HomeMy WebLinkAboutSmall Cell and DAS Draft Code 12-01-17Renton Municipal Code
Page 1/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
4‐4‐140 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES:
A. PURPOSE:
The purposes of this Section are to:
1. Provide a variety of locations and options for wireless communication providers while
minimizing the unsightly characteristicsvisual impacts associated with wireless communication
facilities;
2. Encourage creative approaches in locating and designing wireless communication facilities
that blend in with the surroundings of such facilities;
3. Provide standards that comply with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (“the
Telecommunications Act”); the provisions of this Section are not intended to and shall not be
interpreted to prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting personal wireless services as defined in
the Telecommunications Act; and
4. Administer the provisions of this Section in such a manner as to not unreasonably
discriminate between providers of functionally equivalent personal wireless services, as defined
in the Telecommunications Act.
B. GOALS:
1. Commercial Wireless Facilities:
a. Encourage the location of towers in nonresidential areas and minimize the total number
of towers throughout the community;
b. Encourage the joint‐use of new and existing towers;
c. Encourage users of towers and antennas to locate them, to the extent feasible, in areas
where the adversevisual impact on the community is significantly minimized;
d. Encourage users of towers and antennas to configure them in a way that minimizes the
adverse visual impact of the towers and antennas; and
e. Enhance the ability of the providers of telecommunications services to provide such
services to the community quickly, effectively, and efficiently.
2. Amateur Radio Antennas: The goals of this Section are to ensure the interests of neighboring
property owners are considered while reasonably accommodating amateur radio
communications so as to comply with applicable Federal law. These regulations are not
intended to preclude amateur radio communications. (Ord. 5675, 12‐3‐2012)
C. APPLICABILITY AND AUTHORITY:
Renton Municipal Code
Page 2/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
No person shall place, construct, reconstruct or modify a wireless communication facility within
the City without an Administrator issued permit, except as provided by this Title or chapter 5‐19
RMC, and a Building Official issued permit. The Administrator shall have discretion to approve
or deny elements of a WCF where standards provide flexibility or subjectivity; the same
discretion is given to the Hearing Examiner for applications requiring a public hearing. (Ord.
5450, 3‐2‐2009; Ord. 5676, 12‐3‐2012)
D... COLLOCATION REQUIRED:
1. Evaluation of Existing Support Structures: NoWith the exception of support structures to
facilitate the deployment of small cell facilities, no new support structure shall be permitted
unless the applicant demonstrates to the Administrator’s satisfaction that no existing tower or
support structure can accommodate the applicant’s proposed WCF. Evidence submitted to
demonstrate that an existing tower or structure cannot accommodate the applicant’s proposed
antenna may consist of any of the following:
a. No existing towers or structures are located within the geographic area required to meet
the applicant’s engineering requirements.
b. Existing towers or structures are not of sufficient height to meet the applicant’s
engineering requirements.
c. Existing towers or structures do not have sufficient structural strength to support the
applicant’s proposed antenna and related equipment.
d. The applicant’s proposed antenna would cause electromagnetic interference with the
antenna on the existing towers or structures, or the antenna on the existing towers or
structures would cause interference with the applicant’s proposed antenna.
e. The fees, costs, or contractual provisions required by the owner in order to share an
existing tower or structure or to adapt an existing tower or structure for sharing are
unreasonable. Costs exceeding new tower development are presumed to be unreasonable.
f. The applicant demonstrates that there are other limiting factors that render existing
towers and structures unsuitable.
2. Cooperation of Providers in Collocation Efforts: AWith the exception of support structures
deploying small cell facilities, a permittee shall cooperate with other providers in collocating
additional antennas on support structures, provided the proposed collocators have received a
building permit for such use at the site from the City. A permittee shall exercise good faith in
collocating with other providers and sharing the permitted site, provided such shared use does
not give rise to a substantial technical level of impairment of the ability to provide the
permitted use (i.e., a significant interference in broadcast or reception capabilities as opposed
to a competitive conflict or financial burden). Such good faith shall include sharing technical
information to evaluate the feasibility of collocation. In the event a dispute arises as to whether
Renton Municipal Code
Page 3/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
a permittee has exercised good faith in accommodating other users, the City may require a
third‐party technical study at the expense of either or both the applicant and permittee.
3. Reasonable Efforts: All applicants shall demonstrate reasonable efforts in developing a
collocation alternative for their proposal.
E... ALTERATION OF EXISTING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY (WCF) SUPPORT
STRUCTURES:
1. Minor Alteration: A proposed collocation and/or modification to a lawfully existing WCF
support structure that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the WCF shall
be a minor alteration and exempt from conditional use permit requirements. “Substantially
change the physical dimensions” meansA minor alteration is an eligible facilities request as that
term is used pursuant to Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act and its implementing regulations.
