A.Â
Satellite antennas can be visually bulky and unsightly due to their
shape, opacity and size, particularly in residential areas. Satellite
antennas, because of their mass, are often more noticeable than other
antennas.
B.Â
The desire to obtain maximum signals with as little interference
as possible may, without regulation, lead satellite antenna owners
to place antennas in inappropriate locations aesthetically and/or
in unsafe locations.
C.Â
The size, construction and mounting specifications of some larger
satellite antennas can render them subject to falling over and to
severe wind loadings, necessitating attention to installation to avoid
injury to persons and property.
D.Â
Satellite antennas, when ground-mounted, can be an attractive site
for children to climb.
E.Â
The visual impact of larger satellite antennas in residential areas
is more significant than in commercial or business areas because building
size is smaller and land use is less dense in residential areas than
in commercial/business areas.
The purposes of this article are as follows:
A.Â
To permit reception of satellite transmissions while minimizing the
potential for adverse safety and aesthetic impacts of such uses.
B.Â
To diminish the visual impact of satellite antennas.
C.Â
To encourage safety in the placement of satellite antennas so as
to avoid injury to persons and/or property in the area.
D.Â
To facilitate aesthetic integration of satellite antennas and radio
antennas into overall building and/or lot design.
No satellite dish antenna shall be erected, constructed, installed
or permitted unless a building permit is issued by the Town of LaFayette
Code Enforcement Officer.
A.Â
The application for a building permit shall, in addition to all other
requirements, contain a plot plan sketch showing the proposed location
of the dish on the applicable lot. The sketch plan shall show the
dimensions, height, color and design of the dish. In addition, the
sketch shall show all natural and proposed screening of the dish.
B.Â
Dimensions. Any satellite dish antenna located within the Town of
LaFayette shall not exceed 12 feet in any dimension, height, width
or depth. All measurements of height shall be taken from the base
at ground level to such satellite dish's full vertical position. Measurements
shall include all attachments, supports, guy wires and other equipment
attached to or being a part of the antenna.
C.Â
Location. No more than one satellite dish antenna shall be located
on any lot. All satellite dish antennas shall be installed at ground
level. No rooftop siting or mounting is permitted. All such antennas
shall be located in the rear yard of the owner's property at least
10 feet from the side and rear lot lines or at a distance equal to
the height of the antenna plus six feet, whichever is greater. When
measuring side and rear setbacks, all cables, guy wires or other supports
shall constitute a part of the antenna. The natural grade of the land
may not be altered in any manner so as to provide a greater elevation
for the satellite dish antenna.
D.Â
Screening. The owner of any satellite dish antenna shall install
screening to prevent the dish from being visible from roadways or
neighboring residences, insofar as is reasonably practical, without
materially impairing or interfering with reception. Screening may
include natural and existing screening, such as trees or residences.
E.Â
Standards.
(1)Â
All installations shall be in compliance with the manufacturer's
instructions and erected in a good and workmanlike manner.
(2)Â
All satellite antennas and the construction and installation thereof
shall conform to applicable electrical, fire prevention and building
codes.
(3)Â
All satellite antennas shall meet manufacturer's specifications,
be of noncombustible and corrosive-resistant material and be erected
in a secure, wind-resistant manner.
In the event that an owner can demonstrate that the regulations set forth herein pertaining to the location and screening of satellite dish antennas materially prevent or impair reception of satellite services, that owner may apply to the Town of LaFayette Zoning Board of Appeals for a special use permit in accordance with Chapter 290, Zoning, § 290-37. In such an event, the standards set forth in § 290-37 do not apply and the applicant must demonstrate the following:
A.Â
The satellite dish antenna cannot be located in any location on the
owner's lot in compliance with this article so that reception of signals
is possible.
B.Â
The location applied for in the special use permit request is the
minimum deviation from this article needed in order to obtain reception
of a signal.
C.Â
The applicant cannot receive a suitable signal with an exempt satellite
dish antenna in a more visible or unscreened location.
D.Â
Alternative measures taken to minimize the visual impact to neighbors
and the public of the proposed satellite dish antenna. In addition
to other relevant factors, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall consider
the color, height, geographic restrictions, size of the lot and density
of the neighborhood in each instance.
