HomeMy WebLinkAbout543_Amending Ch 10 of Zoning Code Regarding Telecommunication Towers
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ORDINANCE NO. 543
ORDINANCE AMENDING PART TWELVE (12) PLANNING,
ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT, CHAPTER TWO (2) ZONING
REGULATIONS, SECTION 12-201 ZONING REGULATIONS
ADOPTED, CHAPTER TEN (10), USE UNITS, BY AMENDING
PROVISIONS FOR THE REGULATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION
TOWERS, MAKING SAID USES PERMITTED BY RIGHT IN CG, CH,
AND IH ZONING DISTRICTS ONLY UPON MEETING
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF TillS CODE, AND
SPECIAL EXCEPTION IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS ONLY UPON
MEETING SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS
CODE, REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EMERGENCY CLAUSE.
the
to
the proposed amendment
WHEREAS, public hearings have been held regarding
Owasso Zoning Code, Chapter 10, Section 1004, and;
>,
WHEREAS, the Owasso City Council has considered the recommendation of the
Planning Commission and aU statements for or against the proposed amendment
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OWASSO, OKLAHOMA THAT
That Section 1004, of Chapter Ten (10) of the Owasso Zoning
Code is hereby amended as follows:
1
Section
Description
Public Protection, wireless telecommunication and utility facilities which may
have technical locational requirements necessitating specific locations in or
around area services, and certain temporary open air land uses which may be
objectionable to certain other uses and are, therefore, permitted in certain
districts by Special Exception and in other districts by right.
1
Included Uses
Ambulance service, electric regulation station (excluding storage or service
garages and yards), fire protection facility, pressure control station (gas or
liquid, excluding storage or service garages and yards), shelter (civil defense
or storm), transmitting towers (including but not limited to wireless
telecommunications and excluding amateur radio towers), water storage
facility, temporary open air facilities such as carnival, Christmas tree sales
circus, and tent revival.
1004.2
the
and phrases shall have
Definitions
For the purpose of this section, the following words
meanings ascribed to them as follows
The term "telecommunications tower" means a structure more than ten
feet tall, built primarily to support one or more telecommunications
antennas.
(A)
1004.3
or
sent
The term "telecommunications" means the transmission, between
among points specified by the user, or information of the user's
choosing, without change in the form or content or information as
and received.
(B)
telecommunications service means the offering of
,:,... ,~:""" ror a fee directly to the public, or to such classes
fectively available directly to the public, regardless
i
The term
telecommur.h..auvu,-,
of users as
of the facilities
The term "antenna" means any structure or device used to collect or
radiate electromagnetic waves, including both directional antennas, such
as panels or dishes, and omni-directional antennas. such as whips, but
not including satellite earth stations
to
means an antenna used
"telecommunications antenna
telecommunications service
The term
provide a
(E)
The term "antenna array" means a structure attached to a
telecommunication tower that supports telecommunication antennas
means an omni-directional dipole antenna of
is no more than six inches in diameter
the term "whip antenna
cylindrical shape which
a whip
is not
The term "non whip antenna" means an antenna which
antenna, such as dish antennas, panel antennas. etc
Association Standard
and Antenna
means Electronic Industries
for Steel Antenna Towers
term "EIA-222
Structural Standards
Structures"
The
222,
Support
and "architecturally
identified as such
The term "historically significant landscapes
significant structures" shall apply to those areas
within the National Register of Historic Places
TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS
1004.4
Permitted By Right
use in all CG, CH,
the following requir
permitted under this subsection may exceed compatibility and
base district height restrictions
are a permitted
NO SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUIRED
- Telecommunication towers
IL, 1M, and IH if proposed towers satisfy
ements. Telecommunication towers
be so located to ensure
historically significant landscapes are protected. The
views of vistas from architecturally and/or historically
should not be impaired or
of
facilities shall
Aesthetic Protection
Telecommunication
(a)
telecommunication
significant structures
diminished by the placement
facilities
from any RS-3 or
Setback
Tower shall be a minimum of 200
more restrictive district.
(b)
Height
(c)
exceed
200 feet but less
more restrictive
not
excluding antenna array, does
tower is at least
from any RS- 3 or
75 feet, if the
than 250 feet
district.
Tower height
the tower is at least 250 feet but less
from any RS-3 or more restrictive
100 feet, if
than 350 feet
district
(2)
from any
if the tower is 350' or greater
more restrictive district.