A modification substantially changes the physical dimensions of an eligible support structure if
it meets any of the following criteria:
a. Height: A collocation and/or modification that would increase. For towers other than
towers in the overall public rights‐of‐way, it increases the height of the WCFtower by more
than ten percent (10%),% or by the height of one additional antenna array with separation
from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed twenty feet (20'),, whichever is greater; for
other eligible support structures, it increases the height of the structure by more than 10%
or more than ten feet, whichever is greater;
b. Width: A collocation and/or modification that would addb. Width. For towers other than
towers in the public rights‐of‐way, it involves adding an appurtenance to the body of the
tower that would protrude from the edge of the tower by more than twenty feet (20'),, or
more than the width of the tower structure at the level of the appurtenance, whichever is
greater, or a collocation and/or modification to; for other eligible support structures, it
involves adding an existing WCF supportappurtenance to the body of the structure other
than a tower that would qualify as a concealed or camouflaged WCF; or
c. Compound Expansion: Expansion of a WCF’s compound necessitatedprotrude from the
edge of the structure by the proposedmore than six feet;
c. Equipment cabinets.
i. For any eligible support structure it involves installation of more than four (4)the
standard number of new equipment cabinets or more than one for the technology
involved, but not to exceed four cabinets; and
ii. For towers in the public rights‐of‐way and base stations, it involves installation of any
new equipment shelter. An expansion of a compound necessitated by a minor alteration
shall not constitute a major alteration;cabinets on the ground if there are no pre‐
existing ground cabinets associated with the structure; or involves installation of ground
Renton Municipal Code
Page 4/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
cabinets that are more than 10% larger in height or overall volume than any other
ground cabinets associated with the structure.
d. Excavation. It entails any excavation or deployment outside the current site;
e. Concealment. It would defeat the concealment elements of the eligible support
structure; or
f. Entitlement. It does not comply with conditions associated with the siting approval of the
construction or modification of the eligible support structure or base station equipment,
provided, however, the compound expansion shall be the minimum necessary to
accommodate the alterationthat this limitation does not apply to any modification that is
non‐compliant only in a manner that would not exceed the thresholds identified in items
(a) through (d) above.
2. Major Alteration: Any change that is not a minor alteration is a major alteration.
3. Original Dimensions: An increase in height and/or width of a WCF due to a collocation
and/or modification shall be measured against the dimensions of the originally approved
WCForiginal support structure in cases where deployments are or will be separated
horizontally, such as on buildings' rooftops; in other circumstances, changes in height should be
measured from the dimensions of the tower or base station, inclusive of originally approved
appurtenances and any modifications that were approved prior to the passage of the Spectrum
Act.
4. Applicable Standards: Each collocation and modification shall adhere to the standards of this
Section.
54. Review Time Period: Requests for minor alterations, as described in this subsection, shall
be reviewed for completeness and approval or denial within sixty (60) days. (Ord. 5798, 4‐25‐
2016)
F. STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL TYPES OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
FACILITIES:
1. Equipment Shelters/Cabinets:
a. Location: EquipmentLocation: Except for equipment related to small cell facilities,
equipment shelters and cabinets used to house related equipment should be located within
buildings or placed underground, unless it is infeasible. However, in those cases where it
can be demonstrated by the applicant that the equipment cannot be located in buildings or
underground, equipment shelters or cabinets shall be screened to the Administrator’s
satisfaction.
Renton Municipal Code
Page 5/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
b. Screening: Equipment shelters and cabinets for all facilities other than small cell facilities
shall be surrounded by a fifteen‐foot (15') wide sight‐obscuring landscape buffer along the
outside perimeter of required security fencing with a minimum height that is no less than
the height of the compound fence at any point; however, existing topography, vegetation
and other site characteristics may provide relief from the screening requirement. The
required landscaped areas shall include an automated irrigation system, unless the
applicant is able to justify an exception to this requirement to the Administrator’s
satisfaction. Related equipment facilities located on the roof of any building need not be
landscaped but shall be screened on all sides in a manner that complements and blends
with the surroundings so as to be shielded from view. Related equipment facilities shall not
be enclosed with exposed metal surfaces.
Equipment shelters and cabinets for small cell facilities shall be concealed in accordance
with RMC 4‐4‐140.J. (Ord. 5798, 4‐25‐2016)
c. Size: The applicant shall provide documentation that the size of any equipment shelters
or cabinets is the minimum necessary to meet the provider’s service needs., and meets any
size requirements of this code. The area of the compound may be greater than is necessary
in order to accommodate future collocations, but the area reserved for future equipment
shelters/cabinets shall be the minimum necessary for the documented WCF capacity. (Ord.
