Article XIV: Public Utilities and Domestic Services

§ 165-61 Personal wireless service facilities and towers.

[Added 9-17-1997]

Special use permits.

[Amended 10-21-1998 by L.L. No. 11-1998]

Applicability. Personal wireless service facilities and personal wireless service towers shall be permitted principal uses subject to special use permit by the Town Board pursuant to the special requirements of this section. In the case of a personal wireless service facility and personal service tower, the use may be a second permitted principal use, provided that the lot has at least twice the minimum net lot area required in the zoning district (see table: Height, Bulk and Lot Regulations[1]).

[1]

Editor's Note: The Table of Height, Bulk and Lot Regulations is located at the end of this chapter.

(2)

The following special use permit standards and requirements shall apply to all personal wireless service facilities and towers:

(a)

For new tower construction or major modification of an existing tower, a tower construction special use permit is required.

(b)

For a new personal wireless service facility, or a major modification of an existing facility, a personal wireless service facility special use permit is required, except in the case of a new personal wireless service facility to be collocated on an existing tower with empty available space which has been approved under an existing valid special use permit.

Purposes. The purposes of this personal wireless service facilities and towers section are to:

(1)

Preserve the character and appearance of the Town while simultaneously allowing adequate personal wireless services to be developed.

(2)

Protect the scenic, historic, environmental and natural or man-made resources of the community.

(3)

Provide standards and requirements for regulation, placement, construction, monitoring, design, modification and removal of personal wireless service facilities.

(4)

Provide a procedural basis for action within a reasonable period of time for requests for authorization to place, construct, operate or modify personal wireless service facilities.

(5)

Preserve property values.

(6)

Minimize the total number and height of towers throughout the community.

(7)

Locate towers so that they do not have negative impacts, such as but not limited to attractive nuisance, noise and falling objects, on the general safety, welfare and quality of life of the community.

(8)

Require owners of towers and personal wireless service facilities to configure them so as to minimize and mitigate the adverse visual impact of the towers and facilities.

(9)

Require tower sharing and the clustering of personal wireless service facilities where possible.

Consistency with federal law. These regulations are intended to be consistent with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 in that: they do not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the provision of personal wireless services; they are not intended to be used to unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services; they do not regulate personal wireless services on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that the regulated services and facilities comply with the FCC's regulations concerning such emissions.

Exempted wireless telecommunications uses. This section of Article XIII specifically exempts the following wireless telecommunications facilities: police, fire, ambulance and other emergency dispatch; amateur (ham) radio; citizens band radio; any existing commercial radio tower and radio dispatch services for local businesses. No personal wireless service facility shall be considered exempt from this section of Article XIII for any reason whether or not said facility is proposed to share a tower or other structure with such exempt uses.

Provision of independent consultants.

(1)

Upon submission of an application for a special use permit under this section of Article XIII, the Town Board shall hire independent consultants of their choosing whose services shall be paid for by the applicant(s). These consultants shall each be qualified professionals with a record of service to municipalities in one of the following fields: telecommunications engineering, structural engineering, or others as determined necessary by the Town Board.

(2)

The Town Board shall select the independent consultant(s) after consultation with the Planning Board, which may propose a list of qualified candidates.

Prohibition of teleports. There shall be no teleport(s) within the Town of Putnam Valley.

Application requirements.

(1)

No tower or personal wireless service facility shall be erected, constructed or installed without first obtaining a special use permit from the Town Board. One or both of two kinds of special use permits are required:

(a)

For new tower construction (or major modification of an existing tower).

(b)

For personal wireless service facilities.

[1]

For personal wireless service facilities (or major modification of an existing facility) to be mounted on an existing, or newly permitted, tower or structure where empty available space, approved under an existing valid special use permit, is not available.

[2]

Personal wireless service facilities to be co-located on an existing tower or structure with empty available space, approved under an existing valid special use permit, may be erected, constructed or installed after obtaining a building permit from the Building Inspector. The applicant shall provide the Building Inspector, the Planning Board, the Town Board and the Town Clerk with an updated safety analysis, prepared by radiation protection experts, of the cumulative electromagnetic environment in the vicinity of the proposed personal wireless service facility.

