[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village
of the Branch 5-8-2018 by L.L.
No. 3-2018 Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Board of Trustees has determined that having a specific
regulatory framework for processing applications for wireless telecommunications
facilities is appropriate and advisable in order to further the safety
and general welfare of the Village in that it will ensure that wireless
equipment installed in the Village complies with federal law and regulations
governing telecommunications facilities. Accordingly, the Board of
Trustees seeks to implement a set of regulations that shall apply
to and govern any and all applications for commercial, wireless facilities
in the Village.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive
electromagnetic waves or radio frequency or other wireless signals.
The installation of a new antenna or antennas on an existing
tower or a structure already being used as an antenna site to support
wireless services.
An antenna or system of antennas combining technology whereby
low-power NIER emanates from multiple facilities, each covering a
limited range, and also allowing for multiple carriers or wireless
service providers to use the same set of antennas, cabling and equipment.
The Federal Aviation Administration, or its duly designated
and authorized successor agency.
The Federal Communications Commission, or its duly designated
and authorized successor agency.
When referring to a tower or structure, the distance measured
from the mean level of the established center-line grade of the street
adjacent to the parcel to the highest point on the tower or structure,
even if said highest point is an antenna or lightning protection device.
The addition, removal or change of any of the physical or
visually discernible components, colors, or other aspects of a wireless
telecommunications facility (such as antennas, cabling, equipment
shelters, landscaping, shrouding, fencing, utility feeds, vehicular
access, or parking, and specifically including new transmission equipment,
removal of transmission equipment, replacement of transmission equipment,
or changes of wireless carrier or service provider) which addition,
removal or change would be inconsistent with an existing permit for
the facility but, in the judgment of the Superintendent of Buildings,
will likely qualify for approval under a permit conformed to reflect
such addition, removal or change.
Nonionizing electromagnetic radiation, which emanates from
an operating wireless telecommunication facility.
Any individual, corporation, estate, trust, partnership,
joint stock company, association of two or more persons having a joint
common interest, or any other entity.
See definition of "wireless telecommunications facility."
The same meaning as defined and used in the 1996 Telecommunications
Act, as such definition may be amended from time to time.
See "NIER."
Normal repair and maintenance means work necessary to keep
the facilities in good and safe working order and to prevent damage
or malfunction. Normal repair and maintenance does not change the
physical or visually discernible appearance of a facility or any part
thereof as it was originally permitted. It also means the normal replacement
of any equipment or components of a wireless facility without an increase
in height, and, where the replacement is, in the judgment of the Superintendent
of Buildings, identical to the existing equipment or component being
replaced. The term "repair and maintenance" shall not include any
matters which the Superintendent of Buildings determines is a modification
as defined herein.
The State of New York.
Technology, equipment, materials, and/or methods of design
which minimize adverse aesthetic and visual impacts on the land, property,
buildings, and other facilities adjacent to, surrounding, and in generally
the same area as the requested location of a proposed wireless telecommunications
facilities.
See definition of "wireless telecommunications facilities."
The transmission and/or reception of audio, video, data,
and other information by wire, radio frequency, light, and other electronic
or electromagnetic systems.
A building or structure used in the provision of services
described in the definition of "wireless telecommunications facilities."
The Incorporated Village of the Branch, New York.
A structure, facility or location designed, intended to be
used as, or used to support antennas or other transmitting or receiving
devices for transmitting and/or receiving radio, television, cellular,
SMR, paging, 911, personal communications services (PCS), commercial
satellite services, microwave services and any commercial wireless
telecommunication service not licensed by the FCC. This includes,
without limitation, towers, guyed lattice towers, monopoles, buildings,
church steeples, signs or other structures that can be used as a support
structure for antennas or the functional equivalent of such. It further
includes all related facilities and equipment such as cabling, equipment
shelters and other structures associated with the site. "Wireless
telecommunications facility" includes any site referred to as a telecommunications
site or personal wireless facility.
A.
The following wireless telecommunications facilities are exempt from
this chapter:
(1)
Any facilities operated by or on behalf of any unit of government
for public or municipal purposes;
(2)
Any facilities expressly or impliedly exempt from the Village's
zoning or permitting authority by state or federal law.
(3)
Any facilities exclusively for private, noncommercial radio, television
or internet reception, or private citizen's bands, licensed amateur
radio and other similar noncommercial telecommunications.
