ORD 580 ORDINANCE NO.580
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW CHAPTER
ENTITLED"WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES"TO CHAPTER 18 OF TITLE 12 OF THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE UNIFORM AND COMPREHENSIVE REGULATIONS AND
STANDARDS, ALONG WITH PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, FOR THE INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
A. Recitals.
(i) The purpose of this Ordinance is to amend the City's Municipal Code to provide uniform and
comprehensive standards and regulations, along with permit requirements, consistent with State and federal law, for the
installation of wireless telecommunications facilities in the City's public right-of-way("ROW").
(ii) The Municipal Code contains very minimal standards or regulations specifically designed to address the
unique legal and/or practical issues that arise in connection with wireless telecommunications facilities deployed in the
ROW.
(iii) On January 19, 2016, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing and adopted Urgency
Ordinance No. 578U (the"Urgency Ordinance"), which contained substantially similar provisions intended to address the
urgent need to regulate, to the maximum extent permissible under State and federal law, wireless telecommunications
facilities in the public ROW because the City had approximately 52 pending or anticipated applications for wireless
telecommunications facilities in the ROW and very minimal standards or regulations specifically designed to address the
unique legal and/or practical issues that arise in connection with such facilities.
(iv) The City did not introduce this Ordinance at the same time that it adopted the Urgency Ordinance
because it desired to afford the public and stakeholders, including representatives from the wireless services and
infrastructure industry and representatives from franchised utilities and telecommunications services, to provide further
comments and refinements to the Urgency Ordinance that would ultimately be adopted as this Ordinance.
(v) On February 1,2016,the City conducted a noticed public workshop at which the public and stakeholders,
including representatives from the wireless services and infrastructure industry and representatives from franchised utilities
and telecommunications services, could provide verbal comments and refinements to the proposed Ordinance.
Approximately 48 people attended the work shop. Representatives from Verizon, AT&T, Southern California Gas and
Crown Castle attended the workshop, but only representatives from Verizon and Crown Castle offered any comments or
refinements to the proposed Ordinance.
(vi) State and federal law have changed substantially and materially since the City last adopted regulations
for wireless telecommunications facilities installation in the ROW. Such changes include(1)modifications to federal"shot
clocks"whereby the City must act on permit applications for new and modified installations within as few as sixty(60)days
after an applicant submits an application,whether complete or incomplete; (2) new State statutes and federal regulations
that provide for "deemed-approved" or "deemed-granted" remedies when the City fails to act within the applicable
timeframes for review; and (3)clarifications in decisional law about the City's authority to regulate aesthetics in the public
ROW. See 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.40001 et seq.; CAL. Gov'T CODE § 65964.1; In the Matter of Acceleration of Broadband
Deployment by Improving Wireless Facilities Siting Policies, Report and Order, 29 FCC Rcd. 12865 (Oct. 17, 2014)
[hereinafter "2014 Report and Order'']; In the Matter of Petition for Declaratory Ruling to Clarify Provisions of Section
332(c)(7)(B) to Ensure Timely Siting Review, Declaratory Ruling, 24 FCC Rcd. 13994 (Nov. 18, 2009) [hereinafter"2009
Declaratory Ruling'']; (Sprint PCS Assets, L.L.C. v. City of Palos Verdes Estates(9th Cir.2009)583 F.3d 716, 726.)
(vii) The public ROW in the City is a uniquely valuable public resource,closely linked with the City's residential
character,civic identity and natural beauty.Whereas the reasonably regulated and orderly deployment of wireless facilities
in the ROW is desirable,unregulated or disorderly deployment represents an ever-increasing and true threat to the health,
welfare and safety of the community.
(viii) The City finds and declares that the regulation of wireless telecommunications facilities in the public
ROW is necessary to protect and preserve the aesthetics in the community,as well as property values within the City,and
to ensure that all wireless facilities are installed using the least intrusive means possible.
(ix) On February 16,2016,the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes conducted and concluded a
duly noticed public hearing concerning the Municipal Code amendments contained herein as required by law and received
testimony from City staff and all interested parties regarding the proposed amendments. The City Council then passed a
motion to continue the hearing to March 1,2016.
(x) The City Council finds and determines as follows:
1. The Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 preempts and declares invalid all state rules that
restrict market entry to or limit competition in both local and long-distance telephone service.
2 The California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC") is primarily responsible for the
implementation of local telephone competition and it issues certificates of public convenience and necessity("CPCN")to
new entrants that are qualified to provide competitive local telephone exchange services and related telecommunications
service,whether using their own facilities or the facilities or services provided by other authorized telephone corporations.
3. Section 234(a)of the California Public Utilities Code defines a"telephone corporation"as"every
corporation or person owning,controlling,operating, or managing any telephone line for compensation within this state."
4. Section 616 of the California Public Utilities Code provides that a telephone corporation "may
condemn any property necessary for the construction and maintenance of its telephone line."
5. Section 2902 of the California Public Utilities Code authorizes municipal corporations to retain
their powers of control to supervise and regulate the relationships between a public utility and the general public in matters
affecting the health, convenience, and safety of the general public, including matters such as the use and repair of public
streets by any public utility and the location of the poles,wires, mains, or conduits of any public utility on, under, or above
any public streets.
6. Section 7901 of the California Public Utilities Code authorizes telephone and telegraph
corporations to construct telephone or telegraph lines along and upon any public road or highway, along or across any of
the waters or lands within this state, and to erect poles, posts, piers, or abatements for supporting the insulators, wires,
and other necessary fixtures of their lines, in such manner and at such points as not to incommode the public use of the
road or highway or interrupt the navigation of the waters.
7. Section 7901.1 of the California Public Utilities Code confirms the right of municipalities to
exercise reasonable control as to the time, place, and manner in which roads, highways, and waterways are accessed,
which control must be applied to all entities in an equivalent manner,and may involve the imposition of fees.
8. Section 50030 of the California Government Code provides that any permit fee imposed by a
city for the placement, installation, repair,or upgrading of telecommunications facilities,such as lines, poles, or antennas,
by a telephone corporation that has obtained all required authorizations from the CPUC and the FCC to provide
telecommunications services, must not exceed the reasonable costs of providing the service for which the fee is charged,
and must not be levied for general revenue purposes.
(xi) All legal prerequisites to the adoption of the Ordinance have occurred.
B. Ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The facts set forth in the Recitals, Part A of this Ordinance,are true and correct.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review.
A. The City Council finds that, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, section 15061(b)(3), it has determined with
certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant impact on the physical environment. The City
previously adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 578U, which is currently in effect and established substantially the same
processing procedures. This Ordinance is being enacted to bring the City's processing procedures into compliance with
existing State and federal law. Regardless whether Urgency Ordinance No. 578U had been adopted or not,to the extent
that the regulations in this Ordinance involve mere synchronization of these timelines into the City's zoning Ordinance,this
Ordinance is not a "physical condition"that will impact the environment for the purposes of the California Environmental
Quality Act("CEQA"). Therefore,this project is not subject to CEQA.
SECTION 3. Section 13.12.320 of Chapter 12, Title 13, is hereby amended and replaced in its entirety to
read as follows:
"13.12.320 Antennas for telecommunications services.
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A. Section 17.76.020 of Chapter 17.76 of Title 17 of this Code sets forth the city's regulatory requirements relating to the siting
and construction of the following categories of antennas that are commonly used in providing or receiving
telecommunications services:
1. Satellite earth station antennas, (also known as "satellite dish antennas"), which are parabolic or dish-shaped antennas
which are in excess of one(1)meter in diameter or devices that are designed for over-the-air reception of radio or television
broadcast signals, multichannel multipoint distribution service,or direct broadcast satellite services.
2. Commercial antennas, which are unstaffed facilities for the transmission or reception of radio, television, and
communications signals,commonly consisting of an antenna array, connection cables, a support structure to achieve the
necessary elevation, and an equipment facility to house accessory equipment, which may include cabinets, pedestals,
shelters,and similar protective structures.