5676, 12‐3‐2012)
d. Generators:
i. Architectural integration is required (if applicable).
ii. To the extent feasible, generators shall be enclosed along with the related
equipment. Similar to equipment shelters, the screening for the generator shall utilize
similar building materials, colors, accents, and textures as the primary building; if no
buildings exist on site, ensure that the building is designed to blend in with the
environment.
iii. A screening wall and/or landscaping material shall be required to mitigate visual
impacts.
iv. Fences shall be constructed of materials that complement and blend in with the
surroundings.
v. Anti‐graffiti finish shall be applied to all solid fences, walls, and gates.
vi. A noise analysis shall be required to demonstrate that the generator will operate
within allowed noise limits if the generator is the sole power source.
vii. Generators located within the right‐of‐way are not permitted for small cell facilities.
Renton Municipal Code
Page 6/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
2. Maximum Height: All wireless communication facilities shall comply with RMC 4‐3‐020,
Airport Related Height and Use Restrictions. In addition, all wireless communication facilities
shall comply with the height limitation of the applicable zoning district, except as follows:
a. Monopole I: Less than sixty feet (60') for all zones. Antennas may extend sixteen feet
(16') above the monopole I support structure.
b. Monopole II: No more than thirty five feet (35') higher than the maximum height for the
applicable zoning district, or one hundred fifty feet (150'), whichever is less. Antennas may
extend sixteen feet (16') above the monopole II support structure.
c. Stealth Towers: The maximum allowed height of a stealth tower shall be one hundred
fifty feet (150'); however, the allowed height for a specific type of stealth facility shall be
determined through the Conditional Use Permit review process and the standards of this
Section.
d. Rooftop WCF: Concealed and/or camouflaged WCFs erected on a rooftop may extend up
to sixteen feet (16') above the allowed zone height.
e. Utility Poles:
i. Proposed replacement utility poles, for the purpose of siting wireless communication
facilities other than small cell facilities, shall be no more than twenty feet (20') taller
than adjacent utility poles; utility poles
ii. Utility poles used for the siting of wireless communication facilities other than small
cells on residentially zoned private property shall be no taller than forty five feet (45').),
unless those poles are transmission utility poles, in which case the proposed
replacement utility pole cannot be more than twenty (20) feet taller than the existing
pole.
iii. Small cell facility deployments on existing and replacement utility poles shall be
regulated in accordance with RMC 4‐4‐140.J. (Ord. 5798, 4‐25‐2016)
3. Visual Impact: Site location and development shall preserve the pre‐existing character of the
surrounding buildings and landscape to the extent consistent with the function of the
communications equipment. Towers shall be integrated through location and design to blend in
with the existing characteristics of the site to the extent practical. Existing on‐site vegetation
shall be preserved or improved, and disturbance of the existing topography shall be minimized,
unless such disturbance would result in less adverse visual impact to the surrounding area.
Towers, antennas and related equipment shall be uniformly painted a non‐reflective neutral
color that best matches the colors within the immediately surrounding built and natural
landscape in order to reduce the contrast between the WCF and the landscape.
Renton Municipal Code
Page 7/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
4. Setbacks: Towers shall be set back from each property line by a distance equal to the tower
height, unless an engineering analysis concludes that a reduced setback is safe for abutting
properties and the Administrator determines that a reduced setback is appropriate for the site.
5. Maximum Noise Levels: No equipment shall be operated so as to produce noise in levels
above forty five (45) decibels as measured from the nearest property line on which the wireless
communication facility is located. Operation of a back‐up power generator in the event of
power failure or the testing of a back‐up generator between eight o’clock (8:00) a.m. and nine
o’clock (9:00) p.m. are exempt from this standard. No testing of back‐up generators shall occur
between the hours of nine o’clock (9:00) p.m. and eight o’clock (8:00) a.m.
6. Fencing: Security fencing shall be required and shall be painted or coated with a non‐
reflective neutral color. Fencing shall comply with the requirements listed in RMC 4‐4‐040,
Fences, Hedges, and Retaining Walls.
