HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 4666 Replaced by ORD 4689
CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE N0. 4666
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, AblENDING
TITLE IV (BUILDING REGULATIONS) , OF ORDINANCE NO. 4260
ENTITLED "CODE OF GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
RENTON, WASHINGTON" BY ADDING CHpiPTER 38, WIRELESS
COb�liJNICATIONS FACILITIES.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS :
SECTION I . Title IV (Building Regulations) , of Ordinance
No. 4260 entitled "Code of General Ordinances of the City of
Renton, Washington�� is hereby amended by adding Chapter 38,
Wireless Communications Facilities, which reads as follows :
CFiAPTER 3 8
Sn1IRELESS CObmI[JNICATIONS FACILITIES
SECTION:
4-38-1 : Purpose and Intent
4-38-2 : Definitions
4-38-3 : Administering and Enforcing Authority
4-38-4 : Telecommunications Act of 1996
4-38-5 : Submittal Requirements
4-38-6 : Permit Fees
4-38-7 : Development Standards for Antennas : Micro Facilities
4-38-8 : Development Standards for Antennas : Mini Facilities
4-38-9 : Development Standards for Antennas : Macro Facilities
4-38-10 : Development Standards for Support Structures : Monopole
I
4-38-11 : Development Standards for Support Structures : Monopole
�I I
4-38-12 : Development Standards for Support Structures : Lattice
Towers
4-38-13 : Additional Permit Criteria for Wireless Communication
Facilities
4-38-14 : Conditional Use Permit Criteria
4-38-15 : Airport Restrictions ;
4-38-16 : Exemption
4-38-17 : Obsolescence
4-38-18 : Collocation
4-38-19 : Radio Frequency Standards
ORDINANCE N0. 4666
4-38-20 : Permit Limitations
4-38-21 : Alternates and Modifications
4-38-22 : Variances
4-38-23 : Appeals
4-38-24 : Violations and Penalties
4-38-25 : Severability j
4-38-1 : PURPOSE AND INTENT I
A. Goals .
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish general
guidelines for the siting of wireless communications
facilities, including towers and antennas . The goals of this
Chapter are to:
1 . Encourage the location of towers in non-residential areas
and minimize the total number of towers throughout the
community;
2 . Encourage strongly the joint use of new and existing tower �
sites; I
3 . Encourage users of towers and antennas to locate them, to
the extent possible, in areas where the adverse impact on
the community is minimal ;
4 . Encourage users of towers and antennas to configure them
in a way that minimizes the adverse visual impact of the
towers and antennas; and
5 . Enhance the ability of the providers of telecommunications
services to provide such services to the community
quickly, effectively, and efficiently.
B. Principal or Accessory Use .
Antennas and towers may be considered either principal,
accessory or conditional uses . A different existing use or
an existing structure on the same lot shall not preclude the
installation of an antenna or tower on such lot . For
purposes of determining whether the installation of a tower
or antenna complies with zoning development regulations,
including but not limited to setback requirements, lot
coverage requirements, and other such requirements, the
dimensions of the entire lot shall control, even though the
antennas or towers may be located on leased parcels within
such lots . Towers that are constructed, and antennas that
are installed, in accordance with the provisions of this
Chapter shall not be deemed to constitute the expansion of a
nonconforming use or structure.
4-38-2 : DEFINITIONS
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning
of terms used in this section shall be as follows :
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ORDINANCE N0.
ACCESSORY ANTENNA DEVICE : An antenna which is less than twelve
(12) inches in height or width, excluding the support structure
(examples : test mobile antennas and global positioning (GPS)
antennas) .
ANSI : The American National Standards Institute. A non-profit,
privately funded membership organization that coordinates the
development of voluntary national standards in the United States . I
ANTENNA: Any system of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs or I'�
similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio i
frequency signals . Antennas include the following types : I
1 . Dish antenna: see parabolic antenna.
2 . Omni-directional antenna (also known as a "whip"
antenna) transmits and receives radio frequency signals
in a three hundred sixty (360) degree radial pattern,
and which is up to fifteen (15) feet in height and up to
four (4) inches in diameter.
3 . Directional antenna (also known as a "panel" antenna)
transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a '
specific directional pattern of less than three hundred
sixty (360) degrees .
4 . Panel antenna: see directional antenna.
5 . Parabolic antenna (also known as a dish antenna) is a
bowl-shaped device for the reception and/or transmission
radio frequency communications signals in a specific
directional pattern.
6 . Whip antenna: see omni-directional antenna.
ADMINISTRATOR: The Administrator of the Planning/Building/Public
Works Department of the City, or any successor office with
responsibility for management of the public properties within the
City of Renton, or his/her designee .
ATTACHED WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY: A wireless
communication facility that is affixed to an existing structure,
for example, an existing building, tower, water tank, utility
pole, etc. which does not include an additional wireless
communication support structure. �
COLLOCATION: The use of a single support structure and/or site by
more than one wireless communications provider.
DEPARTMENT: The Planning/Building/Public Works Department of the
City of Renton.
EQUIPMENT SHELTER OR CABINET: A room, cabinet or building used to
house equipment for utility or service providers .
FAA: The Federal Aviation Administration, which maintains
stringent regulations for the siting, building, marketing and
lighting of cellular transmission antennas near airports or flight
paths .
