[Added 3-11-2019 by L.L. No. 4-2019]
A. 
The purpose of this article is to establish uniform policies and procedures for the deployment and installation of small-cell wireless telecommunication facilities (small-cell facility) in the Village, which will provide a public health, safety, and welfare benefit consistent with the preservation of the integrity, safe usage, and visual qualities in the Village. Any installation of a small-cell facility shall require a special use permit from the Board of Trustees ("Board"), except as otherwise set forth within.
B. 
The Board of Trustees recognizes that federal regulation has established parameters in this area. As such, notwithstanding the following, the Board may amend the application of the below article by resolution from time to time as it deems necessary to comply with areas in which the Board determines that federal law, rule or regulation has preempted said application.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT
Any equipment servicing or being used in conjunction with a wireless telecommunications facility or wireless support structure. The term includes utility or transmission equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries, cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and storage sheds.
ANTENNA
A system of electrical conductors that transmits or receives 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.
BASE STATION
A structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables Commission-licensed or authorized wireless communications between user equipment and a communications network. The term does not encompass a tower as defined in this section or any equipment associated with a tower.
A. 
The term includes, but is not limited to, equipment associated with wireless communications services such as private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.
B. 
The term includes, but is not limited to, radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration (including distributed antenna systems and small-cell networks).
C. 
The term includes any structure other than a tower that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the Village pursuant to this article, supports or houses equipment described in Subsections A and B of this definition that has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing such support.
D. 
The term does not include any structure that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the Village under this article, does not support or house equipment described in Subsections A and B of this definition.
CO-LOCATION
The mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communications purposes.
DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM (DAS)
A network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographic area or structure.
ELIGIBLE FACILITIES REQUEST
Any request for modification of an existing tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station, involving co-location of new transmission equipment; removal of transmission equipment; or replacement of transmission equipment.
ELIGIBLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Any tower or base station, as defined in this section, provided that it is existing at the time the relevant application is filed with the Village.
MONOPOLE
A tower which consists of a single pole structure, designed and erected on the ground or on top of a structure, to support communications antennas and connect appurtenances.
SMALL-CELL WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY OR SMALL-CELL FACILITY
Small cells are low-powered wireless base stations that function like cells in a mobile wireless network, typically covering targeted indoor or localized outdoor areas ranging in size from homes and offices to stadiums, shopping malls, hospitals, and metropolitan outdoor spaces. A small-cell facility meets both the following qualifications: i) each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than six cubic feet in volume or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed element, the antenna and all of its exposed elements could fit within an imaginary enclosure of no more than six cubic feet; and ii) all other wireless equipment associated with the facility is cumulatively no more than 17 cubic feet in volume. The following types of associated ancillary equipment are not included in the calculation of equipment volume: electric meter, concealment elements, telecommunications demarcation box, ground-based enclosures, grounding equipment, power transfer switch, cutoff switch, and vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services.
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE
A modification substantially changes the physical dimensions of an eligible support structure (tower or base station) if it meets any of the following criteria:
A. 
The mounting of the proposed antenna on existing towers, other than towers in the public rights-of-way, would increase the existing height of the tower by more than 10%, or by the height of one additional antenna array with separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed 20 feet, whichever is greater; for other eligible support structures, it increases the height of the structure by more than 10% or more than 10 feet, whichever is greater;
B. 
The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve the installation of more than the standard number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, not to exceed four, or more than one new equipment shelter;
C. 
The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve adding an appurtenance to the body of existing towers, other than towers in the public rights-of-way, that would protrude from the edge of the towers more than 20 feet, or more than the width of the tower structure at the level of the appurtenance, whichever is greater; for other eligible support structures, it involves adding an appurtenance to the body of the structure that would protrude from the edge of the structure by more than six feet, except that the mounting of the proposed antenna may exceed the size limits herein if necessary to shelter the antenna from inclement weather or to connect the antenna to the tower via cable;
D. 
The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve excavation outside the current existing structure site, defined as the current boundaries of the leased or owned property surrounding the existing structure and any access or utility easements currently related to the site;
E. 
The modification defeats concealment and/or stealth elements of the support structure; or
F. 
The modification does not comply with prior conditions of the approval for the existing structure and/or site; provided, however, that this limitation does not apply to any modification that is noncompliant only in a manner that would not exceed the thresholds identified above.
TOWER
Any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting any licensed or authorized antennas and their associated facilities, including structures that are constructed for wireless communications services, including, but not limited to, private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul, and the associated site.
