The following shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a zoning permit, unless otherwise noted:
A. 
Structures for the support of television antennas and other receive-only antennas. The antenna use shall constitute ancillary or secondary use, not primary use, of the property.
B. 
Structures for the support of amateur radio antennas that are owned and/or operated by a federally licensed amateur radio operator, provided that the antenna use constitutes ancillary or secondary use, not primary use, of the property.
C. 
Structures for the support of mobile antennas for services providing public information coverage of news events or of a temporary or emergency nature.
D. 
Telecommunications towers mounted on the ground that do not exceed 75 feet in height, except that such towers located in an Exclusive Agricultural (EA) Zoning District shall be authorized per compliance with § 91.46(4), Wis. Stats.
E. 
Telecommunications towers mounted on buildings that do not exceed 25 feet above the highest part of the building to which they are attached.
F. 
Public safety towers owned and operated by federal, state, county, or other local municipal governments.
G. 
Wireless internet service provider towers mounted on the ground that do not exceed 125 feet in height and which have a base which can be encompassed within a circle of two-foot radius, excluding guy wires and associated anchors.
H. 
Wireless internet service provider towers mounted on structures that do not exceed 25 feet above the highest part of the structure to which they are attached.
A. 
Application process. The construction or installation of any wireless communication facilities or related equipment requires a zoning permit from the Adams County Planning and Zoning Office prior to beginning installation or construction.
(1) 
A zoning permit is required for the siting and construction of any new mobile service support structure and facilities and for Class 1 collocation and also for additional and replacement antennas on existing towers and structures prior to beginning installation or construction.
(2) 
Mobile towers are a conditional use in all zoning districts.
(3) 
Except as provided for in § 66.0404(4)(L), Wis. Stats., and pursuant to the discretion authorized in Subsection (4)(u) therein, the height of a mobile service support structure shall not exceed 300 feet.
(4) 
A variance shall be required for any mobile service support structure to exceed the height of 300 feet.
(5) 
A zoning permit application, a mobile tower permit application and a conditional use permit application, as appropriate, must be completed by any applicant and submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department. The application must contain the following information:
(a) 
The name and business address of, and the contact individual for, the applicant.
(b) 
The location of the proposed or affected support structure.
(c) 
The location of the proposed mobile service facility.
(d) 
If the application is to substantially modify an existing support structure, a construction plan which describes the proposed modifications to the support structure and the equipment and network components, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, base stations, power supplies, cabling, and related equipment associated with the proposed modifications.
(e) 
If the application is to construct a new mobile service support structure, a construction plan which describes the proposed mobile service support structure and the equipment and network components, including antennas, transmitters, receivers, base stations, power supplies, cabling, and related equipment to be placed on or around the new mobile service support structure.
(f) 
If an application is to construct a new mobile service support structure, an explanation as to why the applicant chose the proposed location and why the applicant did not choose collocation, including a sworn statement from an individual who has responsibility over the placement of the mobile service support structure attesting that collocation within the applicant's search ring would not result in the same mobile service functionality, coverage, and capacity; is technically infeasible; or is economically burdensome to the mobile service provider.
B. 
Completed applications. If an applicant submits to the Planning and Zoning Department an application for a permit to engage in an activity described in this chapter, which contains all of the information required under this chapter, the Planning and Zoning Department shall consider the application complete. If the Planning and Zoning Department does not believe that the application is complete, the Planning and Zoning Department shall notify the applicant in writing, within 10 days of receiving the application, that the application is not complete. The written notification shall specify in detail the required information that was incomplete. An applicant may resubmit an application as often as necessary until it is complete.
C. 
County responsibilities. Within 90 days of its receipt of a complete application, the Planning and Zoning Department shall complete all of the following or the applicant may consider the application approved, except that the applicant and the Planning and Zoning Department may agree in writing to an extension of the ninety-day period:
(1) 
Review the application to determine whether it complies with all applicable aspects of the County's building code and, subject to the limitations in this section, zoning ordinances.
(2) 
Make a final decision whether to approve or disapprove the application.
(3) 
Notify the applicant, in writing, of its final decision.
(4) 
If the decision is to disapprove the application, include with the written notification substantial evidence which supports the decision.
D. 
Disapproval. The Planning and Zoning Department may disapprove an application if an applicant refuses to evaluate the feasibility of collocation within the applicant's search ring and provide the sworn statement described under Subsection A(5)(f).
E. 
Application of setback/fall zone. If an applicant provides the Planning and Zoning Department with an engineering certification showing that a mobile service support structure, or an existing structure, is designed to collapse within a smaller area than the setback or fall zone area required in a zoning ordinance, that zoning ordinance does not apply to such a structure unless the Planning and Zoning Department provides the applicant with substantial evidence that the engineering certification is flawed.
F. 