B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, Chapter 12.18 of this code shall apply to siting, modification and
construction of wireless telecommunication facilities,as defined therein,which in whole or in part,itself or as part of another
structure, rests upon, in, over or under the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, any such facility owned,
controlled, operated or managed by an entity entitled to construct within the right-of-way pursuant to a franchise with the
city or state law."
SECTION 4. Chapter 18 "Wireless Telecommunications Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way" is hereby
added to Title 12 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code beginning at Section 12.18.010 to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 18. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
12.18.010 Purpose.
The purpose and intent of this chapter is to provide a uniform and comprehensive set of regulations and standards
for the permitting, development, siting, installation, design, operation and maintenance of wireless telecommunications
facilities in the city's public right-of-way. These regulations are intended to prescribe clear and reasonable criteria to assess
and process applications in a consistent and expeditious manner, while reducing the impacts associated with wireless
telecommunications facilities. This chapter provides standards necessary(1)for the preservation of the public right-of-way
in the city for the maximum benefit and use of the public, (2)to promote and protect public health and safety, community
welfare, visual resources and the aesthetic quality of the city consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the
General Plan, and (3) to provide for the orderly, managed and efficient development of wireless telecommunications
facilities in accordance with the state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
12.18.020 Definitions.
"Accessory equipment" means any equipment associated with the installation of a wireless telecommunications
facility, including but not limited to cabling, generators, fans, air conditioning units, electrical panels, equipment shelters,
equipment cabinets,equipment buildings,pedestals, meters,vaults,splice boxes, and surface location markers.
"Antenna"means that part of a wireless telecommunications facility designed to radiate or receive radio frequency
signals.
"Cellular" means an analog or digital wireless telecommunications technology that is based on a system of
interconnected neighboring cell sites.
"Code"means the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.
"Collocation"means the mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the
purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signal for communication purposes.
"COW' means a "cell on wheels," which is a wireless telecommunications facility temporarily rolled in or
temporarily installed.
"Director"means the director of public works,or his or her designee.
"Facility(ies)"means wireless telecommunications facilities.
"Ground-Mounted"means mounted to a telecommunications tower.
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"Modification" means a change to an existing wireless telecommunications facility that involves any of the
following: collocation, expansion, alteration, enlargement, intensification, reduction, or augmentation, including, but not
limited to, changes in size, shape, color, visual design, or exterior material. "Modification" does not include repair,
replacement or maintenance if those actions do not involve a change to the existing facility involving any of the following:
collocation,expansion,alteration, enlargement,intensification, reduction,or augmentation.
"Monopole" means a structure composed of a pole or tower used to support antennas or related equipment. A
monopole also includes a monopine, monopalm and similar monopoles camouflaged to resemble faux trees or other faux
objects attached on a monopole(e.g.water tower).
"Mounted"means attached or supported.
"Located within the public right-of-way" includes any facility which in whole or in part, itself or as part of another
structure, rests upon, in,over or under the public right-of-way.
"Pole" means a single shaft of wood, steel, concrete or other material capable of supporting the equipment
mounted thereon in a safe and adequate manner and as required by provisions of this Code.
"Public right-of-way"means any public right-of-way as defined by section 17.96.1490 of this Code.
"Sensitive uses"means any residential use,public or private school,day care,playground,and retirement facility.
"Telecommunications tower" means a freestanding mast, pole, monopole, guyed tower, lattice tower, free
standing tower or other structure designed and primarily used to support wireless telecommunications facility antennas.
"Utility Pole" means any pole or tower owned by any utility company that is primarily used to support wires or
cables necessary to the provision of electrical or other utility services regulated by the California Public Utilities
Commission.
"Wireless telecommunications facility," "facility" or "facilities" mean any facility that transmits and/or receives
electromagnetic waves. It includes, but is not limited to,antennas and/or other types of equipment for the transmission or
receipt of such signals, telecommunications towers or similar structures supporting such equipment, related accessory
equipment,equipment buildings, parking areas, and other accessory development.
Exceptions: The term"wireless telecommunications facility"does not apply to the following:
(a)Government owned and operated telecommunications facilities.
(b) Emergency medical care provider-owned and operated telecommunications facilities.
(c) Mobile services providing public information coverage of news events of a temporary nature.
(d)Any wireless telecommunications facilities exempted from this Code by federal law or state law.
"Wireless telecommunications services" means the provision of services using a wireless telecommunications
facility or a wireless telecommunications collocation facility, and shall include, but not limited to, the following services:
personal wireless services as defined in the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 at 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(C) or its
successor statute,cellular service, personal communication service, and/or data radio telecommunications.
12.18.030 Applicability.
A. This chapter applies to the siting,construction or modification of any and all wireless telecommunications facilities proposed
to be located in the public right-of-way as follows:
1. All facilities for which applications were not approved prior to January 19, 2016 shall be subject to and comply with all
provisions of this division.
2. All facilities for which applications were approved by the city prior to January 19,2016 shall not be required to obtain a new
or amended permit until such time as a provision of this code so requires. Any wireless telecommunication facility that was
lawfully constructed prior to January 19,2016 that does not comply with the standards, regulations and/or requirements of
this division,shall be deemed a nonconforming use and shall also be subject to the provisions of section 12.18.230.
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3. All facilities, notwithstanding the date approved, shall be subject immediately to the provisions of this chapter governing
the operation and maintenance(section 12.18.130), ,cessation of use and abandonment(section 12.18.170),removal and
restoration (section 12.18.180) of wireless telecommunications facilities and the prohibition of dangerous conditions or
obstructions by such facilities (section 12.18.150); provided, however, that in the event a condition of approval conflicts
with a provision of this division,the condition of approval shall control until the permit is amended or revoked.
B. This chapter does not apply to the following:
1. Amateur radio facilities;
2. Over the Air Reception Devices("OTARD")antennas;
3. Facilities owned and operated by the city for its use;
4. Any entity legally entitled to an exemption pursuant to state or federal law or governing franchise agreement.
12.18.040 Wireless Telecommunications Facility Permit Requirements.
A. Major Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Permit.
All new wireless facilities or collocations or modifications to existing wireless facilities shall require a Major Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities Permit subject to planning commission approval unless otherwise provided for in this
chapter.
B. Administrative Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Permit.
1. An Administrative Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Permit,subject to the director's approval,may be issued for new
facilities or collocations or modifications to existing facilities that meet all the following criteria:
a. The proposal is not located in any location identified in section 12.18.200.
b. The proposal would not significantly impair any view from any viewing area as those terms are interpreted and applied in
Code section 17.02.040;and
c. The proposal complies with all applicable provisions in this chapter without need for an exception pursuant to section
12.18.190.
2. The director may, in the director's discretion, refer any application for an Administrative Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities Permit to the planning commission for approval.
3. In the event that the director determines that any application submitted for an Administrative Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities Permit does not meet the criteria this Code,the director shall convert the application to a Major Wireless Facilities
Permit application and refer it to the planning commission.
C. Master Deployment Plan Permit.
1. Any applicant that seeks approval for five (5) or more wireless telecommunications facilities (including new facilities and
collocations to existing facilities)may elect to submit an application for a Master Deployment Plan Permit subject to planning
commission approval. The proposed facilities in a Master Deployment Plan shall be reviewed together at the same time
and subject to the same requirements and procedures applicable to a Major Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Permit.
2. A Master Deployment Plan Permit shall be deemed an approval for all wireless telecommunications facilities within the
plan; provided, however, that an individual encroachment permit shall be required for each wireless telecommunications
facility.
3. After the planning commission approves a Master Deployment Plan Permit,any deviations or alterations from the approved
Master Deployment Plan for an individual wireless telecommunications facility shall require either a Major Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities Permit or an Administrative Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Permit,as applicable.
D. Other Permits Required. In addition to any permit that may be required under this chapter, the applicant must obtain all
other required prior permits or other approvals from other city departments,or state or federal agencies.Any permit granted
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under this chapter is subject to the conditions and/or requirements of other required prior permits or other approvals from
other city departments,state or federal agencies.
