01/14/1998 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Planning & Zoning Board January 14, 1998 Page 3 • that antennas of this nature are owned by the service provider, not by the property owner; • • and that the City's desire is that such antennas be located on existing support structures. Mr. Gelbmann asked if Section 1.6. as written is perhaps too specific, suggesting that other types of communication, such as citizen band, might fall under this category. Mr. Brixius indicated that he would have no objection to adding citizen band to this definition. Mr. Brixius continued, with specific attention to the definitions of Support Structure, being any structure other than a tower to which an antenna can be attached; Tower, which would be a separate structure intended primarily for the purpose of mounting antennas; and Tower, Temporary Mobile, which would also be intended primarily for mounting of antennas, but on a mobile structure. Next Mr. Brixius referred to Section 2., which is intended to address general provisions of the City's zoning code. Of particular significance, the last sentence of Section 2. Subd. 15., Antennas, A., Purpose and Intent states: The provisions of the section are intended to maximize the use of existing towers, structures, and buildings to accommodate new wireless telecommunication antennas in order to minimize the number of towers needed to serve the community. Mr. Brixius then summarized the 14 General Standards of Section 2. Subd. 15.B., which apply to all antennas, including restriction as to location of antennas on nonconforming structures, setback requirements for tower location, removal of obsolete or unused antennas within 12 months, compliance with Uniform Building and Electrical Code requirements, compliance with manufacturer's specifications, authorization of property owners, prohibition of advertising and artificial illumination, accommodation of additional users, appearance of towers, safety specifications, impact upon ongoing public services, and amateur radio towers including federally licensed amateur radio stations. With respect to No. 7 of these standards which refers to advertising restrictions, Mr. Johnson asked if that would include U.S. West placing its name on an antenna intended for its use. Mr. Brixius explained that an identification marker would probably be acceptable. The purpose of this provision is to prevent antennas and antenna structures from becoming advertising billboards. Mr. Brixius then summarized Section 2., Subd. 15., C., which provides for certification, inspection and maintenance of towers, antenna support structures and related equipment or structures. No. 3 under this section states, in part, "The City shall have authority to enter onto the property upon which a tower is located, between the inspections and