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ORDINANCE N0. 4666 '
FCC: The Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the
licensing and practice of wireless, wireline, television, radio
and other telecommunications entities .
GUYED TOWER: A freestanding or supported wireless communication
support structure which is usually over one hundred (100) feet
tall, which consists of inetal crossed strips or bars and is
steadied by wire guys in a radial pattern around the tower.
LATTICE TOWER: A wireless communication support structure which
consists of inetal crossed strips or bars to support antennas and
related equipment .
MACRO FACILITY: An attached wireless communication facility which
consists of antennas equal to or less than fifteen (15) feet in
height or a parabolic antenna up to one (1) meter (39 . 37 inches)
in diameter and with an area not more than one hundred (100)
square feet in the aggregate as viewed from any one point .
MICRO FACILITY: An attached wireless communication facility which
consists of antennas equal to or less than four (4) feet in height
(except omni directional antennas which may be up to six (6)' feet
in height) and with an area of not more than five hundred eighty
(580) square inches in the aggregate (e .g. one (1) foot diameter
parabola or two (2) feet x one and one hal f (1 .5) f eet panel) as
viewed from any one point . The permitted antenna height includes
the wireless communication facility support structure.
MINI FACILITY: An attached wireless communication facility which
consists of antennas equal to or less than ten (10) feet in height
or a parabolic antenna up to one (1) meter (39 .37 inches) in
diameter and with an area not more than fifty (50) square feet in
the aggregate as viewed from any one point .
MONOPOLE I : A wireless communication support structure which
consists of a freestanding support structure, less than sixty (60)
feet in height, erected to support wireless communication antennas
and connecting appurtenances . '
MONOPOLE II : A wireless communication support structure which
consists of a freestanding support structure, sixty (60) feet or
greater in height, erected to support wireless communication
antennas and connecting appurtenances .
PROVIDER: A company providing telephone or other communications
service.
RELATED EQUIPMENT: All equipment ancillary to the transmission
and reception of voice and data via radio frequencies . Such
equipment may include, but is not limited to, cable, conduit and
connectors .
RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PARCEL: Any parcel of property with one of
the following zoning designations : Resource Conservation (RC) ,
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4666
ORDINANCE NO.
Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5 DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-
8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC (R-10) , and Residential-14
DU/AC (R-14) .
SUPPORT STRUCTURE: see Wireless Communication Support Structure .
TOWER: see Wireless Communication Support Structure.
WCF: see Wireless Communication Facility.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY (WCF) : An unstaffed facility for
the transmission and reception of low-power radio signals usually
consisting of an equipment shelter or cabinet, a support
structure, antennas (e.g. omni-directional, panel/directional or
parabolic) and related equipment, generally contained within a
compound. For purposes of this ordinance a WCF includes antennas,
support structures and equipment shelters, either separately or in
combination.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SUPPORT STRUCTURE: The structure erected
to support wireless communication antennas and connecting
appurtenances . Support structure types include, but are not I,
limited to, stanchions, monopoles, lattice towers, wood poles or I
guyed towers . I
4-38-3 : ADMINISTERING AND ENFORCING AUTHORITY
The Administrator and/or his/her designated representatives are
responsible for the general administration and coordination of
this Chapter.
4-38-4 : TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996
The Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the City to
comply with the following conditions .
A. The � City zoning requirements may not unreasonably
discriminate among wireless telecommunication providers that
compete against one another.
B. The City zoning requirements may not prohibit or have the
effect of prohibiting the provision of wireless
telecommunications service .
C. The City must act within a reasonable period of time on
requests for permission to place or construct wireless
telecommunications facilities .
D. A decision by the City denying a request for permission to
install or construct wireless telecommunications facilities
must be in writing and must be based on evidence in a written
record.
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ORDINANCE N0. 4666
E . If a wireless telecommunications facility meets technical
emissions standards set by the FCC, it is presumed safe. The �
City may not deny a request to construct a facility on
grounds that its radio frequency emissions would be harmful
to the environment or the health of residents if those
emissions meet FCC standards . I
4-38-5 : SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS �,
In addition to the information required for a building permit, the I�,
following items shall be required for a Wireless Communications ��
Facility permit application: i,
A. Map of view Area: A diagram or map depicting where within a
three mile radius any portion of the proposed facility could
be seen.
B. Photosimulations : Photosimulations of the proposed facility
from affected residential properties and public rights-of-way
at varying distances .
C. Service Area: A map showing the service area of the proposed �
WCF and an explanation of the need for that facility.
D. Inventory of Existing Sites : An inventory of the provider' s ,
existing facilities with the Renton city corporate limits,
and any other facilities outside the city limits that is
within one-half (1/2) mile of the proposed facility. The
inventory is to include specific information about the
location, height, and design of each facility. The
Department may share such information with other applicants
applying for administrative approvals or conditional use
permits under this Chapter or other organizations seeking to
locate antennas within the City, provided, however that the
Department is not, by sharing such information, in any way
representing or warranting that such sites are available or
suitable .
E. Site Plan: A site/landscaping plan showing the specific
placement of the WCF on the site; showing the location of
existing structures, trees, and other significant site
features to be retained; and indicating type and locations of
existing and new plant materials used to screen WCF
components and the proposed color (s) for the WCF.