(4)
Private satellite dishes for television service.
B.
The following wireless telecommunications facilities shall be exempt
from this chapter until they are modified:
(1)
Any facilities that are authorized and regulated by or under an unexpired
license agreement or lease with the Village, or any district or agency
under the control of the Village, which facility was already lawfully
installed on the effective date of this chapter, except that nothing
herein shall exempt any such facility from complying with any and
all provisions or requirements set forth under such agreement or lease.
(2)
Any facilities that are authorized and regulated by or under a valid
and unexpired building permit or decision of a Village Board, which
was issued prior to the effective date of this chapter, except that
nothing herein shall exempt any such facility from complying with
any and all provisions or requirements set forth under such permit
or decision or other applicable law.
C.
Repairs and maintenance of wireless telecommunications facilities
shall not require any permit or approval under this chapter.
A.
As of the effective date of this chapter, and except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no person shall be permitted to site, place, build, construct, modify or prepare any site for the placement or use of wireless telecommunications facilities without having first obtained a building permit from the Building Superintendent and any and all other approvals as required herein or under other applicable law. A new wireless telecommunications facility must, in addition to a building permit, be granted a special use permit by the Board of Trustees. A modification or co-location in conformity with § 250-6 shall be approved administratively by the Building Superintendent.
B.
An application for a special use permit, and any other approval under
this chapter, shall be submitted to the Building Department contemporaneously
with a building permit application.
C.
If the Superintendent of Buildings or Board of Trustees determines
that a particular application under this chapter should be considered
with the assistance of a consultant, the Village may retain a consultant
to review, analyze, and evaluate applications and to advise and provide
information to Village personnel on technical and other issues relating
to such applications, and to make recommendations to the Department
of Buildings and the Board of Trustees.
D.
In the course of considering an application pursuant to this chapter,
the Buildings Superintendent and the Board of Trustees may waive submission
of information otherwise required by this chapter if such information
is unnecessary or irrelevant given the scope or nature of the project.
If an applicant contends that certain information which has been requested
need not be submitted in its application, the applicant shall submit
a written statement explaining why such information ought not to be
required under the circumstances.
E.
Any and all representations made by the applicant to the Department
of Buildings, Board of Trustees, or other Village agency, or any consultant
thereto, relating to the application, whether written or verbal, shall
be deemed a part of the application and may be relied upon in good
faith by the Department of Buildings and Board of Trustees.
F.
In addition to any general requirements for the filing of a building
permit application, an application for a building permit for a wireless
telecommunications facility shall include:
(1)
A descriptive statement of the nature of the work proposed in the
application, and the impact(s) of the work on the surrounding area.
(2)
The name, address and phone number of the person(s) preparing the
application and supporting documentation.
(3)
A site plan showing the existing and proposed structures on the subject
property, and the type, locations and dimensions of all proposed and
existing landscaping, and fencing on the subject property; the azimuth,
size and center-line height location of all proposed and existing
antennas on the supporting structure; the number, type and model of
the antenna(s) proposed with a copy of the specification sheet; the
make, model, type and manufacturer of the tower and design plan stating
the tower's capacity to accommodate multiple users.
(4)
The frequency, modulation and class of service of radio or other
transmitting equipment.
(5)
The actual intended transmission power stated as the maximum effective
radiated power (ERP) in watts.
(6)
A report or reports, prepared by a qualified company or individual,
verifying that the wireless telecommunication facility with the proposed
installation will be in full compliance with the current FCC RF emissions
guidelines.
(7)
A copy of all FCC licenses, if any, to be utilized at the site.
(8)
A certified structural analysis, using the appropriate code in effect
in New York State, demonstrating that the support structure (i.e.,
tower or pole), foundation, attachments, rooftop support structures,
water tank structure, and any other supporting structures, meet all
local, city, state and federal structural requirements for loads,
including wind and ice loads, and will be capable of supporting the
wireless telecommunications facility as constructed or improved in
accordance with the application.
(9)
For purposes of a proposed freestanding wireless telecommunications
facility, a geotechnical subsurface soils investigation report and
foundation recommendation.
(10)
The number, type and model of the antenna(s) proposed with a
copy of the specification sheet.
