The purpose of this article is to regulate the placement of
new wireless communication towers and the addition of wireless communication
equipment to existing structures. The regulations serve to establish
a procedure for application and variance from the regulations, establish
design standards and locational requirements, and to encourage the
co-location of equipment onto existing structures and in appropriate
location.
The following design standards shall apply to all towers and
antennas approved by right or for which a Special permit is required.
A. Setbacks and separation.
(1)
In order to ensure public safety, the minimum distance from
the base of a wireless communication tower to any property line or
building shall be 50% of the height of the tower including any antennas
or other appurtenances. All towers shall be located a minimum of 300
feet from the nearest residential dwelling.
(2)
Guy wires and accessory facilities must satisfy the minimum
zoning district setback requirements for accessory structures.
B. Aesthetics and lighting.
(1)
Towers shall either maintain a galvanized steel finish or, subject
to any applicable standards of the FAA, be painted a neutral color
so as to reduce visual obtrusiveness.
(2)
At a tower site the design of the buildings and related structures
shall, to the extent possible, use materials, colors, textures, screening
and landscaping that will blend the tower facilities into the natural
setting and built environment. Preference will be given to facility
designs that best fit into the proposed location.
(3)
Satellite dishes and/or antenna shall be situated on or attached
to a structure in such a manner that they are screened, preferably
not being visible from abutting streets. All equipment shall be colored,
molded and/or installed to blend into the structure and/or the landscape.
(4)
There shall be no signs except for announcement signs, no trespassing
signs and a required sign giving a phone number where the owner can
be reached on a twenty-four hour basis.
(5)
Towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by
the FAA or other applicable authority.
(6)
Towers shall not be higher than 170 feet, inclusive of antenna.
C. Landscaping and fencing.
(1)
Tower facilities shall be landscaped with a buffer of plant
materials that effectively screens the view of the tower compound
from adjacent property. Existing mature tree growth and natural land
forms on the site shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
In some cases, such as towers sited on large, wooded lots, natural
growth around the property perimeter may be sufficient landscaping.
(2)
Towers and equipment shall be enclosed by security fencing not
less than six feet in height, with appropriate anti-climbing devices.
D. Other.
(1)
There shall be a minimum of one parking space for each facility
to be used in connection with the maintenance of the site and not
to be used for permanent storage of vehicles or equipment. The access
drive and parking space shall be of bituminous concrete.
(2)
Wireless communication facilities shall be designed to accommodate
the maximum number of users technologically practical. The intent
of this requirement is to reduce the number of facilities which will
be required to be located within the community.
Insurance in a reasonable amount shall be in force to cover
damage from the structure, damage from transmissions and other site
liabilities. Annual, proof of said insurance shall be filed with the
Town Clerk.