The Telecommunications Act of 1996 affirmed the Village of Harriman's authority concerning the placement, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities. The Village Board finds that wireless telecommunications facilities and related equipment may pose a unique hazard to the health, safety, public welfare and environment of the village and its inhabitants, and may also have an adverse visual impact on the community, its character and thus the quality of life in the village. The intent of this chapter is to ensure that the placement, construction or modification of wireless telecommunications facilities and related equipment is consistent with the village's land use policies and Chapter
140, Zoning, to minimize the negative and adverse visual impact of wireless telecommunications facilities; to assure a comprehensive review of environmental impacts of such facilities; to protect the health, safety and welfare of the Village of Harriman; and to encourage shared use of wireless telecommunication facilities. These regulations are not intended to prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the provision of personal wireless services nor shall they be used to unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services consistent with current federal regulations.
This chapter may be known and cited as the "Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities Siting Law for the Village of Harriman," or may otherwise be known
as the "Wireless Facilities Law."
For purposes of this chapter, and where not inconsistent with the context
of a particular section, the defined terms, phrases, words, abbreviations
and their derivations shall have the meanings given in this section. When
not inconsistent with the context, words in the present tense include the
future tense, words used in the plural number include words in the singular
number and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word
"shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
ACCESSORY FACILITY OR STRUCTURE
An accessory facility or structure serving or being used in conjunction
with a telecommunications facility and located on the same property or lot
as the telecommunications tower, including but not limited to utility or transmission
equipment storage sheds or cabinets.
ANTENNA
A system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive electromagnetic
waves or radio frequency signals. Such waves shall include, but not be limited
to, radio, television, cellular, paging, personal telecommunications services
(PCS) and microwave telecommunications.
APPLICANT
Includes any individual, corporation, estate, trust partnership,
joint-stock company, association of two or more persons, limited liability
company or entity submitting an application to the Village of Harriman for
a special permitted use for a telecommunications facility.
APPLICATION
The form approved by the Council, together with all necessary and
appropriate documentation that an applicant submits in order to receive a
special permitted use for a telecommunications facility.
BREAK POINT
The location on a telecommunications tower (tower) which, in the
event of a failure of the tower, would result in the tower falling or collapsing
within the boundaries of the property on which the tower is placed.
COLLOCATION
The use of the same telecommunications tower or structure to carry
two or more antennas for the provision of wireless services by two or more
persons or entities.
COMPLETED APPLICATION
An application that contains all information and/or data necessary
to enable the Council to evaluate the merits of the application and to make
an informed decision with respect to the effect and impact of the telecommunications
tower on the village in the context of the permitted land use for the particular
location requested.
EAF
The Environmental Assessment Form approved by the New York Department
of Environmental Conservation.
FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration or its duly designated and authorized
successor agency.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission or its duly designated and
authorized successor agency.
FREESTANDING TOWER
A tower that is not supported by guy wires and ground anchors or
other means of attached or external support.
HEIGHT
When referring to a tower or structure, the distance measured from
the preexisting grade level to the highest point on the tower or structure,
even if said highest point is an antenna.
NIER
Nonionizing electromagnetic radiation.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, estate, trust, partnership, joint-stock
company, association of two or more persons having a joint common interest
or governmental entity.
PLANNING BOARD
The Village of Harriman Planning Board is the officially designated
agency or body of the community to whom applications for a special permitted
use for a telecommunications facility must be made, and that is authorized
to review, analyze, evaluate and make decisions with respect to granting or
revoking special permitted use approvals for telecommunications facilities.
The Planning Board may, at its discretion, delegate or designate other official
agencies of the village to accept, review, analyze, evaluate and make recommendations
to the Planning Board with respect to the granting or not granting, recertifying
or not recertifying or revoking special permitted use approvals for telecommunications
facilities.
SITE
See definition for "telecommunications tower."
SPECIAL PERMITTED USE
The official document or permit by which an applicant is allowed
to construct and use a telecommunications tower as granted or issued by the
village.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The transmission and reception of audio, video, data and other information
by wire, radio frequency, light and other electronic or electromagnetic systems.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURE
Any structure used in, associated with or necessary for the provision
of wireless services and as described in the definition of "wireless telecommunications
facility."
TEMPORARY
In relation to all aspects and components of this chapter fewer than
90 days.