7. Lighting: Towers or antennas shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the FAA or
other applicable authority. If lighting is required, the Administrator may review the available
lighting alternatives and approve the design that would cause the least disturbance to the
surrounding views. Security lighting for the equipment shelters or cabinets and other on‐the‐
ground ancillary equipment is also permitted, as long as it is appropriately down shielded to
keep light within the boundaries of the compound. (Ord. 5675, 12‐3‐2012)
8. Advertising Prohibited: No lettering, symbols, images, or trademarks large enough to be
legible to occupants of vehicular traffic on any abutting roadway shall be placed on or affixed to
any part of a WCF tower, antenna array or antenna, other than as required by FCC regulations
regarding tower registration or other applicable law. Antenna arrays designed and approved to
be located on or within signs or billboards as a stealth tower, small cell, or a concealed or
camouflaged WCF, shall not be construed to be in violation of this prohibition. (Ord. 5676, 12‐3‐
2012)
9. Building Standards: Support structures shall be constructed so as to meet or exceed the
most recent Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications Industries Association
(EIA/TIA) 222 Revision G Standard entitled: “Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Towers and
Antenna Supporting Structures” (or equivalent), as it may be updated or amended. Prior to
issuance of a building permit the Building Official shall be provided with an engineer’s
certification that the support structure’s design meets or exceeds those standards. (Ord. 5675,
12‐3‐2012)
10. Radio Frequency Standards: The applicant shall ensure that the wireless communication
facility (WCF) will not cause localized interference with the reception of area television or radio
broadcasts. If the City finds that the WCF interferes with such reception, and if such
Renton Municipal Code
Page 8/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
interference is not remedied within thirty (30) calendar days, the City may revoke or modify a
Building and/or Conditional Use Permit. (Ord. 5675, 12‐3‐2012)
G... CONCEALED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY STANDARDS:
Additions or modifications to buildings shall complement the existing design, bulk, scale, and
symmetry of the building, and minimize the addition of bulk and clutter. ConcealedExcept as
otherwise provided in RMC 4‐4‐180.J for small cell facilities, concealed WCFs shall adhere to the
following standards:
1. Building Addition: All antennas shall be fully concealed within a structure that is
architecturally compatible with the existing building. Roof top additions shall be concealed on
all sides.
2. Related Equipment: The related equipment shall be completely concealed inside a structure
or inside an underground vault. Concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls and prefabricated facilities
do not meet the intent of a concealed WCF. Equipment enclosures shall be designed to be
compatible with the existing building/structure.
3. Materials: Fiberglass reinforced plastic or radio frequency transparent materials may be used
to screen and integrate a WCF with an existing building. Visible transition lines between the old
and new surfaces are prohibited.
4. Architectural Elements: New architectural features such as columns, pilasters, corbels, or
other ornamentation that conceal antennas may be used if it complements the architecture of
the existing building.
5. Residential Buildings: Wireless communication facilities shall not be located on residential
buildings except for multi‐family structures constructed pursuant to the International Building
Code as an occupancy group R‐2, which may serve as a support structure if the interior wall or
ceiling immediately abutting the facility is an unoccupied residential space (e.g., stairwells,
elevator shafts, mechanical rooms, etc.).
H. CAMOUFLAGED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY STANDARDS:
Additions or modifications to buildings shall complement the existing design, bulk, scale, and
symmetry of the building, and minimize the addition of bulk and clutter. Camouflaged. Except
as otherwise provided in RMC 4‐4‐180.J for small cell facilities, camouflaged WCFs shall adhere
to the following standards:
1. Architectural Integration: Antennas may be mounted to the sides of a building if the
antennas do not interrupt the building’s architectural theme.
a. When feasible, camouflaged WCFs shall employ a symmetrical, balanced design for all
facade mounted antennas. The first provider For multiple deployments on aone structure
Renton Municipal Code
Page 9/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
will dictate the antenna length, width, and placement. All succeeding, subsequent
applications will be required to ensure consistencyprovide for consistent design,
architectural treatment and symmetry in placing antennas on the structure’s exterior with
any existing WCFs on the same side of the structure.
b. When feasible, interruption of architectural lines or horizontal or vertical reveals is
prohibited.
2. Materials:
a. Mounting Hardware: Utilize the smallest mounting brackets necessary in order to
provide the smallest offset from the building.
b. Concealment: Utilize skirts or shrouds on the sides and bottoms of antennas in order to
conceal mounting hardware, create a cleaner appearance, and minimize the visual impact
of the antennas. Exposed cabling is prohibited.
c. Paint: Paint and texture antennas to match the adjacent building surfaces.
3. Antennas:
a. Antennas shall be no longer or wider than the facade on which they are proposed.
b. When panel antennas are unscreened, they shall be mounted no more than twelve
inches (12") from the building facade.
c. No exposed mounting apparatus shall remain on a building facade without the associated
antennas.
4. Residential Buildings: Wireless communication facilities shall not be located on residential
buildings except for multi‐family structures constructed pursuant to the International Building
Code as an occupancy group R‐2, which may serve as a support structure if the interior wall or
ceiling immediately abutting the facility is an unoccupied residential space (e.g., stairwells,
elevator shafts, mechanical rooms, etc.).