(c)

If applicant is applying for both permits, they shall be submitted and examined concurrently. Applications shall be submitted on the relevant forms for special use permit and site plan approval or development approval plan. The following additional information must also be submitted.

(2)

Justification of need.

(a)

Applicant shall provide written documentation of any facility sites in Putnam Valley or in abutting towns in which it has a legal or equitable interest, whether by ownership, leasehold or otherwise. From each such facility site, it shall demonstrate with written documentation that these facility sites are not already providing, or do not have the potential by adjusting the site to provide, adequate coverage to the Town of Putnam Valley. A map of Putnam Valley which illustrates the areas which presently have and those which do not have adequate coverage (based upon engineering evaluations, such as drive-by testing) shall be provided along with a report of the supporting engineering data suitable for review by an independent consultant. The documentation shall include, for each facility site listed, the exact location, ground elevation, height of tower or structure, type of antennas, antenna manufacturer, antenna model number, antenna gain, antenna downtilt, height of antennas on tower or structure, number of channels, maximum effective radiated power per channel, actual radiated power per channel and actual radiated power. Radial plots from each of these facility sites shall be provided as part of the application.

(b)

Applicant shall demonstrate with written documentation that they have examined all facility sites located in Putnam Valley and in abutting towns in which applicant has no legal or equitable interest, whether by ownership, leasehold or otherwise, to determine whether those existing facility sites can be used to provide adequate coverage to the Town of Putnam Valley. The documentation shall include, for each facility site listed, the exact location, ground elevation and height of tower or structure as well as the applicant's proposals for type of antennas, antenna manufacturer, antenna model number, antenna gain, antenna downtilt, height of antennas on tower or structure, number of channels, maximum effective radiated power per channel, actual radiated power per channel, and actual total radiated power. Radial plots from each of these facility sites shall be provided as part of the application.

(c)

Applicant shall provide a safety analysis of the electromagnetic environment in the vicinity of a proposed personal wireless service facility prepared by radiation protection experts.

(d)

Applicant shall demonstrate with written documentation that they have analyzed the feasibility of repeaters (if appropriate for the technology in question) in conjunction with all facility sites listed in compliance with Subsection G(2)(a) or (b) above to provide adequate coverage to the Town of Putnam Valley. Radial plots of all repeaters considered for use in conjunction with these facility sites shall be provided as part of the application.

(3)

Required documentation.

(a)

Copies of all submittals made by the applicant, if required, pertaining to: FCC licensing; environmental impact statements; FAA Notice of Construction or Alteration; aeronautical studies; and all data, assumptions and calculations relating to service coverage and power levels, regardless of whether categorical exemption from routine environmental evaluation under the FCC rules is claimed.

(b)

The exact legal name, address or principal place of business and phone number of the applicant. If any applicant is not a natural person, it shall also give the state under which it was created or organized.

(c)

The name, title, address and phone number of the person to whom correspondence or communications in regard to the application are to be sent. Notice, orders and other papers may be served upon the person so named, and such service shall be deemed to be service upon the applicant.

(d)

Name, address, phone number and written consent to apply for this permit of the owner of the property on which the proposed tower shall be located, or of the owner(s) of the tower or structure on which the proposed facility shall be located.

(e)

Required plans and engineering plans, prepared, stamped and signed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in New York. (NOTE: Survey plans should also be stamped and signed by a professional land surveyor registered in New York.) Plans shall be on sheets no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches, on as many sheets as necessary, and at scales which are no smaller (i.e. no less precise) than listed below and which show the following information: Each plan sheet shall have a title block indicating the project title, sheet title, sheet number, date, revision dates, scale(s) and original seal and signature of the professional engineer and other professionals who prepared the plan.

(4)

For new tower construction, or major modification of an existing tower, a tower construction special use permit is required.

(a)

Applicant shall provide a written commitment, valid for the duration of the existence of the tower, to rent or lease available space for co-location on the tower where legally, technically and economically feasible, without discrimination to other personal wireless service providers.

