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ORDINANCE NO. 5 0 ~ 0
2
3 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, AMENDING AUBURN CITY CODE TITLE 18 ENTITLED
4 "ZONING" PERTAINING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES.
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6 WHEREAS, the Federal government, through the Federal
7 Communications Commission (FCC), has issued wireless
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communications licenses for the provision of personal
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communications services; and
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1] WHEREAS, the increasing demand fro new wireless
12 communications services has produced a greater need for the
]3 installation of wireless antennas and wireless communications
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facilities (WCF); and
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WHEREAS, the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996
17 preserved local zoning authority; and
]8 W~EREAS, WFC should be reasonably regulated to minimize
19 potential negative aesthetic impacts and conflicts with near-
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by uses; and
WHEREAS, the current Zoning Code of the City of Auburn
23 (ACC Chapter 18) was adopted before wireless communications
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25
O~inance No. 5020
September 9, 1997
Page 1
1 facilities were anticipated, and therefore, appropriate siting
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and development standards do not exist; and
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WHEREAS, there is a need for new provisions in the Zoning
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5 Code to address the siting of WFC.
6 NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
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WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
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Sect.ion !. Title 18 entitled "Zoning" of the Auburn City
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Code is hereby amended as set forth in the attached Exhibit
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]] "A" which is by this reference made a part hereof as though
12 fully set forth herein.
Section ~. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,
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phrase or portion of this Ordinance or any of the provisions
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16 adopted herein, is for any reason held invalid or
17 unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such
18 portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent
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provision, and such holding shall not affect the remaining
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provisions thereof.
2]
Section 3. The Mayor is hereby authorized to implement
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23 such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry
24 out the directives of this legislation.
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26
O[dinance No. 5020
September 9, 1997
Page 2
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Sect4on 4. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in
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force five (5) days from and after its passage, approval and
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publication, as provided by law.
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INTRODUCED:
12 C~LES A. BOOTH
~YOR
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ATTEST:
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16
Robin Wohlhueter,
]7 City Clerk
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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22
Michael J. Re~olds,
23 City Attorney
25 Published:
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Ordinance No. 5020
September 9, 1997
Page 3
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES (WCF) DEFINITIONS
18.04.912 Wireless Communications
"Wireless Communications" means the provision of any personal wireless service, as
defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and for the purposes of this Title includes the
following terms:
A. Antenna: A device used in wireless communications which transmits and/or receives
radio signals. Antennas include the following types:
1. Accessory:
Antenna including, but not limited to, test mobile antennas and global positioning (GPS)
antennas which are less than 12 inches in height or width and do not directly provide
personal wireless communication.
2. Directional or Panel:
An antenna or array of antennas designed to transmit a radio signal in a particular
direction typically encompassing an arc of 120 degrees. Panel antennas, also called
directional antennas, are typically flat, rectangular devices approximately six square feet
in size.
3. Dish or Parabolic:
A bowl-shaped device for the reception and/or transmission of radio frequency
communications signals in a specific directional pattern.
4. Whip, rod or omni-directional antenna:
An antenna, tubular in shape, that transmits and receives signals throughout a 360-
degree range.
5. Other
All other transmitting or receiving equipment not specifically described herein shall be
regulated in conformity with the type of antenna defined herein which most closely
resembles such equipment.
B. Antenna Array: One or more rods, panels, discs or similar devices attached to a
support structure used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals.
S,,d3ibit "A" EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No, 5020
.~(Z)~me No. 5020
September 15, 1997
C. Attached Wireless Communications Facility (WCF): An antenna array which is
attached to an existing building or structure.
D. Carrier: A company providing wireless communication services, also referred to as a
provider.
E. Co-location: The use of a common WCF or site by two or more wireless license
holders, or by one wireless license holder for more than one type of communications
technology.
F. Equipment Facility: A structure used to contain ancillary equipment for a WCF which
may include cabinets, shelters, an addition to an existing structure, pedestals and other similar
structures.