I. STEALTH TOWER STANDARDS:
The following standards for each type of stealth tower are the minimum necessary to meet the
intent of effectively disguising the tower. Standards for types of stealth towers not identified
within this subsection will be determined on a case‐by‐case basis by the Administrator through
the Conditional Use Permit criteria pursuant to RMC 4‐9‐030E, Decision Criteria – Wireless
Communication Facilities.
1. Faux Trees:
Renton Municipal Code
Page 10/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
a. Location: Faux trees shall be located within one hundred feet (100') of existing trees,
unless photo simulations show, to the Administrator’s satisfaction, that the proposed faux
tree would be appropriate for the site.
b. Height: The faux tree may exceed the average height of nearby trees by no more than
twenty percent (20%) or thirty feet (30'), whichever is greater.
c. Authenticity: Faux trees shall replicate the shape, structure, and color of live trees
common to the area. Plans shall provide detailed specifications regarding the number and
spacing of branches, bark, foliage, and colors. All faux trees shall incorporate a sufficient
number of branches (no less than three (3) branches per linear foot of height) and design
materials (e.g., faux bark) so that the structure appears as natural in appearance as
feasible. Branches shall not be required for the lowest twenty feet (20') of the trunk.
d. Concealment:
i. All cables and antennas shall be painted to match the color of the trunk.
ii. Antenna socks are mandatory for all antennas (and similar components) located on a
faux tree.
2. Flagpoles:
a. Location and Height: The height, diameter and location of the flagpole shall be
compatible with the surrounding area, as determined by the Administrator. The flagpole
shall be tapered in order to maintain the appearance of an authentic flagpole.
b. Authenticity: Flags shall comply with the U.S. Flag Code. Allowed flags include national,
state, county and municipal flags properly displayed. In addition, one corporate or
institutional flag may be properly displayed at each site.
c. Concealment: Antennas shall be enclosed within the pole or a radome. If a radome is
used, it shall have a diameter no greater than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the
diameter of the pole at the height where the radome will be mounted. The length of the
radome shall not be greater than one‐third (1/3) of the height of the proposed light pole.
All cables shall be routed directly from the ground up through the pole. Cable coverings are
prohibited.
3. Sports Field Lights:
a. Location and Height: Utilization of an existing or replacement sports field light as a WCF
support structure shall only be permitted on sites where a sports field exists. The height,
diameter and location of the sports field light(s) shall be compatible with the surrounding
area, as determined by the Administrator.
Renton Municipal Code
Page 11/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
b. Authenticity: Sports field lights shall be uniform (style, height, etc.) with the exception of
the WCF. The sports field lights shall provide consistent illumination for the sports field.
c. Concealment:
i. Antennas shall be no more than twenty feet (20') above the light source.
ii. All cables shall be routed directly from the ground up through the pole. Cable
coverings are prohibited.
iii. Paint antennas and mounting apparatus the same color as the pole.
4. Freestanding Signs:
a. Sign Permit Required: Towers replicating a sign shall be subject to RMC 4‐4‐100, Sign
Regulations, and a separate sign permit shall be required.
b. Concealment:
i. All antennas shall be completely screened by the facade of the sign or by fiberglass
reinforced plastic or radio frequency transparent materials.
ii. All cables and conduit to and from the sign shall be routed from underneath the
foundation up into the pole. Cable coverings may be allowed in limited circumstances
in situations where they are minimally visible and designed to integrate with the sign.
J. APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTSSMALL CELL/DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS
STANDARDS:
Small cell deployment includes small cell facilities, microcells, and small cell networks. The
following provisions establish design and concealment standards for small cell facilities and in
appropriate situations, criteria for the establishment of standards for small cell deployments
subject to a concealment element plan, provided, however, that any small cell, microcell, or
small cell network component which is not exempt from SEPA review shall comply with RMC 4‐
9‐070, Environmental Review Procedures. These standards shall also apply to distributed
antenna systems when equipment is installed outside of a building. Throughout this Section,
unless context clearly provides otherwise, the term small cell facilities refers to small cell
facilities, microcells, small cell networks, and distributed antenna systems.
1. Preferred Concealment Techniques: Small cell facilities complying with the preferred
concealment techniques described in this subsection shall be considered a permitted use.
Facilities complying with the preferred concealment techniques in this subsection require a
small cell permit, subject to the Type I permit procedures in RMC 4‐8‐080, Permit Classification.
In addition, small cell facilities located on or over the public right‐of‐way also require a
franchise agreement.
