Attachment 2 - clean interim 20.50.pdfChapter 20.50
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Sections:
20.50.010 Purpose.
20.50.020 Applicability.
20.50.030 Exemptions.
20.50.040 Prohibitions.
20.50.050 General macro facility siting criteria and design considerations.
20.50.060 Permits and shot clocks.
20.50.070 Application requirements.
20.50.080 Eligible facilities requests.
20.50.090 New building -mounted macro wireless communication facility standards.
20.50.100 New structure -mounted macro wireless communication facilities standards.
20.50.110 New monopole -mounted macro wireless facility standards.
20.50.120 Temporary facilities.
20.50.130 Small wireless standards (small cell).
20.50.140 Abandonment or discontinuation of use.
20.50.150 Maintenance.
20.50.160 Definitions.
20.50.010 Purpose.
A. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the placement, construction, modification and
appearance of wireless communication facilities, in order to protect the health, safety and
welfare of the public, while not unreasonably interfering with the deployment of competitive
wireless communication facilities throughout the city. The purpose of this chapter may be
achieved through adherence to the following objectives:
1. Protect residential areas and land uses from potential adverse impacts that wireless
communication facilities might create, including but not limited to negative impacts on
aesthetics, environmentally sensitive areas, historically significant locations, flight corridors,
and health and safety of persons and property;
2. Establishment of clear and nondiscriminatory local regulations concerning wireless
communications facilities and services that are consistent with federal and state laws and
regulations;
3. Encourage providers of wireless communication facilities to locate facilities, to the extent
feasible, in areas where the adverse impact on the public health, safety, and welfare is
minimal;
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4. For macro facilities, encourage the location of those facilities in nonresidential areas and
allow macro facilities in residential areas only when necessary to meet functional
requirements of the communications industry as defined by the Federal Communications
Commission;
5. Minimize the total number of macro facilities in residential areas;
6. Encourage and, where legally permissible, require cooperation between competitors and,
as a primary option, joint use of new and existing towers, tower sites and suitable
structures to the greatest extent possible, where doing so would significantly reduce or
eliminate additional negative impact on the city;
7. Ensure wireless communication facilities are configured in a way that minimizes the
adverse visual impact of the facilities, as viewed from different vantage points, through
careful design, landscape screening, minimal impact siting options and camouflaging
techniques, dispersion of unscreened features to lessen the visual impact upon any one
location, and through assessment of technology, current location options, siting, future
available locations, innovative siting techniques and siting possibilities beyond the
jurisdictional boundaries of the city;
8. Enable wireless communication companies to enter into lease agreements with the city
to use city property for the placement of wireless facilities, where consistent with other
public needs, as a means to generate revenue for the city;
9. Balance the City's intent to minimize the adverse impacts of wireless communication
facilities with the ability of the providers of communications services to deploy such services
to the community quickly, effectively and efficiently;
10. Provide for the prompt removal of wireless communication facilities that are abandoned
or no longer inspected for safety concerns and building code compliance, and provide a
mechanism for the city to cause these abandoned wireless communication facilities to be
removed as necessary to protect the citizens from imminent harm and danger;
11. Avoid potential damage to people and adjacent properties from tower failure and falling
equipment, through strict compliance with state building and electrical codes; and
12. Disperse the adverse impacts of small cell facilities as evenly as possible throughout the
community, especially when joint use does not eliminate additional visual impact.
B. In furtherance of these objectives, the city shall give due consideration to the zoning code,
existing land uses, and environmentally sensitive areas when approving sites for the location of
wireless communication facilities.
C. These objectives were developed to protect the public health, safety and welfare, to protect
property values, and to minimize and disperse visual impact, while furthering the development
of enhanced communications services in the city. These objectives were designed to comply
with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and its implementing regulations. The provisions of
this chapter are not intended to and any ambiguities herein shall not be interpreted in such a
manner that would materially inhibit the deployment of wireless communication facilities. This
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chapter shall not be applied in such a manner as to unreasonably discriminate between
providers of functionally equivalent wireless facilities.
D. To the extent that any provision of this chapter conflicts with any other city ordinance, this
chapter shall control. Otherwise, this chapter shall be construed consistently with the other
provisions and regulations of the city.
E. In reviewing any application to place, construct or modify wireless communication facilities,
the city shall act within federally required time periods. Any decision to deny an application
shall be in writing, supported by substantial evidence contained in a written record. The city
shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application in accordance with this title,
this chapter, the adopted Edmonds comprehensive plan, and other applicable ordinances and
regulations.
20.50.020 Applicability.
A. Except as provided herein, all wireless communication facilities shall comply with the
provisions of this chapter. The standards and process requirements of this chapter supersede
all other review process, setback, height or landscaping requirements of the Edmonds
Community Development Code (ECDC).
B. Environmental. All proposed installations are subject to a threshold determination under the
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) according to Chapter 20.15A ECDC unless categorically
exempt pursuant to WAC 197-11-800. All proposals are subject to the critical areas
requirements in Title 23 ECDC and the shoreline master program in Title 24 ECDC.
C. Master Permit Agreement Needed.
1. Consistent with chapter 35.99 RCW, any person, corporation or entity that proposes
to locate any portion of a wireless communication facility within the city right-of-way must have
a valid fully executed master permit with the city before submitting applications for right-of-
way construction permits.
2. Wireless providers interested in obtaining a master permit must apply as follows to
have a complete application:
a. make application in writing to the city attorney c/o the city clerk's office;
b. submit a proposed master permit form, PROVIDED THAT, this requirement
shall no longer apply in the event that the city council has adopted a standard master
permit template;
c. submit three valid fully executed master permits that the provider has with
other cities in Washington state, PROVIDED THAT, this requirement shall be excused to
the extent that the provider does not have sufficient valid master permits in other
jurisdictions to meet that requirement;
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d. submit a map or maps showing provider's current coverage area within the
City of Edmonds, distinguishing different types of coverage available (e.g. 3G, 4G, 5G) in
various areas of the city, if such distinctions are applicable;
e. submit a map showing provider's existing macro and small cell facilities within
the City of Edmonds;
f. submit a map showing provider's proposed new macro and small cell facilities
within the City of Edmonds over the first two years of the master permit;
g. submit a map showing provider's existing fiber connections within the City of
Edmonds, whether those connection are owned by the provider or a third party;
h. submit a map showing provider's proposed fiber connections within the City
of Edmonds over the first two years of the master permit, whether those connection are
owned by the provider or a third party.
3. After receipt of a complete application, the city attorney and wireless provider shall
negotiate the terms of the master permit until they have agreed on terms that can be
recommended to the city council for final approval. If the city attorney and wireless provider
have not been able to reach agreement on the recommended terms of a master permit within
120 days of the date the complete application was submitted, the wireless provider may submit
the provider's proposed master permit form to the council president directly and request that
the provider's proposed master permit be added to a forthcoming city council agenda for
consideration. The city council shall conduct a public hearing on the proposed master permit,
including any renewal.
4. The final decision on any proposed master permit shall be subject to legislative
discretion of the city council and the ordinance authorizing the master permit must be
approved by a majority of the full council. Any denial of a proposed master permit must be
supported by substantial evidence contained in a written record.
5. Any prior adoption by the city council of a master permit template, as contemplated
in subsection C.2.b, above, is merely intended to facilitate future master permit negotiations
and should in no way be seen as limiting the city council's legislative discretion to approve or
reject a similar master permit that has come before the city council for action.
6. Master permit terms shall not exceed five years. Master permits shall require the City
to be indemnified by the provider and that indemnification shall be support by insurance that
names the City as an additional insured.
D. Right -of -Way Construction Permit. A right-of-way construction permit is required prior to
performing any work within the city right-of-way pursuant to ECDC Title 18.
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20.50.030 Exemptions.
The following are exemptions from the provisions of this chapter:
A. Radar systems for military and civilian communication and navigation.
B. Handheld, mobile, marine and portable radio transmitters and/or receivers.
C. Satellite antennas, including direct to home satellite services, and those regulated in ECDC
16.20.050(D).
D. Licensed amateur (ham) radio stations and citizen band stations as regulated in ECDC
16.20.050(E).