E. Eligible Applicants. Only applicants who have been granted the right to enter the public right-of-way pursuant to state or
federal law, or who have entered into a franchise agreement with the city permitting them to use the public right-of-way,
shall be eligible for a permit to install or modify a wireless telecommunications facility or a wireless telecommunications
collocation facility in the public right-of-way.
F. Speculative Equipment Prohibited. The city finds that the practice of "pre-approving" wireless equipment or other
improvements that the applicant does not presently intend to install but may wish to install at some undetermined future
time does not serve the public's best interest. The city shall not approve any equipment or other improvements in
connection with a Wireless Telecommunications Facility Permit when the applicant does not actually and presently intend
to install such equipment or construct such improvements.
12.18.050 Application for Wireless Telecommunications Facility Permit.
A. Application.
1. In addition to the information required of an applicant for an encroachment permit or any other permit required by this code,
each applicant requesting approval of the installation or modification of a wireless telecommunications facility in the public
right-of-way shall fully and completely submit to the city a written application on a form prepared by the director.
2. No applicant seeking to install wireless antennas shall seek an encroachment permit for fiber or coaxial cable only.
Applicants shall simultaneously request fiber installation or other cable installation when seeking to install antennas in the
right-of-way.
B. Application Contents The director shall develop an application form and make it available to applicants upon request.
The supplemental application form for a new wireless telecommunications facility installation in the public right-of-way shall
require the following information, in addition to all other information determined necessary by the director:
1. The name,address and telephone number of the applicant,owner and the operator of the proposed facility.
2. If the applicant is an agent,the applicant shall provide a duly executed letter of authorization from the owner of the facility.
If the owner will not directly provide wireless telecommunications services,the applicant shall provide a duly executed letter
of authorization from the person(s)or entity(ies)that will provide those services.
3. If the facility will be located on or in the property of someone other than the owner of the facility(such as a street light pole,
street signal pole, utility pole, utility cabinet, vault, or cable conduit), the applicant shall provide a duly executed written
authorization from the property owner(s)authorizing the placement of the facility on or in the property owner's property.
4. A full written description of the proposed facility and its purpose.
5. Detailed engineering plans of the proposed facility and related report prepared by a professional engineer registered in the
state documenting the following:
a. Height, diameter and design of the facility, including technical engineering specifications, economic and other pertinent
factors governing selection of the proposed design,together with evidence that demonstrates that the proposed facility has
been designed to be the least visible equipment within the particular technology the carrier chooses to deploy. A layout
plan,section and elevation of the tower structure shall be included.
b. A photograph and model name and number of each piece of equipment included
c. Power output and operating frequency for the proposed antenna.
d. Total anticipated capacity of the structure, indicating the number and types of antennas and power and frequency ranges,
which can be accommodated.
e. Sufficient evidence of the structural integrity of the pole or other supporting structure as required by the city.
6. A justification study which includes the rationale foF selecting the proposed use; if applicable, a detailed explanation of the
coverage gap that the proposed use would serve;and how the proposed use is the least intrusive means for the applicant
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to provide wireless service. Said study shall include all existing structures and/or alternative sites evaluated for potential
installation of the proposed facility and why said alternatives are not a viable option.
7. Site plan(s)to scale,specifying and depicting the exact proposed location of the pole, pole diameter,antennas,accessory
equipment, access or utility easements, landscaped areas, existing utilities, adjacent land uses, and showing compliance
with section 12.18.080.
8. Scaled elevation plans of proposed poles,antennas,accessory equipment, and related landscaping and screening.
9. A completed environmental assessment application.
10. If the applicant requests an exception to the requirements of this chapter (in accordance with section 12.18.190), the
applicant shall provide all information and studies necessary for the city to evaluate that request.
11. An accurate visual impact analysis showing the maximum silhouette, viewshed analysis, color and finish palette and
proposed screening for the facility, including scaled photo simulations from at least 3 different angles.
12. Completion of the radio frequency(RF) emissions exposure guidelines checklist contained in Appendix A to the Federal
Communications Commission's (FCC) "Local Government Official's Guide to Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety"
to determine whether the facility will be"categorically excluded"as that term is used by the FCC.
13. For a facility that is not categorically excluded under the FCC regulations for RF emissions, the applicant shall submit an
RF exposure compliance report prepared and certified by an RF engineer acceptable to the city that certifies that the
proposed facility, as well as any facilities that contribute to the cumulative exposure in the subject area, will comply with
applicable federal RF exposure standards and exposure limits.The RF report must include the actual frequency and power
levels(in watts Effective Radio Power"ERP")for all existing and proposed antennas at the site and exhibits that show the
location and orientation of all transmitting antennas and the boundaries of areas with RF exposures in excess of the
uncontrolled/general population limit (as that term is defined by the FCC) and also the boundaries of areas with RF
exposures in excess of the controlled/occupational limit(as that term is defined by the FCC). Each such boundary shall be
clearly marked and identified for every transmitting antenna at the project site.
14. [Reserved]
15. Copies of any documents that the applicant is required to file pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration regulations for
the facility.
16. A noise study prepared by a qualified acoustic engineer documenting that the level of noise to be emitted by the proposed
wireless telecommunications facility will comply with this Code including section 12.18.080(A)(16)(B).
17. A traffic control plan when the proposed installation is on any street in a non-residential zone. The city shall have the
discretion to require a traffic control plan when the applicant seeks to use large equipment(e.g.crane).
18. A scaled conceptual landscape plan showing existing trees and vegetation and all proposed landscaping, concealment,
screening and proposed irrigation with a discussion of how the chosen material at maturity will screen the site.
19. A written description identifying the geographic service area for the subject installation including geographic and
propagation maps, that identifies the location of the proposed facility in relation to all existing and planned facilities
maintained within the city by each of the applicant,operator,and owner,if different entities,as well as the estimated number
of potentially affected uses in the geographic service area. Regardless of whether a Master Deployment Plan Permit is
sought, the applicant shall depict all locations anticipated for new construction and/or modifications to existing facilities,
including collocation, within two years of submittal of the application. Longer range conceptual plans for a period of five
years shall also be provided, if available.
a. In the event the applicant seeks to install a wireless telecommunications facility to address service coverage concerns,full-
color signal propagation maps with objective units of signal strength measurement that show the applicant's current service
coverage levels from all adjacent sites without the proposed site, predicted service coverage levels from all adjacent sites
with the proposed site,and predicted service coverage levels from the proposed site without all adjacent sites;
b. In the event the applicant seeks to address service capacity concerns,a written explanation identifying the existing facilities
with service capacity issues together with competent evidence to demonstrate the inability of those facilities to meet
capacity demands.
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20. Certification that applicant is a telephone corporation or a statement providing the basis for its claimed right to enter the
right-of-way. If the applicant has a certificate of public convenience and necessity(CPCN)issued by the California Public
Utilities Commission, it shall provide a copy of its CPCN.
21. An application fee, and a deposit for a consultant's review as set forth in paragraph E of this section in an amount set by
resolution by the city council and in accordance with California Government Code section 50030.
22. Proof that a temporary mock-up of the facility and sign has been installed at the proposed location for a period of at least
thirty(30)calendar days.
a. Applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit before installing the temporary mock-up, and must remove the temporary
mock-up within five(5)calendar days of receiving a written notice to remove from the director.
b. When seeking the encroachment permit,the applicant shall provide address labels for use by the city in noticing all property
owners within 500 feet of the proposed installation. The city shall mail a notice regarding installation of the mock-up at
least five(5)business days prior to the installation.
c. The mock-up shall demonstrate the height and mass of the facility,including all interconnecting cables. The applicant shall
not be entitled to install the facility it intends to install permanently. The mock-up may consist of story poles or the like.
d. The mock-up shall include a sign that displays photo simulations depicting before and after images,including any accessory
equipment cabinet,and the telephone number of the Public Works Department.
e. The applicant shall be required to follow any other city practices or processes relevant to the installation of a mock-up as
may be provided in a publicly accessible form or document.
f. After installation of the mock-up, the applicant shall certify that the mock-up accurately represents the height and width of
the proposed installation and has been installed consistent with this Code.