Renton Municipal Code
Page 12/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
a. Building Attachment: Antennas may be mounted to the sides of a building if the
antennas do not interrupt the building’s architectural theme.
i. Small cell facilities attached to the side or roof of buildings shall employ a
symmetrical, balanced design for all facade mounted antennas. Subsequent
deployments will be required to ensure consistent design, architectural treatment and
symmetry when placing antennas on the structure’s exterior with any existing small cell
facilities on the same side of the structure.
ii. The interruption of architectural lines or horizontal or vertical reveals is prohibited
unless demonstrated to be unavoidable.
iii. New architectural features such as columns, pilasters, corbels, or other
ornamentation that conceal antennas may be used if it complements the architecture
of the existing building.
iv. Small cell facilities shall utilize the smallest mounting brackets necessary in order to
provide the smallest offset from the building.
v. Skirts or shrouds shall be utilized on the sides and bottoms of antennas in order to
conceal mounting hardware, create a cleaner appearance, and minimize the visual
impact of the antennas. Exposed conduit, cabling and wiring is prohibited.
vi. Small cell facilities shall be painted and textured to match the adjacent building
surfaces.
vii. All installations of small cell facilities shall have permission from the pole/structure
owner to install facilities on such structure.
b. Projecting or Marquee Sign:
i. Small cell facilities replicating a projecting or marquee sign shall be subject to RMC 4‐
4‐100, Sign Regulations. A sign permit is required unless the small cell facilities are
placed entirely within an existing sign.
ii. All antennas shall be completely screened by the facade of the sign.
iii. All cables and conduit to and from the sign shall be routed from within the building
wall. Cable coverings may be allowed on the exterior of the building wall in limited
circumstances in situations where they are minimally visible and concealed to match
the adjacent building surfaces.
c. Parking Lot Lighting: Small cell facilities are permitted as attachments to or replacements
of existing parking lot light fixtures. The design of the parking lot light fixture shall be in
accordance with RMC 4‐4‐075, Lighting, Exterior On‐Site 28.2b, and the City of Renton
Standard Plans and Specifications. [Note that a parking lot luminaire detail is needed.]
Renton Municipal Code
Page 13/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
d. Utility Poles/Street Light Poles/Traffic Signal Poles in Urban Design Districts: For the
purposes of this Section, urban design districts are those districts defined in RMC 4‐3‐100,
Urban Design Regulations, and include all areas zoned: Center Downtown (CD), Residential
Multi‐Family (RMF), Urban Center (UC), Commercial Office Residential (COR), Center Village
(CV), Commercial Arterial (CA), Commercial Neighborhood (CN) and Commercial Office
(CO). In an urban design district, an existing utility pole, street light pole, or traffic signal
pole may be replaced or added on to accommodate small cell antennas and related
equipment subject to the following requirements.
i. Replacement utility poles/street lights/traffic signal poles shall conform to the
adopted streetscape design standard for the design district. The replacement pole shall
look substantially the same as the existing standard.
ii. Wherever compatible with the pole design and technologically feasible, all
equipment and cabling shall be internal to the replacement street lighting standard. If
equipment or cabling is not proposed to be placed internal to the replacement pole, a
concealment element plan shall be submitted in accordance with the provisions of RMC
4‐4‐140.J.3.
iii. [For further discussion: exempt wooden poles from this subsection?]
e. Utility Poles/Street Light Poles in Areas Other Than Design Districts and Underground
Districts: For the purposes of this Section, underground districts are those areas not
exempted in RMC 4‐6‐090, Utility Lines – Underground Installation. Outside of urban design
districts and underground districts, small cell antennas and related equipment may be
attached to existing or replacement utility poles if the antennas and related equipment
meet the following requirements:
i. No‐collocation on wooden utility poles: Each wooden utility pole may not contain
more than one small cell facility.
ii. Height Restrictions: All small cell facilities shall be in compliance with height
restrictions applicable to poles and other structures in certain overlay zoning districts.
The City may approve minor deviations up to minimum additional height needed to
allow sufficient space for the required clearance from electrical utility wires when
required to accommodate antennae at the top of a pole, provided such antennae are
attached directly to the pole (or flush mounted as describe below) and not to a pole
extender. [Note: A definition of a pole extender is necessary.]
iii. Replacement Poles: Replacement poles shall match height, width, color (to the
extent possible, acknowledging natural wood color variation), and material of the
original or adjacent poles. The City may approve minor deviations up to the minimum
additional height needed to allow sufficient space for the required clearance from
electrical utility wires when required to accommodate antennae, and may also approve
Renton Municipal Code
Page 14/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
minor deviations up to 50% of the pole width or 30 inches, whichever is greater, when
housing equipment within the pole base. Replacement poles shall be located as close as
possible to the existing pole, and the replaced pole shall be removed.
iv. Interior Concealment: Whenever technologically feasible, antennas and equipment
shall be fully concealed within a non‐wooden utility or light pole, or otherwise
camouflaged to appear to be an integrated part of a non‐wooden utility or light pole.