G. Microcell: Microcells are typically located in and exclusively benefit residential
neighborhoods.
1. Microcells consist of an antenna that is either: (1) a dish or parabolic antenna that is
no more than four feet (4') in height and with an area of not more than five-hundred
eighty (580) square inches; or, (2) a tubular antenna, that is no more than four inches
(4") in diameter and no more than six feet (6') in height.
2. The equipment cabinets and other ground support equipment shall be located in an
area that is no larger than 16 square feet. The height of the equipment shall be no more
than 4 feet. The equipment shall be designed to be compatible with the residential
neighborhood and shall provide landscaping or fencing or a combination of these or
similar features.
3. There shall be a 300 foot separation between any microcell.
4. The antennas must be located on light poles, power poles or similar public utility
poles that are either owned/operated by the City of Auburn or owned/operated by an
utility provider operating with an appropriate franchise. Other similar utility poles may be
used if approved by the City Engineer. The equipment cabinets may either be located
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
within the street right-of-way in areas typically set aside for utilities such as power and
cable TV or on private property.
5. Anyone wishing to establish a microcell shall make application to the City Engineer
upon application forms provided by the City Engineer. The City Engineer shall review
each application and may be empowered to approve, deny or modify the proposal.
H. Separation: Minimum distance required between primary support structures.
I. Support Structure: Means the structure to which antenna and other necessary
associated hardware are attached to. Support structures include but are not limited to the
following:
1. Lattice tower: A structure of various height that consists of a network of crossed
metal braces forming a tower which is usually triangular or square in cross section. To
be considered a primary support structure.
2. Monopole: A structure of varying height consisting of a single spire sunk into the
ground and/or attached to a foundation. To be considered a primary support structure.
3. Other structures: This may include existing buildings, water towers, or other similar
structures. To be considered a secondary support structures.
J. Wireless Communications Facility (WCF): Any non-staffed facility for the
transmission and/or reception of wireless telecommunications services, typically consisting of
an antenna array, an equipment facility and/or a support structure.
For the purposes of determining which zoning districts Wireless Communications Facilities are
to be permitted they will be classified pursuant to the following types. Refer to the table in
section 18.48.100(K) to determine which zones allow for the following types of facilities.
TYPE 1 Type 1 are new antennas erected on existing buildings or non-residential
structures. There are four separate Type I categories described as follows:
1 -A. The combined height of the antenna together with the height of the existing
building cannot be 25% greater than the existing building or exceed the height limitation
of the zoning district in which the building is located.
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
1-B. The combined height of the antenna together with the helght of the existing
building cannot be 50% greater than the existing building or exceed the height limitation
of the zoning district in which the building is located in.
1 -C. The combined height of the antenna together with the height of the existing
building is 50% greater than the existing building or exceeds the height limitation of the
zoning district in which the building is located.
The height limitation of the zoning district can only be exceeded by 25%.
1-D. Antenna located on existing water towers or similar public utility infrastructure.
The height limitation of the WCF will be ten percent of the existing structure height, but
may be increased to a maximum of thirty percent with a Conditional Use Permit.
TYPE 2 Type 2 are new antennas erected on existing (primary) support structures that
have previous city approvals. There are two separate type 2 categories described as
follows.
2-A. must meet height requirements of previous approval and is limited to 50% total
(cumulative) expansion of equipment area.
2-B. has greater height requirements of previous approval and allows for more than a
50% expansion of the equipment area.
TYPE 3 Type 3 is the erection of new (primary) support structures. There are two
separate type 3 categories described as follows.
3-A. Monopoles that are 75 feet or less in height.
3-B. Monopoles that are 75 feet or more in height or lattice towers of any height.