VILLAGE
The Village of Harriman, New York.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY OR TOWER OR SITE OR PERSONAL WIRELESS
FACILITY (OR ANY FUNCTIONALLY EQUIVALENT SERVICE OR TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY BE
DEVELOPED IN THE FUTURE)
A structure or location designed or intended to be used or used to
support antennas. It includes without limit antennas applied to the facade
of a building or roof-mounted antennas, freestanding towers, guyed towers,
monopolies and similar structures that employ camouflage technology and including,
but not limited to, structures such as a church steeple, water tower, sign
or other similar structures intended to mitigate the visual impact of an antenna
or the functional equivalent of such. It is a facility or structure intended
for transmitting and/or receiving radio, television, cellular, paging, personal
telecommunications services or microwave telecommunications, but excluding
those used exclusively for private radio and television reception and private
citizens' bands, amateur radio and other similar telecommunications.
Telecommunications facilities and towers shall be specially permitted
within the village subject to regulation pursuant to this chapter, site plan
approval and coordinated SEQR review, pursuant to the Environmental Conservation
Law of New York.
All applicants for a special permitted use for a wireless telecommunications
facility or any modification of such facility shall comply with the requirements
set forth in this section.
A. An application for a special permitted use for a wireless
telecommunications facility shall be signed on behalf of the applicant by
the person preparing the same and with knowledge of the contents and representations
made therein and attesting to the truth and completeness of the information.
The landowner, if different than the applicant, shall also sign the application.
At the discretion of the Planning Board, any false or misleading statement
in the application may subject the applicant to denial of the application
without further consideration or opportunity for correction.
B. Applications not meeting the requirements stated herein
or which are otherwise incomplete may be rejected by the Planning Board.
C. The applicant shall demonstrate that:
(1) The applicant's proposed wireless telecommunications
facility can be maintained in a safe manner and in compliance with all conditions
of the special permitted use.
(2) The applicant is authorized to do business in New York
State.
D. No wireless telecommunications facility or tower or other
tall structure shall be installed or constructed for the purpose of providing
wireless telecommunications service until a plan of the site is reviewed and
approved by the Planning Board. No construction may be undertaken in furtherance
of an application until SEQR review has been completed and site plan approval
and special permit approvals have been granted by the Planning Board.
E. All applications for the construction or installation
of a new wireless telecommunications facility shall be prepared by a New York
licensed professional engineer and land surveyor and shall address either
on the site plan or on a narrative report which may accompany the site plan
submission, the following:
(1) The need for the wireless telecommunications facility
to provide service primarily within the village.
(2) Name and address of person preparing the report.
(3) Name and address of the property owner, operator and
applicant, to include the legal form of the applicant.
(4) Postal address and Tax Map parcel number of the property.
(5) Zoning district or designation in which the property
is situated.
(6) Size of the property stated both in square feet and lot
line dimensions and a diagram showing the location of all lot lines.
(7) Location of all residential structures within 750 feet.
(8) Location of all occupied structures within 750 feet.
(9) Location of all structures on the property which is the
subject of the application.
(10) Location, size and height of all proposed and existing
antennas and all appurtenant structures.
(11) Type, size and location of all proposed and existing
landscaping.
(12) The number, type and design of the wireless telecommunications
facility(s) antenna(s) proposed and the basis for the calculations of the
wireless telecommunications facility's capacity to accommodate multiple
users.
(13) The make, model and manufacturer of the wireless facility
and antenna(s).
(14) A description of the proposed wireless facility and antenna(s)
and all related fixtures, structures, appurtenances and apparatus, including
height above preexisting grade, materials, color and lighting.
(15) The frequency, modulation and class of service of radio
or other transmitting equipment.
(16) Transmission and maximum effective radiated power of
the antenna(s).
(17) Direction of maximum lobes and associated radiation of
the antenna(s).
(18) Applicant's proposed wireless facility maintenance
and inspection procedures and related system of records.
(19) Certification that NIER levels at the proposed site are
within the threshold levels adopted by the FCC.
(20) Certification that the proposed antenna(s) will not cause
interference with existing telecommunications devices. The certifying engineer
need not be approved by the village.
(21) A copy of the FCC license applicable for the use of the
wireless telecommunications facility.
(22) Certification that a topographic and geologic conditions
which are to be confirmed by field tests are sufficient to assure the stability
of the proposed wireless telecommunications tower.
(23) Propagation studies of the proposed site and all adjoining
proposed or in-service or existing sites.
(24) Applicant shall disclose, in writing, any agreement in
existence prior to submission of the application that would limit or preclude
the ability of the applicant to share any new wireless telecommunications
facility that it constructs.
F. In the case of a new wireless telecommunications facility,
the applicant shall be required to submit a report demonstrating its efforts
to secure shared use of existing wireless telecommunications facility(s).