F. Applicant Agreement Statement : A signed notarized statement
indicating:
1 . The applicant agrees to allow for the potential
collocation of additional WCF equipment by other
providers on the applicant ' s structure or within the
same site location; and
2 . That the applicant agrees to remove the facility within I
six (6) months after that site' s use is discontinued or
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ORDINANCE NO. 4666
if the facility falls into disrepair, and restore the
site to its pre-existing condition.
G. Draft Lease Agreement : A draft lease agreement with the
landholder that :
1 . Allows the landholder to enter into leases with other
providers; and
2 . Specifies that if the provider fails to remove the
facility upon six (6) months of its discontinued use,
the responsibility for removal falls upon the
landholder.
H. Design of Support Structures : A report including a
description of the support structure with technical reasons
for its design.
I . Structural Integrity of Support Structures : Documentation
establishing the structural integrity for the support
structure' s proposed uses .
4-38-6 : PERMIT FEES
The Department shall be responsible for the permitting, inspection
and acceptance of all improvements listed in this Chapter, and
shall make charge therefore to the applicant . The charges are
listed in the Fee Schedule, Chapter l, Title V of City Code.
4-38-7 : DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ANTENNAS : MICRO FACILITIES
A. Definition: MICRO FACILITY: An attached wireless
communication facility which consists of antennas equal to or
less than four (4) feet in height (except omni directional
antennas which may be up to six (6) feet in height) and with
an area of not more than five hundred eighty (580) square
inches in the aggregate (e .g. one (1) foot diameter parabola
or two (2) feet x one and one half (1 . 5) feet panel) as
viewed from any one point . The permitted antenna height
includes the wireless communication facility support
structure .
B. Permitted Use : Micro Facilities are a primary permitted use
in all zones . i
C. Location on Building: A Micro Facility shall be located on
existing buildings, poles or other existing support
structures . A Micro Facility may locate on buildings and
structures provided that the interior wall or ceiling
immediately adjacent to the facility is not designated
residential space.
D., Height : Antennas equal to or less than four (4) feet in
height (except omni directional antennas which can be up to
six (6) feet in height) and with an area of not more than
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4666
ORDINANCE NO.
five hundred eighty (580) square inches in the aggregate
(e .g. one (1) foot diameter parabola or two (2) feet x one
and one hal f (1 . 5) f eet panel as viewed f rom any one point) '
are exempt from the height limitation of the zone in which
they are located. Structures which are nonconforming with
respect to height, may be used for the placement of omni
directional antennas providing they do not extend more than
six (6) feet above the existing structure . Placement of an
antenna on a nonconforming structure shall not be considered
to be an expansion of the nonconforming structure .
E. Color: A Micro Facility shall be same color as the existing I,
building, pole or support structure on which it is proposed '
to be located.
F. Equipment Shelters or Cabinets : A shelter or cabinet used to
house radio electronic equipment shall be contained wholly
within a building or structure, or otherwise appropriately
concealed, camouflaged or located underground. when they
cannot be located in buildings or underground, equipment
shelters or cabinets shall be fenced, screened and landscaped �
in conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping.
Landscaping shall include a minimum fifteen (15) foot sight
obscuring landscape buffer around the accessory equipment '
facility. Accessory equipment facilities located on the roof
of any building shall be enclosed so as to be shielded from
view.
G. Separation of Facilities : In the following residential
zones, Micro Facilities for a specific wireless provider
shall be separated by a distance equal to or greater than one
thousand three hundred twenty (1, 320) linear feet from other
Micro Facilities of the same wireless provider: Resource
Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5
DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC
(R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14) .
4-38-8 : DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ANTENNAS : MINI FACILITIES
A. Definition: MINI FACILITY: An attached wireless communication
facility which consists of antennas equal to or less than ten
(10) feet in height or a parabolic antenna up to one (1)
meter (39 . 37 inches) in diameter and with an area not more
than f if ty (5 0) square feet in the aggregate as viewed f rom
any one point .
B. Permitted Use or Administrative Conditional Use Permit : Mini
Facilities are a primary permitted use in the Resource
Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5
DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC
(R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14) zones, provided that
the site is over one (1) acre in size, and the facility has
minimum setbacks of one hundred feet (100) feet from any
adjacent residentially zoned parcel . Mini Facilities may be
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4666
ORDINANCE NO.
allowed with an administrative conditional use in these zones
if the site is under one (1) acre or the setbacks are less
than one hundred (100) feet from any adjacent residentially
zoned parcel . Mini Facilities are a primary permitted use in
all other zones if the facility has a minimum setback of one
hundred (100) feet from any residentially zoned parcel . Mini
Facilities may be allowed with an administrative conditional
use in these zones if the setbacks are less than one hundred
(100) feet from any adjacent residentially zoned parcel .
C. Location on Buildings : A Mini Facility may be located on
buildings and structures provided that the immediate interior
wall or ceiling adjacent to the facility is not a designated
residential space .
D. Color: A Mini Facility shall be the same color as the
existing building, pole or support structure on which it is
proposed to be located.