(b)

If applicant is not simultaneously applying for a personal wireless service facilities special use permit, it shall provide a copy of its existing lease/contract with a personal wireless service provider. A tower construction special use permit shall not be granted for a tower to be built on speculation.

(c)

The following plans and maps shall be required:

[1]

A location map, at a scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet showing the applicant's entire property and all easements and streets and existing structures within 200 feet of the applicant's property. The location shall include the names of owners of record for all parcels within 200 feet.

[2]

A survey showing the proposed location, size and use of all buildings and structures at a scale of one inch equals 50 feet.

[3]

A conceptual layout of site configurations and improvements, including proposed tower location and any appurtenances, including supports and guy wires, if any, and any accessory building (communication equipment shelter or other). Indicate property boundaries and setback distances to the base(s) of the tower and to the nearest corners of each of the appurtenant structures to those boundaries and dimensions of all proposed improvements.

[4]

In addition to the detailed site plan requirements listed in either § 165-16C(1) (for residential districts) or § 165-21C(1) (for nonresidential districts) of this chapter, the Planning Board will require:

[a]

A statement of whether an environmental assessment has been prepared under the National Environmental Policy act of 1969 and, if so, a copy of the findings.

[b]

Proposed utilities, including distance from source of power, sizes of service available and required, locations of any proposed utility or communication lines, and whether underground or above ground.

[c]

Plans of proposed access driveway or roadway and parking area at the tower site. Include grading, drainage and traveled width. Plans shall include a cross section of the access drive indicating the width, depth of gravel, paving or surface materials.

[d]

Details of the proposed tower and appurtenances:

[i]

Plans, elevations, sections and details at appropriate scales but no smaller than one inch equals 10 feet.

[ii]

Two cross sections through proposed tower, drawn at right angles to each other, and showing the ground profile to at least 100 feet beyond the limit of clearing and showing any guy wires or supports. Dimension the proposed height of tower above average grade at tower base. Show all proposed antennas, including their location on the tower.

[iii]

Details of proposed tower foundation, including cross sections and details. Show all ground attachments, specifications for anchor bolts and other anchoring hardware.

[iv]

Detail proposed exterior finish of the tower.

[v]

Indicate relative height of the tower to the tops of surrounding trees as they presently exist and the height to which they are expected to grow in 10 years.

[vi]

Illustration of the modular structure of the proposed tower indicating the heights of sections which could be removed or added in the future to adapt to changing communications conditions or demands.

[vii]

A structural professional engineer's written description of the proposed tower structure and its capacity to support additional antennas or other communications facilities at different heights and the ability of the tower to be shortened if future communications facilities no longer require the original height.

[viii]

A description of available space on the tower, providing illustrations and examples of the type and number of personal wireless service facilities which could be mounted on the structure.

[e]

Proposed communications equipment shelter:

[i]

Floor plans, elevations and cross sections at a scale of no smaller than 1/4 inch equals one foot (1:48) of any proposed appurtenant structure.

[ii]

Representative elevation views, indicating the roof, facades, doors and other exterior appearance and materials.

(5)

For new personal wireless service facility, or major modification of an existing facility, a personal wireless service facility special use permit is required, except in the case of a new personal wireless service facility to be co-located on an existing tower with empty available space which has been approved under an existing valid special use permit.

(a)

The following plans and maps:

[1]

A location map, at a scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet, showing the applicant's entire property and all easements and streets and existing structures within 200 feet of the applicant's property. The location shall include the names of owners of record for all parcels within 200 feet.

[2]

Proposed facility plan. A recent survey of the facility site at a scale of one inch equals 50 feet showing:

[a]

Horizontal and radial distances of antenna(s) to nearest point on property line.

[b]

Horizontal and radial distances of antenna(s) to nearest dwelling unit.

[c]

Proposed utilities, including distance from source of power, sizes of service available and required, locations of any proposed utility or communication lines and whether underground or aboveground.