E. Earth station antenna(s) one meter or less in diameter and located in any zone.
F. Earth station antenna(s) two meters or less in diameter and located in the business and
commercial zones.
G. Subject to compliance with all other applicable standards of this chapter, a building permit
and/or right-of-way permit application need not be filed for emergency repair or maintenance
of a facility until five business days after the completion of such emergency activity. [Ord. 3961
§ 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.040 Prohibitions.
A. The following wireless communication facilities are prohibited in Edmonds:
1. Guyed towers.
2. Lattice towers.
B. Monopoles are prohibited in the following locations:
1. All residential zones (single-family (SF) and multifamily (MF));
2. Downtown waterfront activity center;
3. Public (P) and open space (OS) zoned parcels; and
4. Within the city rights -of -way. [Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.050 General macro facility siting criteria and design considerations.
A. The city of Edmonds encourages wireless communication providers to use existing sites or
more frequent, less noticeable sites instead of attempting to provide coverage through use of
taller towers. To that end, applicants shall consider the following priority of preferred locations
for wireless communication facilities:
1. Co -location, without an increase in the height of the building, pole or structure upon
which the facility would be located;
2. Co -location, where additional height is necessary above existing building, pole, or
structure;
3. A replacement pole or structure for an existing one;
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4. A new pole or structure altogether.
B. Co -location shall be encouraged for all wireless communication facility applications and is
implemented through less complex permit procedures.
1. To the greatest extent technically feasible, applicants for new monopole facilities shall be
required to build mounts capable of accommodating at least one other carrier.
2. Any wireless communication facility that requires a conditional use permit (CUP) under
the provisions of this chapter shall be separated by a minimum of 500 feet from any other
facility requiring a CUP, unless the submitted engineering information clearly indicates that
the requested site is needed in order to provide coverage for the particular provider and
other siting options have been analyzed and proven infeasible.
C. Noise. Any facility that requires a generator or other device which will create noise audible
beyond the boundaries of the site must demonstrate compliance with Chapter 5.30 ECC, Noise
Abatement and Control. A noise report, prepared by an acoustical engineer, shall be submitted
with any application to construct and operate a wireless communication facility that will have a
generator or similar device. The city may require that the report be reviewed by a third party
expert at the expense of the applicant.
D. Business License Requirement. Any person, corporation or entity that operates a wireless
communication facility within the city shall have a valid business license issued annually by the
city. Any person, corporation or other business entity which owns a monopole also is required
to obtain a business license on an annual basis.
E. Signage. Only safety signs or those mandated by a government entity with jurisdiction may
be located on wireless communication facilities. No other types of signs are permitted on
wireless communication facilities.
F. Any application must demonstrate that there is sufficient space for temporary parking for
regular maintenance of the proposed facility.
G. Finish. A monopole may be constructed of laminated wood, fiberglass, steel, or similar
material. The pole shall be a neutral color so as to reduce its visual obtrusiveness, subject to
any applicable standards of the FAA or FCC.
H. Design. The design of all buildings and ancillary structures shall use materials, colors,
textures, screening and landscaping that will blend the facilities with the natural setting and
built environment.
I. Color. All antennas and ancillary facilities located on buildings or structures other than
monopoles shall be of a neutral color that is identical to or closely compatible with the color of
the supporting structure so as to make the antenna and ancillary facilities as visually
unobtrusive as possible.
J. Lighting. Monopoles shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA, FCC or other
government entity with jurisdiction. If lighting is required and alternative lighting options are
permitted, the city shall review the lighting alternatives and approve the design that would
cause the least disturbance to the surrounding area. No strobe lighting of any type is permitted
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on any monopole. If FAA guidelines would require a strobe, the location shall be denied unless
no other site or combination of sites would provide adequate coverage in accord with FCC
requirements.
K. Advertising. No advertising is permitted at wireless communication facility sites or on any
ancillary structure or facilities equipment enclosure.
L. Equipment Enclosure. Each applicant shall use the smallest equipment enclosure practical to
contain the required equipment and a reserve for required co -location.
M. Radio Frequency Emissions Compliance. The applicant shall demonstrate that the project
will not result in levels of radio frequency emissions that exceed FCC standards, including FCC
Office of Engineering Technology (OET) Bulletin 65, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines
for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, as amended. Additionally, if
the director determines the wireless communication facility, as constructed, may emit radio
frequency emissions that are likely to exceed Federal Communications Commission
uncontrolled/general population standards in the FCC Office of Engineering Technology (OET)
Bulletin 65, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields, as amended, in areas accessible by the general population, the director
may require post -installation testing to determine whether to require further mitigation of
radio frequency emissions. The cost of any such testing and mitigation shall be borne by the
applicant.
N. Landscaping and Screening.
1. The visual impacts of wireless communication facilities should be mitigated and softened
through landscaping or other screening materials at the base of a monopole, facility
equipment compound, equipment enclosures and ancillary structures. If the antenna is
mounted flush on an existing building, or camouflaged as part of the building and other
equipment is housed inside an existing structure, no landscaping is required. The director or
his designee may reduce or waive the standards for those sides of the wireless
communication facility that are not in public view, when a combination of existing
vegetation, topography, walls, decorative fences or other features achieve the same degree
of screening as the required landscaping; in locations where the visual impact of the facility
would be minimal; and in those locations where large wooded lots not capable of
subdivision and natural growth around the property perimeter provide a sufficient buffer.
2. Landscaping shall be installed on the outside of fences in accordance with Chapter 20.13
ECDC. Existing vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent practicable and may be
used as a substitute for or as a supplement to landscaping or screening requirements. The
following requirements apply:
a. Type I landscaping shall be placed around the perimeter of the equipment cabinet
enclosure, except that a maximum 10-foot portion of the fence may remain without
landscaping in order to provide access to the enclosure.
b. Landscaping area shall be a minimum of five feet in width around the perimeter of
the enclosure.
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c. Vegetation selected should be native and drought tolerant.
d. Landscaping shall be located so as not to create sight distance hazards or conflicts
with other surrounding utilities.
3. When landscaping is used, the applicant shall submit a landscaping bond pursuant to
ECDC 20.13.040.
4. The use of chain link, plastic, vinyl or wire fencing is prohibited. Ornamental metal or
wood fencing materials are preferred. [Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.060 Permits and Shot Clocks.
A. No person may place, construct, reconstruct, modify or operate a wireless communication
facility subject to this chapter without first having in place a master permit agreement pursuant
to ECDC 20.50.020.0 and a permit issued in accordance with this chapter. Except as otherwise
provided herein, the requirements of this chapter are in addition to the applicable
requirements of this title and ECDC Title 18. Any wires, cables, conduit or equipment associated
with a wireless communication facility shall be subject to the requirements of chapter 18.05
ECDC, unless wireless facilities are expressly exempted from a provision of chapter 18.05 ECDC
or the context necessitates that a provision of chapter 18.05 ECDC not apply to wireless
facilities.
B. Applications will be reviewed based on the type of wireless communication facilities
requested to be permitted. Each wireless communication facility requires the appropriate type
of project permit review, as shown in Table A. In the event of uncertainty on the type of a
wireless facility, the director shall have the authority to determine what permits are required
for the proposed facility.
Table A
Building
Right -of-
FCC Shot
Permit
Way (ROW)
Clocks for
Request
Location
Required
Permit
Permit
Required
Review
Eligible facilities request
Existing
Yes, if on
Yes, if in
60 days
approved WCF
private
ROW
property
New macro facility
Collocation
Yes, if any
Yes, if any
90 days
elements on
elements in
private
the ROW
property
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Table A
Building
Right -of-
FCC Shot
Permit
Way (ROW)
Clocks for
Request
Location
Required
Permit
Permit
Required
Review
New macro facility
New structure or
Yes, if any
Yes, if any
150 days
monopole
elements on
elements in
private
the ROW
property
New small cell facility
Collocation
Yes, if on
Yes, if any
60 days
private
elements in
property
the ROW
New small cell facility
New structure or
Yes, if any
Yes, if any
90 days
freestanding
elements on
elements in
small cell pole
private
the ROW
property
Temporary facility
Varies
Yes, if any
Yes, if any
Standard
elements on
elements in
permit
private
the ROW
quotes
property
C. Timelines.
1. Macro cell.
The application review period begins when all required application materials have been
received and fees paid. If the City determines that the application is incomplete and
provides notice to the applicant within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of application,
the clock stops. The clock restarts when the City receives the applicant's supplemental
submission in response to the City's notice of incompleteness. For subsequent
determinations of incompleteness, the clock tolls (pauses) if the City provides written notice
within ten (10) days that a supplemental submission did not provide the requested
information.