120 feet
RS-3 or
(3)
by
tower height
the
exceed
not
The antenna array does
more than 10 feet.
Antenna Arra
a minimum of
Wires
guy wires and guy anchors are setback
20 feet from any property line
Setback of Gu
(e)
monopole design, or one of equal or
located within 350' of any RS-3 or more
Tower Type
The tower is of
lesser impact, if
restrictive district
(f)
Co- Location
A telecommunication tower must be designed and built
so as to be capable of use by at least three wireless
communication providers such as cellular or PCS
providers using antenna arrays of 9 to 12 antennas each
within 15 vertical feet of each other with no more than
three degrees twist and sway at the top elevation. The
owner of the tower and the property on which the tower
is located must certify to the City that the antenna is
available for use by at least two other wireless
telecommunication providers on a reasonable and non-
discriminatory basis and at a cost not exceeding the
market value for the use of the facilities. If the property
on which the tower is proposed to be located is to be
leased, the portions of the actual or proposed lease that
demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this
paragraph shall be submitted with the building permit
application
(g)
Securit
(h)
security fencing
is enclosed by
The base of tower
ulations
The tower is constructed and operated in compliance
with current Federal Communication Commission and
other applicable federal and state standards
liance with A
Com
Imoact
The proposed tower location will not cause a negative
impact on any residential neighborhood. In determining
neighborhood impact, the Director shall consider the
opinion of record property owners within 300', but the
Director shaU not be bound by such opinions expressed
hborhood
Nei
of Tower
Upon the discontinuance of use of any such tower for a
period of thirty (30) days, said tower is to be removed
by the applicant/owner
Removal
(k)
;-....""~
Towers
zomng
Telecommunication
are permitted in all
Replacement of Existing Poles
erected to replace existing poles
districts. provided that
(2)
The pole replaced is a functioning utility pole or light
standard within an established utility easement or public
right-of-way, recreational facility light pole. or
telecommunication tower
(a)
including antenna array, does
height
Replacement tower
not exceed
standard,
than 10
The height of the original utility, light
or recreational facility light pole by more
or
feet;
telecommunication tower
of the original
height
the
(2)
and antenna array
The pole replaced does not obstruct a public sidewalk
public alley, or other public right-of-way: and
(c)
not
for antenna. are
except
Pole appearance and function
significantly altered.
zoning districts
permitted in all
on Existing Poles
Placement
(3)
that
provided
Telecommunication antennas are permitted on existing
telecommunication towers, and sign
n height.
utility, lighting
structures at or exceeding 50 feet
(a)
the height of
if a non-whip
Provided that the antenna does not exceed
more than ten (10) feet
feet if a whip type
the structure by
type or fifteen (15)
located on existing
the 5,000 foot separation
Telecommunication antennas
structures are not
(c)
subject to
requirement
changes, or modifications are to be
monopole, the Director of Community
opment shall have the authority to require proof,
through the submission of engineering and structural
data, that the addition, change, or modification conforms
to structural wind load and all other requirements of the
current Building Code adopted by the City of Owasso
any additions
made to the
Devel
non-
allowed on
Roof Mounted Telecommunication Antennas
residential buildings in all districts, provided
that
from
the height of the
lc;~t and is screened
the height of the building
and are located no closer
of
do not exceed
fifteen (15) feet
(15) feet to the perimeter
Whip antennas
by more than
than fifteen
,.....-r- ~.
\...-"'.)
the building
Prior to the installation of a roof mounted antenna, the
Community Development Department shall be provided
with an engineer's certification that the roof will support
the proposed antenna and associated roof-mounted
antennas and equipment
(c)
Roof mounted antennas and associated equipment may
either be screened with enclosures or facades having an
appearance that blends with the building on which they
are located or by locating them so they are not visible
from an adjacent public roadway
(d)
Building Mounted Telecommunication Antennas of the non-
whip type are allowed on non-residential buildings in all zoning
districts, provided that:
(5)
the exterior of the
than 30 inches from
it is attached
no more
to which
The antenna is mounted flush with
building so that it projects
the surface of the building
(a)
to blend with the
appearance is such as
surface of the building
The antennas
surrounding
Associated equipment shall be placed either within same
building or a separate building which matches the
existing building in character and materials or blends
with landscaping and other surrounding material adjacent
to the separate building housing the equipment.