[d]

Any changes to be made to the existing facility's landscaping, screening, fencing, lighting, drainage, wetlands, grading, driveways or roadways, parking or other infrastructure as a result of this proposed modification of the facility.

[3]

Proposed communications equipment shelter:

[a]

Floor plans, elevations and cross sections at a scale of no smaller that 1/4 inch equals one foot (1:48) of any proposed appurtenant structure.

[b]

Representative elevation views, indicating the roof, facades, doors and other exterior appearance and materials.

[4]

Proposed equipment plan:

[a]

Plans, elevations, sections and details at appropriate scales but no smaller than one inch equals 10 feet.

[b]

Number of antennas and repeaters, as well as the exact locations, of antenna(s) and of all repeaters (if any) located on a map.

[c]

Mounting locations on tower or structure, including height above ground.

[d]

Antenna type(s), manufacturer(s), and model number(s).

Approval process.

(1)

Preapplication conference for new towers. The applicant is strongly encouraged to apply for a preapplication conference by requesting a joint meeting of the Town Board, the Planning Board and, if a variance is required, the Zoning Board of Appeals immediately after establishing the need for a new tower and associated personal wireless service facilities. This action should take place prior to committing to a specific site. The documentation required for review at a preapplication conference for new towers is related to justification of need and is contained in Subsection G(2)(a) and (b) of this section.

[Amended 10-21-1998 by L.L. No. 11-1998]

(2)

Application review. The applicant is encouraged to apply for an application review by requesting a joint meeting of the Town Board, the Planning Board and, if a variance is likely to be required, the Zoning Board of Appeals for the purpose of a preliminary review of the written documentation prepared in accordance with Subsection G of this section and a concept plan prepared in accordance with Subsection G(3) of this section and, for tower construction special use permit applications, the information contained in Subsection G(4) of this section and, for personal wireless service facilities special use permit applications, the information contained in Subsection G(5) of this section. The purpose of this joint work session is to evaluate the completeness of the application.

[Amended 10-21-1998 by L.L. No. 11-1998]

(3)

Application for special use permit(s) under this section shall be presented to the Town Board at least four weeks prior to a public meeting and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fees, written documentation prepared in accordance with Subsection G of this section and a concept plan prepared in accordance with Subsection G(3) of this section. For tower construction special use permit applications, the information contained in Subsection G(4) of this section must also be provided as part of the application. For personal wireless service facilities special use permit applications, the information contained in Subsection G(5) of this section must also be provided as part of the application. In evaluating the concept, the Town Board will apply the parameters of appropriate siting contained in Subsection I(13) of this section.

(4)

At the time of application to the Town Board for a special use permit under this section, the applicant shall also apply to the Planning Board for a development approval plan (within residential districts) in accordance with § 165-16 of this chapter or for site plan approval (in nonresidential districts) in accordance with § 165-21 of this chapter. Before proceeding to the detailed site plan review phase before the Planning Board in accordance with either § 165-16 or § 165-21 of this chapter, the applicant must have received concept approval for the special use permit(s) from the Town Board.

(5)

In order to better inform the public, the applicant shall take the following actions prior to either the public meeting of the Town Board (Subsection A above) or the public meeting of the Planning Board (Subsection B above):

(a)

Balloon test. Applicant shall arrange to fly, or raise upon a temporary mast, a three-foot diameter brightly colored balloon at the maximum height of the proposed tower. 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 at seven and 14 days in advance of the first test date in a newspaper with a general circulation in the Town of Putnam Valley. The applicant shall inform the Town Board and the Planning Board, in writing, of the dates and times of the test, at least 14 days in advance. The balloon shall be flown for at least eight consecutive hours sometime between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. of the dates chosen. The primary date shall be on a weekend, but the second date, in case of poor visibility on the initial date, may be on a weekday.

(b)

Sign. The applicant shall place a sign of 32 square feet on the property which is the subject of the application 10 days prior to the date of either the concept review by the Town Board or the sketch plan review by the Planning Board. The sign shall face a public street, and the information on the sign describing the nature of the application must be in lettering clearly visible to a passerby.

