The regulation of the installation of satellite antennas is consistent with the Half Moon Bay general plan and local coastal plan, in that the city recognizes the right of each property owner to have access to television programming received through satellite antennas and that certain methods of installation are more appropriate and consistent with the design and aesthetic objectives of the city.
(1996 zoning code (part))
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the installation of satellite dish antennas through architectural review by the planning commission or community development director as applicable, who may consider the recommendation of any city council appointed advisory committee or commission, and the building permit process, to protect the environment and the health, safety and welfare of the public.
(1996 zoning code (part); Ord. C-2019-03 § 2(Exh. A)(part), 2019)
A. 
"Antenna"
means a structure with a composition of wood, metal or other materials which together with its necessary support is constructed for the purpose of receiving television or related signals. An antenna is an accessory structure.
B. 
"Satellite antenna"
means a signal receiving antenna, the purpose of which is to receive television communications and related signals directly from satellites in earth orbit.
(1996 zoning code (part))
No satellite antenna or support thereof, shall be erected, installed, or placed upon real property or any structure thereon, except in accordance with the rules and regulations of this chapter.
(1996 zoning code (part))
The installation of all satellite antennas shall require submittal of an application and the issuance of a building permit. The fee for processing such application shall be set by city council resolution.
(1996 zoning code (part))
Satellite antennas shall be installed so as to minimize their visual impact on surrounding properties and public streets, and all public rights-of-ways, and shall be screened through the use of architectural features and landscaping to harmonize with the characteristics of their property location. The antenna materials used shall not produce a reflective glare. The following criteria shall apply:
A. 
Rooftops. Satellite antennas on rooftops shall be and are specifically prohibited;
B. 
Visual Screening. All satellite antennas shall be screened from public view and surrounding property by either:
1. 
Four walls constructed of materials compatible with the buildings and structures on the property, with the satellite antenna not protruding above at least three of the walls, or
2. 
Placement within a mounded area screened by dense evergreen landscaping and with the dish sunk within the mound;
C. 
Height. A satellite antenna shall not exceed six feet in height from finished grade;
D. 
Size. Satellite antennas shall not exceed ten feet in diameter;
E. 
Location. Satellite antennas shall be located only in the rear yards of a property and within the required setback standards for buildings and structures. Actual placement shall be in the location which best serves the purposes of this chapter;
F. 
Safety. Satellite antennas shall be constructed and installed in a secure and safe manner to promote the health and safety of the public and property;
G. 
Color. Antennas shall only be earthen tone in color.
(1996 zoning code (part))
A. 
An exception may be granted by the planning commission or community development director to the standards of this chapter where they would produce an undue hardship on a property owner so as to interfere unreasonably with the use and enjoyment of his property, or where the standards would prevent reception by the satellite antenna of television signals from satellite(s) in earth orbit. Hardship requires there be no feasible alternative on site.
B. 
An exception to allow rooftop placement may be granted for a multifamily dwelling or nonresidential building, where there is no feasible alternative placement.
C. 
An additional fee may be required for the processing of the exception application, including cost of site inspection to verify maximum signal reception.
(1996 zoning code (part); Ord. C-2015-04 § 1(part), 2015; Ord. C-2019-03 § 2(Exh. A)(part), 2019)