E . Equipment Shelters or Cabinets : A shelter or cabinet used to
house radio electronic equipment shall be contained wholly
within a building or structure, or otherwise appropriately
concealed, camouflaged or located underground. When they
cannot be located in buildings or underground, equipment
shelters or cabinets shall be fenced, screened and landscaped
in conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping.
Landscaping shall include a minimum fifteen (15) foot sight
obscuring landscape buffer around the accessory equipment
facility. Accessory equipment facilities located on the roof
of any building shall be enclosed so as to be shielded from
view.
F. Height : Mini Facilities shall comply with the height
limitation specified for all zones except as follows : Omni
directional antennas may exceed the height limitation by ten
(10) feet, or in the case of nonconforming structures the
antennas may exceed the height limitation if affixed to the
side of an existing nonconforming building and blends in
architecturally with the building. In the case of a ,
nonconforming structure the antennas may extend fifteen (15) '
feet above the existing structure . Placement of an antenna
on a nonconforming structure shall not be considered to be an
expansion of the nonconforming structure.
G. Separation of Facilities : In the following residential
zones, Micro Facilities for a specific wireless provider
shall be separated by a distance equal to or greater than one
thousand three hundred twenty (1, 320) linear feet from other
Micro Facilities of the same wireless provider: Resource
Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5
DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC
(R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14) .
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ORDINANCE NO.
4-38-9 : DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ANTENNAS : MACRO FACILITIES I
A. Definition: MACRO FACILITY: An attached wireless
communication facility which consists of antennas equal to or
less than fifteen (15) feet in height or a parabolic antenna
up to one (1) meter (39 .37 inches) in diameter and with an
area not more than one hundred (100) square feet in the
aggregate as viewed from any one point .
B. Administrative Conditional Use Permit/Permitted Use: Macro
Facilities may be allowed with an administrative conditional
use permit in the Resource Conservation (RC) , Residential-1
DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5 DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC
(R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC (R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC
(R-14) zones, provided that the site is over one (1) acre in
size, and the facility has minimum setbacks of one hundred
(100) feet from any adjacent residentially zoned parcel .
Macro Facilities may be allowed with a Hearing Examiner
conditional use in these zones if the site is under one (1)
acre or the setbacks are less than one hundred (100) feet
from any adjacent residentially zoned parcel . Macro
Facilities are a primary permitted use in all other zones if
the setback for the facility is a minimum of one hundred
(100) feet from any adjacent residentially zoned parcel . I
Macro Facilities may be allowed with an administrative
conditional use permit in these zones if the setback is less
than one hundred (100) feet from any adjacent residentially
zoned parcel .
C. Location on Building: A Macro Facility may be located on
buildings and structures provided that the immediate interior '
wall or ceiling adjacent to the facility is not a designated
residential space.
D. Color: A Macro Facility shall be the same color as the
existing building, pole or support structure on which it is
proposed to be located. �
E . Equipment Shelter or Cabinet : A shelter or cabinet used to
house radio electronic equipment shall be contained wholly
within a building or structure, or otherwise appropriately
concealed, camouflaged or located underground. When they
cannot be located in buildings or underground, equipment
shelters or cabinets shall be fenced, screened and landscaped
in conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping.
Landscaping shall include a minimum fifteen (15) foot sight
obscuring landscape buffer around the accessory equipment
facility. Accessory equipment facilities located on the roof
of any building shall be enclosed so as to be shielded from
view.
F. Height : Macro Facilities shall comply with the height
limitation specified for all zones except as follows : Omni
directional antennas may exceed the height limitation by
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ORDINANCE N0.
fifteen (15) feet, or in the case of nonconforming structures
the antennas may extend fifteen (15) feet above the existing
structure. Panel antennas may exceed the height limitation
if affixed to the side of an existing building and
architecturally blends in with the building. Placement of an
antenna on a nonconforming structure shall not be considered
to be an expansion of the nonconforming structure . �
G. Separation of Facilities : In the following residential
zones, Macro Facilities for a specific wireless provider
shall be separated by a distance equal to or greater than one
thousand three hundred twenty (1, 320) linear feet from other
Macro Facilities of the same wireless provider: Resource
Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5
DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC
(R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14) .
4-38-10 : DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SUPPORT STRUCTURES : MONOPOLE I
A. Definition: MONOPOLE I : A wireless communication support ,
structure which consists of a freestanding support structure, '
less than sixty (60) feet in height, erected to support
wireless communication antennas and connecting appurtenances .
B. Hearing Examiner Conditional Use Permit : Monopole I
Facilities may be allowed with a Hearing Examiner conditional
use permit in the Resource Conservation (RC) , Residential-1
DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5 DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC
(R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC (R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC
(R-14) zones, provided that the site is over one (1) acre in
size, and the , facility has minimum setbacks of one hundred
(100) feet from any adjacent residentially zoned parcel .
Monopole I Facilities are prohibited in the Resource
Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5
DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC
(R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14) zones if the site is
less than one (1) acre in size, or has minimum setbacks of
less than one hundred (100) feet from any adjacent
residentially zoned property.