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2. Small cell.
The application review period begins when all required application materials have been
received and fees paid. If the City determines that the application is incomplete and
provides notice to the applicant within ten (10) calendar days of the date of application, the
clock stops. The clock resets to zero (0) when the City receives the applicant's supplemental
submission in response to the City's notice of incompleteness. For subsequent
determinations of incompleteness, the clock tolls (pauses) if the City provides written notice
within ten (10) days that a supplemental submission did not provide the requested
information.
D. Batched small cell applications.
If an applicant is applying for a small wireless network in a contiguous service area, up to 15
small wireless facilities may be batched into one application, PROVIDED THAT the application
fee shall still be calculated as if the applications were submitted separately. The director or
his/her designee may approve, deny or conditionally approve all or any portion of the small
wireless facilities proposed in the application. The denial of one or more small wireless facility
locations within one submission shall not be the sole basis for a denial of other locations or the
entire batched application for small wireless facilities. Should an applicant file a single
application for a batch that includes both collocated and new structures for small wireless
facilities, the longer 90-day shot clock shall apply to ensure the City has adequate time to
review the new construction sites.
E. Any application submitted pursuant to this chapter for projects located on public or private
property shall be reviewed and evaluated by the director, or his designee. The director of public
works or his/her designee shall review all proposed wireless communication facilities that are
located partially or fully within the city rights -of -way. Regardless of whether the director or the
director of public works or their respective designees are reviewing the application, all
applications will be reviewed and evaluated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
F. All applications for wireless communication facilities shall be reviewed for compliance with
the applicable design standards by the director or his/her designee.
G. The applicant is responsible for obtaining all other permits from any other appropriate
governing body with jurisdiction (i.e., Washington State Department of Labor and Industries,
Federal Aviation Administration, etc.).
H. No provision of this chapter shall be interpreted to allow the installation of a wireless
communication facility which minimizes parking, landscaping or other site development
standards established by the Edmonds Community Development Code.
I. Wireless communication facilities that are governed under this chapter shall not be eligible
for variances under Chapter 20.85 ECDC. Any request to deviate from this chapter shall be
based solely on the exceptions set forth in this chapter.
J. Third Party Review. Applicants may use various methodologies and analyses, including
geographically based computer software, to determine the specific technical parameters of the
services to be provided utilizing the proposed wireless communication facilities, such as
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expected coverage area, antenna configuration, capacity, and topographic constraints that
affect signal paths. In certain instances, a third party expert may be needed to review the
engineering and technical data submitted by an applicant for a permit. The city may at its
discretion require third party engineering and technical review as part of a permitting process.
The costs of the technical third party review shall be borne by the applicant.
1. The selection of the third party expert is at the discretion of the city. The third party
expert review is intended to address interference and public safety issues and be a site -
specific review of engineering and technical aspects of the proposed wireless
communication facilities and/or a review of the applicants' methodology and equipment
used, and is not intended to be a subjective review of the site which was selected by an
applicant. Based on the results of the expert review, the city may require changes to the
proposal. The third party review shall address the following:
a. The accuracy and completeness of submissions;
b. The applicability of analysis techniques and methodologies;
c. The validity of conclusions reached;
d. The viability of other site or sites in the city for the use intended by the applicant; and
e. Any specific engineering or technical issues designated by the city.
K. Any decision by the director or the director of public works shall be given substantial
deference in any appeal of a decision by the city to either approve, approve with conditions, or
deny any application for a wireless communication facility.
L. Notwithstanding other remedies that may be available under federal law, failure of the City
to issue permits within or otherwise comply with the FCC shot clock requirements does not
provide a "deemed" grant of approval for macro or small wireless facilities. No work may occur
until the permit issues.
[Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.070 Application requirements.
The following information must be submitted as part of a complete application for a wireless
communication facility permit in the city of Edmonds:
A. Project description including a design narrative, technology description, and co -location
analysis indicating the alternative locations and technologies considered.
B. Existing wireless coverage map overlaid on a current aerial photo showing provider's existing
facilities and wireless coverage in the area;
C. Proposed wireless coverage map overlaid on a current aerial photo showing provider's
wireless coverage with the proposed facility;
D. Site information on scaled plans, including:
1. Site plan;
2. Elevation drawings;
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3. Utility plan showing existing utilities, proposed facility location, and undergrounding
details, as applicable;
4. Screening, camouflaging or landscaping plan and cost estimate (produced in accordance
with Chapter 20.13 ECDC), as appropriate;
E. Photos and photo simulations showing the existing appearance of the site and appearance of
the proposed installation from nearby public viewpoints;
F. Noise report (per ECDC 20.50.050(C)), if applicable;
G. Radio Frequency (RF) emissions standards. The applicant shall provide the certification of an
RF engineer with knowledge of the proposed development that the small cell network will
comply with RF standards adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The City
recognizes that the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 gives the FCC sole jurisdiction in
the field of regulation of RF emissions and wireless facilities that meet FCC standards shall not
be conditioned or denied on the basis of RF impacts.
H. For small cell deployments, the following additional documentation shall be provided as
initial justification for the proposed location pursuant to the site preference criteria set forth in
ECDC 20.50.130.A, as applicable:
1. For installations proposed for Location Preference #2:
a. A copy of the offer letter, certified mail receipts, and affidavit from applicant
stating that no property owners fronting on the same right-of-way within 150
lineal feet of each proposed small wireless facility location accepted offers to
locate the small wireless facility on an existing building; or
b. An engineering and technical analysis by an engineering data certified
Washington licensed engineer stating it is technically infeasible to locate the
small wireless facility on an existing building fronting on the same right-of-
way within 150 lineal feet of each proposed small wireless facility location.
2. For installations proposed for Location Preference #3:
a. Documentation as required in H.1 above; and
b. A copy of the offer letter, certified mail receipts, and affidavit from applicant
stating that no property owners fronting on the same right-of-way within 150
lineal feet of each proposed small wireless facility location accepted offers to
locate a freestanding small cell along the property frontage.
3. For installations proposed for Location Preference #4:
a. Documentation as required in H.1 and H.2 above; and
b. Evidence that no street light poles exist within 150 lineal feet of each
proposed small wireless facility location, as measured along the right-of-way
line; or
c. Written documentation from the pole owner denying the request to install
the small wireless facility on any existing street light poles located within 150
lineal feet of each small wireless facility location, as measured along the
right-of-way.
4. For installations proposed for Location Preference #5:
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a. Documentation as required in H.1, H.2, and H.3 above; and
b. Evidence that the design standards for a freestanding small cell in the right-
of-way could not be met; and
c. Confirmation by the director of public works that a new street light was not
determined to be needed or could not be located within 150 lineal feet of
the proposed small wireless facility location, as measured along the right-of-
way.
5. For installations proposed for Location Preference #6:
a. Documentation as required in H.1, H.2, H.3, and H.4 above; and
b. Evidence that no single-phase power poles exist within 150 lineal feet of each
proposed small wireless facility location, as measured along the right-of-way
line; or
c. Written documentation from the pole owner denying the request to install
the small wireless facility on any existing single-phase power poles located
within 150 lineal feet of each proposed small wireless facility location, as
measured along the right-of-way.
6. For installations proposed for Location Preference #7:
a. Documentation as required in H.1, H.2, H.3, H.4, and H.5 above; and
b. Evidence that no transmission power poles exist within 150 lineal feet of
each proposed small wireless facility location, measured along the right-of-
way; or
c. Written documentation from the pole owner denying the request to install
the small wireless facility on any existing transmission power poles located
within 150 lineal feet of each proposed small wireless facility location, as
measured along the right-of-way.
I. Any other documentation deemed necessary for a complete application in a publication
issued by the director. [Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 20111.
