§ 3-11. Communication towers and antennas (SIC 48).

Where conditionally permitted by table I, communication towers and antennas shall adhere to the following regulations:

(1)

All new towers shall be mounted on mono poles, without need for guy wires, and designed to accommodate additional antennas equal in number to the applicant's present and future requirements.

(2)

All applicable safety code requirements shall be met, including requirements for lighting, except that strobe lights shall not be installed for night usage.

(3)

Towers or antennas shall not be painted or illuminated unless otherwise required by state or federal regulations. However, if painted, they shall be done so in muted colors.

(4)

No tower or antenna shall be located within 1,000 feet of an existing tower or antenna, except where the applicant certifies that the existing tower does not meet the applicant's structural specifications and applicant's technical design requirements, or that a collocation agreement could not be obtained.

(5)

Towers or antennas shall be exempt from the maximum height requirements of this ordinance, except as provided in section 7-5.

(6)

Permit requirements for the erection or placement of a tower or antenna shall be accompanied by the following:

(a)

$200.00 processing fee.

(b)

One copy of typical specifications for proposed structures and antennae, including description of design characteristics and material.

(c)

A site plan drawn to scale showing property boundaries, tower location, tower height, guy wires and anchors, existing structures, photographs or elevation drawings depicting typical design of proposed structures, parking, fences, landscape plan, and existing and uses on adjacent property; [site plan not required if antenna is to be mounted on an approved existing structure].

(d)

A current map or update of an existing map on file, showing locations of applicant's antenna, facilities, existing towers, and proposed towers which are reflected in public records, serving any property within the city.

(e)

A report from a structural engineer registered in South Carolina showing the tower antenna capacity by type and number, and a certification that the tower is designed to withstand winds in accordance with ANSI/EIA/TIA 222 (latest revision) standards.

(f)

Identification of the owners of all antennae and equipment to be located on the site.

(g)

Written authorization from the site owner for the application.

(h)

Evidence that a valid FCC license for the proposed activity has been issued.

(i)

A line of sight analysis showing the potential visual and aesthetic impacts on adjacent residential districts.

(j)

A written agreement to remove the tower and/or antenna within 180 days after cessation of use. The agreement must include a closure plan and financial guarantees acceptable to the town ensuring removal within said time frame.

(k)

A certificate from a registered engineer showing that the proposed facility will contain only equipment meeting FCC rules, together with a written indemnification of the municipality and proof of liability insurance or financial ability to respond to claims up to $1,000,000.00 in the aggregate which may arise from operation of the facility during its life, at no cost to the city, in form approved by the town attorney.

Cross reference

Utilities, ch. 32.