Associated equipment for roof mounted antennas may be
located on the roof of the building if it is screened from
view from any adjacent public roadway
(c)
When an application for a building permit to locate a
telecommunication antenna on an existing building or other
structure is made, the Community Development Department
shall be provided with color photo simulations showing the site
of the existing structure with a photo-realistic representation of
the proposed antenna and the existing structure as it would
appear viewed from the closest residential property. The
applicant shall also submit photographs of the same views
showing current appearance of the site without the proposed
antenna.
(6)
Distance Measurement distances in this section shall be
measured along a single straight line between the center of the
tower base and the nearest point on any property line of
identified historic property or RS-3 or more restrictive district
or use. For the purposes of applying restrictions set forth in
this section, "RS-3 or more restrictive zoning district or use
excludes property that is
(7)
U sed as public or private primary or secondary
educational facility
facility
a college or university educational
Used as
Owned by the US, State of Oklahoma, Tulsa County, or
the City of Owasso, and not used for RS-3 or more
restrictive residential uses
(c)
Used primarily for religious assembly
a cemetery
Used as
(e)
or
similar to those listed above and
Director of Community Development
of this section
non-conforming uses(s)
Occupied by non-residential
Any other site
determined by the
to be consistent
(g)
with the purposes
Exceptions and Exemptions
A Telecommunication tower that fails to meet the
this section may be authorized by
Exception through the Owasso Board
requirements of
obtaining a Special
of Adjustment.
(a)
(8)
Towers erected by a public agency for police, fire, EMS
911 or other similar public emergency communication
shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(b)
SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUIRED
This section is designed to encourage placement of
telecommunication towers in permitted areas. If a proposed
telecommunication tower is not to be located in a permitted by
right district, a Special Exception is required
All Special Exception requests for telecommunication towers
may be so authorized by the Owasso Board of Adjustment
subject to the following additional requirements
(2)
ProDert
The tower shall not be on, or within 300 feet, of
property recognized as a historical property or a property
of historical significance
Setback from Historical
General
Setbacks
telecommunication tower must be a minimum of 200
distance to height ratio, whichever is
structures used for residential purposes
The
feet
or 3 to 1
from
greater
Height
(c)
exceed
not
shall
excluding antenna array
Tower height
but less
more restrictive
75 feet
tower is at least
from any RS-3 or
if the
.I. ~O feet
but less
more restrictive
100 feet
tower is at least
from any RS-3 or
100 feet if the
that 200 feet,
district or use
(2)
tower is at least 200 feet, but less
from any RS-3 or more restrictive
zoning district or use
if the
than 300 feet
120 feet
(3)
~,-"
'---'
shall be an appropriate height
" Adjustment, if the tower is
Tom more
Maximum height
set by the Board 01
111
any RS-3 or
or use
excess of 300 feet
restrictive zoning district
by
tower height
the
exceed
not
Array Height
The antenna array shall
more than 10 feet.
back a minimum of 20
be set
Guy Wires
guy and guy wires shall
feet from any property line
(e)
or one
Any tower within 200 feet of any RS-3 or more
restrictive district shall be of a monopole design
or lesser
impact
of equal
Securit
(g)
security
tower shall be enclosed by
of 8 feet.
The base of the
a height
fencing at
The tower is erected and operated in compliance with the
current Federal Communications Commission and other
and state standards
liance with A
Com
(h)
applicable federal
Distance from Other Towers
New telecommunication towers must be a minimum
distance of 5,000 feet from any other telecommunication
tower. unless in a by right district.
Removal of Tower
Upon the discontinuance of use of any such tower for a
period of thirty (30) days, said tower is to be removed
by the applicant/owner
not to
a period
Specia
Use Conditions
Temporary open air facilities may continue for
exceed sixty (60) days per each application for
Exception approved by the Board of Adjustment
parking and Loading Requirements
Off-Street
the Board of Adjustment
in conflict herewith
That all Ordinances or parts of Ordinances
be and the same are hereby repealed.
otherwise established by
unless
None
1004.5
1004.5
2
That an emergency is hereby declared to exist for the
preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, by reason
whereof this ordinance shall take effect immediately from and
after its passage, approval, and publication
Section 3
PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd day of June, 1997
City of Owasso, Oklahoma
Published in the Owasso Reporter, Owasso, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, June
12,1997.