20.50.080 Eligible facilities requests.
This section implements section 6409 of the Spectrum Act (codified at 47 U.S.C. 1455), which
requires the City of Edmonds to approve any eligible facilities request for a modification of an
existing tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of
such tower or base station.
A. Definitions. The following definitions only apply to eligible facilities requests as described
in this section and do not apply throughout this chapter.
1. Base Station is a structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables FCC -licensed or
authorized wireless communications between user equipment and a communications
network. The term does not encompass a tower as defined herein nor any equipment
associated with a tower. Base station includes, without limitation:
a. Equipment associated with wireless communications services as well as unlicensed
wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.
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b. Radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and back-up
power supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration
(including distributed antenna systems ("DAS") and small cell networks).
c. Any structure other than a tower that, at the time the relevant application is filed
(with jurisdiction) under this section, supports or houses equipment described in
subsections (A)(1)(a) and (b) of this section that has been reviewed and approved under
the applicable zoning or siting process, or under another State or local regulatory review
process, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing
that support.
The term does not include any structure that, at the time the relevant application is filed
with the City under this section, does not support or house equipment described in
subsections (A)(1)(a) and (b) of this section.
2. Collocation. The mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an eligible
support structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals
for communication purposes.
3. Eligible Facilities Request. Any request for modification of an existing tower or base
station that does not substantially increase the physical dimensions of such tower or base
station, involving:
a. Collocation of new transmission equipment;
b. Removal of transmission equipment; or
c. Replacement of transmission equipment.
4. Eligible Support Structure. Any tower or base station as defined in this section;
provided, that it is existing at the time the relevant application is filed with the City.
5. Existing. A constructed tower or base station is existing if it has been reviewed and
approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, or under another State or local
regulatory review process; provided, that a tower that has not been reviewed and approved
because it was not in a zoned area when it was built, but was lawfully constructed, is
existing for purposes of this definition.
6. Site. For towers other than towers in the public rights -of -way, the current boundaries of
the leased or owned property surrounding the tower and any access or utility easements
currently related to the site, and, for other eligible support structures, further restricted to
that area in proximity to the structure and to other transmission equipment already
deployed on the ground.
7. Substantial Change. A modification substantially changes the physical dimensions of an
eligible support structure if it meets any of the following criteria:
Page 14 of 39
a. For towers other than towers in the public rights -of -way, it increases the height of
the tower by more than ten (10) percent or by the height of one (1) additional antenna
array with separation from the nearest existing antenna, not to exceed twenty (20) feet,
whichever is greater; for other eligible support structures, it increases the height of the
structure by more than ten (10) percent or more than ten (10) feet, whichever is
greater.
(1) Changes in height should be measured from the original support structure in
cases where deployments are or will be separated horizontally, such as on buildings'
rooftops; in other circumstances, changes in height should be measured from the
dimensions of the tower or base station, inclusive of originally approved
appurtenances and any modifications that were approved prior to the passage of
the Spectrum Act;
b. For towers other than towers in the public rights -of -way, it involves adding an
appurtenance to the body of the tower that would protrude from the edge of the tower
more than ten (10) feet, or more than the width of the tower structure at the level of
the appurtenance, whichever is greater; for other eligible support structures, it involves
adding an appurtenance to the body of the structure that would protrude from the edge
of the structure by more than six (6) feet;
c. For any eligible support structure, it involves installation of more than one (1) new
equipment cabinet for the technology involved; or, for towers in the public streets and
base stations, it involves installation of any new equipment cabinets on the ground if
there are no preexisting ground cabinets associated with the structure, or else involves
installation of ground cabinets that are more than ten (10) percent larger in height or
overall volume than any other ground cabinets associated with the structure;
d. It entails any excavation or deployment outside the current site;
e. It would defeat the concealment elements of the eligible support structure; or
f. It does not comply with conditions associated with the siting approval of the
construction or modification of the eligible support structure or base station equipment;
provided, however, that this limitation does not apply to any modification that is
noncompliant only in a manner that would not exceed the thresholds identified above.
B. Qualification as an Eligible Facilities Request. Upon receipt of an application for an eligible
facilities request, the Director will review the application to determine whether it qualifies as an
eligible facilities request.
C. Time Frame for Review. Within sixty (60) days of the date on which a network provider
submits an eligible facilities request application, the Director must approve the application
unless it determines that the application is not covered by this section.
D. Tolling of the Time Frame for Review. The sixty (60) day review period begins to run when
the application is submitted, and may be tolled only by mutual agreement by the Director and
Page 15 of 39
the applicant or in cases where the Director determines that the application is incomplete. The
time frame for review of an eligible facilities request is not tolled by a moratorium on the
review of applications.
1. To toll the time frame for incompleteness, the Director must provide written notice to
the applicant within thirty (30) days of receipt of the application, clearly and specifically
delineating all missing documents or information required in the application.
2. The time frame for review begins running again when the applicant makes a
supplemental submission in response to the Director's notice of incompleteness.
3. Following a supplemental submission, the Director will notify the applicant within ten
(10) days that the supplemental submission did not provide the information identified in
the original notice delineating missing information. The time frame is tolled in the case of
second or subsequent notices pursuant to the procedures identified in this subsection.
Second or subsequent notice of incompleteness may not specify missing documents or
information that was not delineated in the original notice of incompleteness.
E. Determination That Application Is Not an Eligible Facilities Request. If the Director
determines that the applicant's request does not qualify as an eligible facilities request, the
Director must deny the application.
F. Failure to Act. In the event the Director fails to approve or deny a request for an eligible
facilities request within the time frame for review (accounting for any tolling), the request is
deemed granted. The deemed grant does not become effective until the applicant notifies the
Director in writing after the review period has expired (accounting for any tolling) that the
application has been deemed granted.
G. To the extent feasible, additional antennas and equipment shall maintain the appearance
intended by the original facility, including, but not limited to, color, screening, landscaping,
camouflage, concealment techniques, mounting configuration, or architectural treatment.
20.50.090 New building -mounted macro wireless communication facility standards.
A. Generally. Wireless communication facilities located on the roof or on the side of the
building shall be grouped together, integrated to the maximum possible degree with the
building design, placed toward the center of the roof and/or thoroughly screened from
residential building views and from public views using radio frequency -transparent panels.
Building -mounted wireless communication facilities shall be painted with nonreflective colors
to match the existing surface where the antennas are mounted.
B. Height. The following requirements shall apply:
1. Downtown Waterfront/Activity Center (As Identified in the Edmonds Comprehensive
Plan). For buildings at, or which exceed, the height limit of the underlying zone, antennas
shall be flush -mounted and no portion of the antenna may extend above the building on
which it is mounted. For buildings below the height limit, antennas may be built to the
maximum height of the zone provided they are screened consistent with the existing
Page 16 of 39
building in terms of color, architectural style and material. Flush -mounted antennas may
encroach into a required setback or into the city right-of-way if a right-of-way use
agreement is established with the city. Antennas shall not project into the right-of-way by
more than two feet and shall provide a minimum clearance height of 20 feet over any
pedestrian or vehicular right-of-way.
2. Outside the Downtown/Waterfront Activity Center. The maximum height of building -
mounted facilities and equipment shall not exceed nine feet above the top of the roof on
which the facility is located. This standard applies to all buildings regardless of whether they
are at or above the maximum height of the underlying zone. Such antennas must be well
integrated with the existing structure or designed to look like common rooftop structures
such as chimneys, vents and stovepipes.
C. Equipment Enclosure. Equipment enclosures for building -mounted wireless communication
facilities shall first be located within the building on which the facility is located. If an
equipment enclosure within the building is reasonably unavailable, then an equipment
enclosure may be incorporated into the roof design provided the enclosure meets the height
requirement for the zone. If the equipment can be screened by placing the equipment below
existing parapet walls, no additional screening is required. If screening is required, then the
screening must be consistent with the existing building in terms of color, architectural style and
material. Finally, if there is no other choice but to locate the equipment enclosure on the
ground, the equipment must be enclosed within an accessory structure which meets the
setbacks of the underlying zone and be screened in accordance with ECDC 20.50.050(N).