23. Any other information and/or studies determined necessary by the director may be required.
C. Application Contents—Modification of Existing Facility. The content of the application form for a modification to an existing
facility shall be determined by the director, and shall include but not be limited to the requirements listed in section
12.18.050(B)unless prohibited by state or federal law.
D. Effect of State or Federal Law Change. In the event a subsequent state or federal law prohibits the collection of any
information required by section 12.18.050(B),the director is authorized to omit,modify or add to that request from the city's
application form with the written approval of the city attorney,which approval shall be a public record.
E. Independent Expert. The director is authorized to retain on behalf of the city an independent,qualified consultant to review
any application for a permit for a wireless telecommunications facility. The review is intended to be a review of technical
aspects of the proposed wireless telecommunications facility and shall address any or all of the following:
1. Compliance with applicable radio frequency emission standards;
2. Whether any requested exception is necessary to close a significant gap in coverage and is the least intrusive means of
doing so;
3. The accuracy and completeness of submissions;
4. Technical demonstration of the unavailability of alternative sites or configurations and/or coverage analysis;
5. The applicability of analysis techniques and methodologies;
6. The validity of conclusions reached or claims made by applicant;
7. The viability of alternative sites and alternative designs;and
8. Any other specific technical issues identified by the consultant or designated by the city.
The cost of this review shall be paid by the applicant through a deposit pursuant to an adopted fee schedule
resolution. No permit shall be issued to any applicant which has not fully reimbursed the city for the consultants cost.
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12.18.060 Review Procedure
A. Pre-submittal Conference. Prior to application submittal,the city strongly encourages all applicants to schedule and attend
a pre-submittal conference with Public Works Department staff to receive informal feedback on the proposed location,
design and application materials. The pre-submittal conference is intended to identify potential concerns and streamline
the formal application review process after submittal. Public Works Department staff will endeavor to provide applicants
with an appointment within approximately five(5)business days after receipt of a written request.
B. Application Submittal Appointment. All applications must be submitted to the city at a pre-scheduled appointment.
Applicants may submit one (1) application per appointment but may schedule successive appointments for multiple
applications whenever feasible as determined by the city.City staff will endeavor to provide applicants with an appointment
within five(5)business days after receipt of a written request.
C. Notice;Decisions. The provisions in this section describe the procedures for approval and any required notice and public
hearings for an application.
1. Planning Commission Hearings. Any permit application under this chapter subject to planning commission approval shall
require notice and a public hearing. Notice of such hearing shall be provided in accordance with Code section 17.80.090.
The planning commission may approve, or conditionally approve, an application only after it makes the findings required
in section 12.18.090.
2. Director's Decision Notice. The director may approve, or conditionally approve, an application only after it makes the
findings required in section 12.18.090.Within five days after the director approves or conditionally approves an application
under this chapter,the director shall provide notice in accordance with Code section 17.80.040.
3. Notice of Shot Clock Expiration. The city acknowledges there are federal and state shot clocks which may be applicable
to a proposed wireless telecommunications facility. That is, federal and state law provide time periods in which the city
must approve or deny a proposed wireless telecommunications facility. As such, the applicant is required to provide the
city written notice of the expiration of any shot clock,which the applicant shall ensure is received by the city(e.g.overnight
mail)no later than twenty(20)days prior to the expiration.
4. Written Decision Required. All final decisions made pursuant to this chapter shall be in writing and based on substantial
evidence in the written administrative record.The written decision shall include the reasons for the decision.
D. Appeals.Any aggrieved person or entity may appeal a decision by the director or the planning commission as provided in
accordance with the provisions in Code chapter 17.80.The appellate authority may hear the appeal de novo.
12.18.080 Requirements for Facilities within the Public Right-of-Way
A. Design and Development Standards. All wireless telecommunications facilities that are located within the public right-of-
way shall be designed and maintained as to minimize visual, noise and other impacts on the surrounding community and
shall be planned,designed, located,and erected in accordance with the following:
1. General Guidelines.
a. The applicant shall employ screening, undergrounding and camouflage design techniques in the design and placement of
wireless telecommunications facilities in order to ensure that the facility is as visually screened as possible,to prevent the
facility from dominating the surrounding area and to minimize significant view impacts from surrounding properties all in a
manner that achieves compatibility with the community and in compliance with section 17.02.040 of this Code.
b. Screening shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with surrounding structures using appropriate techniques to
camouflage, disguise, and/or blend into the environment, including landscaping, color, and other techniques to minimize
the facility's visual impact as well as be compatible with the architectural character of the surrounding buildings or structures
in terms of color, size, proportion, style, and quality.
c. Facilities shall be located such that views from a residential structure are not significantly impaired. Facilities shall also be
located in a manner that protects public views over city view corridors, as defined in the city's general plan, so that no
significant view impairment results in accordance with this Code including section 17.02.040. This provision shall be
applied consistent with local,state and federal law.
2. [Reserved]
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3. Traffic Safety. All facilities shall be designed and located in such a manner as to avoid adverse impacts on traffic safety.
4. Blending Methods. All facilities shall have subdued colors and non-reflective materials that blend with the materials and
colors of the surrounding area and structures.
5. Equipment. The applicant shall use the least visible equipment possible. Antenna elements shall be flush mounted,to the
extent feasible. All antenna mounts shall be designed so as not to preclude possible future collocation by the same or
other operators or carriers. Unless otherwise provided in this section, antennas shall be situated as close to the ground
as possible.
6. Poles.
a. Facilities shall be located consistent with section 12.18.200 unless an exception pursuant to section 12.18.190 is granted.
b. Only pole-mounted antennas shall be permitted in the right-of-way. All other telecommunications towers are prohibited,
and no new poles are permitted that are not replacing an existing pole. (For exceptions see subparagraph (h) below and
sections 12.18.190 and 12.18.220.)
c. Utility Poles.The maximum height of any antenna shall not exceed forty-eight(48) inches above the height of an existing
utility pole, nor shall any portion of the antenna or equipment mounted on a pole be less than twenty-four(24)feet above
any drivable road surface. All installations on utility poles shall fully comply with the California Public Utilities Commission
general orders, including, but not limited to, General Order 95, as may be revised or superseded.
d. Light Poles. The maximum height of any antenna shall not exceed four(4) feet above the existing height of a light pole.
Any portion of the antenna or equipment mounted on a pole shall be no less than sixteen and a half(16 1/2)feet above
any drivable road surface.
e. Replacement Poles. If an applicant proposes to replace a pole in order to accommodate a proposed facility,the pole shall
be designed to resemble the appearance and dimensions of existing poles near the proposed location, including size,
height, color, materials and style to the maximum extent feasible.
f. Pole mounted equipment,exclusive of antennas,shall not exceed six(6)cubic feet in dimension.
g. [Reserved]
h. An exception shall be required to place a new pole in the public right-of-way. If an exception is granted for placement of
new poles in the right-of-way:
i. Such new poles shall be designed to resemble existing poles in the right-of-way near that location, including size, height,
color, materials and style, with the exception of any existing pole designs that are scheduled to be removed and not
replaced.
ii. Such new poles that are not replacement poles shall be located at least ninety(90)feet from any existing pole to the extent
feasible.
iii. Such new poles shall not adversely impact public view corridors,as defined in the general plan,and shall be located to the
extent feasible in an area where there is existing natural or other feature that obscures the view of the pole.The applicant
shall further employ concealment techniques to blend the pole with said features including but not limited to the addition of
vegetation if appropriate.
iv. A new pole justification analysis shall be submitted to demonstrate why existing infrastructure cannot be utilized and
demonstrating the new pole is the least intrusive means possible including a demonstration that the new pole is designed
to be the minimum functional height and width required to support the proposed facility.
i. All cables, including, but not limited to, electrical and utility cables, shall be run within the interior of the pole and shall be
camouflaged or hidden to the fullest extent feasible. For all wooden poles wherein interior installation is infeasible,conduit
and cables attached to the exterior of poles shall be mounted flush thereto and painted to match the pole.