(11)
A written copy of an analysis, completed by a qualified individual
or organization, to determine if a proposed new tower or existing
structure intended to support wireless facilities is in compliance
with Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 77, and if it
requires lighting. This requirement shall also be for any existing
structure or building where the applicant proposes to increase the
height of the structure or building. If this analysis determines that
an FAA determination is required, then all filings with the FAA, all
responses from the FAA and any related correspondence shall be provided
as part of the application.
G.
In addition to all other required information as stated in this chapter, all applications for a special use permit for the construction or installation of new wireless telecommunications facilities, or modification of an existing facility not meeting the requirements of § 250-6, shall contain a complete building permit application in accordance with § 250-4F and the additional information hereinafter set forth:
(1)
Documentation that demonstrates and proves the need for the wireless
telecommunications facility at the location selected by the applicant.
Such documentation shall include propagation studies of the proposed
site and all adjoining planned, proposed, in-service or existing sites
that demonstrate a gap in coverage. If there is a capacity need, such
documentation shall include an analysis of current and projected usage.
Drive test or call test data shall be required to assist in reviewing
the application;
(2)
The name, address and phone number of the person(s) preparing the documentation referenced in Subsection G(1) above and conducting the studies and analyses;
(3)
An area map showing the location, size, height and usage of all structures
and buildings within 500 feet of the site of the application;
(4)
The site plan must also show, in addition to all standard information,
a description of any proposed tower and/or antenna(s) and all related
fixtures, structures, appurtenances and apparatus, including height
above the mean level of the established center line grade of the street
adjacent to the parcel, materials, color and lighting;
(5)
The make, model, type and manufacturer of the tower and design plan;
and
(6)
A statement and substantive explanation to show that, pursuant to
a study undertaken by the applicant, the proposed site is justified
in that alternate sites, co-location sites, or other alternate facilities,
which would have a lesser negative impact on area character and aesthetics
than the proposed site and facilities, would be technically unfeasible,
commercially impracticable, or otherwise inappropriate for the applicant's
needs. Technical, financial and other evidence to support rejection
of any such alternatives must be provided.
H.
Application for new tower or other structure. In the case of an application
for a new tower, new monopole, new utility pole or other new structure,
the applicant shall comply with the provisions of this subsection.
(1)
The applicant shall provide a written report demonstrating the applicant's
meaningful efforts to secure shared use of existing towers or other
structures within the Village, with copies of written requests and
responses, along with any letters of rejection. The applicant shall
provide a report inventorying existing towers and other potentially
suitable structures already improved with wireless telecommunications
facilities located within two miles (or such other distance agreed
to by the Department of Buildings) of a proposed new tower or structure
explaining why none of those existing sites is suitable for their
project.
(2)
A "balloon test," which shall be completed prior to the public hearing
on the application. The applicant shall arrange to fly, or raise upon
a temporary mast, a minimum of a three-foot-in-diameter brightly colored
balloon at the maximum height of the proposed new structure. (The
size of the balloon must be representative of the size of the antenna
configuration proposed.) The dates (including a second date, in case
of poor visibility on the initial date), times and location of this
balloon test shall be advertised by the applicant between seven and
14 days in advance of the first test date in a newspaper with a general
circulation in the general vicinity. The applicant shall inform the
Department of Buildings, in writing, of the dates and times of the
test, at least 14 days in advance. The balloon shall be flown for
at least four consecutive hours sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00
p.m. on the dates chosen. The primary date shall be on a weekend,
but in case of poor weather on the initial date, the secondary date
may be on a weekday. A report with pictures from various locations
of the balloon shall be provided to the Department of Buildings.
(3)
A requirement that the structure be structurally designed to accommodate
at least three additional antenna arrays. This requirement may be
waived by the Board of Trustees, provided the applicant demonstrates,
in writing, that the provision of future shared usage of the structure
is not technologically feasible, is commercially impracticable, or
creates an unnecessary and unreasonable burden, based upon:
I.
For applications for a replacement tower, or for co-location or modification
on an existing tower, the applicant shall provide a signed inspection
report of the tower condition, such as an ANSI report as per Annex
E, Tower Maintenance and Inspection Procedures, ANSI/TIA/EIA-222F,
or the most recent version in effect. If a signed report of tower
inspection has been provided by another permit holder for the tower
already and is on file with and satisfactory to the Building Superintendent
at the time the applicant is required to file an initial or an updated
tower inspection report, the Building Superintendent shall waive such
filing by the applicant. On applications for a new tower, documentation
consistent with the foregoing shall be provided by the applicant prior
to issuance of a certificate of completion for the tower. Any deficiency,
structural or otherwise, noted in the foregoing documentation shall
be remedied prior to issuance of a certificate of completion for a
tower or project.