D. Feed Lines and Coaxial Cables. Feed lines and cables should be located below the parapet of
the rooftop, if present. If the feed lines and cables are visible from a public right-of-way or
adjacent property, they must be painted to match the color scheme of the building.
F'
Acceptable Building -Mounted WCF
Page 17 of 39
Unacceptable Building -Mounted WCF
[Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.100 New structure -mounted macro wireless communication facilities standards.
A. Generally. Wireless communication facilities located on structures other than buildings, such
as utility poles, light poles, flag poles, transformers, and/or tanks, shall be designed to blend
with these structures and be mounted on them in an inconspicuous manner.
1. Wireless communication facilities located on structures within unzoned city rights -of -way
adjacent to single-family residential (IRS) zones shall satisfy the following requirement:
a. No metal pole or tower shall be used within the right-of-way adjacent to a single-
family zoned neighborhood unless required in order to comply with the provisions of
the State Electrical Code. Wooden poles of height and type generally in use in the
surrounding residential neighborhood shall be used unless prohibited by the State
Electrical Code.
2. Wireless communication facilities located on structures shall be painted with
nonreflective colors in a scheme that blends with the underlying structure.
B. Height.
1. The maximum height of structure -mounted wireless communication facilities shall not
exceed the maximum height specified for each structure or zoning district (rights -of -way are
unzoned); provided the wireless communication facility may extend up to six feet above the
top of the structure on which the wireless communication facility is installed. Antennas and
related equipment shall be mounted as close as practicable to the structure.
2. Only one extension is permitted per structure.
3. If installed on an electrical transmission or distribution pole, a maximum 15-foot vertical
separation is required from the height of the existing power lines at the site (prior to any
pole replacement) to the bottom of the antenna. This vertical separation is intended to
allow wireless carriers to comply with the electrical utility's requirements for separation
between their transmission lines and the carrier's antennas.
C. Equipment Enclosure. Equipment enclosures shall first be located underground. If the
enclosure is within the right-of-way, the enclosure shall be underground. If there is no other
Page 18 of 39
feasible option but to locate the equipment enclosure above ground on private property, the
equipment must be enclosed within an accessory structure which meets the setbacks of the
underlying zone and be screened in accordance with ECDC 20.50.050(N).
D. Feed Lines and Coaxial Cable. Feed lines and cables must be painted to closely match the
color scheme of the structure which supports the antennas.
E. Only wireless communication providers with a valid right-of-way use agreement shall be
eligible to apply for a right-of-way construction permit, which shall be required prior to
installation of facilities within the city right-of-way and be in addition to other permits specified
in this chapter.
Acceptable Structure -Mounted WCF
Page 19 of 39
Unacceptable Structure -Mounted WCF
[Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.110 New monopole -mounted macro wireless facility standards.
A. To the greatest extent technically feasible, applicants for new monopole facilities must build
mounts capable of accommodating at least one additional carrier.
B. No part of a monopole, antennas or antenna equipment may exceed the maximum height of
the zone where the facility is located.
C. Monopoles must be completed shrouded. All antennas, equipment and cables must be
concealed.
D. All monopole facilities must conform to the following site development standards:
1. To the greatest extent possible, monopole facilities shall be located where existing trees,
existing structures and other existing site features camouflage these facilities.
2. Existing mature vegetation should be retained to the greatest possible degree in order to
help conceal the facility.
3. Equipment Enclosure. The first preference is for the equipment enclosure to be located
underground. If the enclosure is within the right-of-way, the enclosure must be
underground. If there is no other choice but to locate the equipment enclosure on the
ground, the equipment must be enclosed within an accessory structure which meets the
setbacks of the underlying zone and be screened in accordance with ECDC 20.50.050(N).
Page 20 of 39
Acceptable Monopole WCF
Unacceptable Monopole WCF
20.50.120 Temporary facilities.
A. The installation of a "cell -on -wheels" or COWS and the installation site shall comply with all
applicable laws, statutes, requirements, rules, regulations, and codes, including, but not limited
to, the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and National Electric Code.
B. All COWS and related appurtenances shall be completely removed from the installation site
within 30 days of the date of the end of the emergency as determined by the mayor. [Ord. 3961
§ 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.130 Small wireless standards and approval process.
Unlike macro facilities which are intended to provide cell coverage over large areas, the goal of
a small wireless deployment is to provide additional capacity in localized areas, including
residential neighborhoods, using smaller antennas and equipment. The intent of this section is
to describe the City's location preferences for small cell deployments and provide appropriate
Page 21 of 39
design standards to ensure that the negative visual impacts of wireless facilities are minimized
and the City's long-term goal of utility undergrounding is not frustrated.
A. Permitted locations.
The City of Edmonds prefers the use of zoned property rather than the public right-of-way for
small wireless facilities. In this way, existing buildings will be used where feasible and individual
landowners may gain some financial benefit from the widespread visual intrusion of wireless
deployments into their neighborhoods. Installation on existing building structures will also
minimize the negative visual impact of additional wires, antennas and equipment that may
otherwise be placed on existing utility poles. However, it is understood that a multi -node
deployment may not be able to be located entirely on zoned properties because some property
owners within the desired small cell deployment area may not want to participate or because
of technological factors. In that instance, a mix of zoned property and right-of-way locations
may be used.
1. Small cell attachments to buildings are permitted in any zone and are not subject to the
dispersion requirement below.
2. Dispersion Requirement: No two small wireless facilities shall be located within 300
lineal feet of each other as measured along the right-of-way line.
3. Installations in the Downtown Business district (BD) zones shall be limited to building
attachments or through the replacement or new installation of a Sternberg street light
designed to contain a small wireless facility.
B. Location hierarchy.
Wireless providers shall attempt to site their small cell facilities pursuant to the following
siting preferences (in descending order starting with the most preferred):
1. Outside the Right -of -Way
Location Preference #1- On an existing building.
1) Roof -mounted.
a) Small cell facilities may be built to the maximum height of the underlying zone
(or use the height exception in Sub (c) below) provided they are screened
consistent with the existing building in terms of color, architectural style and
materials.
b) Such facilities must be completely concealed and well integrated with the
existing structure or designed and located to look like common rooftop elements
such as chimneys, elevator penthouses or screened HVAC equipment.
c) Height exception. The maximum height for a small wireless facility above the
underlying zone maximum is 3 feet with a maximum footprint of 12 sq. ft. in
Page 22 of 39
horizontal section.
2) Facade -mounted.
a) Small cell antennas may be mounted to the side of a building if they do not
interrupt and are integrated with the building's architectural theme.
b) New architectural features such as columns, pilasters, corbels, or similar
ornamentation that conceals the antennas should be used if it complements the
architecture of the existing building.
c) If concealment is not possible, the antennas must be camouflaged. The
smallest feasible mounting brackets must be used and the antennas must be
painted and textured to match the adjacent building surfaces.
d) Facade -mounted antennas may encroach into a required setback or into the
city right-of-way. Antennas may not project into the right-of-way more than
twelve (12) inches and shall provide a minimum clearance height of 20 feet over
any pedestrian or vehicular right-of-way.
e) All other equipment must be located within the building, screened by an
existing parapet, or completely concealed and well integrated with the existing
structure or designed and located to look like common rooftop elements such as
chimneys, elevator penthouses or screened HVAC equipment. Exposed
cabling/wiring is prohibited.
f) Height exception. Antennas may be located on buildings that are
nonconforming for height provided that they are constructed to be no taller than
the adjacent fagade or an existing parapet. Equipment may be located on a roof
behind a parapet that is nonconforming for height. Vertical expansion of the
height nonconformity is prohibited.
b. Location Preference #2 - Freestanding small cell
The specifications provided in this section are for installations on zoned property only,
except as otherwise noted in ECDC 20.50.130.B.2.b. The accompanying diagram shows
a typical pole and its elements.