ORDINANCE NO. 543
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PART TWELVE (12) PLANNING, ZON-
ING AND DEVELOPMENT, CHAPTER TWO (2) ZONING REGULATIONS,
SECTION 12-201 ZONING REGULATIONS ADOPTED, CHAPTER TEN
(10), USE UNITS, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS FOR THE REGULATION
OF TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS, MAKING SAID USES PERMIT-
TED BY RIGHT IN CG, CH, IL, 1M, AND IH ZONING DISTRICTS ONLY
UPON MEETING SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF
THIS CODE, AND BY SPECIAL EXCEPTION IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
ONLY UPON MEETING SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
OF THIS CODE, REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDI-
NANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EMER-
GENCY CLAUSE.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 3rd day of June, 1997,
City of Owasso, Oklahoma
Is! Mary Lou Barnhouse
Mary Lou Barnhouse, Mayor
(SEAL)
ATTEST:
Is! Marcia Boutwell
Marcia Boutwell, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Is! Ronald D. Cates
Ronald D Cates, City Attorney
OWASSO REPORTER
STATE OF TULSA ss:
Bill R Rl of lawful age, being sworn
and authOl I, says that he is the publisher of the
Owasso R( ter, a In
the of a news-
paper legal notices, advertise-
ments and lications as in Section 106 of
Title 25, Oklahoma Statutes 1971 and 1983 as
amended, and and complies with an other
requirements of the laws of Oklahoma with reference
to legal
That said a true copy of which is attached
hereto, was in the regular edition of said
newspaper and time of
and not in a on the foHowiJ ltes:
Subscribed and sworn to before me this
./i'
199~
Commission expires:--1
PUBLISHER'S FEE $
MEMORANDUM
THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL
CITY OF OW ASSO
TIM:OTHY ROONEY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE OWASSO
ZONING CODE REGARDING TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS
1997
14
May
BACKGROUND
No. 541 was
il1struction or
The moratorium was
WIRELESS BUILD OUT CONFERENCE:
24 and 25, 1997, staff attended the Wireless Buildout Conference in Dallas, Texas
The conference, sponsored in part by the American Planning Association, was designed to bring
those with telecommunications towers (wireless communication providers, tower
companies, and planning officials) together in order to clear up any misconceptions regarding
telecommunications industry, as well as to discuss the challenges communication towers
present to communities and alternative means of regulation. Over 135 people attended the
conference second of its kind nationwide), one third of which were municipal planning
officials
information and guidelines that are contained within the
is a brief synopsis of information received at that
to a large amount of the
amendment. the following
proposed
conference
there are over 40 million wireless customers in the United States It is
that by the turn of the century there will be 100 million wireless customers
it is
2.000
the United States By the year
will be 60.000 to 65,000
tower sites
of towers
There are currently 25,000
estimated that the total number
memo)
(see original
increased
industry has
Competition within the
Section 1004
Staff Report
Proposed Amendment to Chapter 10,
Page 2 3
items are
Offering a streamlined permit process for telecommunication towers if desired
appears to work best for both the communities and providers
cellular
locations than existing conventional
require additional towers and more
PCS
serVices
this type of service should be anticipated
Lower rates for
here
are wanting a quick turnaround
towers should be anticipated
less
providers
Because Owasso s relatively flat topography
other areas
increased competition,
to
Owasso's proximity to the Tulsa areas population will help reduce the amount of towers
our city limits, although additional towers should be expected in Owasso
Conference, staff
information
attending the
No
PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
After reviewing the Owasso Zoning Code
has developed a proposed text amendment.
review, amend Chapter
telecommunication and utility facilities
utilized wilhin
order
Adjustment
reView
are as follows
not
the
through
met by
proposed amendment
in CG, CH, IL, 1M, and IH districts
provided specific requirements are
a portion of this
It encourages the placement of towers
requiring Special Exception approval
are required as
that
Some basic factors
lesser impact, are required in order to
within 200 feet of residential property if
or one of equal or
monopole if
Towers of a monopole design,
be permitted by right. Must be
requesting a Special Exception.
the co-location abilities for a minimum of three providers
..