J.
For an application for a special use permit for a new tower or structure,
or for a modification of an existing structure, the applicant shall
furnish a visual impact assessment, which shall include:
(1)
If a new tower or increasing the height of an existing structure
is proposed, a computer generated "Zone of Visibility Map" at a minimum
of one-mile radius from the proposed structure, with and without foliage,
to illustrate locations from which the proposed installation may be
seen.
(2)
Pictorial representations of before and after (photo simulations)
views from key viewpoints both inside and outside of the Village as
may be appropriate, including, but not limited to, major roads; parks;
other public lands; historic districts; preserves and historic sites
normally open to the public; and from any other location where the
site is visible to a large number of visitors, travelers or residents.
In the case of a co-location or modification, the photo simulation
need show only the effect of the co-location or modification in relation
to other equipment located on the support structure, i.e., the effect
on the profile of the facility and may be taken at or near the site.
The applicant should consult with the Building Department to insure
that the selection of key viewpoints for the assessment is appropriate.
(3)
A map showing the locations of where the pictures were taken and
distance from the proposed structure.
(4)
A written description of the visual impact of the proposed facility,
including and as applicable the tower base, guy wires, fencing and
accessory buildings from abutting and adjacent properties and streets
as relates to the need or appropriateness of screening.
(5)
In narrative and/or by drawing, a demonstration of how the applicant
shall effectively screen from view the base and all related equipment
and structures of the proposed wireless telecommunications facility.
K.
Applications for a special use permit or a building permit shall
maximize the use of site configurations, building materials, stealth
technology and design to blend the project in with the surrounding
area.
L.
All utilities at wireless telecommunications facilities shall be
installed underground whenever possible and in compliance with all
laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the Village, including
specifically, but not limited to, the National Electrical Safety Code
and the National Electrical Code, where appropriate, as well as Village
regulations applicable to excavations in public streets.
M.
Each application for a special use permit shall demonstrate that
there shall be adequate access to the project site through public
streets, an access road, turnaround space and/or parking to assure
adequate emergency and service access to the site.
N.
All wireless telecommunications facilities subject to this chapter
shall be constructed, operated, maintained, repaired, modified, removed
and restored in strict compliance with all applicable technical, safety
and safety-related codes adopted by the Village, state, or United
States, including but not limited to the most recent editions of the
ANSI Code, National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical
Code, and the recommended practices of the National Association of
Tower Erectors.
A.
Wireless telecommunications facilities should be sited in a manner that preserves area character and aesthetics and minimizes potential adverse economic, environmental and quality of life impacts. Careful selection of sites, including co-location where appropriate, will help achieve this objective. Accordingly, all applications submitted pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to the site prioritization schedule below. To the greatest extent possible, applications shall seek approval for installations at locations with the highest priority level possible, with the item in Subsection A(1) being the highest.
(1)
An existing tower or other structure already improved with wireless
telecommunications facilities on properties in areas zoned for nonresidential
uses.
(2)
An existing tower or other structure on properties in areas zoned
for nonresidential uses.
(3)
A new tower or other structure on properties in areas zoned for nonresidential
uses.
(4)
An existing tower or other structure already improved with wireless
telecommunications facilities on properties in areas zoned for residential
uses.
(5)
An existing tower or other structure in areas zoned for residential
uses.
(6)
A new tower or other structure on properties in areas zoned for residential
use.
B.
In reviewing an application for a new wireless telecommunication
site, the Board of Trustees shall determine if the site selected for
the application is appropriate taking into account the totality of
the circumstances, including the priority level of the proposed site
and the existence of potential alternatives. An applicant proposing
a wireless telecommunications facility must explain in its application
why siting or co-location at any higher priority location is not feasible
or appropriate under the circumstances. Any technological, financial,
or other factors should be identified, and any quantitative data relating
to such factors should be included in the application. Unilateral
or contractual obstacles to co-location created by the applicant and/or
others holding permits for wireless telecommunications facilities
in the Village are contrary to the public interest and may be given
little weight.