UTILITY POLE
A pole or similar structure that is used in whole or in part for the purpose of carrying electric distribution lines or cables or wires for telecommunications, cable or electric service, or for lighting, traffic control, signage, or a similar function regardless of ownership, including Village-owned poles. Such term shall not include structures supporting only wireless telecommunication service facilities. Any pole in excess of 50 feet shall be deemed a tower.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES FACILITY
A structure, facility or location designed or intended to be used as, or used to support, antennas. It includes, without limit, freestanding towers, guyed towers, monopoles, small-cell telecommunication facilities on utility poles in the public right-of-way or property of the Village of Beacon or of another municipal corporation within the Village of Beacon and similar structures that employ camouflage technology, including but not limited to structures such as a multistory building, church steeple, silo, 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 structure intended for transmitting and/or receiving radio, television, cellular, personal telecommunications services, commercial satellite services or microwave telecommunications, but excluding those used exclusively for dispatch telecommunications, or exclusively for private radio and television reception and private citizen's bands, amateur radio and other similar telecommunications.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER
A wireless telecommunications infrastructure provider or a wireless telecommunications services provider.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, special use permit approval by the Board of Trustees is also required under this article for the following uses:
A. 
A substantial change to an existing tower or base station.
B. 
Any other application for placement, installation, co-location or construction of transmission equipment that does not constitute an eligible facilities request.
C. 
Installation of a new tower over 50 feet in height.
D. 
Placement of new antenna on an existing tower or base station that results in a substantial change to the tower or base station.
E. 
Installation of equipment located on a sidewalk.
F. 
Installation of equipment on a pole located at an elevation less than 15 feet from the ground.
G. 
Installation of a small-cell facility on a pole located within 20 feet of a dwelling unit.
A. 
No person shall install a small-cell facility without first filing a small-cell facility application and obtaining a small-cell permit in the form of a special use permit from the Board of Trustees (Board).
B. 
The Board shall approve a small-cell permit application concerning any eligible facilities request for modification of an eligible support structure that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such structure. An applicant shall assert in writing that its request is considered an eligible facilities request. The Board may require the applicant to provide documentation or information to the extent reasonably related to determine whether the request meets the requirements of an eligible facilities request.
C. 
The Board may issue a permit for the following:
(1) 
Co-location of a small-cell facility or DAS facility on an existing tower, utility pole or streetlight not exceeding 50 feet on public or private property.
(2) 
Co-location on existing buildings within the Village.
(3) 
Installation of a monopole or utility pole for small-cell or DAS facility in the public right-of-way that does not exceed 50 feet in height.
D. 
Small-cell permit application for Board approval.
(1) 
The small-cell permit application shall be made by the wireless telecommunications provider or its duly authorized representative and shall contain the following:
(a) 
The applicant's name, address, telephone number, and email address;
(b) 
The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of all consultants, if any, acting on behalf of the applicant with respect to the filing of the application.
(c) 
A general description of the proposed work and the purpose of the work proposed.
(d) 
The application shall identify and disclose the number and locations of any small cells that the applicant has installed or locations the applicant has considered in the past year for small-cell infrastructure within the Village and those submitted or anticipated to be submitted within a one-year period.
(e) 
A description of the anticipated maintenance needs, including frequency of service, personnel needs and equipment needs, and the potential traffic safety and noise impact of such maintenance.
(2) 
Any amendment to information contained in a small-cell permit application shall be submitted in writing to the Village within 30 days after the change necessitating the amendment.
E. 
A wireless telecommunications provider shall pay to the Village an application fee and administrative fee as set forth in this article.
F. 
A wireless telecommunications provider is authorized, after 30 days' written notice to the Village Building Inspector, to remove its facility at any time from the rights-of-way and cease paying the Village administrative fee.
A. 
The following locational priorities shall apply in the order specified, consistent with the Village's obligation to create the least amount of adverse aesthetic impact and to preserve the scenic values of the Village.
(1) 
On the roof of any Village-owned or federal, state or local government owned buildings or structures;
(2) 
Location on privately owned buildings;
(3) 
Location on an existing Village-owned utility pole;
(4) 
Location on Village-owned infrastructure on private poles;
(5) 
Location on Village-owned property, where there is no existing pole;
(6) 
Location on privately owned utility poles.
B. 
If the proposed site is not the highest priority listed above, then a detailed explanation must be provided as to why a site of higher priority was not selected. The person seeking such an exemption must satisfactorily demonstrate the reason or reasons why such a permit should be granted for the proposed site and the hardship that would be incurred by the applicant if the permit were not granted for the proposed use.
