Skip to main content
Loading…
This section is included in your selections.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meaning. Other words and terms shall have the meaning assigned to them by Chapter 20.08 BMC or if not defined in this chapter or Chapter 20.08 BMC, the meaning customarily assigned to them.

“Accessory equipment structure” shall mean an unstaffed structure used to house and protect the equipment necessary for processing wireless communications signals. Associated equipment may include air conditioning and emergency generators.

“Amateur or ham radio” shall mean radio facilities operated for noncommercial purposes by individuals licensed by the FCC with an interest in construction and operation of radio equipment, usually as a hobby or vocation.

“Antennas” shall mean any system of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals. Types of antennas include, but are not limited to:

A. Directional antenna (also known as a panel antenna) which transmits signals in a directional pattern of less than 360 degrees.

B. Omni-directional antenna (also known as a whip antenna) which transmits signals in a 360 degree pattern.

C. Parabolic antenna (also known as a dish antenna) is a bowl shaped device that receives and transmits signals in a specific directional pattern (e.g., point-to-point).

“Attached antenna” is a wireless communication antenna that is affixed to an existing structure other than a wireless communication support structure. Examples of attached antennas include antennas affixed to or erected upon existing buildings, water tanks, or other existing structures.

“Citizens band radio” shall mean two-way radio facilities operated for short-range personal and business communications, without necessity of a federal license, pursuant to 47 CFR Part 95.

“Clustering” shall mean the placement of more than one wireless communication support structure on a single site.

“Collocation” shall mean the use of a single wireless communications support structure, or the use of a site by more than one wireless communications provider.

“Direct-to-home satellite service” shall mean the distribution or broadcasting of programming or services by satellite directly to the subscriber’s premises without use of ground receiving or distribution equipment, except at the subscriber’s premises or in the uplink process to the satellite.

“FAA” shall mean the Federal Aviation Administration.

“FCC” shall mean the Federal Communications Commission.

“Satellite earth station” shall mean the facilities used for reception and processing of programming services from a satellite prior to transfer to terrestrial distribution systems or for processing of programming and services from a terrestrial source before transmission via satellite.

“Unlicensed wireless services” means commercial mobile services that operate on public frequencies and do not need an FCC license.

“Wireless communications facilities” shall mean the site, wireless communications support structures, antennas, accessory equipment structures, and appurtenances used to transmit, receive, distribute, provide or offer personal wireless communications services. Wireless communications facilities include, but are not limited to antennas, poles, towers, cables, wires, conduits, ducts, pedestals, vaults, buildings, electronic and switching equipment.

“Wireless communications service” or “personal wireless communication service” shall mean the sending and receiving of radio or microwave signals used for communication, including but not limited to cellular telephone, personal communications services (PCS), enhanced/specialized mobile radio (ESMR), commercial paging services, and any other technology which provides similar wireless services licensed by the FCC and unlicensed wireless services.

“Wireless communications support structure” (or “wireless tower”) shall mean a structure erected to support wireless communications antennas and connecting appurtenances. The primary purpose is to elevate an antenna above the surrounding terrain or structures and may be attached to an existing building or other permanent structures or constructed as a freestanding structure. Wireless communications support structures may include, but are not limited to:

A. “Lattice tower” shall mean a wireless communications support structure which consists of a network of vertical and horizontal supports and crossed metal braces, forming a tower which is usually triangular or square in cross-section.

B. “Monopole tower” shall mean a wireless communications support structure consisting of a single pole to support antennas and connecting appurtenances.

C. “Guyed tower” shall mean any variety of wireless communication support structure, including but not limited to lattice towers or monopoles, using wire guys connecting above grade portions of a communication support structure diagonally with the ground or structure on which the tower is placed to provide support for wireless communications towers, antennas, and connecting appurtenances. [Ord. 1998-07-057].