(1)
Purpose. This chapter is designed to provide opportunities for the community to be served by personal wireless service facilities, consistent with the rights of personal wireless service providers as set forth in the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-104, 110 State 56, 31-136, codified at 47 U.S.C. 332(c)), hereinafter referred to as "the Telecommunications Act" or "the Act," while at the same time providing for an orderly development of the county and protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the county's residents and property owners. This chapter is also intended to comply with Section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (H.R. 3630, P.L. 112-96), hereinafter referred to as "Section 6409," as implemented by 47 CFR 1.40001, as it exists now or may be amended in the future.
(2)
Intent and Interpretation. These standards are designed to comply with the Act. The provisions of this chapter shall not be interpreted to prohibit, or to have the effect of prohibiting, telecommunications or personal wireless services, television broadcast signals, multichannel multi-point distribution services or direct broadcast satellite services, or to unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services.
(3)
Inconsistencies with Other County Regulations. To the extent that any provision of this chapter directly conflicts with any other county ordinance, this chapter shall control. In all other regards, this chapter shall be construed consistently with all other county ordinances, regulations and functional plans.
(4)
Goals. The goals of this chapter shall be to:
(a)
Establish development regulations consistent with the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan, as adopted August 28, 1998, or later amended;
(b)
Establish personal wireless service facilities development design standards which protect the rural character, natural beauty, and scenic resources of Jefferson County from adverse environmental, noise, and visual impacts;
(c)
Provide clear and objective approval criteria for locating personal wireless service facilities including structural safety requirements;
(d)
Facilitate efficient development review of applications for personal wireless service facilities and infrastructure which serve the needs of county citizens and visitors, and promote the goal of universal service;
(e)
Where technologically and structurally feasible, encourage and facilitate colocation of antennas, support structures and related equipment for wireless communication providers, public service telecommunications, and emergency service telecommunications;
(f)
Require prompt removal of abandoned facilities; and
(g)
Encourage the development of personal wireless service facilities on a competitively neutral basis.
(Ord. 6-99 § 1; Ord. 14-18 § 4 (Exh. B))