Security fencing
Towers
Section 1004
Staff Report
Proposed Amendment to Chapter
Page 3 3
setbacks from
mmlmum
as
well
as
depending upon height
setbacks for towers
districts,
existing sign structures
to be met for each
residential
the placement of telecommunication equipment on
structures, and buildings and establishes minimum standards
is a brief overview of several
Again, Ordinance 54:)
language requirements that
the Owasso Zoning code were sent to Southwestern
an attorney who represents numerous
Mr. Coutant worked with the City
tower ordinance
INDUSTRY INPUT:
Copies the proposed ordinance amending
Bell Wireless Services and Mr. Keven Coutant,
telecommunication providers in the Tulsa Metropolitan Area
of Springs the development and review of their telecommunication
No comments regarding the proposed ordinance were received prior to the Planning Commission
meeting on 13, 1997. Staff did receive comments from Ms. Lee Ann Fager of
Southwestern Bell Wireless on Wednesday, May 14, 1997. Staff reviewed these comments with
Fager via telephone, addressed several of her concerns and comments specifically, and
explained staff's position regarding the proposed amendment. One comment Ms. Fager
submitted regarding the inclusion of a definition of "historically significant landscapes" and
significant structures has subsequently been addressed in the proposed
amendment
the proposed amendment at
regarding this type of use
Commission unanimously recommended approval of
1997 Due to the lack of regulation
with this ordinance
regular
included an emergency clause
meeting
The Planning
13,
also
the
1004 of
10. Section
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendment to Chapter
Owasso Zoning Code as presented.
Southwestern
Fager
Lee Ann
ATTACHMENTS
recommending moratorium
Chapter Section 1004 of the Owasso Zoning Code
Comments regarding the proposed amendment from Ms
Wireless
Ordinance No. 543
2
3
4
COUNCIL
HONORABLE
OWASSO
TIMOTHY ROONEY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
ORDINANCE NO. 541 ESTABLISHING A SIXTY (60) DAY
MORA TORIUM ON THE CONSTRUCTION OR MODIFICATION OF
COMMUNICA TION TOWERS
1997
13
Approximately two years ago, and again in August 1996, the FCC auctioned off to the
highest bidder the right to exclusively occupy and use defined portions of the radio airways
spectrum. As a result of these actions and the subsequent enactment of the 1996
Telecommunications
created.
Act by Congress, numerous telecommunications companies have been
significant portion of these "new" companies are establishing wireless
communication networks all across the United States, in an attempt to provide the next
generation cellular phone technology or Personal Communication Services (PCS).
a
PCS is similar to existing cellular telephone service with the exception that it is operated at
higher frequency - thus resulting in a technical requirement of double the communications
facilities have supported cellular technology. As a result, an onslaught of
communication tower applications is anticipated throughout much of the United States
Board
OW ASSO ZONING REGULATIONS
staff's opinion, the City of Owasso's Zoning Code is inadequate to address land issues
created the 1996 Federal Communications Act and PCS technical needs. Currently,
communication towers are permitted by right in any commercial or industrial district in
Owasso, subject to setback requirements. In all other areas (residential, office, and
agriculture), towers are permitted only if a Special Exception is received through the
of Adjustment.
follows
Various types of towers exist (monopole, lattice, guy-wired) today and
consideration should be given to restricting those that are aesthetically
challenged
as
are
staff concerns
1
Towers
the Owasso Expressway IS zoned for
consideration should be given to preserve
towers
and abuttll1g
ndustrial uses,
the intrusion of
a majority of the
commercial and/or
corridor from
3
2
2
to
screenll1g 1
Board of Adjustment to
should be given
setbacks
The Zoning Code does not contain criteria
consider regarding communication towers. deration
establish minimum standards for appropriate cOlors, types
lighting, signage, and height
for tne
Cons
3
to design towers to accommodate
the best way to minimize the number
Zoning Code contains no requirement
This may be singularly
towers.