Copies of written requests and responses for shared use shall be provided
to the Planning Board.
G. Certification that the wireless telecommunications facility
and attachments both are designed and constructed ("as built") to meet all
county, state and federal structural requirements for loads, including wind
and ice.
H. Prior to issuance of a certificate of compliance or certificate
of occupancy the applicant shall post with the village cash bond or surety
for the cost of removal of the tower in the event it should be abandoned or
become a hazard or otherwise be subject to removal pursuant to valid exercise
of police power of the village.
I. The applicant shall submit a completed long form EAF
and a completed Visual EAF addendum.
J. The Visual EAF addendum shall be in the form of a visual
impact assessment which may include:
(1) A Zone of Visibility Map, indicating the full range and
line of sight within which the proposed facility will be visible.
(2) Pictorial representations of before and after views from
key viewpoints to be determined by the Planning Board, including but not limited
to state highways and other major roads; state and local parks; other public
lands; historic districts; preserves and historic sites normally open to the
public; and from any other location where the site is visible.
(3) An assessment of the visual impact of the facility base,
guy wires and accessory buildings from abutting and adjacent properties and
streets.
(4) A discussion of the feasibility of disguising the proposed
utilizing stealth technology to blend with surrounding vista.
K. The applicant shall provide a plan for mitigation of
the visual impacts which shall include a screening plan and such other methods
as the applicant may employ to diminish any adverse visual impact attributable
to the proposal.
L. Unless otherwise directed by the Planning Board all utilities
serving any wireless telecommunications facility site shall be installed underground
and in compliance with all laws, rules and regulations of the village, including
specifically, but not limited to, the National Electrical Safety Code and
the National Electrical Code, where appropriate. Noise suppression materials
shall be utilized in the design and construction of the tower and any appurtenances.
M. Both the wireless telecommunications facility and any
and all accessory or associated facilities shall to the maximum extent employ
building materials, colors and textures which are compatible with the natural
surroundings of the site.
N. An access road and parking to assure adequate emergency
and service access shall be provided, should such be deemed necessary by the
Village Board. Existing roads, whether public or private, shall be utilized
to the extent possible.
O. All wireless telecommunications facilities shall be constructed,
operated, maintained, repaired, modified or restored in strict compliance
with all current technical, safety and safety-related codes adopted by the
village, county, state or United States, including but not limited to the
most recent editions of the National Electrical Safety Code and the National
Electrical Code, as well as accepted and responsibly workmanlike industry
practices and recommended practices of the National Association of Tower Erectors.
The codes referred to are codes that include, but are not limited to, construction,
building, electrical, fire, safety, health and land use codes. In the event
of a conflict between or among any of the preceding, the more stringent shall
apply.
P. Each applicant shall obtain all other permits and licenses
required by applicable law, rule, regulation or law and must maintain the
same, in full force and effect, for as long as required by the village or
other governmental entity or agency having jurisdiction over the applicant.
Q. All new towers shall demonstrate the feasibility of accommodation
of future demand. The scope of this examination shall be determined by the
Planning Board. The wireless telecommunications facility shall be structurally
designed to accommodate at least two additional antenna arrays equal to those
of the applicant and located as close to the applicant's antenna as possible
without causing interference. This requirement may be waived, provided that
the applicant demonstrates that the provisions of future shared usage of the
wireless telecommunications facility is not technologically feasible, or is
commercially impracticable and creates an unnecessary and unreasonable burden,
based upon:
(1) The number of FCC licenses available for the area.
(2) The kind of wireless telecommunications facility site
and structure proposed.
(3) The number of existing and potential licenses without
wireless telecommunications facility spaces/sites.
(4) Available space on existing and approved telecommunications
towers.
All wireless telecommunications facilities and antennas shall be located,
fenced or otherwise secured in a manner which prevents unauthorized access.
Specifically:
A. All antennas, towers and other supporting structures,
including guy wires, shall be made inaccessible to individuals and constructed
or shielded in such a manner that they cannot be climbed or run into; and
B. Transmitters and telecommunications control points must
be installed such that they are readily accessible only to persons authorized
to operate or service them.
Signage shall be governed by the regulation of the particular district
within which the facility is to be located.
In addition to the bulk requirements of Chapter
140, Zoning, any proposed telecommunications towers and associated equipment shall satisfy the following additional requirements:
A. Be additionally set back from abutting parcels, recorded
rights-of-way and road and street lines a distance sufficient to contain on
site all ice-fall or debris from a tower or tower failure and to preserve
the privacy and sanctity of any adjoining properties. In order to better protect
the health, safety and welfare of the general public and to avoid the potential
for injury due to falling ice or debris all towers shall be not less than
350 feet from the nearest property boundary of any school, park, day-care
center, public playground or similar occupancy.