Limitations/conditions of permit. Zoning permits for siting and construction of any new mobile service support structure and facilities and zoning permits for Class 1 collocations shall only be granted provided the following conditions exist:
(1) 
If the location of the proposed mobile service support structure or mobile service facility is on leased land, the lease agreement does not preclude the lessee from entering into leases on the site with other provider(s) and there is no other lease provision operating as a bar to collocation of other providers.
(2) 
The applicant has obtained Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license numbers and registration numbers if applicable.
(3) 
The applicant and/or agent has copies of a finding of no significant impacts (FONI) statement from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or environmental assessment or environmental impact study (EIS), if applicable.
(4) 
The applicant and/or agent has copies of the determination of no hazard from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), including any aeronautical study determination or other findings, if applicable.
(5) 
The applicant and/or agent has plans indicating security measures (i.e., access, fencing, lighting, etc.).
(6) 
For new mobile service support structures, the applicant has obtained a report prepared by an engineer licensed by the State of Wisconsin certifying the structural design of the tower and its ability to accommodate additional antennas.
(7) 
The applicant and/or agent has proof of liability coverage.
(8) 
The applicant and/or agent has copies of an affidavit of notification indicating that all operators and owners of airports located within five miles of the proposed site have been notified via certified mail.
(9) 
The facility or collocation is designed to promote site sharing, such that space is reasonably available to collocators and such that telecommunication towers and necessary appurtenances, including but not limited to parking areas, access road, and utilities, are shared by site users whenever possible.
A. 
Application process.
(1) 
A zoning permit is required for a Class 2 collocation. A Class 2 collocation is a permitted use but still requires the issuance of the permit.
(2) 
A written permit application must be completed by any applicant and submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department. The application must contain the following information:
(a) 
The name and business address of, and the contact individual for, the applicant.
(b) 
The location of the proposed or affected mobile service support structure.
(c) 
The location of the proposed mobile service facility.
B. 
Requirements. A Class 2 collocation is subject to the same requirements for the issuance of a zoning permit to which any other type of commercial development or land use development is subject.
C. 
Completed applications. If an applicant submits to the Planning and Zoning Department an application for a permit to engage in an activity described in this chapter, which contains all of the information required under this chapter, the Planning and Zoning Department shall consider the application complete. If any of the required information is not in the application, the Planning and Zoning Department shall notify the applicant in writing, within five days of receiving the application, that the application is not complete. The written notification shall specify in detail the required information that was incomplete. An applicant may resubmit an application as often as necessary until it is complete.
D. 
County review requirements. Within 45 days of its receipt of a complete application, the Planning and Zoning Department shall complete all of the following or the applicant may consider the application approved, except that the applicant and the Planning and Zoning Department may agree in writing to an extension of the forty-five-day period:
(1) 
Make a final decision whether to approve or disapprove the application.
(2) 
Notify the applicant, in writing, of its final decision.
(3) 
If the application is approved, issue the applicant the relevant permit.
(4) 
If the decision is to disapprove the application, include with the written notification substantial evidence which supports the decision.
E. 
Fees. The fees for the zoning permit and mobile tower siting permit shall be as posted in the Planning and Zoning Department Fee Schedule.
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of the report under this section is to provide the County with accurate and current information concerning the mobile service facility owners and providers who offer or provide mobile services within the County, or that own or operate mobile service facilities within the County, to assist the County in enforcement of this chapter, and to assist the County in monitoring compliance with local, state and federal laws.
B. 
Information report.
(1) 
All mobile service support structure owners of any new mobile service support structure shall submit to the Planning and Zoning Department a telecommunications facility information report (the "report") within 45 days:
(a) 
Following permit approval;
(b) 
Of receipt of a written request from the Planning and Zoning Department; and
(c) 
Of any change in occupancy of the mobile service facility.
(2) 
The report shall include the mobile service support structure owner's name(s), address(es), phone number(s), contact person(s), and proof of bond as security for removal. The support structure owner shall supply the mobile service support structure height or current occupancy, if applicable, and the number of collocation positions designated, occupied or vacant. This information shall be submitted on the County form provided and designated for such use and shall become evidence of compliance.
A. 
It is the express policy of Adams County and this chapter that mobile service support structures be removed once they are no longer in use and not a functional part of providing mobile service and that it is the mobile service support structure owner's responsibility to remove such mobile service support structures and restore the site to its original condition or a condition approved by the Adams County Planning and Zoning Department. This restoration shall include removal of any subsurface structure or foundation, including concrete, used to support the mobile service support structure down to five feet below the surface. After a mobile service support structure is no longer being used for mobile service that is in operation, the mobile service support structure owner shall have 180 days to effect removal and restoration unless weather prohibits such efforts. Permittee shall record a document with the Adams County Register of Deeds showing the existence of any subsurface structure remaining below grade. Such recording shall accurately set forth the location and describe the remaining structure.
B. 
Security for removal. The owner of any mobile service support structure other than a municipality or other unit of government shall provide to the Adams County Planning and Zoning Department, prior to the issuance of the zoning permit, a performance bond in an amount based on a written estimate of a qualified remover of said types of structures or $20,000, whichever is less, to guarantee that the mobile service support structure will be removed when no longer in operation. Adams County will be named as obligee in the bond and must approve the bonding company. The County may require an increase in the bond amount after five-year intervals to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index, but at no point shall the bond amount exceed $20,000. The provider shall supply any increased bond within a reasonable time, not exceeding 60 days, after the County's request. A permittee may submit a letter of credit in the amount set forth above or, in the alternative, a permittee with several sites in the County may submit a master bond to cover all of said sites. A master bond or a letter of credit may, in the Planning and Zoning Committee's discretion, be in an amount sufficient to secure removal from one site if the master bond or letter of credit provides for replenishing any amount used as the master bond or letter of credit covers any other site in the County.
A. 
Mobile service support structure, antenna and facilities requirements. All mobile service facilities and mobile service support structures, except exempt facilities as defined in § 386-10, shall be designed to reduce the negative impact on the surrounding environment by implementing the measures set forth below:
(1) 
Mobile service support structures shall be constructed of metal or other nonflammable material, unless specifically permitted by the County to be otherwise.
(2) 
Satellite dish and parabolic antennas shall be situated as close to the ground as possible to reduce visual impact without compromising their functions. Equipment compounds shall be constructed of nonreflective materials (visible exterior surfaces only). Equipment compounds shall be designed to blend with existing architecture in the area or shall be screened from sight by mature landscaping, and shall be located or designed to minimize their visibility.
(3) 
Mobile service facilities, support structures and antennas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the State of Wisconsin Uniform Building Code, National Electrical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, and Uniform Fire Code, Adams County Land Division Ordinance, Adams County Sanitation Ordinance, Electronic Industries Association (EIA), American National Steel Institute Standards (ANSI), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in effect at the time of manufacture.
(4) 
Mobile service facilities and support structures shall not interfere with or obstruct existing or proposed public safety, fire protection or supervisory controlled automated data acquisition (SCADA) operation telecommunication facilities. Any actual interference and/or obstruction shall be corrected by the applicant at no cost to the County.
(5) 
All new mobile service towers that are 200 or more feet in height shall be painted alternate aviation orange and white and shall be outfitted with dual lighting mechanisms, including daytime strobes and nighttime red incandescent lighting.
(6) 
All mobile service towers that have guy wires shall be outfitted with large orange balls for increased visibility by small aircraft in accordance with recommendations by the FAA.
B. 
Site development. A leased parcel intended for the location of new mobile service facilities, mobile service support structures, and equipment compounds shall be located so as to permit expansion for mobile service facilities to serve all potential collocators.
C. 
Vegetation/screening and security.
(1) 
Vegetation/screening. Except for exempt facilities as defined in § 386-10, all mobile service facilities shall be installed in a manner so as to minimize disturbance to existing native vegetation and shall include suitable mature landscaping to screen the facility, where necessary. For purposes of this subsection, "mature landscaping" shall mean trees, shrubs or other vegetation of a minimum initial height of five feet that will provide the appropriate level of visual screening immediately upon installation. Upon project completion, the owner(s)/operator(s) of the facility shall be responsible for maintenance and replacement of all required landscaping as long as a telecommunication facility is maintained on site.
(2) 
Security. All towers shall be reasonably protected against unauthorized access. The bottom of the tower from ground level to 12 feet above ground shall be designed to preclude unauthorized climbing and shall be enclosed with a minimum of six feet high chain-link fence with a locked gate. Security lighting for on-ground facilities and equipment is permitted, as long as it is down shielded to keep light within the boundaries of the site.
D. 
Fire prevention. All mobile service facilities shall be designed and operated in accordance with all applicable codes regarding fire prevention.
E. 
Noise and traffic. All mobile service facilities shall be constructed and operated in such a manner as to minimize the amount of disruption caused to nearby properties. To that end the following measures shall be implemented for all mobile service facilities, except exempt facilities as defined in § 386-10:
(1) 
Noise-producing construction activities shall take place only on weekdays (Monday through Saturday, non-holiday) between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except in times of emergency repair; and
(2) 
Backup generators, if present, shall be operated only during power outages and for testing and maintenance purposes.
F. 
Separation requirements. Mobile service support structures shall be separated by a minimum of 2,640 feet, except that:
(1) 
Two mobile service support structures may be permitted to be located within 100 feet of each other subject to approval of the Adams County Planning and Zoning Committee.
(2) 
Camouflaged mobile service support structures are exempt from the separation between mobile service support structures requirement listed above.