A. 
In order to ensure that the limited private use of the public right-of-way authorized herein does not become an additional cost to the Village, it is hereby determined by the Board of Trustees that the following fees shall be charged to small-cell permit applicants and small-cell permit holders.
B. 
Annual small-cell permit fees:
(1) 
$500 for nonrecurring fees, including a single application for up to five small wireless facilities, with an additional $100 for each small wireless facility beyond five;
(2) 
$1,000 or less for nonrecurring fees for a new pole intended to support one or more small wireless facilities; and
(3) 
$270 per small wireless facility per year for all recurring fees, including any right-of-way access and/or attachment to municipal infrastructure in the right-of-way.
(4) 
Fee start date. The annual permit fee shall be payable January 2 of the year following installation. Failure to pay the annual permit fee shall result in the imposition of a 5% penalty fee, additional collection fees if necessary, and suspension or revocation of the permit.
(5) 
The above fees may be changed by resolution of the Board of Trustees as deemed necessary in accord with the Board's reasonable approximation of the Village's direct cost relative to the processing of a permit application for a small-cell installation.
Board of Trustees requirements as to aesthetics and neighborhood impact mitigation for small-cell permits. In order to preserve the character and integrity of Village neighborhoods the Village Board of Trustees finds that the following requirements are essential to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and scenic preservation:
A. 
New small-cell facilities shall not be located in settings and locations that have been designated as landmarks or as historic sites by a local, state or federal agency unless the applicant demonstrates to the Board's satisfaction that the selected site is necessary to provide adequate service.
B. 
New small-cell facilities shall include stealth technology designs, unless the Board makes a written determination that such designs are not feasible.
C. 
The Board may consider alternative locations for equipment, whether pole mounted or ground mounted.
D. 
All small cells placed on any roof shall be set back at least 15 feet from the edge of the roof along any street frontage, unless the Board makes a written determination waiving the setback requirement.
E. 
The Board shall consider all impacts to site lines and aesthetic views.
F. 
Except within the public right-of-way, all proposed poles, pole equipment and enclosures shall comply with the designated setback requirements.
G. 
Up to three small cells will be allowed per utility pole if technically feasible and if in the determination of the Board there are no safety or aesthetic concerns. Small-cells must be designed and placed in an aesthetically pleasing manner to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board.
H. 
No small-cell placement shall be allowed on ornamental streetlighting poles unless permitted by the Board.
I. 
No small-cell facilities shall obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic in any way.
J. 
In no event shall any utility pole or wireless telecommunication support structure installed in the public right-of-way exceed 50 feet in height unless the Board waives this requirement during the consideration of the permit. A shorter pole may be required if the initial proposal is deemed out of character with the neighborhood as determined by the Board.
K. 
Each new small-cell facility, including antennas or other associated equipment, installed in the public right-of-way shall not exceed more than 10 feet above the existing utility pole or wireless telecommunications support structure on which it is being located, unless the Board waives this requirement during the consideration of the permit.
The Village Administrator shall maintain records of all Board decisions granting any applications under the within article.
Construction pursuant to a small-cell permit issued by the Board under this article must be commenced within 12 months of issuance of the small-cell permit and diligently pursued thereafter, or such small-cell permit shall expire.
Any amendment to information contained in a small-cell building/work permit application shall be submitted in writing to the Village within 30 days after the change necessitating the amendment. On an annual basis, the wireless telecommunication provider shall provide a list of existing small-cell locations within the Village.
A. 
Notice. Within 90 days' following written notice from the Village, the wireless provider shall, at its own expense, protect, support, temporarily or permanently disconnect, remove, relocate, change or alter the position of any small-cell facilities within the public right-of-way whenever the Village has determined that such removal, relocation, change or alteration, is necessary for the construction, repair, maintenance, or installation of any Village improvement in or upon, or the operations of the Village in or upon, the public right-of-way.
B. 
Abandonment of facilities. Upon abandonment of a small-cell facility within the public rights-of-way of the Village, the wireless provider shall notify the Village within 90 days. Following receipt of such notice the Village may direct the wireless provider to remove all or any portion of the small-cell facility if the Village, or any of its departments determines that such removal will be in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare.
A. 
Prior to the approval of any application for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities and small-cell installation, a public hearing shall be held by the Village, notice of which shall be published in the Village's official newspaper designated for publishing such notices and in a newspaper of general circulation in the Village no less than 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the public hearing. In order that the Village may notify nearby landowners, the application shall contain the names and address of all landowners whose property is located within 1,500 feet of any property line of the lot or parcel on which the new wireless telecommunications facilities are proposed to be located.