A.
An applicant seeking to co-locate on an existing tower or other suitable
structure shall be required to provide:
B.
A co-location or modification at a permitted wireless telecommunications
facility which does not involve a substantial change in emissions,
size or appearance, as defined in FCC Report and Order 14-153, shall
be approved administratively by the Building Department as an amendment
to the existing permit, provided the application complies with all
other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, specifically
including § 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act of 2012, codified at 47 U.S.C. § 1455. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary herein, the Building Department may utilize
the Village consultant to assist in review of applications for co-locations
and modifications.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. I)]
A.
In addition to satisfying all other special use permit criteria,
the applicant for a new wireless telecommunications facility shall
submit documentation justifying the height of any tower, facility,
pole and/or antenna requested. Documentation in the form of propagation
studies must include all backup data used to perform at the requested
height and at a height which is a minimum of 10 feet shorter to allow
verification of the need for the height requested.
B.
No tower constructed after the effective date of this chapter shall
be constructed to a height, inclusive of all attachments, which exceeds
the maximum height allowed under federal, state and/or local law for
a facility that does not utilize artificial lighting.
A.
Wireless telecommunications facilities shall not be artificially
lighted or marked, except as required by federal or state law.
B.
If lighting is required, the applicant shall provide a detailed plan
for lighting, demonstrating as unobtrusive and inoffensive an effect
as is possible while complying with state and federal law.
All wireless telecommunications facilities and antennas shall
be fenced or otherwise secured in a manner that prevents unauthorized
access.
A.
All wireless telecommunications facilities shall feature signs notifying
persons in the immediate area of the presence of RF radiation and
providing the name(s) of the owner(s) and operator(s) of the antenna(s)
as well as their emergency phone number(s). The signs shall be installed
in all directions on the fence, or if none, on the equipment shelter
or cabinet, for the facility and shall be visible from the access
point to the site. Such signs shall be of a size that is proportionate
to the size of the shelter or cabinet on which they are affixed, but
shall in no event exceed four square feet in size.
B.
On tower sites, an FCC registration sign must also be posted. Signs
shall not be lighted, unless applicable law, rule or regulation requires
lighting.
A.
In addition to all other fees for building permit or special use
permit applications, as the case may be, an applicant shall deposit
with the Village escrow funds as set forth below to reimburse the
Village for all reasonable costs of the Village's consultant(s),
including legal counsel and experts, in providing evaluation and consultation
to any agency of the Village in connection with the review of any
application under this chapter. The initial deposit for a new wireless
telecommunications facility shall be $8,500. The initial deposit for
a co-location or modification shall be $6,000. The placement of the
initial deposit with the Village shall precede processing of an application.
The Village will maintain a separate escrow account for all such funds
B.
If at any time during the application process the escrow account
has a balance less than $2,500, the applicant shall immediately, upon
notification by the Village, replenish said escrow account so that
it has a balance of at least $5,000. Such additional escrow funds
shall be deposited with the Village before any further action or consideration
is taken on the application. In the event that the amount held in
escrow by the Village is more than the amount of the actual invoicing
at the conclusion of the project, the remaining balance shall be promptly
refunded to the applicant.
C.
When notified by the Village that additional escrow is required,
the applicant may request copies of invoices paid to consultants.
If the applicant finds errors in those invoices, the applicant may
ask the Village to audit those specific items for reasonableness.
A.
If a special use permit is required, then once the Department of
Buildings determines that the application is complete, with all required
submissions having been received in proper form, it shall refer the
file to the Board of Trustees, which shall hold a public hearing on
the application prior to rendering its decision on the application.
B.
In order for a public hearing to be held by the Board of Trustees,
notice of the hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general
circulation in the vicinity of the premises, no less than five calendar
days prior to the scheduled date of the public hearing. In order that
nearby property owners shall be specifically notified of the application,
the applicant shall, no less than 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled
date of the public hearing, mail a written notice of the hearing to
all property owners within 500 feet or 10 times the height of the
proposed new tower or other structure, whichever is greater, of any
property line of the lot or parcel on which the new wireless telecommunications
facilities are proposed to be located, and, for that purpose, the
applicant shall complete and utilize a form provided by the Village,
and provide affidavits or such other proof to the Village as the Board
requires to ensure that such mailing has properly taken place. The
notice of hearing shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested.