multiple users
communication
of abandoned towers
Issues
the removal
Zoning Code contains no up to date definitions relating to
associated with cellular and PCS antenna towers and antennas
reqUlre
not
The Zoning Code does
5
WHAT OWASSO CAN AND CANNOT DO
The 1996 Telecommunications Act states Except as provided (herein), nothing in this act
shall or affect the authority of a State or local government or instrumentality thereof
over decisions regarding the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless
service facilities." The Act does, however, place three important limitations on local
governments 1) cities may not "unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally
equivalent services," 2) cities may not "prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the
provision personal wireless services," and 3) cities may not regulate personal wireless
services "on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent
that such facilities comply with the (FCC's) regulations concerning such emissions"
CONCLUSION:
light of concerns contained within this memorandum and recent action by the City of
Tulsa establishing a moratorium in order to update and redefine their zoning code, staff feels
it is in the best interest of the Council to establish a sixty (60) day moratorium concerning
the construction and/or modification of communication towers. Because the City of Tulsa
has established a moratorium prohibiting towers, it is quite likely that communication
providers may look to Owasso and other communities in which to locate their towers
Towers
n
Conmumicatio
staff wi
to communication towers efforts
and attending a conference in Dallas, Texas regarding tower placement
would then be presented to the Planning Commission and Counc for
the Owasso
in the Tulsa
thorough review of
similar
be conductmg a
lished
is estab
relates
monitoring
I f the moratorium
Zoning Code as it
metropolitan area.
Proposed changes
adoption
No. 541, establishing a moratorium on the
towers. Furthermore, staff recommends
the ordinance to take effect immediately
RECOMMENDA TION
Staff recommends Council approval of Ordinance
construction and/or modification of communication
inclusion an emergency clause, thus allowing
the
after
its passage
A TT ACHMENTS/ENCLOSURES
54
No
Ordinance
1003.3 Use Conditlons
Horticultural nursery permits the growing of plant stocks only and permits
no retail sales on site.
1003.4 Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
None.
SECTI 1004 USE UNIT 4 PUBLIC PROTECTION AND UTILITY AND OPEN AIR
FACILITIES (TEMPORARY)
1004.1 Description
Public protection and utility facilities which may have technical loca-
tional requirements necessitating specific locations in or around area
services, and certain temporary open air land uses which can be objec-
tionable to certain other uses and are, therefore, permitted in certain
districts special exception and in the remaining districts by right.
1004.2 Included Uses
Ambulance service, electric regulation station (excluding storage or ser-
vice garages and yards), fire protection facility, pressure control sta-
tion (gas or liquid, excluding storage or service garages and yards),
shelter civil defense or storm), transmitting tower (excluding amateu~
radio tower), water storage facility NEC, temporary open air facilities
such as carnival, Christmas tree sales, circus, and tent revival.
1004.3 Use Conditions
Temporary open air facilities may continue for a period not to exceed
sixty (60) days per each application for special exception approved by the
Board of Adjustment.
.4 Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
None.
SECTI 1005 USE UNIT 5 COMMUNITY SERVICES, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES
1005.1 Description
Communi services, cultural and recreational facilities which are needed
in residential areas to serve the residents or need a residential environ-
ment, but ich are or can be objectionable to nearby residential uses.
These uses are permitted by special exception in some districts by right
in some districts and prohibited in other districts
64
Southwestern Services
~ ' ~ ~, '~ It( (
I'
May 13, 1997
Mr. Timothy O. Rooney
City of OwasSQ
207 S, Cedar
Owasso, 140:55 VIA FACSIMILE
Dca, Mr, ROOiley:
Thank you for forwarding Ii copy of the ~ ~nt to the Owasso Zoning Code regarding
i..'Clhlhufte1ecommunicatioos towers. I have reviewed it and have the foHowing conu.mms:
1 (a)
I bebeve we need to define "historically significant landscapes" and "ardritecrorally significant
structures." As yoo know, a list of all buildings on ~ National Register of Historic Pla0e8 is readily
available 10 anyone and even those buildings in doubt can be checked telephonically, If the City of
Owasso has a list of the locations they would like to p~, O-~ efforts woold be signifi,;antly expedited.
As a :matter of procedure, the list or publication should probably be referenced in the ordinance.
(b 81:.. c)
The height and 6etback requirement8 contained in the ordinanre present some difficulties and are a little
confusing, S~ifically. the o~ as p:resented requires rowers to be de$igned and built to
accommodate three other carriers. While 'We would prefer to see it be designed for two(see below). in any
evem additional camers usually require twenty linw feet of vertical separation between antenna arrays,
There are very few instances when a height otless tlWl80 feet can be utilized on Ii permanent basis,
Therefore, a lOwer that win accommodate three cam~ wiU necessarily be at least 120' tall (Even if we
~pt the directive in 1004,4 (A) (l) (g) of IS' o!vertical sepmation, the tower will silll be 110' tall.)