1) Dimensional requirements
Page 23 of 39
a) A freestanding small cell may not
exceed 30 feet in height measured from
the top of the foundation to the top of the
cantenna.
b) The equipment cabinet must be
between 16 and 20 inches in diameter.
c) The upper pole must be scaled to 0.5 to
0.75 times the size of the equipment
cabinet with a preferred 10 inch minimum
outer diameter. The pole diameter must
be scaled so that no flat, horizontal surface
larger than 1.5 inches exists between the
equipment cabinet and upper pole.
d) The cantenna must have a maximum
outer diameter of 14 inches and be FIBER
SPLICE/PULL
tapered to transition from the upper pole. BOX
The cantenna may not exceed 5 feet 8 GRADE
inches in height. ELECTRICAL,_
CONDUIT
2) Appearance requirements
its
CANTENNA
UPPER POLE
EQUIPMENT CABINET
STANDARD
FOUNDATION
a) The same pole aesthetic must be used along adjacent blocks to maintain a
cohesive appearance.
b) All small cell carrier equipment must be housed internal to the equipment
cabinet or hidden within the cantenna. The cantenna, upper pole and
equipment cabinet must be the same color, unless otherwise approved by
the Director.
c) All hardware connections shall be hidden from view.
d) No equipment may be attached to the outside of the pole.
e) The freestanding small cell must be served by underground power and fiber,
if fiber is to be connected.
f) May provide space for future collocation by another provider inside the same
freestanding small cell pole facilities.
Page 24 of 39
3) Placement requirements. Freestanding small cells shall be located as follows:
a) Located such that they in no way impede, obstruct, or hinder the usual
pedestrian or vehicular travel, affect public safety, or violate applicable law.
b) Within 5 feet of the street property line (right-of-way) and within 5 feet of a
side property line.
c) Outside the downtown business district (BD) zones.
d) So as not to be located along the frontage of a Historic building, deemed
historic on a federal, state, or local level.
e) So as not to significantly create a new obstruction to property sight lines.
f) In alignment with existing trees, utility poles, and streetlights.
g) With appropriate clearance from existing utilities.
h) On the same side of the street as existing power lines, regardless of whether
power is underground or overhead;
i) No two freestanding small cell poles may be located within 300 lineal feet of
each other as measured along the right-of-way line.
2. Within the right-of-way
a. Location Preference #3 — Existing/replaced hollow street light pole or utility pole:
1) Combination small cell and streetlight pole should be located where an existing
streetlight pole can be utilized or removed and replaced with a pole that allows
for small cell installation in the same location.
2) Pole design shall match the aesthetics of existing streetlights installed adjacent
to the pole.
Page 25 of 39
3) Where a Sternberg street light exists in the downtown business district (131D)
zones, replacement shall be Sternberg model, designed to contain a small
wireless facility.
4) The small cell components shall be sized
to be visually pleasing. For a combination
pole to be considered visually pleasing,
the transition between the equipment
cabinet and upper pole should be
considered. A decorative transition shall
be installed over the equipment cabinet
upper bolts, or decorative base cover
shall be installed to match the equipment
cabinet size.
5) The upper pole shall be scaled at 0.5 to
0.75 the size of the equipment cabinet,
with a 10-inch minimum outer diameter.
All hardware connections shall be hidden
from view. No horizontal flat spaces
greater than 1.5 inches shall exist on the
equipment cabinet to prevent cups,
trash, and other objects from being
placed on the equipment cabinet.
6) An internal divider shall separate
electrical wiring and fiber, per the pole owner.
FIBER -
SPLICE/PULL
BOX
FINAL
GRADE
ELECTRICAL
CONDUIT
CANTENNA
LUMINAIRE
LUMINAIRE MAST ARM
UPPER POLE
EQUIPMENT CABINET
STANDARD
FOUNDATION
7) Weatherproof grommets shall be integrated in the pole design to allow cable to
exit the pole, for external shrouds, without water seeping into the pole.
8) For installations on existing street lights, the antenna shall either be fully
concealed within the pole or placed on top of the pole. A cantenna on top of an
existing pole may not extend more than six (6) feet above the height of the
existing pole and the diameter may not exceed the diameter of the top of the
pole by more than two (2) inches. The antennas shall be integrated into the pole
design so that it appears as a continuation of the original pole, including colored
or painted to match the pole. All cabling and mounting hardware/brackets from
the bottom of the antenna to the top of the pole shall be fully concealed and
integrated with the pole.
Page 26 of 39
9) Street light pole shall be located as follows:
a. In a manner that does not impede, obstruct, or hinder pedestrian or
vehicular travel.
b. In alignment with existing trees, utility poles, and streetlights.
c. Within the street amenity zone wherever possible.
d. Equal distance between trees when possible, with a minimum of 15-foot
separation such that no proposed disturbance shall occur within the
critical root zone of any tree.
e. With appropriate clearance from existing utilities.
f. Outside 30-foot clear sight triangle (for base cabinets equal to or greater
than 18-inches in diameter) at intersection corners.
g. 10-feet away from the intersection of an alley with a street.
10) All conduit, cables, wires and fiber must be routed internally in the light pole.
b. Location Preference #4 - Freestanding small cell or new street light
1) Freestanding Small Cell.
a) Refer to subsection 20.50.130.B.1.b for dimensional and appearance
standards.
b) Placement requirements. Freestanding small cells shall be located in
compliance with the following:
Located such that they in no way impede, obstruct, or hinder the usual
pedestrian or vehicular travel, affect public safety, obstruct the legal
access to or use of the public ROW, violate applicable law, violate or
conflict with public ROW design standards, specifications, or design
district requirements, violate the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, or in any way create a risk to public health, safety, or welfare.
Outside the downtown business district (BD) zones.
So as not to be located along the frontage of a Historic building, deemed
historic on a federal, state, or local level.
iv. So as not to significantly create a new obstruction to property sight lines.
V. In alignment with existing trees, utility poles, and streetlights.
Page 27 of 39
vi. Within the street amenity zone wherever possible.
vii. Equal distance between trees when possible, with a minimum of 15-foot
separation such that no proposed disturbance shall occur within the
critical root zone of any tree.
viii. With appropriate clearance from existing utilities.
ix. Outside 30-foot clear sight triangle (for base cabinets equal to or greater
than 18-inches in diameter) at intersection corners.
X. 10-feet away from the intersection of an alley with a street.
xi. On the same side of the street as existing power lines, regardless of
whether power is underground or overhead;
xii. No two freestanding small cell poles may be located within 300 lineal feet
of each other as measured along the right-of-way line.
2) New Street Light. The replacement street light pole requirements are also
applicable to the new street light option, except that a street light would be
incorporated into the design of the facility. In addition, the following applies:
a) A street light shall not be installed unless it has been identified by the
director of public works that a street light is necessary at the location in
which the small cell facility is proposed. A street light may be required to be
installed instead of a free standing pole.
b) In the downtown business district (BD) zones, new street lights shall be
Sternberg model, designed to contain a small wireless facility.
c) The cantenna height, including antenna radio equipment, conduit or wires,
brackets, transition shroud, and all other hardware required for a complete
installation — from the top of the mast arm connection to the top of the
cantenna — shall not exceed five (5) feet.
c. Location Preference #5 - Existing single-phase power pole (installation on top of pole):
Page 28 of 39
1. A cantenna may not extend more than six (6) feet above the height of the
existing pole and the diameter may not exceed the diameter of the pole by
more than two (2) inches, measured at the top of the pole, unless the
applicant can demonstrate that more
space is needed. The antennas shall be
integrated into the pole design so that it
appears as a continuation of the original
pole, including colored or painted to
match the pole. All cabling and
mounting hardware/brackets from the
bottom of the antenna to the top of the
pole shall be fully concealed.
2. Equipment enclosures and all ancillary
equipment and boxes shall be colored or
painted to match the color of the surface
of the wooden pole in which they are
attached. All related equipment shall not
be mounted more than six (6) inches
from the surface of the pole, unless a
further distance is technically required,
and is confirmed in writing by the pole
owner.
3. All cables and wires shall be routed
through conduit along the outside of the
pole. The outside conduit shall be
colored or painted to match the color of SMALL CELL
the surface of the wooden pole. The FIBER
number of conduit shall be minimized to
ELECTRICAL
the number technically necessary to CONDUIT
accommodate a small cell and shall not
(TOP MOUNTED)
LUMINAIRE &
ARM
EQUIPMENT SHROUD
WITH ANTENNA (SIDE
MOUNTED)
POLE
SHROUD
XCEL ENERGY METER
WITH DISCONNECT
increase the number of conduit on an existing pole to more than 2 conduit.
