2019.03.18 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Agenda Number G.6 CITY OF HUGO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Memorandum TO: Bryan Bear, City Administrator FROM: Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant, through Rachel Juba, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Right of Way and Telecommunications Ordinance Amendment — To Regulate Small Wireless Facilities. DATE: March 6, 2019, for the City Council meeting of March 18, 2019 1. PLANNING COMMISSION UPDATE: At its February 28, 2019 meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and considered the right-of-way and telecommunications ordinance amendments. There was no one that spoke during the public hearing. A Planning Commissioner asked if the City could require specific separation requirements between structures. Staff explained that the State Statute does not allow the City to dictate a specific dimension for separation, but the City can work with the applicant on reasonable separation distance between structures. Staff added this to the ordinance amendment. The Planning Commission generally agreed with the revisions and made a recommendation to approve the revisions to the ordinances to the City Council. 2. BACKGROUND: As cellular technology becomes increasingly important in our everyday lives, the demand for cell providers, better coverage, and data has spurred requests for new cellular towers and equipment. Although traditional technologies, which consists of large, bulky antennas bolted to tops of towers, are still highly relevant, there are a variety of smaller, more sophisticated options in use today. A small wireless facility, also known as a small cell, is a newer technology that is a complimentary piece of equipment to traditional cell towers and provides additional cellular data coverage. The antenna and all exposed elements of the small wireless facility can fit within an enclosure of no more than six cubic feet. These facilities are small enough to be mounted on existing structures such as light poles and power lines, which are often found in the public right- of-way (ROW). The image to the on the next page is a standard small wireless facility and supporting equipment.