A.
The Board of Trustees shall consider the merits of the case, based
on the evidence in the record. The burden of proof for showing compliance
with applicable standards and criteria shall always be upon the applicant.
B.
After the public hearing is completed, and within the time frame
required by law, the Board may approve, approve with conditions, or
deny a special use permit.
C.
No special use permit may be assigned, transferred or conveyed without
written notice to and approval of the Board of Trustees, provided
such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or conditioned.
D.
In addition to any other remedy of the Village at law or equity,
any special use permit may, following a hearing upon due prior notice
to the applicant, be revoked, canceled or terminated if the Board
of Trustees determines that there are substantial violations of the
conditions and provisions of the special use permit, or a substantial
violation of the provisions of this chapter.
A.
The fees for building permit and special use permit applications
pursuant to this chapter shall be set forth in the Village Fee Schedule,
as amended from time to time.
B.
At the time that the building permit application is filed, the applicant
shall provide a qualified cost of construction affidavit to the Department
of Buildings to establish the basis for the cost of the building permit
fees, providing such information therein as the Department of Buildings
shall deem sufficient for that purpose.
C.
Prior to issuance of a building permit, if it appears to the Department
of Buildings that the affidavit underestimated the actual cost, the
Department shall require payment of such additional fees as it shall
deem appropriate, at the time that the building permit is to be issued.
D.
All application fees shall be paid at the time an application is
submitted.
E.
All fees paid shall be nonrefundable.
The applicant shall perform post-construction testing of each
site for which a building permit is issued pursuant to this chapter
within three weeks after all work is completed and the site is operational.
Said testing shall be done at the applicant's sole cost and expense
and in accordance with a site-specific testing plan approved by the
Building Superintendent or the Village's consultant, if any.
The Building Superintendent or consultant shall be on-site for post-construction
testing to inspect the site and confirm that the facilities are properly
installed and operating. Any costs incurred by the Village in connection
with post-construction testing shall be paid using the applicant's
escrow deposit.
This chapter shall apply to all applications filed with the
Village of the Branch after the filing of this chapter in the Office
of the Secretary of State of the State of New York.
A.
The failure to comply with provisions of this chapter, or the terms
and conditions of any special use permit, building permit, or other
approval granted pursuant to this chapter, shall constitute a violation
of this chapter by the owner of the property, the owner of the improvements,
and any lessee or other person or entity in control of the property
or facilities, jointly and severally, and shall subject them, or any
one of them, to prosecution in criminal court and/or any civil proceeding
available at law or equity in a court of competent jurisdiction.
B.
In the case of a criminal prosecution, any person, firm or corporation
which shall be convicted of constructing, altering, repairing, moving,
removing, demolishing, equipping, using, occupying or maintaining
any wireless telecommunications facility, or part thereof, in violation
of this chapter, or in violation of the conditions of any special
use permit, building permit, or other approval issued hereunder, shall
be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000
or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 days for each such offense,
or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that an offense continues
shall be deemed a separate offense. For conviction of a second offense,
both of which were committed within a period of five years, such violation
shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $250 and not more than
$1,000 or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days, or both.
Upon conviction of a third offense and any further offenses, all of
which were committed within a period of five years, such violations
shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $500 and not more than
$2,000 or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days, or both.
A.
Under the following circumstances, the Department of Buildings may
determine that the health, safety, and welfare of the Village warrant
and require the removal of a wireless telecommunications facility:
(1)
The facility has been abandoned (i.e., not used as a wireless telecommunications
facility) 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)
The facility has fallen into such a state of disrepair that it poses
a health or safety hazard.
(3)
The facility has been located, constructed, or modified without first
obtaining, or in a manner not authorized by, a special use permit
or any other necessary authorization.
(4)
The special use permit or other authorization for the facility has
been revoked.
B.
If the Department of Buildings makes a determination under this section,
then the Village shall notify the holder of the special use permit
or other approval within 48 hours that said wireless telecommunications
facilities are to be removed, on such terms and time frames as the
Department may direct, within not less than 90 days of receipt of
written notice from the Department. Nothing herein shall prevent the
Department of Buildings from declaring any structure a dangerous or
unsafe structure.
C.