C. Administrative Conditional Use Permit : Monopole I Facilities
may be allowed with an Administrative conditional use permit
in the Residential Multi-Family (RM) , Center Neighborhood
(CN) , Center powntown (CD) , Center Office Residential (COR)
and Convenience Commercial (CC) zones if the facility has
minimum setbacks of one hundred (100) feet from any adj acent
residentially zoned parcel . Monopole I Facilities may be
allowed with a Hearing Examiner conditional use permit in the
Residential Multi-Family (RM) , Center Neighborhood (CN) ,
Center powntown (CD) , Center Office Residential (COR) and
Convenience Commercial (CC) zones if the minimum setbacks are
less than one hundred (100) feet from any adjacent
residentially zoned property.
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ORDINANCE N0.
D. Permitted Use: Monopole I Facilities are a primary permitted
use in the Commercial Arterial (CA) , Commercial Office (CO) ,
Light Industrial (IL) , Medium Industrial (IM) and Heavy
Industrial (IH) zones if the facility has minimum setbacks of i
one hundred (100) feet from any adjacent residentially zoned
parcel . Monopole I Facilities may be allowed with an
administrative conditional use permit in the Commercial
Arterial (CA) , Commercial Office (CO) , Light Industrial (IL) ,
Medium Industrial (IM) and Heavy Industrial (IH) zones if the
minimum setbacks are less than one hundred (100) feet from
any adjacent residentially zoned property.
E . Maximum Height : The maximum permitted height for a Monopole
I Facility shall be less than sixty (60) feet .
F. Antenna Height : Antennas equal to or less than fifteen (15)
feet in height or up to four (4) inches in diameter may be a
component of a Monopole I Facility. Antennas which extend
above the wireless communications support structure shall not
be calculated as part of the height of the Monopole I
wireless communications support structure. For example, the •
maximum height for a Monopole I shall be sixty (60) feet and
maximum height of antennas which may be installed on the
support structure could be fifteen (15) feet, making the
maximum permitted height of the support structure and
antennas seventy-five (75) feet (sixty (60) feet plus fifteen
(15) feet) .
G. Antennas : Macro facilities are the largest attached wireless
communication facilities allowed on a Monopole I Facility.
H. Equipment Shelters or Cabinets : A shelter or cabinet used to
house radio electronics equipment and the associated cabling
connecting the equipment shelter or cabinet to the Monopole I
facilities shall be concealed, camouflaged or placed
underground. When they cannot be located in buildings or
underground, equipment shelters or cabinets shall be fenced,
screened and landscaped in conformance with City Code Section
4-31-34, Landscaping. Landscaping shall include a minimum
fifteen (15) foot sight obscuring landscape buffer around the
accessory equipment facility. Accessory equipment facilities
located on the roof of any building shall be enclosed so as
to be shielded from view.
I . Landscaping: Monopole I Facilities shall be landscaped in
conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping. A
minimum landscaping area of fifteen (15) feet shall be
required surrounding the facility. Landscaping shall include
trees, shrubs and ground cover. The required landscaped
areas shall include an irrigation system.
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ORDINANCE N0. 4666
4-38-11 : DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SUPPORT STRUCTURES : MONOPOLE II
A. Definition: MONOPOLE II : A wireless communication support �
structure which consists of a freestanding support structure,
sixty (60) feet or greater in height, erected to support
wireless communication antennas and connecting appurtenances .
B. Prohibited Zones : Monopole II Facilities are prohibited in
the Resource Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) ,
Residential-5 DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) ,
Residential-10 DU/AC (R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14)
zones .
C. Hearing Examiner Conditional Use Permit : Monopole II
Facilities may be allowed with a Hearing Examiner conditional
use permit in the Residential Multi-Family (RM) , Center
Neighborhood (CN) , Center powntown (CD) , Center Office
Residential (COR) and Convenience Commercial (CC) zones .
Monopole II Facilities are prohibited in these zones if '
located within three hundred (300) feet of a Resource
Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5
DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC
(R-10) or Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14) zone .
D. Administrative Conditional Use Permit : Monopole II
Facilities may be allowed with an administrative conditional
use permit in the Commercial Arterial (CA) , Commercial Office
(CO) , Light Industrial (IL) , Medium Industrial (IM) and Heavy
Industrial (IH) zones . Monopole II Facilities are prohibited
in these zones if located within three hundred (300) feet of
a Resource Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) ,
Residential-5 DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) ,
Residential-10 DU/AC (R-10) or Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14)
zone.
E. Height : The maximum permitted height for a Monopole II
Facility shall be thirty-five (35) feet higher than the
regular permitted maximum height for the applicable zoning
district, or one hundred fifty (150) feet, whichever is less .
F. Antennas : Macro Facilities are the largest permitted
attached wireless communication facilities allowed on a
Monopole II facility. Antennas which extend above the
Monopole II wireless communications support structure shall
not be calculated as part of the height of the wireless
communications support structure. For example, the maximum
height for a Monopole II facility shall be one hundred fifty
(150) feet and the maximum height of antennas which may be
installed on the support structure could be fifteen (15)
feet, making the maximum permitted height of the support
structure and antennas one hundred sixty-five (165) feet (one
hundred fifty (150) feet plus fifteen (15) feet) .
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4666
ORDINANCE N0.
G. Equipment Shelters or Cabinets : A shelter or cabinet used to I
house radio electronics equipment and the associated cabling
connecting the equipment shelter or cabinet to the Monopole
II Facility support structure shall be concealed, screened,
camouflaged or placed underground. When they cannot be
located in buildings or underground, equipment shelters or
cabinets shall be fenced, screened and landscaped in
conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping.