7. Space. Each facility shall be designed to occupy the least amount of space in the right-of-way that is technically feasible.
8. Wind Loads.Each facility shall be properly engineered to withstand wind loads as required by this Code or any duly adopted
or incorporated code.An evaluation of high wind load capacity shall include the impact of modification of an existing facility.
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9. Obstructions. Each component part of a facility shall be located so as not to cause any physical or visual obstruction to
pedestrian or vehicular traffic, incommode the public's use of the right-of-way, or safety hazards to pedestrians and
motorists and in compliance with section 17.48.070 so as not to obstruct the intersection visibility triangle.
10. Public Facilities. A facility shall not be located within any portion of the public right-of-way interfering with access to a fire
hydrant, fire station, fire escape, water valve, underground vault, valve housing structure, or any other public health or
safety facility.
11. Screening. All ground-mounted facility,pole-mounted equipment,or walls,fences,landscaping or other screening methods
shall be installed at least eighteen (18) inches from the curb and gutter flow line.
12. Accessory Equipment. Not including the electric meter, all accessory equipment shall be located underground, except as
provided below:
a. Unless city staff determines that there is no room in the public right-of-way for undergrounding, or that undergrounding is
not feasible, an exception shall be required in order to place accessory equipment above-ground and concealed with
natural or manmade features to the maximum extent possible.
b. When above-ground is the only feasible location for a particular type of accessory equipment and will be ground-mounted,
such accessory equipment shall be enclosed within a structure, and shall not exceed a height of five (5)feet and a total
footprint of fifteen (15) square feet, and shall be fully screened and/or camouflaged, including the use of landscaping,
architectural treatment, or acceptable alternate screening. Required electrical meter cabinets shall be screened and/or
camouflaged. Also, while pole-mounted equipment is generally the least favored installation, should pol-mounted
equipment be sought, it shall be installed as required in this Chapter.
c. In locations where homes are only along one side of a street, above-ground accessory equipment shall not be installed
directly in front of a residence.Such above-ground accessory equipment shall be installed along the side of the street with
no homes. Unless said location is located within the coastal setback or the landslide moratorium area,then such locations
shall be referred to the city's geotechnical staff for review and recommendations.
13. Landscaping. Where appropriate, each facility shall be installed so as to maintain and enhance existing landscaping on
the site, including trees,foliage and shrubs. Additional landscaping shall be planted,irrigated and maintained by applicant
where such landscaping is deemed necessary by the city to provide screening or to conceal the facility.
14. Signage. No facility shall bear any signs or advertising devices other than certification, warning or other signage required
by law or permitted by the city.
15. Lighting.
a. No facility may be illuminated unless specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other government
agency. Beacon lights are not permitted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other government
agency.
b. Legally required lightning arresters and beacons shall be included when calculating the height of facilities such as towers,
lattice towers and monopoles.
c. Any required lighting shall be shielded to eliminate, to the maximum extent possible, impacts on the surrounding
neighborhoods.
d. Unless otherwise required under FAA or FCC regulations, applicants may install only timed or motion-sensitive light
controllers and lights,and must install such lights so as to avoid illumination impacts to adjacent properties to the maximum
extent feasible. The city may, in its discretion, exempt an applicant from the foregoing requirement when the applicant
demonstrates a substantial public safety need.
e. The applicant shall submit a lighting study which shall be prepared by a qualified lighting professional to evaluate potential
impacts to adjacent properties. Should no lighting be proposed, no lighting study shall be required.
16. Noise.
a. Backup generators shall only be operated during periods of power outages, and shall not be tested on weekends or
holidays, or between the hours of 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
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b. At no time shall equipment noise from any facility exceed an exterior noise level of fifty-five (55) dBA three (3)feet from
the source of the noise if the facility is located in the public right-of-way adjacent to a business,commercial,manufacturing,
utility or school zone; provided, however, that for any such facility located within five hundred (500)feet of any property
zoned residential or improved with a residential use, such equipment noise shall not exceed forty-five (45) dBA three (3)
feet from the sources of the noise.
17. Security. Each facility shall be designed to be resistant to, and minimize opportunities for, unauthorized access, climbing,
vandalism,graffiti and other conditions that would result in hazardous situations,visual blight or attractive nuisances. The
director may require the provision of warning signs, fencing, anti-climbing devices, or other techniques to prevent
unauthorized access and vandalism when, because of their location and/or accessibility, a facility has the potential to
become an attractive nuisance. Additionally, no lethal devices or elements shall be installed as a security device.
18. Modification. Consistent with current state and federal laws and if permissible under the same, at the time of modification
of a wireless telecommunications facility,existing equipment shall,to the extent feasible, be replaced with equipment that
reduces visual, noise and other impacts, including, but not limited to, undergrounding the equipment and replacing larger,
more visually intrusive facilities with smaller, less visually intrusive facilities.
19. The installation and construction approved by a wireless telecommunications facility permit shall begin within one(1)year
after its approval or it will expire without further action by the city.
B. Conditions of Approval. In addition to compliance with the design and development standards outlined in this section, all
facilities shall be subject to the following conditions of approval (approval may be by operation of law), as well as any
modification of these conditions or additional conditions of approval deemed necessary by the director:
1. The permittee shall submit an as built drawing within ninety(90)days after installation of the facility. [As-builts shall be in
an electronic format acceptable to the city which can be linked to the city's GIS.]
2. The permittee shall submit and maintain current at all times basic contact and site information on a form to be supplied by
the city.The permittee shall notify the city of any changes to the information submitted within thirty(30)days of any change,
including change of the name or legal status of the owner or operator.This information shall include, but is not limited to,
the following:
a. Identity, including the name,address and 24-hour local or toll free contact phone number of the permittee,the owner,the
operator,and the agent or person responsible for the maintenance of the facility.
b. The legal status of the owner of the wireless telecommunications facility.
3. The permittee shall notify the city in writing at least ninety(90)days prior to any transfer or assignment of the permit.The
written notice required in this section must include: (1) the transferee's legal name; (2) the transferee's full contact
information,including a primary contact person,mailing address,telephone number and email address;and(3)a statement
signed by the transferee that the transferee shall accept all permit terms and conditions. The director may require the
transferor and/or the transferee to submit any materials or documentation necessary to determine that the proposed
transfer complies with the existing permit and all its conditions of approval, if any. Such materials or documentation may
include, but shall not be limited to: federal, state and/or local approvals, licenses, certificates or franchise agreements;
statements; photographs; site plans and/or as-built drawings; and/or an analysis by a qualified radio frequency engineer
demonstrating compliance with all applicable regulations and standards of the Federal Communications Commission.
Noncompliance with the permit and all its conditions of approval, if any, or failure to submit the materials required by the
director shall be a cause for the city to revoke the applicable permits pursuant to and following the procedure set on in
section 12.18.180.
4. At all times, all required notices and/or signs shall be posted on the site as required by the Federal Communications
Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, any applicable licenses or laws, and as approved by the city. The
location and dimensions of a sign bearing the emergency contact name and telephone number shall be posted pursuant
to the approved plans.
5. Permittee shall pay for and provide a performance bond or other form of security approved by the city attorney's office,
which shall be in effect until the facilities are fully and completely removed and the site reasonably returned to its original
condition, to cover permittee's obligations under these conditions of approval and this code. The security instrument
coverage shall include, but not be limited to, removal of the facility. (The amount of the security instrument shall be
calculated by the applicant in its submittal documents in an amount rationally related to the obligations covered by the bond
and shall be specified in the conditions of approval.) Before issuance of any building permit, permittee must submit said
security instrument.