B. 
There shall be no public hearing required for an application to co-locate on an existing tower or other structure or a modification at an existing site, as long as there is no proposed increase in the height of the tower or structure, including attachments thereto.
C. 
The Village shall schedule the public hearing referred to in Subsection A of this section once it finds the application is complete, although the Village may at any stage, prior to issuing a special use permit, require such additional information as it deems necessary.
A. 
All special use permits approved pursuant to this article shall expire five years from the date of issuance, unless between 12 months and six months prior to the five-year anniversary date of the special use permit being issued, and all subsequent five-year anniversaries of the issuance of the original special use permit, the holder of a special use permit for such facility shall submit a signed, written request to the Board for recertification. In the written request for recertification, the holder of such special use permit shall include the following:
(1) 
The name of the holder of the special use permit;
(2) 
If applicable, the number or title of the special use permit;
(3) 
The date of the original granting of the special use permit;
(4) 
Whether the wireless facility (facility) or small-cell installation (installation) has been moved, relocated, rebuilt, or otherwise modified since the issuance of the special use permit and, if so, in what manner;
(5) 
A representation that facility or installation is in compliance with the special use permit and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations;
(6) 
Recertification that the facility or installation and attachments are designed and constructed and continue to meet all local, Village, state and federal structural requirements for loads, including wind and ice loads. Such recertification shall be made by a professional engineer, licensed in the state, the cost of which shall be borne by the applicant;
(7) 
A representation that the facility or installation cannot be replaced by improved stealth technology which will reduce the visual impact of such existing facility.
B. 
After such review, if the Board determines that the permitted facility or installation is in compliance with the special use permit and all applicable statutes, laws, local laws, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations currently in effect, then the Board shall issue a recertification of the special use permit, which may include any new provisions or conditions that are required by applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, codes, rules or regulations. If, after such review, it is determined that the facility or installation is not in compliance with the special use permit and all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations, then the Board may refuse to issue a recertification of the special use permit. The applicant for recertification shall be notified of the Board's refusal to recertify in writing. The facility or installation shall thereafter be brought into compliance within 30 days. In the event the facility or installation is not brought into compliance within 30 days from the date of the decision of the Board, it shall be subject to a new special use permit application, which shall be promptly filed, or the structure and/or facility shall be removed by the permittee in accordance with the provisions of this article.
C. 
If the applicant represents that the facility or installation can be replaced by a facility of improved visual appearance through the use of stealth technology, the special use permit shall be renewed on the condition that the same is replaced with improved stealth technology as approved by the Board prior to the expiration of the conditional renewal.
D. 
If the applicant has submitted all of the information requested and required by this article, and if the review is not completed, as noted in Subsection B of this section, prior to the five-year anniversary date of the special use permit, or subsequent five-year anniversaries, then the applicant for the permitted facility or installation shall receive an extension of the special use permit for up to six months, in order to complete the recertification review.
E. 
If the holder of a special use permit does not submit a request for recertification of such special use permit within the time frame noted in Subsection A of this section, then such special use permit and any authorizations granted thereunder shall cease to exist on the date of the fifth anniversary of the original granting of the special use permit, or subsequent five-year anniversaries.
A. 
Such special use permit shall not be assigned, transferred or conveyed without the express prior written notification to the Village.
B. 
Such special use permit may, following a hearing upon due prior notice to the applicant, be revoked, canceled, or terminated for a violation of the conditions and provisions of the special use permit, or for a material violation of this article after prior written notice to the holder of the special use permit.
A. 
A holder of a special use permit shall maintain and provide proof of maintaining:
(1) 
Commercial general liability covering personal injuries, death and property damage: $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate;
(2) 
Automobile coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate;
(3) 
Workers compensation and disability: statutory amounts.
B. 
For a wireless telecommunications facility on Village property, the commercial general liability insurance policy shall specifically include the Village and its officers, board members, employees, committee members, attorneys, agents and consultants as additional insureds.
C. 
The insurance policies shall be issued by an agent or representative of an insurance company licensed to do business in the state and with a Best's rating of at least A.
D. 
The insurance policies shall contain an endorsement obligating the insurance company to furnish the Village with at least 30 days' prior written notice in advance of the cancellation of the insurance.
E. 