4. The visual effect of the small cell facility on all other aspects of the
appearance of the wooden pole shall be minimized to the greatest extent
possible.
5. A wooden pole in a proposed location may be replaced with a taller pole for
the purpose of accommodating a small cell facility; provided, that the height
of any replacement pole may not exceed fifty (50) feet to the top of the
cantenna.
6. The replacement pole shall comply with the City's sidewalk clearance
requirements and ADA requirements.
7. The use of the pole for the siting of a small cell facility shall be considered
secondary to the primary function of the pole. If the primary function of a
pole serving as the host site for a small cell facility becomes unnecessary, the
pole shall not be retained for the sole purpose of accommodating the small
Page 29 of 39
cell facility and the small cell facility and all associated equipment shall be
removed.
d. Location Preference #6 - Existing transmission power pole (installation in
communication space):
1. Antennas should be placed in an effort to minimize visual clutter and
obtrusiveness. Only one antenna is permitted on each wooden pole.
2. The inside edge of a side mounted
canister antenna/equipment
shroud shall project no more than - -
twelve (12) inches from the surface UTILITY POLE
of the wooden pole.
3. Antennas and equipment located EQUIPMENT SHROUD
within a unified enclosure shall not
exceed four (4) cubic feet. To the
extent possible, the unified
enclosure shall be placed so as to
appear as an integrated part of the
pole or behind banners or signs.
The unified enclosure may not be
placed more than six (6) inches
from the surface of the pole, unless
a further distance is technically
required and confirmed in writing EQUIPMENT SHROUD
by the pole owner.
4. Equipment enclosures and all
ancillary equipment and boxes shall
be colored or painted to match the XCEL ENERGY METER
color of the surface of the wooden WITH DISCONNECT
pole in which they are attached. All SMALL CELL
related equipment shall not be FIBER
mounted more than six (6) inches
from the surface of the pole, unless ELECTRICAL_
a further distance is technically
required, and is confirmed in
writing by the pole owner.
5. All cables and wires shall be routed through conduit along the outside of the
pole. The outside conduit shall be colored or painted to match the color of
the surface of the wooden pole. The number of conduit shall be minimized
to the number technically necessary to accommodate a small cell and shall
not increase the number of conduit on an existing pole to more than 2
Page 30 of 39
conduit.
6. The visual effect of the small cell facility on all other aspects of the
appearance of the wooden pole shall be minimized to the greatest extent
possible.
7. A wooden pole in a proposed location may be replaced with a taller pole for
the purpose of accommodating a small cell facility; provided, that the height
of any replacement pole may not extend more than ten (10) feet above the
height of the existing pole, unless a further height increase is required and
confirmed in writing by the pole owner and that such height increase is the
minimum extension possible to provide sufficient separation and/or
clearance from electrical and wireline facilities.
8. The replacement pole shall comply with the City's sidewalk clearance
requirements and ADA requirements.
9. The use of the pole for the siting of a small cell facility shall be considered
secondary to the primary function of the pole. If the primary function of a
pole serving as the host site for a small cell facility becomes unnecessary, the
pole shall not be retained for the sole purpose of accommodating the small
cell facility and the small cell facility and all associated equipment shall be
removed.
e. Location Preference #7 - Strand -mounted.
Page 31 of 39
Small cell facilities mounted on cables strung between existing utility poles shall
conform to the following standards:
1
EQUIPMENT
SHROUD
This graphic is intended to
represent a strand mount antenna.
SMALL CELL
FIBER
ELECTRICAL
a) Each strand mounted antenna shall not exceed one (1) cubic feet in volume.
b) Only one strand mounted facility is permitted between any two existing poles.
c) The strand mounted devices shall be placed as close as possible to the nearest
utility pole, in no event more than five feet from the pole unless a greater
distance is technically necessary or required for safety clearance and confirmed
in writing by the pole owner.
d) No strand mounted device shall be located in or above the portion of the
roadway open to vehicular traffic.
e) No strand mounted devices shall be installed on poles with mounted
streetlights.
Page 32 of 39
f) Ground mounted equipment to accommodate such strand mounted facilities
is not permitted, except when placed in pre-existing equipment cabinets,
underground or on zoned property.
g) Pole mounted equipment shall meet the requirements of subsections (4), (5)
and (6) of subsection (d) above.
h) Such strand mounted devices must be installed to cause the least visual
impact and with the minimum excess exterior cabling or wires (other than
the original strand) necessary to meet the technological needs of the facility.
C. Location Preference Criteria.
The following criteria shall be reviewed and responded to by the applicant, as applicable,
for each proposed small wireless node location. A proposed small wireless facility location
shall only be allowed in a lower ranking location as provided in the location hierarchy in
subsection B above, if the applicant can demonstrate that all higher ranking locations are
infeasible. The following criteria shall be responded to as a minimum submittal
requirement.
1. Siting outside the right-of-way:
a. Engineering and technical analyses outlining technical parameters of the
services to be provided, specifically addressing infeasibility of a given location
when a node is not proposed to be located outside the right-of-way.
Analyses shall be thorough and provide sufficient information to allow for a
Third Party Review consistent with 20.50.060.J.
b. Applicant/wireless provider must contact all property owners within 150
lineal feet, measured along the right-of-way, in either direction of a proposed
small wireless facility location with an offer letter describing the scope of the
anticipated deployment, proposed form of easement, the FCC -approved
rental amount of $270 per year, or an amount equal to the per pole annual
fee charged by PUD, whichever is greater, and the means to accept the offer
if the landowner in interested in siting an individual node on his/her
property. The offer letter shall be sent via certified mail, shall contain a
preaddressed postage paid return envelope, and allow for a minimum 2-
week response time. Two separate attempts shall be made by the
applicant/wireless provider to make contact with the property owner. If
private property owners do not respond by accepting offers, the
applicant/wireless provider shall provide an affidavit to the City stating that
no offers to locate nodes outside the right-of-way were accepted. This
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criteria shall be responded to when it is technically feasible to locate a small
wireless facility outside the right-of-way.
2. Siting within the right-of-way:
In circumstances where it is not technically feasible to locate the particular
small wireless facility anywhere on zoned property, the applicant/wireless
provider shall provide an explanation of the technical difficulty in sufficient
detail to be peer reviewed.
D. Small wireless facility general standards.
1. Ground mounted equipment in the rights -of -way is prohibited, unless such facilities are
placed underground or the applicant can demonstrate that pole mounted or
undergrounded equipment is technically infeasible. If ground mounted equipment is
necessary, then the applicant must submit a concealment plan. Generators located in the
rights -of -way are prohibited.
2. No equipment shall be operated so as to produce noise in violation of Chapter 5.30 ECC.
3. Replacement poles, new poles, and all equipment shall comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act ("ADA"), city construction and sidewalk clearance standards, and state and
federal regulations in order to provide a clear and safe passage within the rights -of -way.
4. Replacement poles shall be located as near as possible to the existing pole with the
requirement to remove the abandoned pole.
5. The design criteria as applicable to small cell facilities described herein shall be
considered concealment elements and such small cell facilities may only be expanded upon
through an eligible facilities request described in Section 20.50.080 ECDC, when the
modification does not defeat the concealment elements of the facility.
6. No signage, message, or identification other than the manufacturer's identification or
identification required by governing law is allowed to be portrayed on any antenna, and any
such signage on equipment enclosures shall be of the minimum amount possible to achieve
the intended purpose; provided, that signs are permitted as concealment techniques where
appropriate.
7. Antennas and related equipment may not be illuminated except for security reasons,
required by a federal or state authority, or unless approved as part of a concealment
element plan.
8. Side arm mounts for antennas or equipment are prohibited.
9. Facilities must be located and designed to not obstruct or significantly diminish views of
Puget Sound or the Cascade or Olympic Mountains from public streets and public property.
10. Antennas, equipment enclosures, and ancillary equipment, conduit, and cable, shall not
dominate the building or pole upon which they are attached.
11. The city may consider the cumulative visual effects of small cells mounted on poles
within the rights -of -way when assessing proposed siting locations so as to not adversely
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affect the visual character of the city. This provision shall neither be applied to limit the
number of permits issued when no alternative sites are reasonably available nor to impose
a technological requirement on the service provider.