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6. If a nearby property owner registers a noise complaint, the city shall forward the same to the permittee. Said compliant
shall be reviewed and evaluated by the applicant. The permittee shall have ten(10)business days to file a written response
regarding the complaint which shall include any applicable remedial measures. If the city determines the complaint is valid
and the applicant has not taken any steps to minimize the noise, the city may hire a consultant to study, examine and
evaluate the noise complaint and the permittee shall pay the fee for the consultant if the site is found in violation of this
chapter. The matter shall be reviewed by the director. If the director determines sound proofing or other sound attenuation
measures should be required to bring the project into compliance with the Code, the director may impose conditions on
the project to achieve said objective.
7. A condition setting forth the permit expiration date in accordance with section 12.18.160 shall be included in the conditions
of approval.
8. The wireless telecommunications facility shall be subject to such conditions,changes or limitations as are from time to time
deemed necessary by the director for the purpose of: (a) protecting the public health, safety, and welfare; (b) preventing
interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic; and/or(c)preventing damage to the public right-of-way or any adjacent
property. The city may modify the permit to reflect such conditions, changes or limitations by following the same notice
and public hearing procedures as are applicable to the underlying permit for similarly located facilities,except the permittee
shall be given notice by personal service or by registered or certified mail at the last address provided to the city by the
permittee.
9. The permittee shall not transfer the permit to any person prior to the completion of the construction of the facility covered
by the permit, unless and until the transferee of the permit has submitted the security instrument required by section
12.18.080(B)(5).
10. The permittee shall not move,alter,temporarily relocate, change,or interfere with any existing structure, improvement or
property without the prior consent of the owner of that structure, improvement or property. No structure, improvement or
property owned by the city shall be moved to accommodate a wireless telecommunications facility unless the city
determines that such movement will not adversely affect the city or any surrounding businesses or residents, and the
permittee pays all costs and expenses related to the relocation of the city's structure, improvement or property. Prior to
commencement of any work pursuant to an encroachment permit issued for any facility within the public right-of-way,the
permittee shall provide the city with documentation establishing to the city's satisfaction that the permittee has the legal
right to use or interfere with any other structure, improvement or property within the public right-of-way to be affected by
applicant's facilities.
11. The permittee shall assume full liability for damage or injury caused to any property or person by the facility.
12. The permittee shall repair, at its sole cost and expense, any damage including, but not limited to subsidence, cracking,
erosion, collapse, weakening, or loss of lateral support to city streets, sidewalks, walks, curbs, gutters, trees, parkways,
street lights, traffic signals, improvements of any kind or nature, or utility lines and systems, underground utility line and
systems, or sewer systems and sewer lines that result from any activities performed in connection with the installation
and/or maintenance of a wireless telecommunications facility in the public right-of-way. The permittee shall restore such
areas, structures and systems to the condition in which they existed prior to the installation or maintenance that
necessitated the repairs. In the event the permittee fails to complete such repair within the number of days stated on a
written notice by the city engineer. Such time period for correction shall be based on the facts and circumstances,danger
to the community and severity of the disrepair. Should the permittee not make said correction within the time period allotted
the city engineer shall cause such repair to be completed at permittee's sole cost and expense.
13. No facility shall be permitted to be installed in the drip line of any tree in the right-of-way.
14. Insurance. The permittee shall obtain, pay for and maintain, in full force and effect until the facility approved by the permit
is removed in its entirety from the public right-of-way, an insurance policy or policies of public liability insurance, with
minimum limits of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) for each occurrence and Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000) in the
aggregate, that fully protects the city from claims and suits for bodily injury and property damage. The insurance must
name the city and its elected and appointed council members,boards,commissions,officers,officials,agents,consultants,
employees and volunteers as additional named insureds, be issued by an insurer admitted in the State of California with a
rating of at least a A:VII in the latest edition of A.M. Best's Insurance Guide, and include an endorsement providing that
the policies cannot be canceled or reduced except with thirty(30)days prior written notice to the city,except for cancellation
due to nonpayment of premium. The insurance provided by permittee shall be primary to any coverage available to the
city, and any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the city and its elected and appointed council members, boards,
commissions, officers, officials, agents, consultants, employees and volunteers shall be excess of permittee's insurance
and shall not contribute with it. The policies of insurance required by this permit shall include provisions for waiver of
subrogation. In accepting the benefits of this permit, permittee hereby waives all rights of subrogation against the city and
its elected and appointed council members, boards, commissions, officers, officials, agents, consultants, employees and
volunteers. The insurance must afford coverage for the permittee's and the wireless provider's use,operation and activity,
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vehicles, equipment, facility, representatives, agents and employees, as determined by the city's risk manager. Before
issuance of any building permit for the facility,the permittee shall furnish the city risk manager certificates of insurance and
endorsements, in the form satisfactory to the city attorney or the risk manager, evidencing the coverage required by the
city.
15. Permittee shall defend, indemnify, protect and hold harmless city, its elected and appointed council members, boards,
commissions, officers, officials, agents, consultants, employees, and volunteers from and against any and all claims,
actions, or proceeding against the city, and its elected and appointed council members, boards, commissions, officers,
officials,agents,consultants,employees,and volunteers to attack,set aside,void or annul,an approval of the city,planning
commission or city council concerning this permit and the project. Such indemnification shall include damages of any type,
judgments,settlements,penalties,fines,defensive costs or expenses,including, but not limited to,interest,attorneys'fees
and expert witness fees, or liability of any kind related to or arising from such claim, action, or proceeding. The city shall
promptly notify the permittee of any claim, action, or proceeding. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit city from
participating in a defense of any claim, action or proceeding. The city shall have the option of coordinating the defense,
including, but not limited to,choosing counsel after consulting with permittee and at permittee's expense.
16. Additionally,to the fullest extent permitted by law,the permittee,and every permittee and person in a shared permit,jointly
and severally, shall defend, indemnify, protect and hold the city and its elected and appointed council members, boards,
commissions,officers,officials,agents,consultants,employees and volunteers harmless from and against all claims,suits,
demands, actions, losses, liabilities,judgments, settlements, costs (including, but not limited to, attorney's fees, interest
and expert witness fees),or damages claimed by third parties against the city for any injury claim,and for property damage
sustained by any person,arising out of,resulting from,or are in any way related to the wireless telecommunications facility,
or to any work done by or use of the public right-of-way by the permittee, owner or operator of the wireless
telecommunications facility, or their agents, excepting only liability arising out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct
of the city and its elected and appointed council members, boards, commissions, officers, officials, agents, consultants,
employees and volunteers.
17. Should the utility company servicing the facility with electrical service that does not require the use of an above ground
meter cabinet,the permittee shall at its sole cost and expense remove the meter cabinet and any related foundation within
ninety(90)days of such service being offered and reasonably restore the area to its prior condition. An extension may be
granted if circumstances arise outside of the control of the permittee.
18. Relocation. The permittee shall modify, remove, or relocate its facility, or portion thereof,without cost or expense to city,
if and when made necessary by (i) any public improvement project, including, but not limited to, the construction,
maintenance,or operation of any underground or above ground facilities including but not limited to sewers,storm drains,
conduits, gas, water, electric or other utility systems, or pipes owned by city or any other public agency, (ii) any
abandonment of any street, sidewalk or other public facility, (iii) any change of grade, alignment or width of any street,
sidewalk or other public facility, or (iv) a determination by the director that the wireless telecommunications facility has
become incompatible with public health,safety or welfare or the public's use of the public right-of-way. Such modification,
removal, or relocation of the facility shall be completed within ninety (90) days of notification by city unless exigencies
dictate a shorter period for removal or relocation. Modification or relocation of the facility shall require submittal, review
and approval of a modified permit pursuant to the Code including applicable notice and hearing procedures. The permittee
shall be entitled, on permittee's election, to either a pro-rata refund of fees paid for the original permit or to a new permit,
without additional fee, at a location as close to the original location as the standards set forth in the Code allow. In the
event the facility is not modified, removed, or relocated within said period of time, city may cause the same to be done at
the sole cost and expense of permittee. Further, due to exigent circumstances including those of immediate or imminent
threat to the public's health and safety, the city may modify, remove, or relocate wireless telecommunications facilities
without prior notice to permittee provided permittee is notified within a reasonable period thereafter.
