Development standards

A.  When the telecommunication tower site abuts a non-residential zoning district, the distance between the base of the telecommunication tower and any abutting property lines, measured from the center of the telecommunication tower, shall be a minimum of one foot for each one foot of telecommunication tower height.

B.  Where the telecommunication tower site abuts a residential zoning district, the distance between the base of the telecommunication tower and abutting property lines, measured from the center of the telecommunication tower, shall be one and one-half feet for each foot of telecommunication tower height.

C.  All telecommunication towers and supports shall be clearly marked for the first fifteen feet above grade so as to be visible at all times. All supports shall meet the minimum yard setback requirements for the zoning district in which they are located, but in no case shall the setback be less than twenty-five feet.

D.  All supports and anchors shall have a minimum of a ten-foot horizontal setback from any overhead utility lines.

E.  All telecommunications towers and poles shall be enclosed by a fence no less than six feet in height or more than ten feet in height from natural grade. Access shall be through a locked gate.  Vegetation shall be planted to screen fences and accessory buildings.

F.  Telecommunication towers shall not be artificially lighted except as required for public safety purposes by federal regulations.

G.  No signs shall be allowed on any telecommunication tower except as required by federal regulations.

H.  All telecommunication towers, together with any accessories, structures or buildings shall be removed from the site within one year from the date that they cease to function. The owner shall notify the building official of cessation of operation and shall immediately commence the removal of the structures and equipment that have ceased to function.

I.  Site location and development shall preserve, as closely as possible, the preexisting character of the abutting lands and surrounding zoning districts.  Insofar as possible, all telecommunication towers, equipment structures and facilities shall be integrated through appropriate location and design to blend with the existing character of the site.

J.  Existing site vegetation shall be preserved or improved, and disturbance of existing topography shall be minimized unless appropriate site development would result in less visual impact of the sight on the surrounding area. 

(Ord. dated 10-7-97 (part); Ord. dated 8-23-22)