(6)

After receiving sketch plan approval for the site plan, a detailed site plan will be prepared in accordance with either § 165-16 or § 165-21 of this chapter. Whenever a tower construction special use permit is involved, the applicant will also provide the Planning Board with the information contained in Subsection G(4) of this section. Whenever a personal wireless service facility special use permit is involved, the applicant will also provide the Planning Board with the information contained in Subsection G(5) of this section.

(7)

Upon official receipt of a complete development approval plan application (within residential districts) or a complete site plan approval application (within nonresidential districts), the Planning Board shall comply with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality Review Act under Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law and its implementing regulations:

(a)

Within 30 days, act to establish lead agency for coordinated review.

(b)

If designated as lead agency, make a determination of significance within 20 calendar days.

(8)

Within 30 days of the granting by the Planning Board of a DAP approval or a site plan approval conditioned upon the issuance of the appropriate special use permit(s) by the Town Board, the Town Board shall schedule and conduct a public hearing on the special use permit(s). Within 62 days of the close of the public hearing, the Town Board shall act to approve, deny or approve with conditions the application for special use permit(s) under this section.

General requirements:

(1)

New towers shall be set back at least one time the height of the tower, plus 50 feet, from all boundaries of the site on which the tower is located.

(2)

If the facility or tower site is in a wooded area, a vegetated buffer strip of undisturbed trees shall be retained for at least 50 feet in width around the entire perimeter except where the access drive is located.

(3)

Fencing and signs. The area around the tower and communication equipment shelter(s) shall be completely fenced for security to a height of six feet and gated. Use of razor or barbed wire is not permitted. A sign no greater than two square feet indicating the name of the facility owner(s) and a twenty-four-hour emergency telephone number shall be posted adjacent to the entry gate. In addition, no trespassing or other warning signs must be posted on the fence.

(4)

Communication equipment shelters and accessory buildings shall be designed to be architecturally similar and compatible with each other and shall be no more than 12 feet high. The buildings shall be used only for the housing of equipment related to this particular site. Whenever possible, the buildings shall be joined or clustered so as to appear as one building.

(5)

New towers shall not exceed the minimum height necessary to provide adequate coverage for the personal wireless service facilities proposed for use on the tower. All applicants are encouraged to submit a request for additional height to accommodate future co-location and shall provide design information to justify such additional height. Towers shall not exceed 150 feet in height unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Town Board and the Planning Board that the greater height is no more detrimental to the neighborhood or the viewshed of the Town of Putnam Valley than would be a tower of lesser height.

(6)

Tower finish. New tower(s) shall have a galvanized finish unless otherwise required. The Town Board may require the tower(s) to be painted to minimize the adverse visual impact.

(7)

Tower(s) must be of a type which will maximize potential co-location. Lattice-type structures are preferred, but where a monopole is requested, applicant must demonstrate the future utility of such structure for expansion of service for applicant and other future applicants.

(8)

The use of repeaters (if consistent with the technology under consideration) to assure adequate coverage, or to fill holes within areas of otherwise adequate coverage, while minimizing the number of required towers is permitted and encouraged. An applicant who has received a personal wireless service facility special use permit under this section of Article XIII, may, with at least 30 days written notice to the Town Board, the Planning Board, Building Inspector and Town Clerk, install one or more additional repeaters by right. Site plan review by the Planning Board shall be required. The Planning Board shall publish written notice of the public meeting date at least 14 days in advance. Applicants shall detail the number, location, power output and coverage of any proposed repeaters in their systems and provide engineering data to justify their use.

(9)

Commercial advertising shall not be allowed on any antenna, tower or accessory building or communication equipment shelter.

(10)

Unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration, no night lighting of towers, or the personal wireless service facility, is permitted, except for manually operated emergency lights for use only when operating personnel are on site.

(11)

No tower or personal wireless service facility that would be classified as a hazard to air navigation, as defined by the Federal Aviation regulations (Title 14 CFR) is permitted.

(12)

No tower or personal wireless service facility with the exception of repeaters shall be located:

(a)

Habitable structures and places of public assembly.