19. Permittee shall agree in writing that the permittee is aware of, and agrees to abide by, all conditions of approval imposed
by the wireless telecommunications facility permit within thirty(30)days of permit issuance. The permit shall be void and
of no force or effect unless such written consent is received by the city within said thirty(30)day period.
20. Prior to the issuance of any encroachment permit, permittee may be required to enter into a right-of-way agreement with
the city in accordance with the City's past practice.
21. "Permittee"shall include the applicant and all successors in interest to this permit.
12.18.090 Findings.
No permit shall be granted for a wireless telecommunications facility unless all of the following findings are made
by the director:
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A. All notices required for the proposed installation have been given.
B. The proposed facility has been designed and located in compliance with all applicable provisions of this chapter.
C. If applicable,the applicant has demonstrated its inability to locate on existing infrastructure.
D. The applicant has provided sufficient evidence supporting the applicant's claim that it has the right to enter the public right-
of-way pursuant to state or federal law, or the applicant has entered into a franchise agreement with the city permitting
them to use the public right-of-way.
E. The applicant has demonstrated the proposed installation is designed such that the proposed installation represents the
least intrusive means possible and supported by factual evidence and a meaningful comparative analysis to show that all
alternative locations and designs identified in the application review process were technically infeasible or not available.
12.18.100 [Section Reserved]
12.18.110 Nonexclusive grant.
No permit or approval granted under this chapter shall confer any exclusive right, privilege, license or franchise
to occupy or use the public right-of-way of the city for any purpose whatsoever. Further, no approval shall be construed
as any warranty of title.
12.18.120 Emergency Deployment.
A COW shall be permitted for the duration of an emergency declared by the city or at the discretion of the director.
12.18.130 Operation and Maintenance Standards.
All wireless telecommunications facilities must comply at all times with the following operation and maintenance
standards.
A. Unless otherwise provided herein, all necessary repairs and restoration shall be completed by the permittee, owner,
operator or any designated maintenance agent within forty-eight(48)hours:
1. After discovery of the need by the permittee,owner, operator or any designated maintenance agent;or
2. After permittee,owner,operator or any designated maintenance agent receives notification from the city.
B. Each permittee of a wireless telecommunications facility shall provide the director with the name, address and 24-hour
local or toll free contact phone number of the permittee, the owner, the operator and the agent responsible for the
maintenance of the facility ("contact information"). Contact information shall be updated within seven (7) days of any
change.
C. All facilities, including, but not limited to, telecommunication towers, poles, accessory equipment, lighting, fences, walls,
shields, cabinets, artificial foliage or camouflage, and the facility site shall be maintained in good condition, including
ensuring the facilities are reasonably free of:
1. General dirt and grease;
2. Chipped,faded, peeling,and cracked paint;
3. Rust and corrosion;
4. Cracks,dents,and discoloration;
5. Missing, discolored or damaged artificial foliage or other camouflage;
6. Graffiti, bills,stickers,advertisements, litter and debris;
7. Broken and misshapen structural parts;and
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8. Any damage from any cause.
D. All trees,foliage or other landscaping elements approved as part of the facility shall be maintained in good condition at all
times, and the permittee, owner and operator of the facility shall be responsible for replacing any damaged, dead or
decayed landscaping. No amendment to any approved landscaping plan may be made until it is submitted to and approved
by the director.
E. The permittee shall replace its facilities, after obtaining all required permits, if maintenance or repair is not sufficient to
return the facility to the condition it was in at the time of installation.
F. Each facility shall be operated and maintained to comply at all conditions of approval. Each owner or operator of a facility
shall routinely inspect each site to ensure compliance with the same and the standards set forth in this chapter.
12.18.140 [Reserved]
12.18.150 No Dangerous Condition or Obstructions Allowed
No person shall install,use or maintain any facility which in whole or in part rests upon, in or over any public right-
of-way,when such installation,use or maintenance endangers or is reasonably likely to endanger the safety of persons or
property, or when such site or location is used for public utility purposes, public transportation purposes or other
governmental use, or when such facility unreasonably interferes with or unreasonably impedes the flow of pedestrian or
vehicular traffic including any legally parked or stopped vehicle,the ingress into or egress from any residence or place of
business,the use of poles, posts,traffic signs or signals, hydrants, mailboxes, permitted sidewalk dining, permitted street
furniture or other objects permitted at or near said location.
12.18.160 Permit Expiration.
A. Unless Government Code section 65964,as may be amended,authorizes the city to issue a permit with a shorter term, a
permit for any wireless telecommunications facility shall be valid for a period of ten(10)years, unless pursuant to another
provision of this Code it lapses sooner or is revoked. At the end of ten (10)years from the date of issuance, such permit
shall automatically expire.
B. A permittee may apply for a new permit within one hundred and eighty(180)days prior to expiration. Said application and
proposal shall comply with the city's current code requirements for wireless telecommunications facilities.
12.18.170 Cessation of Use or Abandonment
A. A wireless telecommunications facility is considered abandoned and shall be promptly removed as provided herein if it
ceases to provide wireless telecommunications services for ninety(90)or more consecutive days unless the permittee has
obtained prior written approval from the director which shall not be unreasonably denied. If there are two(2)or more users
of a single facility,then this provision shall not become effective until all users cease using the facility.
B. The operator of a facility shall notify the city in writing of its intent to abandon or cease use of a permitted site or a
nonconforming site(including unpermitted sites)within ten (10)days of ceasing or abandoning use. Notwithstanding any
other provision herein, the operator of the facility shall provide written notice to the director of any discontinuation of
operations of thirty(30)days or more.
C. Failure to inform the director of cessation or discontinuation of operations of any existing facility as required by this section
shall constitute a violation of any approvals and be grounds for:
1. Litigation;
2. Revocation or modification of the permit;
3. Acting on any bond or other assurance required by this article or conditions of approval of the permit;
4. Removal of the facilities by the city in accordance with the procedures established under this Code for abatement of a
public nuisance at the owner's expense;and/or
5. Any other remedies permitted under this Code.
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12.18.180 Removal and Restoration—Permit Expiration, Revocation or Abandonment
A. Upon the expiration date of the permit, including any extensions, earlier termination or revocation of the permit or
abandonment of the facility, the permittee, owner or operator shall remove its wireless telecommunications facility and
restore the site to its natural condition except for retaining the landscaping improvements and any other improvements at
the discretion of the city. Removal shall be in accordance with proper health and safety requirements and all ordinances,
rules,and regulations of the city. The facility shall be removed from the property, at no cost or expense to the city.
B. Failure of the permittee, owner or operator to promptly remove its facility and restore the property within ninety(90)days
after expiration, earlier termination or revocation of the permit, or abandonment of the facility, shall be a violation of this
Code. Upon a showing of good cause,an extension may be granted by the director where circumstances are beyond the
control of the permittee after expiration. Further failure to abide by the timeline provided in this section shall be grounds
for:
1. Prosecution;
2. Acting on any security instrument required by this chapter or conditions of approval of permit;
3. Removal of the facilities by the city in accordance with the procedures established under this Code for abatement of a
public nuisance at the owner's expense; and/or
4. Any other remedies permitted under this Code.
C. Summary Removal. In the event the director or city engineer determines that the condition or placement of a wireless
telecommunications facility located in the public right-of-way constitutes a dangerous condition, obstruction of the public
right-of-way,or an imminent threat to public safety,or determines other exigent circumstances require immediate corrective
action (collectively,"exigent circumstances"),the director or city engineer may cause the facility to be removed summarily
and immediately without advance notice or a hearing. Written notice of the removal shall include the basis for the removal
and shall be served upon the permittee and person who owns the facility within five (5) business days of removal and all
property removed shall be preserved for the owner's pick-up as feasible. If the owner cannot be identified following
reasonable effort or if the owner fails to pick-up the property within sixty(60)days,the facility shall be treated as abandoned
property.