4 EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
18.48.070 Yards.
A. The following may project from a building into a required yard setback:
1. Fireplace structures, bay windows, garden windows, enclosed stair landings, closets,
framed fireplace shafts, wireless communications facilities or similar projections not
wider than eight (8) feet measured in the general direction of the wall of which it is a
part: eighteen (18) inches into any yard,
SITING STANDARDS
18.48.100 The following siting standards are intended to guide the location and
development of Wireless Communications Facilities (WCF) as defined by section 18.04.912 but
not including microcells. The siting of microcells shall be in accordance with the definition of
microcells found in section 18.04.912(G).
A. Separation between facilities.
1. New, free-standing primary support structures.
a. The minimum separation, i.e. distance, between a proposed monopole (that
is 75 feet or less in height) and any other existing primary support structure, of
any height, shall be the height of the proposed monopole, including antenna,
multiplied by a factor of ten.
b. The minimum separation, i.e. distance, between a proposed monopole (that
is more than 75 feet in height, or lattice towers of any height) and any other
existing primary support structure, of any height, shall be the height of the
proposed monopole, including antenna, multiplied by a factor of twenty.
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
2. The distance between primary support structures shall be measured by following a
straight line, without regard to intervening buildings, from the base of one support
structure to the base of the other support structure(s).
3. A primary support structure would be considered "existing" if a Conditional Use
Permit or Administrative Use Permit has been issued and is still valid for sites which
haven't been built upon.
B. Co-location requirements.
1. For monopoles that are more than 75 feet in height and lattice towers of any height,
the owner of the property shall execute a non-exclusive lease with the carrier that allows
for other carriers to place antenna on the structure.
C. Height.
1. Unless otherwise provided for, the height of any primary support structure and/or
antenna shall not exceed the height limitations of the zoning district.
2. The maximum height of any primary support structure shall not exceed 120 feet.
3. There shall be no variances allowed to the height limitations.
4. The carrier shall provide evidence that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has
approved the location of a primary support structure relative to the Auburn Municipal
Airport.
5. Unless otherwise restricted by this ordinance, building or structure mounted antenna
may extend a maximum of 15 feet above the maximum height permitted for structures
within the zone.
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No, 5020
September 15, 1997
6. Antenna, that are mounted on structures that do not otherwise have a height
restriction, may be allowed to increase the overall height of the structure by no more
than 10% of the height of the structure unless additional approvals are obtained.
D. Setbacks.
1. All equipment shelters, cabinets, support structures or other above-ground facilities
shall meet the setback requirements of the zone in which located.
2. Where a site is adjacent to a residential zone, the primary support structure is to be
setback a distance equal to or greater than the height of the support structure from the
nearest residential lot line.
3. Where possible, roof-mounted antenna and equipment shelters and/or cabinets are
to be placed towards the center of the building, or away from public views. Equipment
shelters and/or cabinets shall be screened by a parapet or similar architectural feature.
E. Fencing and landscaping.
1. Fencing.
a. Fencing is required to enclose all above-ground support equipment that is associated
with primary support structures. Fencing will be 100 percent sight-obscuring as defined
in ACC Section 18.48.020(C)(2), if visible from public right-of-way or less intense zoning
district. Equipment shelters and/or cabinets shall be enclosed by fencing a minimum of
six feet in height,
2. Landscaping.
a. Where above-ground support equipment is visible from public right-of-way, a
minimum width of five feet of Type II landscaping as defined in ACC Section 18.50.040
? EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
will be provided on the exterior of the enclosing fence in order to effectively screen the
equipment from the public right-of-way.
b. Where facilities are visible from adjacent residential uses, a minimum width of five
feet of Type I landscaping as defined in ACC Section 18.50.040 will be provided on the
exterior of the enclosing fence in order to effectively screen the equipment from the
adjacent residential uses.
c. Existing on-site vegetation may be used to meet the landscape requirements if
approved by the Planning Director.
F. Aesthetics.
1. In order to minimize any potential, negative aesthetic impacts from new primary
support structures, mitigation may be required to blend the facilities in with the adjacent
development or environs. Typical solutions for the support structure might include: an
extension of the building; a component of a sign structure; disguising the facility as a
tree; planting tall trees adjacent to it, painting or texturing the facility; etc.
