This chapter regulating the placement and installation of signal-receiving
antennas is adopted to:
A. Provide uniform regulation of signal-receiving antenna devices;
B. Secure placement of such antennas in an aesthetically sensitive manner
while allowing users reasonable reception of signals; and
C. Protect the public from injury from antennas that are inadequately
mounted, unduly susceptible to wind pressure, improperly installed
and wired, or are placed on structures insufficiently designed or
constructed to safely support the antenna.
No persons shall mount or affix any type of signal-receiving
antenna until a permit shall have first been obtained from the Building
Inspector.
For purposes of this chapter, "signal-receiving antenna" is
defined as any mounted or affixed apparatus capable of receiving communications
from a transmitter or from a transmitter relay located in a planetary
orbit. This definition includes all types of signal-receiving antennas,
including, without limitation, parabolic antennas, home earth stations,
satellite television disks, UHF and VHF television antennas, and AM,
FM, ham and short-wave radio antennas, regardless of the method of
mounting or affixing.
Application for a signal-receiving antenna permit shall be made
in writing to the Building Inspector, together with the appropriate
fee and a sufficient set of mounting plans and specifications, including
a general plot plan showing the location of the proposed signal-receiving
antenna with respect to streets, lot lines, and buildings. If such
application meets all requirements of this chapter, the application
shall be approved. Issues under this chapter shall not be referred
to the Building Board unless specifically provided for.
Signal-receiving antennas shall comply with the following provisions:
A. Setbacks. Any signal-receiving antenna and its mounting shall comply with the appropriate setbacks required under Chapter
745, Zoning, of the Code of the Village of Fox Point.
B. Placement.
(1) If reasonable reception of signals is possible, the signal-receiving
antenna shall first be located in the following descending order:
(a) In either the rear yard or on the rear of the home or on the rear
of its roof.
(b) In either the side yard or on the side of the home or on the side
of its roof.
(c) In either the front yard or on the front of the home or on the front
of its roof, but only upon certification to the satisfaction of the
Village Manager that reasonable reception is not possible at any other
location.
(2) The Building Inspector shall determine where reasonable reception
is possible, based on evidence provided by the person seeking to mount
or affix the antenna.
C. Mounting. Signal-receiving antennas attached to the wall or roof
of any principal or accessory structure shall be permitted only if
the structure is properly constructed to carry all imposed loading
and complies with applicable state and local building code requirements.
The Building Inspector may require engineering calculations.
D. Width. The width of the signal-receiving antenna shall not exceed
10 feet. If reasonable reception is not possible anywhere on the lot,
the Village Board may grant a variance to the width restriction in
order to achieve reasonable reception in preference to permitting
placement in the front yard.
E. Height. Any signal-receiving antenna, whether ground- or roof-mounted,
including any platform or structure upon which said antenna is mounted
or affixed, may not exceed 10 feet in height above the highest point
on the principal building on the lot, as measured from the base of
the antenna, including any platform or structure upon which said antenna
is mounted or affixed, to the highest point of the antenna. If reasonable
reception is not possible anywhere on the lot and a variance on the
width restriction does not achieve reasonable reception, the Village
Board may grant a variance to the height restriction in order to achieve
reasonable reception in preference to permitting placement in the
front yard.
F. Wind pressure. All signal-receiving antennas shall be permanently
mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
for installation. All such installations shall meet a minimum wind
load design velocity of 80 miles per hour.
G. Electrical installations. Electrical installations in connection
with signal-receiving antennas, including grounding of the system,
shall be in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code, Wisconsin
State Electrical Code and the instructions of the manufacturer. In
cases of conflict, the stricter requirements shall govern. All cable
used to conduct current or signals from the signal-receiving antenna
to the receivers shall be installed underground unless installation
site conditions preclude underground installation. The location of
all such underground lines, cables, and conduits shall be shown on
the application for a permit. All signal-receiving antennas shall
be grounded against direct lightning strikes.
H. Temporary placement. No portable or trailer-mounted signal-receiving
antenna shall be allowed, except for temporary installation for on-site
testing and demonstration purposes for periods not exceeding five
days. However, such trial placement shall be in accordance with all
provisions of this chapter. Any person making such temporary placement
shall first give written notice to the Building Inspector of the date
when such placement shall begin and end.
I. Advertising. No form or advertising or identification, sign or mural
is allowed on the signal-receiving antenna other than the customary
manufacturer's identification plates. The color of the signal-receiving
antenna shall be such that it blends into its surroundings. If the
Building Inspector desires guidance, he may refer this issue to the
Building Board.
J. Interference with broadcasting. Signal-receiving antennas shall be
filtered and/or shielding so as to prevent the emission or reflection
of any electromagnetic radiation that would cause any harmful interference
with the radio and/or television broadcasting or reception on adjacent
properties. In the event that harmful interference is caused subsequent
to its installation, the owner of the signal-receiving antenna shall
promptly take steps to eliminate the harmful interference in accordance
with Federal Communications Commission regulations.
K. Aesthetic considerations. Signal-receiving antennas shall be located
and designed to reasonably reduce visual impact upon surrounding properties
at street level. The Building Inspector may require appropriate screening
that does not interfere with reception. If the Building Inspector
desires guidance, he may refer this issue to the Building Board.
This chapter shall apply to signal-receiving antennas mounted
or affixed after April 9, 1996.