Purpose

The purpose of this article is to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents while accommodating the telecommunications needs of residents and businesses and preserving the intrinsic aesthetic character of the community. By establishing parameters for the siting, construction, and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities, it is the Town of Johnston's intent to:

• A. Facilitate access to reliable wireless communications services for residents and businesses throughout the Town of Johnston;
• B. Ensure compliance of telecommunications facilities with current applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including the Telecommunications Act of 1996;
• C. Designate appropriate zoning districts and establish other requirements for the siting of telecommunications facilities in accordance with Town zoning, planning, and design standards and policies;
• D. Encourage the co-location of telecommunications facilities on existing towers, utility poles, and other structures to minimize new construction;
• E. Limit the location of new towers to industrial zones;
• F. Minimize potential adverse effects through the implementation of design, screening, landscaping, and construction standards, as well as siting and setback requirements;
• G. Establish standards and criteria for evaluating fair and reasonable procedures for processing telecommunications facility applications; and
• H. Provide for the removal of abandoned and unsafe telecommunications towers and antennas.