D. Removal of Facilities by city. In the event the city removes a facility in accordance with nuisance abatement procedures
or summary removal, any such removal shall be without any liability to the city for any damage to such facility that may
result from reasonable efforts of removal. In addition to the procedures for recovering costs of nuisance abatement, the
city may collect such costs from the performance bond posted and to the extent such costs exceed the amount of the
performance bond, collect those excess costs in accordance with this Code. Unless otherwise provided herein, the city
has no obligation to store such facility. Neither the permittee,owner nor operator shall have any claim if the city destroys
any such facility not timely removed by the permittee,owner or operator after notice,or removed by the city due to exigent
circumstances.
12.18.190 Exceptions.
A. The city council recognizes that federal law prohibits a permit denial when it would effectively prohibit the provision of
personal wireless services and the applicant proposes the least intrusive means to provide such services.The city council
finds that, due to wide variation among wireless facilities, technical service objectives and changed circumstances over
time, a limited exemption for proposals in which strict compliance with this chapter would effectively prohibit personal
wireless services serves the public interest.The city council further finds that circumstances in which an effective prohibition
may occur are extremely difficult to discern,and that specified findings to guide the analysis promotes clarity and the city's
legitimate interest in well-planned wireless facilities deployment. Therefore, in the event that any applicant asserts that
strict compliance with any provision in this chapter, as applied to a specific proposed personal wireless services facility,
would effectively prohibit the provision of personal wireless services, the planning commission may grant a limited, one-
time exemption from strict compliance subject to the provisions in this section
B. Required Findings. The planning commission shall not grant any exception unless the applicant demonstrates with clear
and convincing evidence all the following:
1. The proposed wireless facility qualifies as a"personal wireless services facility"as defined in United States Code,Title 47,
section 332(c)(7)(C)(ii);
2. The applicant has provided the city with a clearly defined technical service objective and a clearly defined potential site
search area;
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Page 17 of 19
3. The applicant has provided the city with a meaningful comparative analysis that includes the factual reasons why any
alternative location(s)or design(s)suggested by the city or otherwise identified in the administrative record, including but
not limited to potential alternatives identified at any public meeting or hearing, are not technically feasible or potentially
available;and
4. The applicant has provided the city with a meaningful comparative analysis that includes the factual reasons why the
proposed location and design deviates is the least noncompliant location and design necessary to reasonably achieve the
applicant's reasonable technical service objectives.
C. Scope.The planning commission shall limit its exemption to the extent to which the applicant demonstrates such exemption
is necessary to reasonably achieve its reasonable technical service objectives. The planning commission may adopt
conditions of approval as reasonably necessary to promote the purposes in this chapter and protect the public health,
safety and welfare.
D. Independent Consultant. The city shall have the right to hire, at the applicant's expense, an independent consultant to
evaluate issues raised by the exception and to submit recommendations and evidence in response to the application.
12.18.200 Location Restrictions.
Locations Requiting an Exception. Wireless telecommunications facilities are strongly disfavored in certain areas.
Therefore the following locations are permitted when an exception has been granted pursuant to section 12.18.190:
A. Public right-of-way of local streets as identified in the general plan if within the residential zones;
B. Public right-of-way if mounted to a new pole that is not replacing an existing pole in an otherwise permitted location.
12.18.210 Effect on Other Ordinances.
Compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall not relieve a person from complying with any other applicable
provision of this Code. In the event of a conflict between any provision of this division and other sections of this Code,this
chapter shall control.
12.18.220 State or Federal Law.
A. In the event it is determined by the city attorney that state or federal law prohibits discretionary permitting requirements for
certain wireless telecommunications facilities,such requirement shall be deemed severable and all remaining regulations
shall remain in full force and effect. Such a determination by the city attorney shall be in writing with citations to legal
authority and shall be a public record. For those facilities, in lieu of a minor conditional use permit or a conditional use
permit, a ministerial permit shall be required prior to installation or modification of a wireless telecommunications facility,
and all provisions of this division shall be applicable to any such facility with the exception that the required permit shall be
reviewed and administered as a ministerial permit by the director rather than as a discretionary permit. Any conditions of
approval set forth in this provision or deemed necessary by the director shall be imposed and administered as reasonable
time, place and manner rules.
B. If subsequent to the issuance of the city attorney's written determination pursuant to(A)above,the city attorney determines
that the law has changed and that discretionary permitting is permissible,the city attorney shall issue such determination
in writing with citations to legal authority and all discretionary permitting requirements shall be reinstated. The city
attorney's written determination shall be a public record.
C. All installations permitted pursuant to this chapter shall comply with all federal and state laws including but not limited to
the American with Disabilities Act.
12.18.230 Nonconforming Wireless Telecommunications Facilities in the Right-of-Way
A. Nonconforming wireless telecommunications facilities are those facilities that do not conform to this chapter.
B. Nonconforming wireless telecommunications facilities shall, within ten (10) years from the date such facility becomes
nonconforming, be brought into conformity with all requirements of this article; provided, however, that should the owner
desire to expand or modify the facility, intensify the use, or make some other change in a conditional use,the owner shall
comply with all applicable provisions of this Code at such time, to the extent the city can require such compliance under
federal and state law.
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C. An aggrieved person may file an appeal to the city council of any decision of the director made pursuant to this section. In
the event of an appeal alleging that the ten(10) year amortization period is not reasonable as applied to a particular
property,the city council may consider the amount of investment or original cost,present actual or depreciated value,dates
of construction, amortization for tax purposes, salvage value, remaining useful life, the length and remaining term of the
lease under which it is maintained (if any), and the harm to the public if the structure remains standing beyond the
prescribed amortization period, and set an amortization period accordingly for the specific property."
SECTION 5. Section 17.96.090 of Chapter 96,Title 17 is amended and replaced in its entirety to read as follows:
"Commercial antenna"means all antennas, parabolic dishes, relay towers and antenna support structures used
for the transmission or reception of radio,television and communication signals for commercial purposes. For the purpose
of this definition, "commercial purposes" shall mean communications for hire or material compensation, or the use of
commercial frequencies, as these terms are defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). "Commercial
antennas"shall not include antennas owned or operated by governmental agencies.
SECTION 6. Severability. If any section,subsection,subdivision,sentence,clause,phrase,or portion of this
Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or place, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the
decision of any court of competent jurisdiction,such decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Ordinance.
The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each and every section, subsection,
subdivision,sentence,clause,phrase,or portion thereof,irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections,subsections,
subdivisions, sentences,clauses, phrases,or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 7. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be in effective on the thirtieth(30th)day after the day of its
adoption.
SECTION 8. Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the
same to be posted in the manner required by law.
PASSED,APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of March 2016.
tC4C--,
Mayor
ATTEST:
gl-d *Le
adZ_
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES)
I, Carla Morreale, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the whole number of
members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing Ordinance No. 580 passed first reading on March 1,
2016,was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on March 15,2016,
and that the same was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Brooks, Duhovic, Misetich and Campbell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dyda
ABSTAIN: None --�
(4/ g I
City Clerk
01203.0015/287388.1 Ordinance No.580
Page 19 of 19
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES)
The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
That at all times herein mentioned, she was and now is the appointed City Clerk of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes;
That on March 17, 2016, she caused to be posted the following document entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 580, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW CHAPTER ENTITLED "WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES" TO CHAPTER 18 OF TITLE 12 OF THE
RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE UNIFORM AND
COMPREHENSIVE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS, ALONG WITH PERMIT
REQUIREMENTS, FOR THE INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,a copy of
which is attached hereto, in the following locations:
City Hall Ladera Linda Community Center
30940 Hawthorne Blvd. 32201 Forrestal Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Palos Verdes
Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is a true and correct affidavit of
posting.
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