12. ADA compliance required. In areas of the city in which utility lines have been
undergrounded (undergrounded areas) and where necessary to permit full use of the public
right-of-way by pedestrians, bicycles and other users, all ground -mounted equipment must
be undergrounded in a vault meeting the city's construction standards to the extent
feasible. The location of ground -mounted equipment (to the extent undergrounding such
equipment is not technologically feasible), a replacement pole and/or any new pole shall
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), city construction standards, and
state and federal regulations in order to provide a clear and safe passage within the public
right-of-way.
20.50.140 Abandonment or discontinuation of use.
A. At such time that a licensed carrier plans to abandon or discontinue operation of a wireless
communication facility, such carrier will notify the director by certified U.S. Mail of the
proposed date of abandonment or discontinuation of operations. Such notice shall be given no
less than 30 days prior to abandonment or discontinuation of operations.
B. In the event that a licensed carrier fails to give such notice, the wireless communication
facility shall be considered abandoned upon the discovery of such discontinuation of
operations.
C. Within 90 days from the date of abandonment or discontinuation of use, the carrier shall
physically remove the wireless communication facility. "Physically remove" shall include, but
not be limited to:
1. Removal of antennas, mounts or racks, the equipment enclosure, screening, cabling and
the like from the subject property.
2. Transportation of the materials removed to a repository outside of the city.
3. Restoration of the wireless communication facility site to its pre -permit condition, except
that any landscaping provided by the wireless communication facility operator may remain
in place.
4. If a carrier fails to remove a wireless communication facility in accordance with this
section, the city shall have the authority to enter the subject property and physically
remove the facility. Costs for removal of the wireless communication facility shall be
charged to the wireless communication facility owner or operator in the event the city
removes the facility. [Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.150 Maintenance.
A. The applicant shall maintain the wireless facility to standards that may be imposed by the
city by ordinance or through permit condition. Such maintenance shall include, but not be
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limited to, repair of damaged shrouds or enclosures, painting, structural integrity, and
landscaping.
B. In the event the applicant fails to maintain the facility, the city of Edmonds may undertake
enforcement action as allowed by existing codes and regulations. [Ord. 3961 § 1, 2014; Ord.
3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
20.50.160 Definitions.
A. Antenna(s). Any apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting radiofrequency (RF)
radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location pursuant to Commission
authorization, for the provision of personal wireless service and any commingled information
services.
B. "Cell -on -wheels (COW)" are used to provide temporary service, usually for special events,
before the installation of a permanent wireless site, or in emergencies.
C. "Collocation" means the mounting or installation of an antenna on an existing tower,
building or structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals
for communications purposes, whether or not there is an existing antenna on the structure.
D. Completely concealed facility. A WCF where: (A) the antennas, mounting apparatus, and any
associated equipment are fully recessed/concealed from all sides with a structure that achieves
total integration with the existing building or structure; and (B) all cable is routed internally or
completely screened from view; and (C) the associated equipment is completely within the
building or structure, placed in an underground vault, or is within another element such as a
bench, mail box or kiosk.
E. "Distributed antenna system (DAS)" is a network of spatially separated antenna sites
connected to a common source that provides wireless service within a discrete geographic area
or structure.
F. Equipment. Any equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters or cabinets
associated with an antenna, located at the same fixed location as the antenna, and, when
collocated on a structure, is mounted or installed at the same time as such antenna.
G. "Freestanding small cell pole" is a freestanding structure which consists of a single vertical
pole, fixed into the ground and/or attached to a foundation built for the sole purpose of
supporting small wireless antennas and associated equipment.
H "Guyed tower" means a monopole or lattice tower that is tied to the ground or other surface
by diagonal cables.
I. "Lattice tower" is a wireless communication support structure which consists of metal crossed
strips or bars to support antennas and related equipment.
J. "Licensed carrier" is a company authorized by the Federal Communications Commission to
build and operate a commercial mobile radio services system.
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K. Macro cell facility (macro facility). A large wireless communication facility that provides radio
frequency coverage served by a high power cellular system. Generally, macro cell antennas are
mounted on ground -based towers, rooftops and other existing structures, at a height that
provides a clear view over the surrounding buildings and terrain. Macro cell facilities typically
contain antennas that are greater than three (3) cubic feet per antenna and typically cover
large geographic areas with relatively high capacity and are capable of hosting multiple wireless
service providers.
L. "Monopole" means a freestanding structure which consists of a single vertical pole, fixed into
the ground and/or attached to a foundation with no guy wires built for the sole or primary
purpose of supporting macro antennas and their associated equipment.
M. Poles. Utility poles, light poles or other types of poles, used primarily to support electrical
wires, telephone wires, television cable, lighting, or guide posts; or are constructed for the sole
purpose of supporting a WCF.
N. "Satellite earth station antenna" includes any antenna in any zoning district that:
1. Is designed to receive direct broadcast satellite service, including direct -to -home satellite
services, and that is one meter or less in diameter;
2. Is two meters or less in diameter in areas where commercial or industrial uses are
generally permitted;
3. Is designed to receive programming services by means of multi -point distribution
services, instructional television fixed services, and local multi -point distribution services,
that is one meter or less in diameter or diagonal measurement; and
4. Is designed to receive television broadcast signals.
0. Small wireless facility (or small cell node). A wireless facility that meets each of the following
conditions:
1. The facilities:
a. Are mounted on structures 50 feet or less in height including their antennas, or
b. Are mounted on structures no more than 10 percent taller than other adjacent
structures, or
c. Do not extend existing structures on which they are located to a height of more than
50 feet or by more than 10 percent, whichever is greater;
2. Each antenna associated with the deployment, excluding antenna equipment, is not
more than three cubic feet in volume;
3. All other wireless equipment associated with the structure, including the wireless
equipment associated with the antenna and any pre-existing associated equipment on the
structure, is no more than 28 cubic feet in volume;
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4. The facilities do not require antenna structure registration under FCC rule;
5. The facilities do not result in human exposure to radiofrequency radiation in excess of
the applicable safety standards specified by FCC rule.
P. "Unlicensed wireless services" means the offering of communications services using duly
authorized devices which do not require individual licenses, but does not mean the provision of
direct -to -home satellite services.
Q. "Wireless communication facility (WCF)" means an unstaffed facility for the transmission and
reception of radio or microwave signals used for commercial communications. A WCF provides
services which include cellular phone, personal communication services, other mobile radio
services, and any other service provided by wireless common carriers licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). WCFs are composed of two or more of the following
components:
1. Antenna;
2. Mount;
3. Equipment enclosure;
4. Security barrier.
R. "Wireless communication facility (WCF), building -mounted" means a wireless
communication facility mounted to the roof, wall or chimney of a building. Also, those antennas
mounted on existing monopoles.
S. "Wireless communication facility (WCF), camouflaged" means a wireless communication
facility that is disguised, hidden, or integrated with an existing structure that is not a monopole,
guyed or lattice tower, or placed within an existing or proposed structure.
T. "Wireless communication facility (WCF), equipment enclosure" means a small structure,
shelter, cabinet, or vault used to house and protect the electronic equipment necessary for
processing wireless communication signals. Associated equipment may include air conditioning
and emergency generators.
U. "Wireless communication facility (WCF), monopole" means a wireless communication facility
not attached to a structure or building and not exempted from regulation under ECDC
20.50.030. Does not include co -location of a facility on an existing monopole, utility pole, light
pole, or flag pole.
V. "Wireless communication facility (WCF), related equipment" is all equipment ancillary to a
wireless communication facility such as coaxial cable, GPS receivers, conduit and connectors.
W. "Wireless communication facility (WCF), structure -mounted" means a wireless
communication facility located on structures other than buildings, such as light poles, utility
poles, flag poles, transformers, and/or tanks.
X. "Wireless communication services" means any personal wireless services as defined in the
Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, including federally licensed wireless communications
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services consisting of cellular services, personal communications services (PCS), specialized
mobile radio services (SMR), enhanced specialized mobile radio services (ESMR), paging, and
similar services that currently exist or that may be developed in the future. [Ord. 3961 § 1,
2014; Ord. 3845 § 2 (Att. A), 2011].
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