[1]

Closer than 1,500 feet, on a horizontal plane, to any structure, existing at the time of application, which is, or is able to be, occupied or habitable on the property of any school (both public and private).

[2]

Closer than 750 feet, on a horizontal plane, to an existing dwelling unit, or day-care center, hospital, library, nursing home, church, synagogue or other place of worship, or any structure routinely used for public assembly.

(b)

No repeater shall be located closer than 50 feet to an existing dwelling unit, nor less than 25 feet above ground.

(c)

Within any of the following prohibited areas:

[1]

Town of Putnam Valley, New York DEC or federally regulated wetland.

[2]

The habitat of any state-listed rare or endangered wildlife or rare plant species.

[3]

Within 100 feet horizontally from the boundary of any New York DEC or Town of Putnam Valley regulated wetland.

[4]

Within 50 feet horizontally from the edge of any watercourse and/or water body.

[5]

Within 1,000 feet horizontally from any historic structure or property (except roadways, traveled ways, parkways and rights-of-way) listed or eligible to be listed on the state or federal Register of Historic Places.

[Amended 10-21-1998 by L.L. No. 11-1998]

[6]

Within 500 feet horizontally from any known archaeological site.

(13)

Parameters of appropriate siting:

(a)

Towers and personal wireless service facilities shall be located so as to minimize the following potential impacts:

[1]

Visual/aesthetic. Towers shall, when possible, be sited off ridgelines and where their visual impact is least detrimental to highly rated scenic areas.

[2]

Diminution of residential property values. Siting shall be in as low population density areas as possible.

[3]

Safety. In cases of structural failure and attractive nuisance.

[4]

Safety from excessive electromagnetic radiation. In case the tower or personal wireless service facility is found to exceed the FCC guidelines.

(b)

The following locations are ranked in order of preference:

[1]

Shared use of personal wireless service facilities shall be strongly encouraged. Applicants who co-locate on towers with empty available space which has been approved under an existing valid special use permit require only a building permit from the Code Enforcement Officer. In this case, the applicant shall provide the Code Enforcement Officer, the Planning Board, the Town Board and the Town Clerk with an updated safety analysis, prepared by radiation protection experts, of the cumulative electromagnetic environment in the vicinity of the proposed personal wireless service facility.

[2]

Clustering of towers. Applications for towers adjacent to existing towers shall be encouraged.

[3]

The use of municipal lands which comply with other requirements of this section, and where visual impact can be minimized and mitigated, shall be encouraged.

[4]

The use of repeaters (if consistent with the technology under consideration) to provide adequate coverage without requiring new tower(s) shall be encouraged.

[5]

The use of land, distant from higher density residential properties, and where visual impact can be minimized shall be encouraged.

(c)

Towers and personal wireless service facilities shall be located so as to provide adequate coverage with the least number of towers and antennas which is technically and economically feasible.

Evaluation by independent consultants.

(1)

Upon submission of a complete application for a special use permit under this section of Article XIII, the Town Board shall provide its independent consultant(s) with the full application for their analysis and review.

(2)

Applicants for any special use permit under this section of Article XIII shall obtain permission from the owner(s) of the proposed property(s) or facilities site(s) for the town's independent consultant(s) to conduct any necessary site visit(s).

Approval criteria:

(1)

The Town Board shall, in consultation with the independent consultant(s), make all of the applicable findings before granting the special use permit, as follows:

(a)

That applicant is not already providing adequate coverage to the Town of Putnam Valley;

(b)

That applicant is not able to use existing towers/facility sites either with or without the use of repeaters (if appropriate for the technology in question) to provide adequate coverage to the Town of Putnam Valley;

(c)

That the applicant has agreed to rent or lease available space for co-location on the tower where legally, technically and economically feasible, without discrimination to other personal wireless service providers;

(d)

That proposed personal wireless service facility or tower will not have an undue adverse impact on historic resources, scenic views, residential property values, natural or man-made resources; and

(e)

That the proposal shall comply with applicable FCC regulations regarding emissions of electromagnetic radiation (currently, FCC 96-326).