2. Building or roof-mounted antenna will be painted or textured to "blend" with the
adjacent surfaces.
3. No lettering, symbols, images or trademarks large enough to be legible to occupants
of vehicular traffic on any adjacent street shall be placed on or affixed to any part of the
WCF, unless required by the FCC or FAA.
4. Except as specifically required by the FAA(but must be approved by the City), free-
standing primary support structures shall be painted a color that best allows it to blend
into the surroundings. The use of grays, blues and greens might be appropriate;
however, each application shall be evaluated individually.
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
G. Lighting.
1. Free-standing, support structures shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by
the FAA or other applicable authority. Any proposed lighting shall be submitted at the
time of the initial application. Any lighting must be reviewed and approved by the City.
2. Security lighting used to light the equipment facility shall be directed downward,
shielded and kept within the boundaries of the site.
H. Abandoned facilities.
1. Any WCF which is not utilized for a period of nine months or more will be considered
"abandoned".
2. Any WCF which falls into a state of disrepair as determined by the Planning Director
will be considered "abandoned".
3. Any WCF considered to be "abandoned" must be removed completely within ninety
(90) days from the date of notification by the City's code enforcement personnel. The
Code Enforcement personnel may extend the 90-day period should a valid application
for use of the facility be submitted to the City.
I. Noise
1. For the purposes of this section WCF will be considered a Class B, Commercial,
noise source pursuant to the Washington Administrative Code, section WAC173-60-
040.J. Supplemental information required for applications. In addition to the information
that is otherwise required for an application for a permit for a WCF, the following is also
required:
1. For a new primary support structure and related equipment, the applicant shall
provide the carrier's Master Network Plan for the City showing the carrier's existing
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
WCF locations and narrative explaining the potential WCF locations over the next year,
if known.
2. Narrative description of the facility including whether there is capacity of the
proposed structure for more antennas, methods for minimizing visual impacts of the
facilities, etc.
3. A color swatch for the proposed primary support structure.
4. Photographs or similar illustrations that show a reasonable likeness of the proposed
facility including the antenna arrays and above ground support equipment.
K. Zoning districts in which WCF are permitted.
The following table illustrates which zoning districts the types of facilities, as defined by
section 18.04.912(J), are allowed in and which permits are required. Microcells, as
defined by 18.04.912(G), are allowed only in residential zones and shall be permitted
outright pursuant to the provisions of section 18.04.912(G).
I ype of permit required
~s~?~pc~ Permitted outright Administrative use Conditional use permit
permit
All Zones 1-D 1-D~ 1-D2
RO-H 1 -A 1 -B 1 -C
CN 1 -A 1 -B 1 -C
C1 1-A 1-B 1-C
C2 1 -A 1 -B 1 -C
C3 1-B,2-A 1-C, 2-B, 3-A ,3-B
M1 1-B,2-A 1-C, 2-B, 3-A ,3-B
M2 1-B,2-A 1-C,2-B, 3-A 3-B
P1 1-B,2-A 1-C, 2-B, 3-A ,3-B
I 1-A 1-B 1-C
LF 1-A 1-B 1-C
~ allowance for the WCF to extend to a height of 20 percent of the supporting structure.
allowance for the WCF to extend to a height of 30 percent of the supporting structure.
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997
L. Exemptions
1. Unless otherwise provided for, the following are exempt from the provisions of section
18.48.100.
a. Microcells as defined by section 18.04.912(G).
b. Mobile testing facilities/equipment used to test network limitations. The
facilities/equipment shall not be at any one location for more than 14 days and
shall otherwise meet the requirements of any other ordinance, regulation or code
provision.
2. The following is exempt from the provisions of 18.48.100(A) Separation:
a. Emergency communication systems operated by a local public agency
responsible for providing emergency services.
EXHIBIT "A" ORDINANCE No. 5020
September 15, 1997