The city Ms, thus, indirectly imposed 11 setback of 150' or greater from residential zones [see 1004.4 (A)
() l'his will eliminate much of the oonunercia1 roning from our "by right" availability since
commercial "buffer" zones on ~r arterials are often 300' to 330' deep. Although cities and counties are
domg a good job of proteCting their bolI".eo'WOOt$ from noise and visual pollution (and Owasso is one of
those), a setback oftbis son will more likely than not reMt in greater numbers of public hearings in
which Special E~om art sought, thus increm:ing, mther than diminishing, attention to an already
sensitive subject.
1004.4 (g)
As mentioned before, two cametS on Ii sln~ monopole woold be the most desirable from an industry
perspective. Bear m rnioo that additional carriers require tailer toWers,. larger pole diameters and are
genemlly more "dunered" in appearance,
(2) (b) (2)
10&.'12 !\eruli~0 C€fltel Ddv<e
~i:? WO, . It may desirable to increase the height of 00 existing monopole by replacing it with a taller one which will
l;ll:t RotK M1 1m ~ moda -1 . th Uw . . i h
(501) 2Z~-'2000 ccom. te 00 ocabM rn ~ n penmw.ng s, new ooe e se'W ere,
224-2200 F&,~ 10044
..
Photo realistic representations are extremely ~"Umbersome and exper'a11>ive The view of the site (.'Vrrent
appearance witbout tbe proposed antenna is not probkm.atic, obviously, since that only Tl?Quires snapshots,
~OO4A (a-g)
I ~m always h~itant to object to this portion of an o~ since it win have the undesirable effect of
furthtr restricting us; hmvever, the City ~ be arware that there are two potential pitfalls to this
philosophy: it places the governmem in direct competition witb private enterprise ana individuals and
providel5 that tower p1actmem may reiU1t in dose proximity tQ midwtial zones. Again, increased
attention vnay remit m angry response'S.
1004.4
See above
lOQ4,4 (6) (2) (b &c)
See above (b &. c) but this seems less resuictive thM ~ "by rigbt" ~on. It may actually
behoove the industry to seek Special Exceptiom rather than build in C or I l.ones by right, wIDch seems to
contradict the stated ~ in (B)
1004.4 (B) (2)
This is very restrictive, ~aUy when. accompanied by rhe set~ imposed. There may actually be
i.nst..nces in which }'Un win want towers closer tQgether tban one mile; at the very least, !t. probably should
be availtlble to Board of Adjustment~, 1 have one ~ in soother city in which we have met aU
requirements of rhe code, iw;luding a ~ ~cUve ~ from '.R" zoning. The locati01\ in question
AS highly i.'l1dustrial in nature aOO ~, although it C<miea AG zoning (requiring a variance). The spacing
r~wrement from an ~ng tower canoot be :met mthoot funher encroaching 00 residential
neighborhoods and the existing tower i5 not ~locatabit since it was constructed prior to ordinance
amendment Clearly, that was one portion oflhe ormnance wbich should hmve been left open to review.
General Co,mments-Spe....~ Exception Review
it may be tepJly mguable, ~ requirement to set back 3.50' from adjoining re$identw wbUe
notifying P'~ OWi!er5 ~ithin 300' !'lOOmS tlO 'be II potential Pando..-a's: Box. Consider that if the 300'
radius report is calculated from the ~ line of the owner's property (rather than from the boundaries
~ Premises therein), the City win be notifying individuals whose property and line of sight
wm be (iSO' from die proposed 110' to no' ~'e1. It has been de~ted through experience that
Boofds of A<.ijustment are very sensitive to objections from sum:mniling property owners, especially
bomoo~. We applaud their efforts but from at itlmdpoint of equity, I believe it puts the applicants in
these case6 at an unfair disadvamage. Speci.f~ly, OW' applications could be denied on the basis of pfOlcst
from property owners whose vie'ws coold oot posSl.'bly be oostrncted by a 120' tower, Our desire vvoold be
to revisi[ the entire issue of~b.
Mr Rooney, 1 thank you fo!: the ~ity to comment em ~ and would appreciate any feedbad 0['
1l000ificatlcn funher pubiX: hearings ~g tius~. My office nwnber is (91g) 23'Fi812 and my
mobile number is (91S) 132..0343.
Sincerely.
c:1.g ...
.. ''L ,/' *
--trt
Leie Ann F~;
.,