v. Flush‐Mounting, Stand‐off Brackets, or Pole‐top Antennas: In situations when
interior concealment is demonstrated to not be possible, the small cell facility shall, to
the full extent permitted under the state electrical code and the utilities’ requirements,
be flush‐mounted on the subject pole, which includes using brackets that offset the
inside edge of such equipment from the pole by the minimum amount technically
feasible but no more than 12 inches, or located at the top of the pole and not located
on a pole extender. Stand‐off brackets are permitted so long as the antennas are
mounted as close to the pole as technically feasible, but no more than 12 inches off the
pole. Canisters attached to the top of a pole shall not exceed the diameter of the pole,
unless technically required and then shall not be more than 50% greater than the
diameter of the pole.
vi. Antenna Design: Where an enclosure is proposed to house an antenna, the antenna
shall be located in an enclosure of no more than three cubic feet in volume, or in case
of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of its exposed elements
could fit within an enclosure of no more than three cubic feet. No more than four
antennas are permitted on a single pole and with a total volume not to exceed twelve
cubic feet.
vii. Cabinet Location and Dimensions: The equipment cabinet for small cell facilities
shall be the smallest amount of cabinet enclosure necessary to enclose the equipment.
Disconnect switches may be located outside of the primary equipment cabinet.
viii. Material and Color: If interior concealment described in RMC 4‐4‐140.J.1.E.iv is not
possible, the small cell facility shall to the maximum extent feasible match the color of
the pole and shall be non‐reflective.
ix. No Illumination: Small cell facilities shall not be illuminated.
x. Generators & Backup Battery: Generators are not permitted for small cell facilities.
A battery backup may be permitted through the submittal of a concealment element
plan and subject to administrative conditional use permit review for the purpose of
serving multiple small cell facilities.
2. Concealment Element Plan:
Renton Municipal Code
Page 15/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
a. Concealment Element Plan Required: Applications for proposed small cell facilities
installations which do not conform to a preferred concealment technique in RMC 4‐4‐
140.J.1 shall submit a concealment element plan. The plan shall include the design of the
screening, fencing, or other concealment technology for a base station, tower, pole, or
equipment structure, and all related transmission equipment or facilities associated with
the proposed wireless facility.
b. Purpose of Concealment Element Plan, Generally: Concealment element plans should
seek to minimize the visual obtrusiveness of installations using methods including, but not
limited to, integrating the installation with architectural features or building design
components, utilization of coverings or concealment devices of similar material, color and
texture — or the appearance thereof — as the surface against which the installation will be
seen or on which it will be installed.
Other concealment element approaches may include, but not be limited to, use of street
furniture concealment products such as trash cans, benches, information kiosks, or other
types of enclosures reasonable compatible to conceal ground level equipment.
Additionally, the use of a concealment support or device, such as a clock tower, steeple,
flagpole, tree, wayfinding sign, decorative pole with banner, art work, street sign, or other
applicable concealment structure may be approved.
c. Review of Concealment Element Plan for Non‐Substantial Change Collocations: Where a
collocation is proposed that does not comply with a preferred concealment technique but
does not constitute a major alteration, a concealment element plan shall be subject to
administrative review to ensure the proposed collocation does not defeat the concealment
features approved as part of the initial installation at that location.
d. Review of Concealment Element Plan for Initial Installations and Substantial Change
Collocations: For initial installations and major alterations not complying with a preferred
concealment technique, the concealment element plan shall be subject to administrative
conditional use permit review.
3. New Poles in Urban Design Districts and Underground Districts:
Within urban design districts and underground districts, the installation of a new pole for the
purpose of locating small cell facilities is permitted only when the applicant establishes that:
a. the small cell facility cannot be located on a site outside of the public right‐of‐way such
as a public park, public property, or in or on a building whether by roof or panel‐mount
or separate structure; and
b. the small cell facility cannot be located on an existing pole within the public right‐of‐
way; and
Renton Municipal Code
Page 16/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
c. the proposed facility complies with a preferred concealment technique or an approved
concealment element plan.
4. Ground‐Mounted Equipment Standards; ADA Compliance Required:
To allow full use of the public right‐of‐way by pedestrians, bicycles and other users, and
particularly in urban design districts and underground districts, all ground‐mounted equipment
shall be undergrounded in a vault meeting the City’s construction standards or incorporated
into street furniture or the base of a pole. The location of ground‐mounted equipment
including street furniture (to the extent undergrounding such equipment is not technologically
feasible), replacement poles and/or any new poles shall comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), city construction standards, and State and federal regulations in order to
provide a clear and safe passage within the public right‐of‐way.