(2)

Any decision by the Town Board to deny an application for a special use permit under this section of Article XIII shall be in conformance with SEC. 332 (47 U.S.C. § 332) (7)(B)(iii) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, in that it shall be in writing and supported by substantial evidence contained in a written record.

Evaluation of compliance.

(1)

Excessive emissions. Should the monitoring of a facility site reveal that the site exceeds the appropriate FCC standard (currently, FCC 96-326), then the owner(s) of all facilities utilizing that site shall be so notified. The owner(s) shall submit to the Town Board and the Code Enforcement Officer a plan for the reduction of emissions to a level that complies with the appropriate FCC standard (currently, FCC 96-326) within 10 business days of notification of noncompliance. That plan shall reduce emissions to the standard within 15 days of initial notification of noncompliance. Failure to accomplish this reduction of emission within 15 business days of initial notification of noncompliance shall be a violation of the special use permit and subject to penalties and fines as specified in Article XX of this chapter. Such fines shall be payable by the owner(s) of the facilities with antennas on the facility site, until compliance is achieved.

(2)

Structural inspection. Tower owner(s) shall be required to conduct inspections of the tower's structural integrity and safety every five years, utilizing the services of a professional with knowledge of structural aspects of towers who is licensed to practice in New York State. A report of the inspection results shall be prepared by the licensed professional and submitted to the Town Board, the Planning Board, the Town Engineer/Town Planner, the Code Enforcement Officer and the Town Clerk.

(3)

Unsafe structure. Should any inspection of any tower reveal any structural defect(s) which, in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer render(s) that tower unsafe, the following actions must be taken. Within 10 business days of notification of unsafe structure, the owner(s) of the tower shall submit a plan to remediate the structural defect(s). This plan shall be initiated within 10 days of the submission of the remediation plan and completed as soon as reasonably possible. Failure to accomplish this remediation of structural defect(s) within 10 business days of initial notification shall be a violation of the special use permit and subject to penalties and fines as specified in Article XX of this chapter. Such fines shall be payable by the owner(s) of the tower, until compliance is achieved.

Removal requirements.

(1)

Any personal wireless service facility which ceases to operate for a period of one year shall be dismantled and removed from the site within 60 days of receipt of a written notice from the Code Enforcement Officer. "Cease to operate" is defined as not performing the normal functions associated with the personal wireless service facility and its equipment on a continuous and ongoing basis for a period of one year. At the time of removal, the facility site shall be remediated such that all personal wireless service facility improvements which have ceased to operate are removed. If all facilities on a tower have ceased to operate, the tower shall also be dismantled and removed from the site within 60 days of receipt of a written notice from the Code Enforcement Officer, and the site shall be revegetated. Existing trees shall only be removed if necessary to complete the required removal.

(2)

Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the owner and operator of a communications tower shall provide the Town with a surety bond or other financial security acceptable to the Town Attorney/Counsel to assure that the funds are available to dismantle such tower, remove any debris and to restore the site to a state acceptable to the Planning Board. The estimate shall be prepared by the applicant's licensed engineer, verified by the Town Engineer/Planner and approved, as to form, by the Town Attorney/Counsel. The amount of such bond shall be approved by the Town Board.

Fees and insurance.

(1)

Towers and personal wireless service facilities shall be insured by the owner(s) of towers and/or personal wireless service facilities against damage to persons or property. The owner(s) of towers and/or personal wireless service facilities shall provide a certificate of insurance to the Town Clerk on an annual basis in which the Town of Putnam Valley shall be an additional named insured.

(2)

A schedule of fees for towers and personal wireless service facilities permitting and renewal, of escrow fund amounts for independent consultants, and any other fees, shall be determined by annual resolution of the Town Board.

Rehearing. A request for the Town Board to hold a rehearing to review any decision or determination of the Board not previously reviewed may be made by any member of the Board. A unanimous vote of all members of the Board then present is required for such rehearing to occur. Upon such rehearing the Board may reverse, modify or annul its original order, decision or determination upon the unanimous vote of all members then present.