Landscaping shall include a minimum fifteen (15) foot sight
obscuring landscape buffer around the accessory equipment
facility. Accessory equipment facilities located on the roof
of any building shall be enclosed so as to be shielded from
view.
H. Landscaping: Monopole II Facilities shall be landscaped in
conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping. A
minimum landscaping area of fifteen (15) feet shall be
required surrounding the facility. Landscaping shall include
trees, shrubs and ground cover. The required landscaped areas
shall include an irrigation system. �
4-38-12 : DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR SUPPORT STRUCTURES : LATTICE
TOWERS
A. Definition: LATTICE TOWER: A wireless communication support
structure which consists of inetal crossed strips or bars to
support antennas and related equipment .
B. Prohibited Zones : Lattice Towers are prohibited in the
Resource Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) ,
Residential-5 DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) ,
Residential-10 DU/AC (R-10) , and Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14)
zones .
C. Hearing Examiner Conditional Use Permit : Lattice Towers may '
be allowed with a Hearing Examiner conditional use permit in
the Residential Multi-Family (RM) , Center Neighborhood (CN) ,
Center powntown (CD) , Center Office Residential (COR) and
Convenience Commercial (CC) zones . Lattice Towers are
prohibited in these zones if located within three hundred
(300) feet of a Resource Conservation (RC) , Residential-1
DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5 DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC
(R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC (R-10) or Residential-14 DU/AC
(R-14) zone.
D. Administrative Conditional Use Permit : Lattice Towers may be
allowed with an administrative conditional use permit in the
Commercial Arterial (CA) , Commercial Office (CO) , Light
Industrial (IL) , Medium Industrial (IM) and Heavy Industrial
(IH) zones . Lattice Towers are prohibited in these zones if
located within three hundred (300) feet of a Resource
Conservation (RC) , Residential-1 DU/AC (R-1) , Residential-5
DU/AC (R-5) , Residential-8 DU/AC (R-8) , Residential-10 DU/AC
(R-10) or Residential-14 DU/AC (R-14) zone.
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4666
ORDINANCE N0.
E . Height : The maximum permitted height for a Lattice Towers I
shall be thirty-five (35) feet higher than the regular
permitted maximum height for the applicable zoning district,
or one hundred fifty (150) feet, whichever is less .
F. Antennas : Macro Facilities are the largest permitted
attached wireless communication facilities allowed on a
Lattice Towers . Antennas which extend above the Lattice
Towers wireless communications support structure shall not be
calculated as part of the height of the wireless
communications support structure. For example, the maximum
height for a Lattice Towers shall be one hundred fifty (150)
feet and the maximum height of antennas which may be
installed on the support structure could be fifteen (15)
feet, making the maximum permitted height of the support
structure and antennas one hundred sixty-five (165) feet (one
hundred fifty (150) feet plus fifteen (15) feet) .
G. Equipment Shelter or Cabinet : A shelter or cabinet used to
house radio electronics equipment and the associated cabling
connecting the equipment shelter or cabinet to the Lattice
Towers support structure shall be concealed, screened,
camouflaged or placed underground. When they cannot be
located in buildings or underground, equipment shelters or
cabinets shall be fenced, screened and landscaped in
conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping. ,
Landscaping shall include a minimum fifteen (15) foot sight
obscuring landscape buffer around the accessory equipment
facility. Accessory equipment facilities located on the roof
of any building shall be enclosed so as to be shielded from
view.
H. Landscaping: Lattice Towers shall be landscaped in
conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping. A
minimum landscaping area of fifteen (15) feet shall be
required surrounding the facility. Landscaping shall include
trees, shrubs and ground cover. The required landscaped areas
shall include an irrigation system.
4-38-13 : ADDITIONAL PERMIT CRITERIA FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
FACILITIES
The following criteria shall be met before a building permit can
be granted:
A. Visual Impact
1 . Antenna Height : Antennas may not extend more than
fifteen (15) feet above their supporting structure,
monopole, lattice tower, building or other structure .
2 . Existing Character: Site location and development shall
preserve the preexisting character of the surrounding
buildings and land uses and the zone district to the
extent consistent with the function of the
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ORDINANCE N0. 4666
communications equipment . Wireless communication towers
shall be integrated through location and design to blend
in with the existing characteristics of the site to the
extent pract.ical . Existing on-site vegetation shall be i
preserved or improved, and disturbance of the existing
topography shall be minimized, unless such disturbance
would result in less visual impact of the site to the
surrounding area.
3 . Screening of Equipment Shelters and Cabinets : Accessory
equipment facilities used to house wireless
communications equipment should be located within
buildings or placed underground when possible. When
they cannot be located in buildings, equipment shelters
or cabinets shall be fenced, screened and landscaped in �
conformance with City Code Section 4-31-34, Landscaping.
Landscaping shall include a minimum fifteen (15) foot
sight obscuring landscape buffer around the accessory
equipment facility. Accessory equipment facilities
located on the roof of any building shall be enclosed so
as to be shielded from view.
4 . Exposed Metal Surfaces : Accessory equipment facilities �
may not be enclosed with exposed metal surfaces .