5. Federal Regulatory Requirements:
a. These provisions shall be interpreted and applied in order to comply with the provisions
of federal law. By way of illustration and not limitation, any small cell facility which has
been certified as compliant with all FCC and other government regulations regarding the
human exposure to radio frequency emissions will not be denied on the basis of RF
radiation concerns.
b. Small cell facilities shall be subject to the requirements of this code to the extent that
such requirements:
i. do not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services;
and
ii. do not have the effect of prohibiting personal wireless services within the City.
c. Small cell facilities installed pursuant to the preferred concealment techniques or a
concealment element plan may not be expanded pursuant to an eligible facilities request.
6. Permits, Permit Application, and Submittal Requirements: The City maintains a small cell
permit application and submittal requirements for small cells subject to Type I or Type II review.
Small cell facilities located on or over the public right‐of‐way also require a franchise
agreement.
7. Permits for Multiple Small Cell Facilities: A single permit may be used to apply for all small
cells facilities subject to the same process type. Permits containing small cell sites requiring an
administrative conditional use permit shall subject the entire set to administrative conditional
use permit review. A maximum of 15 small cell sites may be applied for under one permit,
provided that all small cell sites proposed utilize the same concealment technique and are
located on the same type of facility (such as the same light standard). The Administrator may
render a decision regarding land use permits for all small cell facilities to be sited in a single
Renton Municipal Code
Page 17/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
administrative decision, but many not use denial of one or more locations to deny all small cell
facilities in the application.
K. APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to application materials and information required pursuant to RMC 4‐8‐120C120.C,
Table 4‐8‐120C – Land Use Permit Submittal Requirements, the following materials are the
minimum required to complete a review of any WCF, other than ana minor alteration pursuant
to subsection E1 of this Section, Minor AlterationRMC 4‐4‐104.E.1 or small cell facilities
pursuant to RMC 4‐4‐140.J. Additional materials and information may be required.
1. Technical Analysis:
a. Site Justification Letter: This report shall justify the need or requirement for the
proposed WCF location and design. An analysis of other available sites shall be included as
well as determination as to why these sites were not selected.
b. Justification Map: A map identifying the zoning districts, search area, alternative sites,
the selected site, and all existing and approved WCFs within a one‐half (1/2) mile radius.
c. Coverage Map: Map(s) identifying the proposed target coverage that illustrate the
coverage prior to and after the installation.
d. Noise Report: For projects proposed adjacent to residential uses when generators, air
conditioning units, or other noise‐generating devices are utilized.
2. Photo Simulations: Photo simulations shall be required with each plan set. The photo
simulations shall illustrate the proposed WCF from at least four (4) vantage points and show the
existing view (without the proposed WCF) and proposed view (with the proposed WCF) from
each vantage point.
3. Method of Attachment/Cabling: Dimensioned details shall be provided of antennas and
mounting hardware used to attach the antennas to the structure.
4. Visual Mitigation: Any concealment/integration techniques proposed shall be fully
explained, illustrated and detailed.
KL. OBSOLESCENCE AND REMOVAL:
Any wireless communications facility that is no longer needed or is not operational shall be
reported immediately by the service provider to the Administrator. Discontinued facilities or
facilities that are in disrepair, as determined by the Administrator, shall be decommissioned
and removed by the facility owner within six (6) months of the date it ceases to be operational,
and the site shall be restored to its pre‐existing condition. The Administrator may approve an
extension of an additional six (6) months if good cause is demonstrated by the facility owner.
(Ord. 5675, 12‐3‐2012)
Renton Municipal Code
Page 18/18
Draft version: December 1, 2017 v4
LM. PERMIT LIMITATIONS:
1. Maintenance Required: The applicant shall maintain the WCF to standards that may be
imposed by the City at the time of the granting of a permit. Such maintenance shall include, but
shall not be limited to, maintenance of the paint, structural integrity and landscaping. If the
applicant fails to maintain the facility, the City may undertake the maintenance at the expense
of the applicant or terminate the permit, at its sole option.
2. Notice to City of Change of Operation of Facility: The applicant shall notify the Department
of all changes in operation of the facility within sixty (60) calendar days of the change. (Ord.
4666, 6‐2‐1997, Amd. Ord. 4689, 11‐24‐1997; Ord. 5675, 12‐3‐2012)
MN. MODIFICATIONS:
The Administrator shall have the authority to modify the standards of this Section, subject to
the provisions of RMC 4‐9‐250D, Modification Procedures.
NO. APPEALS:
See RMC 4‐8‐110, Appeals. (Ord. 4722, 5‐11‐1998; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5‐13‐2002; Ord. 5746, 1‐12‐
2015)