b. Airport•
In all cases, however, no structure shall violate
the limits and provisions of the Airport Plan of
the Metropolitan Development Guide.
•
38
• 9-2.08, 2.09
9-2.08 Essential Services. Essential services as defined
herein shall be permitted as authorized and regulated
by State law and Code of the City of Falcon Keights,
except as further regulated herein.
9-2.09 Annexed Territory. Areas being annexed shall be
appropriately zoned in accordance with the
Comprehensive Municipal Plan at the time of annexation.
Pending official zoning action by the City Council, all
annexed land shall be considered as zoned "R-1.°
r~
LJ
39
• No. 96-08
Date: 11/18/96
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION FOR PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO TOWERS
WHEREAS, in order to accommodate the communication needs of residents
and businesses while protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of the
community, the planning commission fmds that these regulations are necessary to:
1. facilitate the provision of wireless telecommunication services to
the residents and businesses of the City;
2. minimize adverse visual effects of towers through careful design
and siting standards;
• 3. avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure
through structural standards and setback requirements; and,
4. maximize the use of existing and approved towers and buildings to
accommodate new wireless telecommunication antennas in order to reduce the
number of towers needed to serve the community.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Falcon Heights Planning
Commission recommends adoption of ordinance 96.08, amending Chapter 9,2.07 §2.
Adopted this 18th day of November, 1996.
No. 0-96-08
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
ORDINANCE
Date November 27, 1996
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9 OF THE CITY CODE RELATED TO HEIGHT
LIMITATIONS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS
The City Council of the City of Falcon Heights does hereby ordain:
Section 1. Chapter 9-2.07 is hereby amended to read as follows:
9-2.07 Height Limitations
Subdivision 1. Height Limitations
Any structural height that exceeds the zoning code must have a conditional use
permit.
a. Exempt:
Height limitations shall not apply to belfries, cupolas and domes,
monuments, public and public utility facilities, silos, barns, church
spires, chimneys, smokestacks, flag poles, and parapet walls
extending not more than four feet above the limiting height of the
building.
2. Height limitations shall not apply to roof top structures such as
mechanical equipment, elevator shaft and equipment enclosures and
similar structures, provided said exceptions do not exceed ten (10)
feet in height above the roof line and the area does not exceed fifteen
percent (15 %) of the roof area.
• ,
. b. Airport:
In all cases, however, no structure shall violate the limits and
provisions of the Airport Plan of the Metropolitan Development Guide.
Subdivision 2. Telecommunication Antennas
a. Tower height. Tower height includes the height of the tower from
grade to peak including all antennas and other attachments If the
tower is located on a structure, the tower height is from base to peak
including all antennas and other attachments
b. Antenna height. Antenna height includes the height of the antenna
from the base of the antenna to the peak and all other attachments
c. Private antennas.
11 Private antennas 10 feet or less are a permitted use
2) Private antennas over 10 feet but no more than 20 feet in
height above aman-made structure where the man-made
structure exists as a principal or a permitted accessory use on
the property. shall be a conditional use in all districts
• a The setback for the antenna must be one foot/ er foot
of antenna from all property lines.
31 In accordance with the Federal Communications Commission
preemptive ruling PRB1,
a) a private antenna may exceed 20 feet in height above a
man-made structure for the purpose of supporting
amateur radio provided that a determination is made by
the city council as part of the conditional use permit
that the additional antenna height is technically
necessarv to successfully enaaae in amateur radio
communications:
b) afree-standing tower or afree-standing antenna not to
exceed 50 feet from grade to peak may be constructed
for the purpose of supporting amateur radio provided
that a determination is made by the city council as part
of its conditional use permit that a freestanding tower
and/or antenna is technically necessarv to successfully
enaaae in amateur radio communications
• (1) Afree-standing tower or antenna must be
located in the rear yard and be set back one foot
from the side and rear property lines for each
foot of tower and/or antenna.
• d. Commercial antennas. Commercial receiving or transmitting antennas
shall be prohibited in properties zoned residential. commercial or
public except:
1) when located on existing water towers and public structures
within the city limits, but outside the city's land use
jurisdiction, as approved by the public institutional property
owners controlling these water towers and public structures•
2) when located on city hall with a maximum antenna height of
20 feet under a negotiated lease whenever such placement is
technically feasible pending the following minimal conditions:
(a- The antennas will not interfere with the purpose for
which the city owned property is intended;
(b- The antennas or tower have no adverse impact on
surrounding private property:
Ic1 The applicant is willing to obtain adequate liability
insurance and commit to a lease agreement which
includes equitable compensation for the use of public
• facilities and other necessary provisions and safeguards
The fees shall be established by the city council•
Id1 The applicant will submit a letter of credit performance
bond. or other security acceptable to the city to cover
the antennas' or towers' removal.
(el The antennas or tower will not interfere with other
users of a higher priority including law enforcement
fire, ambulance, and other governmental agencies
If1 Upon reasonable notice, the antennas or towers may be
required to be removed at the owner's expense
(g) The applicant must reimburse the city for any costs
which it incurs because of the presence of the
applicant's antennas or towers.
C]
e. Antennas -Aesthetics. All antennas and towers upon which antennas
are placed shall be designed and situated so as to be as visually
unobtrusive as possible, screened when appropriate, utilizing a city
approved color and containing no signs, locos or lighting. except as
may be reauired by anv state or federal regulation. Free standing
antennas and towers (built upon the ground as opposed to placement
on the roof of an existing building) are found to be an aesthetic blight
and are prohibited.
f. License reauired. The applicant shall present documentation of the
possession of anv required license by local, state or federal agencies.
g. Nonconforming Uses. Existing transmitting and receiving facilities at
the time of the adoption of this section may remain in service.
However, at such time as anv material chance is made in the
facilities, full compliance with this section shall be reauired. No
transmitting or receiving antennas or towers may be added to existing
nonconforming facilities.
h. Building Permit. A building permit shall be reauired for the
construction of new antennas and towers upon which antennas will
be placed and shall include wind loading and strength and footing
• calculations prepared by a Minnesota registered engineer, whenever
deemed necessary by the city engineer.
i. Private satellite dish antennas. Private satellite dish antennas are not
subject to this subdivision.
i. Hand-held telephone, two-wav radio or similar devices. Hand-held
telephone, two wav radio or similar devices not reauirinq an exterior
reception or receiving antennae are permitted if operated so as not to
be visible from outside a principal building nor producing anv electrical
or other affect upon adjacent or nearby properties.
Section 2. Chapter 9-1.02 subd. 2 is hereby amended to add the following
definitions:
Antenna. Equipment used for transmitting or receiving telecommunication,
television or radio signals, which is located on the exterior of, or attached to any
building or structure, but not including "satellite dish antennas".
Antenna -Commercial. Any pole, spire or structure, or any combination, to which
an antenna is, or could be attached, or which is designed for an antenna to be
attached, and all supporting lines, cables, wires and braces erected for the
commercial use of information.
• Tower site. A location(s) on which is or may be located one or more
telecommunication radio or television antennas available for connection and use by
any person, firm or corporation.
Antenna -satellite dish. A parabolic shaped antenna (including all supporting
apparatus) used for receiving televisions signals, which is located on the ground or
exterior of, or outside of, any building or structure.
Section 3. This ordinance, passed the 27th day of November, 1996, shall become
effective upon publication of a summary resolution.
Moved by: Approved by:
GEHRZ _ In Favor
GIBBON TALBOT
HUSTAD _ Against Attested by:
JACOBS
KUETTEL
:7
Mayor
November 27, 1996
Date
City Clerk
November 27, 1996
Date
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