B. Noise Levels : No equipment shall be operated so as to
produce noise in levels above forty-five (45) dB as measured
from the nearest property line on which the attached 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 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. are exempt
from this standard. No testing of back-up power generators
shall occur between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
C. Fencing: Security fencing, if used, shall be painted or
coated with a nonreflective color. Fencing shall comply with
the requirements listed in City Code 4-31-15 (C) , Fences and
Hedges . ,
D. Lighting: Towers shall not be artificially lighted, unless
required by the FAA or other applicable authority. If
lighting is required, the governing authority 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 site .
E . Advertising: No lettering, symbols, images, or trademarks
large enough to be legible to occupants of vehicular traffic '�
on any adjacent roadway shall be placed on or affixed to any '
part of a telecommunications tower, antenna array or antenna,
other than as required by FCC regulations regarding tower
registration or other applicable law.
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4666
ORDINANCE N0.
�
F. Building Standards : Wireless Communication Support Structures
shall be constructed so as to meet or exceed the most recent
Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications
Industries Association (EIA/TIA) 222 Revision F 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 . A Wireless Communications Support
Structure shall be located in such a manner that if the
structure should fall along its longest dimension, it will
remain within property boundaries and avoid habitable
structures, public streets, utility lines and other
telecommunications towers .
4-38-14 : CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REVIEW CRITERIA
A. Applicability: The governing authority may grant, with or
without conditions, or deny the requested conditional use
permit . The governing authority may limit the term and
duration of the conditional use permit . Conditions imposed
by the governing authority shall reasonably assure that
nuisance or hazard to life or property will not develop.
B. Conditional Use Criteria: The governing authority shall
consider the following factors in determining whether to
issue a conditional use permit, although the governing
authority may waive or reduce the burden on the applicant of
one or more of these criteria if the governing authority,
concludes that the goals of this ordinance are better served
thereby.
1 . Height of the proposed tower.
2 . Proximity of the tower to residential structures and
residential district boundaries .
3 . Nature of uses on adjacent and nearby properties .
4 . Surrounding topography.
5 . Surrounding tree coverage and foliage .
6 . Design of the tower, with particular reference to design
characteristics that have the effect of reducing or
eliminating visual obtrusiveness .
7 . Proposed ingress and egress .
8 . Potential noise, light and glare impacts .
9 . Availability of suitable existing towers and other
structures .
4-38-15 : AIRPORT RESTRICTIONS
A. Airport Regulations : All wireless communications facilities
and attached wireless communications facilities must comply
with the Airport Zoning regulations, as listed in City Code
4-31-17 .
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4666
ORDINANCE NO.
B. Notice to FAA: A Notice of Proposed Construction shall be
submitted to the FAA a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to
the issuance of any building permit for any wireless
communications support structure or attached wireless !
communications facilities .
4-38-16 : EXEMPTION
A. Exemptions from Conditional Use Permit : The following are
exempt from the requirement of a conditional use permit, and
shall be considered a permitted use in all zones where
attached wireless communications facilities are permitted:
Minor modifications of existing wireless communications
facilities, whether emergency or routine, so long as there is
little or no change in the visual appearance, as determined
by the Administrator.
B. Amateur Radio, Receive Only Antennas : This Chapter shall not
govern any tower, or installation of any antenna, that is
under seventy (70) feet in height and is owned and operated
by a federally licensed amateur radio station operator or is �
used exclusively for receive only antennas .
4-38-17 : OBSOLESCENCE
Any wireless communications facility or attached wireless
communications facility that is no longer needed and its use is
discontinued shall be reported immediately by service provider to
the Administrator. Discontinued facilities shall be
decommissioned and removed by the facility owner within six (6)
months of the date it ceases to be operational or if the facility
falls into disrepair, and the site restored to its pre-existing
condition.
4-38-18 : COLLOCATION
A. Availability of Suitable Existing Towers or Other Structures :
No new wireless communications support structure shall be
permitted unless the applicant demonstrates to the reasonable
satisfaction of the governing authority that no existing
tower or structure can accommodate the applicant ' s proposed
antenna. Evidence submitted to demonstrate that no existing
tower or structure can accommodate the applicant ' s proposed
antenna may consist of any of the following:
1 . No existing towers or structures are located within the
geographic area required to meet applicant ' s engineering �
requirements .
2 . Existing towers or structures are not of sufficient
height to meet applicant ' s engineering requirements .
3 . Existing towers or structures do not have sufficient
structural strength to support applicant ' s proposed
antenna and related equipment .
4 . The applicant ' s proposed antenna would cause
electromagnetic interference with the antenna on the
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;
1
' ORDINANCE N0. 4666
existing towers or structures, or the antenna on the
existing towers or structures would cause interference
with the applicant ' s proposed antenna.
5 . 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.
6 . The applicant demonstrates that there are other limiting
factors that render existing towers and structures
unsuitable.
B. Cooperation in Collocation Efforts : A permittee shall
cooperate with other WCF providers in collocating additional
antennas on support structures and/or on existing buildings '
provided said proposed collocators have received a building
permit for such use at said 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 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 .
C. Reasonable Efforts : All applicants shall demonstrate
reasonable efforts in developing a collocation alternative
for their proposal .