B. Have a minimum setback from any property line a distance
equal to the height of the facility, plus 10 feet, or the existing setback
requirement of the underlying zoning district, whichever is greater. All accessory
structures shall be located so as to comply with the minimum setback requirements
for the property on which it is situated.
In addition to the requirements of the village code governing site plans:
A. No person shall be permitted to site, place, build, construct
or modify or prepare any site for the placement or use of a wireless telecommunications
facility as of the effective date of this chapter without having first obtained
a special permitted use for a wireless telecommunications facility. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this section, no special permitted use shall be
required for those exceptions noted in the definition of "wireless telecommunications
facility," such as those used exclusively for fire, police and other dispatch
telecommunications, or exclusively for private radio and television reception
and private citizen's bands, amateur radio and other similar telecommunications.
B. New construction, including routine maintenance on an
existing wireless telecommunications facility, shall comply with the requirements
of this chapter.
C. All wireless telecommunications facilities existing on
or before the effective date of this chapter shall be allowed to continue
as they presently exist; provided, however, that any modification to existing
facilities must comply with this chapter.
The Planning Board shall hold a public hearing prior to the grant of a special permit. Such public hearing may in the judgment of the Planning Board be held jointly with the public hearing required pursuant to village code §
140-45 [site plan] and all provisions relating thereto, including notice and publication.
The extent and parameters of a special permitted use for a wireless
telecommunications facility shall be as follows:
A. Such special permitted use shall be nonexclusive.
B. Such special permitted use shall not be assignable or
transferable without the consent of the Village Planning Board and Village
Board.
C. Such special permitted use may be revoked, canceled or
terminated for a violation of the conditions and provisions of the special
permitted use for a wireless telecommunications facility, or for a material
violation of this chapter.
D. Any action to revoke a special permit shall comply with Chapter
140, Zoning.
The applicant and the owner of record of any proposed wireless telecommunications
facility property site shall be jointly required to execute and file with
the village a bond or other form of security acceptable to the village as
to type of security and the form and manner of execution, in an amount and
with such sureties as are deemed sufficient by the Planning Board to assure
the faithful performance of the terms and conditions of this chapter and conditions
of any special permitted use issued pursuant to this chapter. The full amount
of the bond or security shall remain in full force and effect throughout the
term of the special permitted use and/or until the removal of the wireless
telecommunications facility and any necessary site restoration is completed.
The failure to pay any annual premium for the renewal of any such security
shall be a violation of the provisions of the special permitted use and shall
entitle the Planning Board to revoke the special permitted use after prior
written notice to the applicant and holder of the permit.
The village may from time to time cause the inspection of facilities
constructed pursuant to a permit granted pursuant to this chapter in accordance
with state and local law and building codes to ensure the continued compliance
with law and conditions of the special permit, if any.
The holder of the special permitted use shall, annually, certify to
the village that NIER levels at the site are within the threshold levels adopted
by the FCC. The certifying engineer need not be approved by the village.
Any special permitted use issued pursuant to this chapter shall contain
a provision with respect to indemnification. Such provision shall require
the holder of the special permitted use, to the extent permitted by the law,
to at all times defend, indemnify, protect, save, hold harmless and exempt
the village, officials of the village, its officers, agents, servants and
employees from any and all penalties, damage or charges arising out of any
and all claims, suits, demands, causes of action, or award of damages, whether
compensatory or punitive, or expenses arising therefrom, either at law or
in equity, which might arise out of, or are caused by, the construction, erection,
modification, location, products performance, operation, maintenance, repair,
installation, replacement, removal or restoration of a wireless telecommunications
facility within the village. With respect to the penalties, damages or charges
referenced herein, reasonable attorneys' fees, consultants' fees
and expert witness fees are included in those costs that are recoverable by
the village.
Where this chapter differs or conflicts with other laws, rules and regulations,
unless the right to do so is preempted or prohibited by the county, state
or federal government, the more restrictive or protective of the village and
the public shall apply.
This chapter shall be enforced by the Building Inspector in the same
manner as provided in Village Code of the Village of Harriman, State Building
and Fire Codes and Village Law and Executive Law of the State of New York.
This chapter is enacted pursuant to the Municipal Home Rule Law. This
chapter shall supersede the provisions of Village Law to the extent it is
inconsistent with the same, and to the extent permitted by the New York State
Constitution, the Municipal Home Rule Law or any other applicable statute.