Renewal or replacement policies or certificates shall be delivered to the Village at least 15 days before the expiration of the insurance that such policies are to renew or replace.
F. 
Before construction is initiated, but in no case later than 15 days after the granting of the special use permit, the holder of the special use permit shall deliver to the Village a copy of each of the policies or certificates representing the insurance in the required amounts.
A. 
Any application that is proposed for Village property, pursuant to this article, shall contain a provision with respect to indemnification. Such provision shall require the applicant, to the extent permitted by the law, to at all times defend, indemnify, protect, save, hold harmless, and exempt the Village, and its officers, employees, committee members, attorneys, agents, and consultants from any and all penalties, damages, costs, 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 placement, construction, erection, modification, location, product performance, use, operation, maintenance, repair, installation, replacement, removal, or restoration of said facility, excepting, however, any portion of such claims, suits, demands, causes of action or award of damages as may be attributable to the negligent or intentional acts or omissions of the Village, or its servants or agents. 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.
B. 
Notwithstanding the requirements noted in Subsection A of this section, an indemnification provision will not be required in those instances where the Village itself applies for and secures a special use permit.
A. 
In the event of a violation of this article or any special use permit issued pursuant to this article, the Village may impose and collect, and the holder of the special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities shall pay to the Village, fines or penalties as set forth below.
B. 
In the event of a violation of this article or any special use permit issued pursuant to this article, the Village may impose and collect, from the property owner and/or holder of a special use permit, the fines or penalties as set forth below.
C. 
The failure to comply with the provisions of this article shall subject the applicant, property owner, or lessee to the code enforcement provisions and procedures set forth in Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article 1, of the Village Code.
D. 
Notwithstanding anything in this article, the holder of the special use permit may not use the payment of fines, liquidated damages or other penalties, to evade or avoid compliance with this article or any section of this article. An attempt to do so shall subject the holder of the special use permit to termination and revocation of the special use permit. The Village may also seek injunctive relief to prevent the continued violation of this article, without limiting other remedies available to the Village.
E. 
Default and/or revocation. If a facility or installation is repaired, rebuilt, placed, moved, relocated, modified or maintained in a way that is inconsistent or not in compliance with the provisions of this article or of the special use permit, then the Village shall notify the holder of the special use permit in writing of such violation. A holder of a special use permit in violation may be considered in default and subject to fines as set forth above and if a violation is not corrected to the satisfaction of the Village in a reasonable period of time the special use permit is subject to revocation.
A. 
Under the following circumstances, the Village may determine that the health, safety, and welfare interests of the Village warrant and require the removal of facilities or installations if the same have:
(1) 
Been abandoned (i.e., not used for a period exceeding 90 consecutive days or a total of 180 days in any 365-day period, except for periods caused by force majeure or acts of God, in which case, repair or removal shall commence within 90 days;
(2) 
Fallen into such a state of disrepair that it creates a health or safety hazard; and/or
(3) 
Have been located, constructed, or modified without first obtaining, or in a manner not authorized by, the required special use permit, or any other necessary authorization and the special permit may be revoked.
B. 
If the Village makes such a determination as noted in Subsection A of this section, then the Village shall notify the holder of the special use permit within 48 hours that said facility or installation is to be removed, the Village may approve an interim temporary use agreement/permit, such as to enable the sale of the same.
C. 
The holder of the special use permit, or its successors or assigns, shall dismantle and remove such facility or installation, and all associated structures and facilities, from the site and restore the site to as close to its original condition as is possible, such restoration being limited only by physical or commercial impracticability, within 90 days of receipt of written notice from the Village. However, if the owner of the property upon which the facility or installation is located wishes to retain any access to the roadway, the owner may do so with the approval of the Village.
D. 
If the facility or installation is not removed or substantial progress has not been made to remove it within 90 days after the permit holder has received notice, then the Village may order officials or representatives of the Village to remove it at the sole expense of the owner or special use permit holder.
E. 
If the Village removes, or causes to be removed, a facility or installation, and the owner does not claim and remove it from the site to a lawful location within 10 days, then the Village may take steps to declare it abandoned, and sell it and its components.
F. 
Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the Village may approve a temporary use permit/agreement for a facility or installation, for no more 90 days, during which time a suitable plan for removal, conversion, or relocation of the affected facility or installation shall be developed by the holder of the special use permit, subject to the approval of the Village, and an agreement to such plan shall be executed by the holder of the special use permit and the Village. If such a plan is not developed, approved and executed within the ninety-day time period, then the Village may take possession of and dispose of the affected facility or installation in the manner provided in this section.