4-38-19 : RADIO FREQUENCY STANDARDS
A. Verification of Compliance : The applicant shall comply with
Federal standards for radio frequency emissions . Within
sixty (60) days after the issuance of its operational permit,
the applicant shall submit a project implementation report
which provides cumulative field measurements of radio
frequency emissions of all antennas installed at the subject
site and compares the results with established Federal
standards . Said report shall be subject to review and
approval of the Administrator for consistency with Federal
standards . If on review, the City finds that the WCF does
not meet Federal standards, the City may revoke or modify ,
this permit .
B. Interference with Local TV or Radio: The applicant shall
ensure that the WCF will not cause localized interference
with the reception of area television or radio broadcasts .
If on review the City finds that the WCF interferes with such
19 '
ORDINANCE NO. 4666
reception, and if such interference is not remedied within
thirty (30) days, the city may revoke or modify this permit .
4-38-20 : PERMIT LIMITATIONS
A. Hold Harmless Agreement : The permittee/operator of a WCF
shall and does, upon approval of the building permit, agree
to indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the City, its
Council members, officers, employees, agents and
representatives, from and against any and all liabilities,
losses, damages, demands, claims and costs, including court
costs and attorneys ' fees (collectively, "liabilities" )
incurred by the City arising, directly or indirectly, from:
a) City' s approval and issuance of this building permit; b)
City' s approval or issuance of any permit or action, whether
discretionary or non-discretionary, in connection with the
use contemplated herein; and c) Applicant ' s installation and
operation of the facility permitted hereby, including,
without limitation, any and all liabilities arising from the
emission by the facility of electromagnetic fields or other
energy waves or emissions . Permittee/operator compliance
with this section is an express condition of the building
permit and this provision shall be binding on any and all of
the permittee' s/operator' s successors and assigns .
B. Maintenance : 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.
C. Change of Ownership: The applicant shall notify the
Department of all changes in ownership or operation of the
facility within sixty (60) days of the change .
4-38-21 : ALTERNATES AND MODIFICATIONS
A. Alternates : The provisions of this Chapter are not intended
to prevent the use of any material or method of construction
not specifically prescribed by this Chapter, provided any
alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the
Administrator or his/her designee.
The Administrator may approve any such alternate, provided
he/she finds that the proposed design and/or methodology is
satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this Chapter
and that the material, method or work offered is, for the
purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed
in this Chapter in suitability, strength, effectiveness,
durability, safety, maintainability and environmental
protection.
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ORDINANCE NO. 4666
The Administrator may require that sufficient evidence or
proof be submitted to substantiate any claims that may be
made regarding its use .
B. Modifications : Whenever there are practical difficulties
involved in carrying out the provisions of this Chapter, the
Administrator may grant modifications for individual cases
provided she/he shall first find that a special individual
reason makes the strict letter of this Chapter impractical,
that the modification is in conformity with the intent and
purpose of this Chapter, and that such modification:
1 . Will meet the objectives and safety, function,
environmental protection and maintainability intended by �
the requirements of this Chapter, based upon sound
engineering judgment .
2 . Will not be injurious to other property(s) in the
vicinity.
4-38-22 : VARIANCES
A. Variance Requirements : A variance from the requirements of
this ordinance may be approved by the Hearing Examiner when
undue hardship may be created as a result of strict I
compliance with the provisions of this ordinance . In �
recommending or approving any variance, the Hearing Examiner
may prescribe conditions that he/she deems necessary to or
desirable for the public interest . No variance shall be
approved or recommended unless the Hearing Examiner finds :
1 . That there are special physical circumstances or
conditions affecting said property such that the strict
application of the provisions of this ordinance would j
deprive the applicant of the reasonable use or
development of his land; and
2 . That the variance is necessary to insure such property
the rights and privileges enjoyed by other properties in
the vicinity and under similar circumstances; and
3 . That the granting of the variance will not be
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other
property in the vicinity. i
B. Applications Required: Application for any variance shall be
submitted in writing by the applicant at the time the permit
application is submitted to the Department . The application
shall state fully all substantiating facts and evidence
pertinent to the request .
C. variance Fees : The appropriate fees shall be paid at time of
application as required in City Code Section 5-1-1 .
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4666
ORDINANCE NO.
4-38-23 : APPEALS
Any decision made in the administrative process described in this
Chapter may be appealed pursuant to Section 4-8-11 of this Title.
Any appellant must be seeking to protect an interest that is
arguably within the zone of interest to be protected or regulated
by this chapter, must allege an injury in fact, and that injury
must be real and present �rather than speculative .
4-38-24 : VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Violations of the provisions of this Chapter will be a civil �
infraction and punishable under Chapter 33, Title IV of the City
Code .
4-38-25 : SEVERABILITY -
If any provision of this Chapter or its application to any person
or property is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction,
the remainder of the Chapter or the application of the provision .
to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. i
1
SECTION II. The City Council of the City of Renton hereby ',
declares an emergency and this Ordinance shall be effective upon I
its adoption.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 2nd day of June , 1997 .
�
Marilyn J. etersen, City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 2nd day of June , 1997 .
-�-t��
Jes e Tanner, Mayor
Approv d as to form:
G���ntJ.�.�-- `
Lawrence J. Warren, City Attorney
Date of Publication: June 6, 1997
ORD. 659 : 6/04/97 :as .
22