During the August 3, 2016 City Council Meeting, discussion ensued on the status of the Telecommunication Ordinance and at that time, the City Council requested that this item be brought back before the Council.  The City Council last reviewed the proposed Ordinance on May 20, 2015.  Please see attached meeting minutes for additional information on the history of this item (9 items).  On October 23, 2014, the proposed Telecommunication Ordinance regulations were presented to the Planning and Zoning Board for review and approval. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of the draft regulations.    

In general, these proposed regulations: 

• create industry standard definitions; 
• establish requirements for wireless communication companies to register with the City;  
• identify location and height requirements for any new antennas, poles, or boxes planned to be placed within the City's public rights-of-way; 
• create design standards for any new wireless communication structures planned to be placed in the City's public rights-of-ways;  
• promote the collocation of new wireless communications structures on existing infrastructure;  
• establish a waiver process for the proposed regulations;  
• create guidelines for relocating and abandoning existing and future communications facilities;  
• create construction bond and security funds requirements; 
• require wireless communications that operate within the City to pay an annual fee to the City.  

The proposed wireless communications facilities regulations as presented are consistent with Federal and State regulations.  Additionally, the proposed wireless communications facilities regulations are consistent with and compatible with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances.