20D.170.45 Telecommunications Facilities.

20D.170.45-010 Purpose.

In addition to implementing the general purposes of the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations, this section addresses the issues of appearance and safety associated with broadcast and relay towers, amateur radio towers, telecommunications monopoles, satellite dish antenna(s), and related equipment. It provides adequate siting opportunities at appropriate locations within the City to support existing communications technologies and to encourage new technologies as needed for Redmond businesses and institutions to stay competitive.

A wide range of locations and options for the provision of wireless technology which minimize safety hazards and visual impacts sometimes associated with wireless communication facilities are provided. The siting of facilities on existing buildings or structures, collocation of telecommunication facilities on a single support structure, and visual mitigation tactics are encouraged to preserve neighborhood aesthetics and reduce visual clutter in the community. (Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7405))

20D.170.45-020 Permits and Exemptions.

(1) Permits Required.

(a) Land Uses Charts and Final Approval Authority. The final approval authority for applications made under this section shall be defined by the appropriate permit procedure as outlined in the Permitted Land Uses Charts (RCDG 20C.20.20-020, Urban Recreation Zone, 20C.30.20-020, Residential Zones, 20C.40.20-020, Downtown Zones, 20C.50.20-020, Commercial Zones, 20C.60.20-020, Business, Manufacturing and Industrial Zones, and 20C.70.55-040, Gateway Zones). At the discretion of the approval authority, an application may be referred to the Design Review Board for its review and recommendation. Should a Special Exception be sought pursuant to RCDG 20D.170.45-080, Special Exceptions, the final approval authority for granting of the Special Exception shall be the same as that of the underlying permit. A request for a Special Exception shall be processed in conjunction with the applicable project permit, and shall not require additional application or fees.

(b) Building Permits. A building permit is required for all telecommunications facilities unless specifically exempted under subsection (2), Exemptions.

(c) Telecommunications Facility Permits. A telecommunications facility permit (Type IA) is required for all telecommunications facilities which are not reviewed under special development permit (Type IV) or general development permit (Type II) processes, except for wireless communication facilities which collocate on an existing broadcast and relay tower, where adequate provisions for antennas and ground-mounted equipment exist (building permit only).

(d) Combined Review. Telecommunications facilities regulated under this section which are proposed in conjunction with a site plan approval application for commercial or residential development shall not be required to obtain separate building permit approval or separate telecommunications facility permit approval. However, communications facilities will be reviewed according to the same criteria outlined in this section.

(e) Summary of Required Permits. The appropriate permit procedure is delineated in the Permitted Land Uses Charts and summarized as follows:

(i) Small Satellite Dish Antenna(s). Small satellite dish antenna(s) require no permits and are exempt under this section.

(ii) Large Satellite Dish Antenna(s). Large satellite dish antenna(s) require a building permit and a telecommunications facility permit (Type IA).

(iii) Amateur Radio Towers. Amateur radio towers require a building permit and telecommunications facility permit (Type IA).

(iv) Broadcast and Relay Towers. Broadcast and relay towers and other freestanding support structures require a building permit and a conditional use permit (Type IV) in all zoning districts where allowed, except the Industry (I) and Manufacturing Park (MP) zones, where a general development permit (Type II) is required.

(v) Wireless Communication Facilities. Wireless communication facilities collocated on an existing broadcast and relay tower, where adequate provisions for antennas and ground-mounted equipment exist, require a building permit only. Wireless communication facilities attached to nonresidential structures within commercial and industrial zoning districts require a building permit and a telecommunications facility permit (Type IA). Wireless communication facilities attached to nonresidential structures within all other zoning districts require a building permit and a general development permit (Type II). Wireless communication facilities not attached to an existing structure and not mounted on a broadcast or relay tower (i.e., stand-alone or ground-mounted facilities with antenna(s)) require a building permit and telecommunications facility permit (Type IA). Wireless communication facilities attached to a residential structure require a special development permit (Type IV). Wireless monopoles, lattice, and guy towers, and existing pole structures extended in height, are regulated by the subsections that govern broadcast and relay towers.

(2) Exemptions. The following antenna(s) shall be exempt from this section as follows:

(a) VHF and UHF Receive-Only Television Antenna(s). VHF and UHF receive-only antenna(s) shall not be required to obtain site plan approval nor shall they be required to obtain building permit approval. VHF/UHF antenna(s) shall be restricted to a height limit of no more than 15 feet above the existing or proposed roof.

(b) Small Satellite Dish Antenna(s). Small dish antenna(s) in all zones shall be exempt from obtaining site plan approval and shall not be required to obtain building permit approval.

(3) Note that all telecommunication facilities located within the shorelines shall comply with RCDG 20D.150.160, Utilities Within the Shorelines. (Ord. 2486; Ord. 2302; Ord. 2055; Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7410))

20D.170.45-030 General Siting Criteria.

(1) The Permitted Land Uses Charts identify zoning districts and the review process for telecommunication facilities. The development standards in this section address setback and other site-specific location factors. Siting criteria for broadcast and relay towers and wireless communication facilities are necessary to encourage the siting of those facilities in locations most appropriate based on land use compatibility, neighborhood characteristics, and aesthetic considerations. No general siting criteria are necessary for satellite dishes or amateur radio towers because these facilities are allowed within all zoning districts.

(2) Generally, collocation on existing broadcast and relay towers is encouraged by fewer standards and less complex permit procedures (refer to Permitted Land Uses Charts). Further, attachment of antenna(s) to existing nonresidential structures and buildings primarily within industrial, manufacturing, business park, and commercial zoning districts is preferable to broadcast and relay towers or monopoles. The City may request feasibility studies associated with applications for telecommunication facilities which demonstrate that locations on existing structures have been explored as the preferred siting alternative.

(3) Broadcast and relay towers are not allowed within the Agriculture, Urban Recreation and Rural Residential zones (A, UR, RA-5, and R-1) of the City unless reviewed through RCDG 20F.40.80-050, Decision Criteria – Review Process. When a broadcast and relay tower is proposed, preferred locations are within the Industry (I) and Manufacturing Park (MP) zoning districts by utilizing Type II (i.e., special use permit) permit procedures.

(a) Broadcast and Relay Towers. Broadcast and relay towers including monopoles shall be minimized by collocating wireless facilities on existing towers. New broadcast and relay towers are most appropriately located in industrial areas followed in order of preference by manufacturing, business, commercial, and residential zones (I, MP, BP, CO, CB, GC, PA, RC, NC, GDD, Downtown and R-30 through R-2). Broadcast and relay towers are not allowed in Agriculture, Urban Recreation, Rural, and Large Lot Residential zones (A, UR, RA-5 and R-1), or within shoreline jurisdiction (RCDG 20D.150.20) unless approved through RCDG 20F.40.80-050, Decision Criteria – Review Process. The City may request studies associated with applications for telecommunication facilities which demonstrate that the facility is located outside of shoreline public access areas and shoreline view corridors, and has been designed to minimize impacts to views from surrounding areas.

(b) Wireless Communication Facilities. The following sites shall be considered by applicants as the preferred order for location of proposed wireless facilities, including antenna(s), equipment, and equipment shelters. As determined feasible, and in order of preference, the sites are:

(i) Existing Broadcast and Relay Towers: On any existing site or tower where a legal wireless telecommunication facility is currently located regardless of underlying zoning.

(ii) Industrial, Manufacturing: Structures or sites used exclusively for Industrial and Manufacturing Park uses within the I and MP zones. These are areas of more intensive land uses where a full range of public facilities are expected.

(iii) Publicly Used Structures: Attached to existing public facilities, such as water towers, utility structures, fire stations, bridges, and other public buildings, within all zoning districts not utilized primarily for recreational or residential uses. (Refer to telecommunications ordinance for rules and regulations specific to facilities located on City-owned land, buildings, or public right-of-way).

(iv) Business, Commercial and Downtown Zoned Sites: Structures or sites used exclusively for manufacturing, research and development, commercial, and office uses. These are areas of more intensive land uses where a full range of public facilities are expected. These zones in order of priority are BP, CO, CB, GC, PA, OV, NC, GDD, and DT.

(v) Residential Zones: Where the installation complies with all FCC regulations and standards, institutional structures, places of worship, and other nonresidential sites may be considered.

(vi) Residential Structures: Wireless communication facilities attached to residential structures are not permitted in any zoning districts except R-20 and R-30. A special development permit (Type IV) is required to attach a wireless communication facility to a residential structure within the R-20 and R-30 Zoning Districts. (Ord. 2486; Ord. 2385; Ord. 2302; Ord. 2055; Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7415))

20D.170.45-040 Large Satellite Dish Antenna(s) – Development Standards.

(1) Standards for All Zoning Districts. The following standards shall be applied to all proposed large satellite dish antenna(s).

(a) Satellite dish antenna(s) reviewed under this section shall not be located within any front yard, or side yard building setback areas.

(b) Mountings and satellite dishes should be no taller than the minimum required for the purposes of obtaining an obstruction-free reception window.

(c) To the extent technically feasible, specific paint colors may be required to allow the large satellite dish and mounting structures to blend better with its setting.

(d) Screening of all large satellite dish antenna(s) shall be provided with one or a combination of the following methods: fencing, walls, landscaping, structures, or topography which will block the view of the antenna(s) as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main floor living areas of residential properties within approximately 500 feet. Screening may be located anywhere between the antenna(s) and the above-mentioned viewpoints. Landscaping for the purposes of screening shall be maintained in healthy condition.

(e) No satellite dish antenna(s) shall be used for the purposes of signage or message display of any kind.

(f) Construction plans and final construction of the mounting bases of all large satellite dish antenna(s) shall be approved by the City’s Building Division.

(g) Aluminum mesh dishes should be used whenever possible instead of a solid fiberglass type.

(2) Additional Standards in Urban Recreation Zone and Residential Zones – Large Satellite Dish Antenna(s).

(a) Only one large dish satellite antenna shall be allowed on each property.

(b) Large satellite dish antenna(s) shall not be mounted on roofs.

(c) Large satellite dish antenna(s) shall not exceed 12 feet in diameter and 15 feet in height, including their bases. Height shall be measured from existing grade.

(d) A Type I visual screen (90 percent solid or more) pursuant to Landscaping Standards) shall be provided as high as the center of the dish when viewed from off the site. Above the center of the dish, the screening should be 50 percent or more to the top of the antenna(s) when viewed from off the site. Evergreen plants shall be used to accomplish year-round screening, and shall be large enough at installation to meet appropriate screening standards.

(3) Additional Standards in Commercial and Industrial Zones – Large Satellite Dish Antenna(s).

(a) Antenna(s) may be either roof-mounted or ground-mounted.

(b) Ground-mounted:

(i) Ground-mounted antenna(s) shall not exceed 12 feet in diameter and 15 feet in height. Height shall be measured from existing grade.

(ii) Ground-mounted antenna(s) shall be located outside of any required landscaped area and preferably located in service areas or other less visible locations.

(iii) From the time of installation, ground-mounted antenna(s) shall be solidly screened (90 percent or more) as high as the center of the dish when viewed from off the site. Solid screening shall be provided as high as the dish if the proposed location abuts an adjoining residential zone.

(i) Roof-mounted large satellite antenna(s) shall not exceed 12 feet in diameter and 15 feet in height, including their bases. Height shall be measured from the roof line.

(ii) Roof-mounted antenna(s) should be placed as close to the center of the roof as possible. If the dish is still visible from any point within approximately 500 feet as viewed from ground level, additional screening shall be required to supplement the screening provided by the roof itself. If the dish is not visible from 500 feet or less, no additional screening will be necessary.

(iii) Roof-mounted antenna(s) shall be solidly screened at least as high as the center of the dish. The screening shall be of a material and design compatible with the building, and can include penthouse screening, parapet walls, or other similar screening. (Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7420))

20D.170.45-050 Amateur Radio Towers – Development Standards.

(1) Development Standards for All Zoning Districts.

(a) Amateur radio towers reviewed under this section shall not be located within any easements, the front yard, or side or rear yard building setback areas.

(b) Mountings and amateur radio towers should be no taller than the minimum required for the purposes of obtaining an obstruction-free reception window.

(c) To the extent technically feasible and in compliance with safety regulations, specific paint colors may be required to allow the tower to blend better with its setting.

(d) Screening of the bases of ground-mounted amateur radio towers shall be provided with one or a combination of the following methods: fencing, walls, landscaping, structures, or topography which will block the view of the antenna(s) as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main floor living areas of residential properties within approximately 500 feet. Screening may be located anywhere between the base and the above-mentioned viewpoints. Landscaping for the purposes of screening shall be maintained in a healthy condition. Bases of amateur radio towers shall be solidly screened by a view-obscuring fence, wall, or evergreen plantings at least six feet in height.

(e) Amateur radio towers shall not be used for the purposes of signage and shall not display a message of any kind.

(f) Construction plans and final construction of the mounting bases of amateur radio towers covered by this section shall meet the structural design requirements of this section and shall be approved by the City’s Building Division.

(g) Amateur radio towers may be ground or roof-mounted; however, ground-mounted towers must be located at a point farthest from lot lines as feasible.

(2) Additional Standards in Agriculture, Urban Recreation, and Residential Zones and Shorelines – Amateur Radio Towers.

(a) Towers shall not be constructed or used for commercial use.

(b) The height of a ground-mounted tower may not exceed 65 feet unless a proposal demonstrates that physical obstructions impair the adequate use of the tower. Telescoping towers may exceed the 65-foot height limit only when extended and operating. The combined structure of a roof-mounted tower and antenna(s) shall not exceed a height of 25 feet above the existing roofline. Within the shoreline jurisdiction, the height limit for ground-mounted and roof-mounted towers and antennas, inclusive of building height, is 50 feet. (SMP)

(c) In the Agriculture and Urban Recreation zones, towers shall be located in what would customarily be considered the yard of the residence. Placement shall avoid, to the extent possible, using land that is available for crops, pasturage or other agricultural activities.

(d) Towers shall be located at a point farthest from lot lines as feasible, or the point farthest from residential structures on abutting properties.

(e) In residential zones, the base of a ground-mounted tower shall be screened with fencing, walls, landscaping, or other means such that the view of the antenna(s) base is blocked as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main living floor areas of surrounding residential properties. The screening may be located anywhere between the antenna(s) and the above-mentioned viewpoints. Landscaping that qualifies for the purpose of screening shall be maintained in a healthy condition.

(f) Applications shall document that the proposed tower and any mounting bases are designed to withstand wind and seismic loads as established by the International Building Code. (Ord. 2486; Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7425))

20D.170.45-060 Broadcast and Relay Towers – Development Standards.

(1) Development Standards for All Zoning Districts.

(a) The applicant shall demonstrate that the proposed location was selected pursuant to the siting criteria of RCDG 20D.170.45-030. Placement of a broadcast and relay tower shall be denied if an alternative placement of the antenna(s) on a building or other existing structure can accommodate the communications needs. Applications shall be required to provide documentation that reasonable efforts to identify alternative locations were made.

(b) Owners and operators of a proposed broadcast and relay tower shall provide information regarding the opportunity for the collocation of other antenna(s) and related equipment. If feasible, provision for future collocation may be required.

(c) Broadcast and relay towers reviewed under this section shall not be located within any required building setback areas.

(d) Broadcast and relay towers shall not be used for the purposes of signage to display a message of any kind.

(e) To the extent technically feasible and in compliance with safety regulations, specific colors of paint may be required to allow the broadcast and relay tower to blend better with its setting. The broadcast and relay tower shall be integrated through location and design to blend in with the existing characteristics of the site to the extent practical.

(f) Any fencing required for security shall meet screening codes in the same manner as applied to screening for mechanical and service areas in RCDG 20D.120.20, Screening and Rooftop Mechanical and Services Areas.

(g) A Washington licensed professional engineer shall certify in writing, over his or her seal, that both construction plans and final construction of the broadcast and relay radio towers are designed to reasonably withstand wind and seismic loads as established by the International Building Code.

(h) All broadcast and relay towers shall be removed by the facility owner within 12 months of the date it ceases to be operational, or if the facility falls into disrepair and is not maintained. Disrepair includes structural features, paint, landscaping, or general lack of maintenance which could result in safety or visual impacts. As defined in RCDG 20A.20.020, the broadcast and relay tower to be removed includes the freestanding support structure, attached antenna(s), and related equipment, including the concrete pad on which the support structure is located, if applicable.

(i) Broadcast and relay towers may be conditioned to allow review for continued use at five year intervals. Rapid technological advancements, changing markets, and regulatory interpretations indicate the need to periodically review the appropriate design of broadcast and relay towers and monopoles.

(2) Additional Standards in Agriculture, Urban Recreation and Residential Zones and Shorelines – Broadcast and Relay Towers.

(a) Commercial broadcast and relay towers shall not be allowed in the Agriculture, Urban Recreation, Semi-Rural (RA-5), or Large Lot (R-1) zoning districts or shoreline jurisdiction, unless reviewed through the Essential Public Facilities Review Process (RCDG 20D.170.55) (SMP). Commercial broadcast and relay towers shall not be allowed in the Low Density Residential zones (R-2 and R-3) and the Low-Moderate Density Residential zones (R-4, R-5, and R-6), unless they meet the Special Exception Criteria, RCDG 20D.170.45-080.

(b) The combined broadcast and relay tower and antenna(s) shall not extend more than 15 feet above the maximum height of the zone for which it is proposed to a maximum of 60 feet. A height bonus of 15 feet may be allowed by the approval authority when collocation is specifically provided for on the broadcast and relay tower.

(d) Broadcast and relay towers shall be located at a point farthest from lot lines as feasible.

(e) The base of a ground-mounted broadcast and relay tower shall be screened with fencing, walls, landscaping, or other means such that the view of the antenna(s) base is blocked as much as practicable from any street, from the yards and main living floor areas of surrounding residential properties, and from public shoreline areas. The screening may be located anywhere between the antenna(s) and the above-mentioned viewpoints. Landscaping that qualifies for the purpose of screening shall be maintained in a healthy condition.

(f) Within the shoreline jurisdiction, additional screening shall be provided through plantings or double rows of native conifers surrounding the base of the structure. (SMP)

(g) Stealth technology that mimics natural features, such as native trees, shall be employed.

(3) Additional Standards in Commercial and Industrial Zones – Broadcast and Relay Towers. The combined height of a broadcast and relay tower and antenna(s) shall not exceed 85 feet except when collocation is specifically provided for, then the broadcast and relay tower shall not exceed 100 feet. (Ord. 2486; Ord. 2055; Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7430))

20D.170.45-070 Wireless Communications Facilities – Development Standards.

(1) Development Standards for All Zoning Districts. The following standards shall be applied to all wireless equipment, such as antenna(s) and equipment shelters, exclusive of the broadcast and relay tower. Wireless monopoles, lattice and guy towers, and existing pole structures extended in height, are regulated by the subsections that govern broadcast and relay towers, RCDG 20D.170.45-060.

(a) Placement of a freestanding wireless communication facility shall be denied if placement of the antenna(s) on an existing structure can accommodate the operator’s communications needs. The collocation of a proposed antenna(s) on an existing broadcast and relay tower or placement on an existing structure shall be explored and documented by the operator in order to show that reasonable efforts were made to identify alternate locations.

(b) No wireless equipment reviewed under this section shall be located within required building setback areas.

(c) The combined antenna(s) and supporting structure shall not extend more than 15 feet above the existing or proposed roof structure.

(d) No wireless equipment shall be used for the purposes of signage or message display of any kind.

(e) Location of wireless communication antenna(s) on existing buildings or other structures shall be screened or camouflaged to the greatest practicable extent by use of shelters, compatible materials, location, color, and/or other stealth tactics to reduce visibility of the antenna(s) as viewed from any street or residential property.

(f) Screening of wireless equipment shall be provided with one or a combination of the following materials: fencing, walls, landscaping, structures, or topography which will block the view of the antenna(s) and equipment shelter as much as practicable from any street and from the yards and main floor living areas of residential properties within approximately 500 feet, and from public shoreline areas. Screening may be located anywhere between the base and the above-mentioned viewpoints. Landscaping for the purposes of screening shall be maintained in a healthy condition.

(g) Any fencing required for security shall meet screening codes in the same manner as applied to screening for mechanical and service areas in RCDG 20D.120.20, Screening and Rooftop Mechanical and Services Areas.

(h) Construction plans and final construction of the mountings of wireless antenna(s) and equipment shelters shall be approved by the City’s Building Division. Applications shall document that the proposed broadcast and relay tower and any mounting bases are designed to reasonably withstand wind and seismic loads.

(i) A wireless communication facility shall be removed by the facility owner within 12 months of the date it ceases to be operational, or if the facility falls into disrepair and is not maintained. Disrepair includes structural features, paint, landscaping, or general lack of maintenance which could result in safety or visual impacts. As defined in RCDG 20A.20.230, the wireless communication facility to be removed consists of antenna(s) and related equipment and may include equipment enclosure, screening, or support structure, including the concrete pad on which the support structure is located, if applicable.

(2) Additional Standards in Agriculture, Urban Recreation and Residential Zones and Shorelines – Wireless Communications Facilities.

(a) Commercial telecommunication facilities shall not be allowed in the Agriculture and Urban Recreation zones or in Residential zones if the site or building is used exclusively for residential purposes except in the R-20 and R-30 zoning districts where a special development permit (Type IV) is required.

(b) The antenna(s) shall not dominate the structure upon which it is attached and shall be visually concealed utilizing color and compatible material to camouflage the facility to the greatest extent feasible.

(c) Associated above-ground equipment shelters shall be minimized, and shall not exceed 240 square feet (e.g., 12 by 20 feet) unless operators can demonstrate that more space is needed. Shelters shall be painted a color that matches existing structures or the surrounding landscape. The use of concrete or concrete aggregate shelters is not allowed. A Type I visual screen (see landscape standards) shall be created around the perimeter of the shelter. Operators shall consider undergrounding equipment if technically feasible or placing the equipment within existing structures. Screening of towers associated with wireless facilities shall be as provided in RCDG 20D.170.45-060(2) for broadcast and relay towers.

(d) Stealth technology that mimics natural features, such as native trees, shall be employed.

(3) Additional Development Standards in Commercial and Industrial Zones – Wireless Communications Facilities. Associated above-ground equipment shelters shall not exceed 240 square feet (e.g., 12 by 20 feet) unless operators can demonstrate that more space is needed. A Type I visual screen (see landscape standards, Chapter 20D.80 RCDG) shall be created around the perimeter of the shelter. Operators shall consider undergrounding equipment if technically feasible or placing the equipment within an existing structure. Above-ground equipment shelters for antenna(s) located on buildings shall be located within, on the sides or behind the buildings and screened to the fullest extent possible. Screening of exterior shelters shall provide colors and materials which blend with surrounding structures. (Ord. 2486; Ord. 2055; Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7435))

20D.170.45-080 Special Exceptions.

When adherence to all development standards of this section would result in a physical barrier which would block signal reception or transmission or prevent effective communication in all permissible locations, a Special Exception may be permitted provided both criteria outlined below are met. Exceptions do not apply to variations from the International Building Code. A variance pursuant to RCDG Title 20F is required for variations from applicable zoning regulations not described in this section.

The final approval authority for granting of the Special Exception shall be the same as that of the permit approving the antenna(s) location. A request for a Special Exception shall be processed in conjunction with the permit approving the antenna(s) location and shall not require any additional application or fees.

Upon review of Special Exception requests, the approval authority shall consider first those standards having the least effect upon the resulting aesthetic compatibility of the antenna(s) or tower with the surrounding environment. The approval authority shall review setback, size, screening requirements, and height limits.

(1) Special Exception Criteria.

(a) The applicant shall justify the request for a Special Exception by demonstrating that the obstruction or inability to receive a communication signal is the result of factors beyond the property owner’s or applicant’s control, taking into consideration potential permitted development on adjacent and neighboring lots with regard to future reception window obstruction. Pictures, drawings (to scale), maps and/or manufacturer’s specifications, and other technical information as necessary, should be provided to demonstrate to the City that the Special Exception is necessary.

(b) The applicant for a Special Exception shall demonstrate that the proposed materials, shape, and color of the antenna(s) will, to the greatest extent possible, minimize negative visual impacts on adjacent or nearby residential uses and recreational uses in the Agriculture and Urban Recreation zones and shoreline areas. The use of certain materials, shapes and colors and landscaping may be required in order to minimize visual impacts.

(2) Large Satellite Dish Antenna(s) – Special Exceptions.

(a) Agriculture, Urban Recreation, and Residential Zones and Shorelines. Modifications to requirements for setback, size, screening and maximum height limit may be considered by Special Exception. If a Special Exception from the height limit for a ground-mounted dish is requested, the height of the dish shall be limited to a maximum of 18 feet.

Only if these modifications would still block an electromagnetic signal shall rooftop location be considered. If a Special Exception is sought to obtain a rooftop location, the diameter of the dish shall be limited to six feet and maximum permitted height shall be 15 feet above the roofline. The approval authority may require the applicant to place the antenna(s) in an area on the roof which takes into consideration view blockage and aesthetics, provided there is a usable signal.

(b) Commercial and Industrial Zones.

(i) Ground-Mounted Antenna(s). Exceptions to be first considered shall be from setback, landscape and service area requirements, size and screening requirements. Only if these waived regulations would still block an electromagnetic signal shall a Special Exception from height requirements be considered. If a Special Exception is sought to vary from the height limit, the height of the dish shall be limited to a maximum of 20 feet.

(ii) Roof-Mounted Antenna(s). The first exception to be considered shall be the center-of-roof requirement; the second exception shall be from the size and screening requirements, respectively. Only if these waived regulations would still result in a block of the signal shall a Special Exception from height requirements be considered. A Special Exception from the height limit shall be allowed up to a maximum of 20 feet above the existing or proposed structure. The approval authority may require the applicant to place the antenna(s) in an area on the roof which takes into consideration view blockage and aesthetics, provided there is a usable signal and structural considerations allow the alternative placement.

(3) Amateur Radio Towers – Special Exceptions.

(a) Agriculture, Urban Recreation and Residential Zones and Shorelines. Where a property owner desires to vary from the height, location or setback limitations, the Special Exception Criteria must be met.

(4) Broadcast and Relay Towers – Special Exceptions.

(a) Agriculture, Urban Recreation and Residential Zones and Shorelines.

(i) An applicant of a proposed broadcast and relay tower that exceeds height limits shall be required to use the Essential Public Facilities Process for site and height approval. See RCDG 20F.40.80, Essential Public Facilities.

(ii) Placement of a broadcast and relay tower within the A, UR, RA-5 and R-1 zones and shoreline jurisdiction shall require review through the Essential Public Facilities Process (RCDG 20D.170.55).

(iii) Placement of a broadcast and relay tower within the R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and R-6 zones shall meet the Special Exception Criteria.

(b) Commercial and Industrial Zones. An applicant of a proposed broadcast and relay tower that exceeds height limits shall be required to use the Essential Facilities process for site and height approval. See RCDG 20F.40.80, Essential Public Facilities.

(5) Wireless Communications Facilities – Special Exceptions.

(a) Agriculture, Urban Recreation and Residential Zones and Shorelines. An applicant or a proposed wireless facility that exceeds the height limit shall meet the Special Exception Criteria.

(b) Commercial and Industrial Zones. An applicant of a proposed wireless communications facility that exceeds the height limit shall be required to meet the Special Exception Criteria. (Ord. 2486; Ord. 2055; Ord. 1930 (20C.80.7440))