Design standards for development plan review

[Amended 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-12; 6-2-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-5]

The following design standards shall apply to all cellular communications antenna arrays, except public cellular communications antenna arrays, and cellular communications towers:

A. For the erection of a cellular communications antenna array on an existing structure, the proposed facility shall preserve or enhance the preexisting character of the building or structure on which it is located, as well as the surrounding buildings and land uses. All components of the proposed facility shall be integrated through location and design to be compatible with the existing characteristics of the site to the extent practical. Existing on-site vegetation shall be preserved or improved and the disturbance of the existing topography shall be minimized, unless such disturbance would result in less visual impact of the facility on the surrounding areas.
B. For the erection of a cellular communications tower, the proposed facility shall preserve or enhance the preexisting character of the surrounding buildings and land uses as much as possible. All components of the proposed facility shall be integrated through location and design to be compatible with the existing characteristics of the site to the extent practical. Existing on- site vegetation shall be preserved or improved and the disturbance of the existing topography shall be minimized, unless such disturbance would result in less visual impact of the facility on the surrounding areas.
C. Appropriate screening shall be installed at all tower sites to screen views from adjacent properties and streets. Planting shall be of such a height and density to ensure screening. Screening shall consist of plant and/or tree material approved by the Director of Planning. Screening shall not be less than five feet in width, nor less than eight feet in height. Screening may be waived on those sides or sections which are adjacent to undevelopable lands. The owner of the property shall be responsible for all maintenance and shall replace any dead plantings within 30 days.
D. Towers shall either maintain a galvanized steel finish or, subject to any applicable Federal Aviation Administration standards, be painted a neutral color, so as to reduce visual obtrusiveness.
E. At a tower site, the design of the buildings and related structures shall use materials, colors, textures, screening and landscaping that will blend the tower facilities to the natural setting and existing environment.
F. If an antenna is installed on a structure other than a tower, the antenna and supporting electrical and mechanical equipment must be of a neutral color identical to, or closely compatible with, the color of the supporting structure so as to make the antenna and related equipment as visually unobtrusive as possible.
G. Towers shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other applicable authority. If lighting is required, the permitting authority may review the available lighting alternatives and approve the design that would cause the least disturbance to the surrounding views.
H. There shall be no signs, symbols, flags, banners or other devices or things attached to or painted or inscribed upon any tower.

Editor's Note: Former § 185-208, Development plan review, was repealed 6-2-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-5. This ordinance also renumbered former § 185-209 as § 185-208.