In such a case, the holder of the special use permit or other approval,
or its successors or assigns, shall dismantle and remove such wireless
telecommunications facilities, 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
economic impracticability, within 90 days of receipt of written notice
from the Department, provided that the Superintendent of Buildings
may direct removal in a shorter time frame where the subject structure
is an unsafe structure. However, if the owner of the property upon
which the wireless telecommunications facilities are located wishes
to retain any access roadway to the wireless telecommunications facilities,
the owner may do so with the approval of the Village.
D.
If wireless telecommunications facilities ordered to be removed under
this section are not removed or substantial progress has not been
made to remove same within the ninety-day period (or shorter period
prescribed by the Building Superintendent), the Village may charge
the owner with a violation of this chapter, unless a longer time frame
for removal has been approved.
A.
Applications for permits for wireless telecommunications facilities in public rights-of-way shall be determined under the same procedures and standards applicable to all applications under this chapter, except that the following provisions shall not apply: §§ 250-4F(10), 250-4F(12), 250-4G(6), 250-4H(2), 250-4H(3), 250-4J(1), 250-4J(5), 250-4M, 250-5A and B, 250-8B, 250-9, 250-11, and 250-15.
B.
The following additional regulations shall apply to proposed wireless
telecommunications facilities in public rights-of-way:
(1)
Location. Whenever possible, wireless telecommunications facilities
shall not be located in front of the front facade of a commercial
or residential building.
(2)
Utility status certification. The applicant for a new tower in the
public rights-of-way shall provide the Village Board of Trustees with
its certificate of public convenience and necessity from the New York
Public Service Commission.
(3)
Co-location. The applicant for a new wireless telecommunications
facility shall provide a written report demonstrating the applicant's
meaningful efforts to secure shared use of existing facilities in
the public rights-of-way or existing infrastructure owned by other
utilities in the public rights-of-way, with copies of written requests
and responses, along with any letters of rejection. The applicant
shall provide a report inventorying existing facilities and other
potentially suitable structures already improved with wireless telecommunications
facilities located within 1/2 mile (or such other distance agreed
to by the Department of Buildings) of a proposed new tower or structure
explaining why none of those existing sites is suitable for their
project.
(4)
Equipment location. New wireless telecommunications facilities and
related equipment shall be located so as not to cause any physical
or visual obstruction to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or to otherwise
create safety hazards to pedestrians and/or motorists or to otherwise
inconvenience public use of the rights-of-way as determined by the
Village. In addition:
(a)
Ground-mounted related equipment shall be located between the
sidewalk and the curb. For reasons of safety and aesthetics, such
equipment shall neither protrude onto the curb, nor obstruct the sidewalk.
(b)
Ground-mounted related equipment that cannot be placed underground
shall be screened, to the fullest extent possible, through the use
of landscaping or other decorative features to the satisfaction of
the Village Board of Trustees.
(c)
Required electrical meter cabinets shall be screened to blend
in with the surrounding area to the satisfaction of the Village Board
of Trustees.
(d)
Any underground vaults related to new wireless telecommunications
facilities shall be reviewed and approved by the Department of Public
Works.
(5)
Future users. Any proposed new wireless telecommunications facility
shall be designed structurally, electrically, and in all respects
to accommodate both the applicant's antennas and comparable antennas
for the maximum amount of future users possible, based on the size
of the proposed facility.
(6)
Stealth technology. All new wireless telecommunications facilities
shall incorporate stealth technology and design.
(7)
Height restriction. Wireless telecommunications facilities located
within a public right-of-way shall be no taller than five feet above
the average height of utility and light poles located within a two-block
radius thereof.
C.
Applications for wireless telecommunications facilities in public
rights-of-way shall further require:
If any word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection, or
other portion of this chapter or any application thereof to any person
or circumstance is declared void, unconstitutional, or invalid for
any reason, then such word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection,
or other portion, or the prescribed application thereof, shall be
severable, and the remaining provisions of this chapter, and all applications
thereof, not having been declared void, unconstitutional, or invalid,
shall remain in full force and effect.
The Board of Trustees, as part of the special use permit process,
and the Building Superintendent, as part of the building permit process,
are respectively authorized to grant relief from the provisions of
this chapter to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, including
the Federal telecommunications Act of 1996. Such relief may be granted,
in whole or in part, with respect to any requirement or restriction
herein upon presentation of proof acceptable to the Board of Trustees
or Building Department, as the case may be, demonstrating that:
