As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ANTENNA
Any exterior apparatus designed for telephonic, radio or
television communications through the sending and/or receiving of
electromagnetic waves.
Radio and television antennas, including satellite dish antennas, accessory to a permitted principal structure on the same premises may be installed, erected and maintained within all districts, but only in accordance with the provisions of this section. Cellular telecommunications antennas are regulated as a conditional use in Article
28 and shall be exempt from the provisions of this section and governed by the provisions of §
120-28.2.
A. Review and approval procedure. All antennas shall be subject to the
review and approval of the Zoning Officer. Applications shall be subject
to the following procedure:
(1)
Each application shall be accompanied by a report prepared by
the installer of the antenna explaining why the proposed location
was selected over other locations and the reasons, with supporting
data, for any requested deviation from the requirements of this section
as to location or screening.
(2)
When deemed necessary by the Zoning Officer, the Borough may
consult, at the applicant's expense, with an expert in the field of
antenna installations for guidance in evaluating an applicant's report
when a deviation from the requirements of this section is requested.
The applicant shall post a fee calculated by the Zoning Officer, but
not to exceed $500, to cover such expense, in the form of cash or
a certified check, and against which such review expenses shall be
charged. All sums not actually so expended shall be returned to the
applicant at the time the permit is either issued or denied.
(3)
The Zoning Officer may permit deviations from the requirements
of this section when it is demonstrated by the applicant that such
deviations are necessary to enable proper antenna reception.
B. General regulations. The following general regulations shall apply
to antennas in residential or nonresidential districts.
(1)
No portion of an antenna array shall extend beyond the property
lines or into any front yard area. Guy wires shall not be anchored
within any front yard area but may be attached to the building.
(2)
Ground-mounted antennas shall be any antenna with its base mounted
directly in the ground, even if such antenna is supported or attached
to the wall of a building. Fixed-guyed antenna tower shall be fascia-mounted
or guyed according to approved standards. Wire antennas that are not
self-supporting shall be supported by objects within the property
lines but not within any front yard areas.
(3)
The antenna, including guy wires, supporting structures and
accessory equipment, shall be located and designed so as to minimize
to the greatest extent possible the visual impact on surrounding properties
and from public streets. Antennas shall be screened from view through
the addition of anti-climb fencing and architectural features or evergreen
landscaping that harmonizes with the elements and characteristics
of the property; provided, however, that no screening shall be required
which would inhibit adequate reception. Screening by fencing or plantings
may be waived if natural terrain and landscaping provide adequate
screening. The materials used in constructing the antenna shall not
be unnecessarily bright, shiny, garish or reflective, and all antennas
shall blend with the surrounding environment.
(4)
Antennas shall meet all manufacturers specifications. The mast
or tower shall be of noncombustible and noncorrosive hardware, such
as brackets, turn buckles, clips and similar type equipment not subject
to rust or corrosion, and shall be protected with a zinc or cadmium
coating by either galvanizing or a similar process after forming.
These finishes are selected to guard against corrosion and to protect
the element against electrolytic action due to the use of adjoining
dissimilar metals.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. II)]
(5)
Power control and signal cables to or from the antenna shall
be by underground conduit.
(6)
All antennas shall be located, designed, constructed, treated
and maintained in compliance with the requirements of the Uniform
Construction Code and the requirements set forth below. The requirements
below have been designed with the intent of advancing and achieving
health, safety and aesthetic interests and objectives and are further
intended to operate so as not to impose unreasonable limitations on,
or prevent, reception of satellite delivered signals or to impose
costs on the users which are excessive in light of the cost of purchase
and installation.
(7)
No antenna or antenna structure located in the Borough, regardless
of when it was erected, shall be used as a sign or as a supporting
structure for any sign or lettering.
C. Antennas in residential districts. Antennas in the residential districts
shall be subject to the following additional regulations:
(1)
No lot shall contain more than two antennas, not more than one
of which may be a satellite dish antenna.
(2)
Antennas shall be located in the rear yard only and shall be
located at least 10 feet from any property line.
(3)
Roof-mounted antennas of any type shall not extend higher than
five feet above the highest point of the roof, provided the satellite
dish antennas shall not be permitted on the roof unless necessary
for reception. In such instances, no roof-mounted satellite dish antenna
shall exceed three feet in diameter nor extend higher than six feet
above the highest point of the roof. A roof-mounted satellite dish
antenna shall be of mesh construction. Such satellite dish antenna
shall be located, if reception is possible at such location, on roofs
when the satellite dish is shielded from view from the street or by
other portions of the roof or structure.
(4)
Ground-mounted accessory antennas of any type shall not extend
higher than 50 feet above adjacent ground level, except that ground-mounted
satellite dish antennas shall not exceed three feet in diameter nor
five feet in height.
D. Antennas in nonresidential districts. Antennas in the nonresidential
districts shall be subject to the following additional regulations.
(1)
Antennas shall be located in the rear yard and shall be located
at least 10 feet from any property line.
(2)
An antenna may be erected on the roof of a building, provided
that the building, including the antenna, falls within the height
limits established for the district, provided that satellite dish
antennas subject to this article shall not be permitted on the roof.
(3)
Ground-mounted antennas shall not exceed five feet in height,
provided that no ground-mounted dish antenna shall exceed a diameter
of 16 feet nor extend above the ground more than 18 feet.