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(1) Purpose. The provisions of this section are intended to ensure that telecommunication facilities are located, installed, maintained and removed in a manner that:

(a) Minimizes the number of transmission towers throughout the community;

(b) Encourages the collocation of telecommunication facilities;

(c) Encourages the use of existing buildings, light or utility poles or water towers as opposed to construction of new telecommunication towers;

(d) Recognizes the need of telecommunication providers to build out their systems over time; and

(e) Ensures that all telecommunication facilities, including towers, antennas, and ancillary facilities are located and designed to minimize the visual impact on the immediate surroundings and throughout the community, and minimize public inconvenience and disruption. Nothing in this section shall apply to amateur radio antennas, or facilities used exclusively for the transmission of television and radio signals.

(2) Siting Restricted. No telecommunication facility, as defined in this land use code, may be constructed, modified to increase its height, installed or otherwise located within the city except as provided in this section. Depending on the type and location of the telecommunication facility, the telecommunication facility shall be either an outright permitted use, subject to site review procedures, or require a conditional use permit.

(a) Outright Permitted Uses. No land use permit is required for a telecommunication facility which, pursuant to subsections (3) through (5) of this section, is an outright permitted use. Such a telecommunication facility shall require only a development permit or permits.

(b) Site Review. A telecommunication facility which, pursuant to subsections (3) through (5) of this section, is subject to site review shall be processed in accordance with the site review procedures of this land use code. The criteria contained in this section, as well as the criteria contained in EC 9.8440 Site Review Approval Criteria – General/Discretionary, shall govern approval or denial of the site review application. In the event of a conflict in criteria, the criteria contained in this section shall govern. No development permit shall be issued prior to completion of the site review process, including any local appeal.

(c) Conditional Use Permit. A telecommunication facility which, pursuant to subsections (4) or (5) of this section, requires a conditional use permit shall be processed in accordance with the conditional use permit procedures of this land use code, except that the variance provisions shall not apply. The criteria contained in EC 9.8090 Conditional Use Permit Approval Criteria – General/Discretionary and subsections (6) and (7) of this section shall govern approval or denial of the conditional use permit application. In the event of a conflict in criteria, the criteria contained in subsections (6) and (7) of this section shall govern. No development permit shall be issued prior to completion of the conditional use permit process, including any local appeal.

(3) Collocation of Additional Antennas on Existing Transmission Tower.

(a) Permitted Use. Collocation of an additional antenna on an existing transmission tower shall be considered an outright permitted use if property is zoned GO, PL, S, C-2, C-3, E-1, E-2, I-2, or I-3 or if the transmission tower is in any other zone and the city specifically approved, as part of a prior land use process authorizing the transmission tower, collocation of additional antennas.

(b) Site Review. Collocation of an additional antenna on an existing transmission tower shall be subject to site review approval if property is zoned AG, R-1, C-1 or PRO and approval for collocation was not granted through a prior land use process.

(4) Collocation of Antennas on Existing Buildings, Light or Utility Poles, and Water Towers. In addition to collocation on a transmission tower, an antenna may be collocated on existing buildings, light or utility poles, and water towers.

(a) Permitted Use. Such collocation on a building, light or utility pole, or water tower, shall be considered an outright permitted use provided that the antennas and ancillary facilities comply with the standards contained in EC 9.5750 Telecommunications Devices-Siting Requirements and Procedures, the color of the antennas blends in with the existing structure and surroundings, and one of the following is met:

1. The property is zoned PL, C-2, C-3, R-4, E-1, E-2, I-2, I-3, or S-WS and the antennas do not exceed the height limitation of the zone; or

2. The property is zoned AG, R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, GO, S (except as provided in 1., above), H, or PRO, and the antennas extend no more than 18 feet above, and project no more than 2 feet horizontally away from the existing structure.

(b) Site Review. Such collocation on a building, light or utility pole, or water tower shall be subject to site review approval provided that the antennas and ancillary facilities comply with the standards contained in EC 9.5750 Telecommunications Devices-Siting Requirements and Procedures, the color of the antennas blend in with the existing structure and surroundings, and:

1. The property is zoned AG, R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, GO, S (other than S-WS), H, or PRO, and the antennas extend more than 18 feet above, or project more than 2 feet horizontally away from the existing structure.

(c) Conditional Use Permit. In all cases other than those listed in subparagraphs (a) and (b), such collocation shall require a conditional use permit. No exceptions to the standards contained in EC 9.5750 Telecommunications Devices-Siting Requirements and Procedures shall be permitted except as authorized by subsection (9) of this section. In no event shall a conditional use permit authorize a tower or antennas to exceed the height limitation for a zone as established by Chapter 9 except as provided for in this section.

(5) Construction of Transmission Tower. Construction of a transmission tower, or a modification of an existing transmission tower to increase its height, shall be allowed as follows:

(a) Permitted Use.

1. Such construction or modification shall be considered an outright permitted use in the E-1, E-2, I-2 and I-3 zone.

2. Modification to increase the height of an existing transmission tower shall be considered an outright permitted use in all other zones if the city approved an increase in tower height, as part of a prior land use process authorizing the transmission tower. The increase in height allowed under this paragraph shall be limited to the specific height authorized in the prior land use process.

(b) Site Review. Such construction shall require site review approval in the PL, C-2, C-3, and S-WS zones.

(c) Conditional Use Permit. Such construction shall require a conditional use permit in the R-1, C-1, S (other than S-WS) and GO zones.

(d) Prohibited Zones and Locations. No new transmission tower shall be permitted in any zones not included in subparagraphs (a) to (c) above, including the AG, R-2, R-3, R-4, H, NR, and PRO zones; or in the Willamette River Greenway, on Gillespie Butte above the elevation of 450 feet, on the ridgeline as defined in the South Hills Study or on Judkins Point.

(6) Application Requirements.

(a) Collocation of Antennas. In addition to standard required application material, an applicant for collocation of antennas shall submit the following information; additional application material is required, as specified in paragraph (c) below, for applications requiring a site review or conditional use process.

1. A description of the proposed antennas location, design and height.

2. Documentation demonstrating compliance with non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NIER) emissions standards as set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) particularly with respect to any habitable areas within the structure on which the antennas are co-locating on or in structures directly across from or adjacent to the antennas.

3. A statement documenting that placement of the antenna is designed to allow future collocation of additional antennas if technologically possible.

4. Documentation that the ancillary facilities will not produce sound levels in excess of those standards specified in subsection (7)(f) of this section, or designs showing how the sound is to be effectively muffled and reduced pursuant to those standards.

5. Plans showing the connection to utilities/right-of-way cuts required, ownership of utilities and easements required.

6. Documents demonstrating that necessary easements have been obtained.

7. Plans showing how vehicle access will be provided.

8. Signature of the property owner(s) on the application form or a statement from the property owner(s) granting authorization to proceed with development permit and land use processes.

9. If ancillary facilities will be located on the ground, a landscape plan drawn to scale showing proposed and existing landscaping, including type, spacing, size and irrigation methods.

10. Documents demonstrating that the FAA has reviewed and approved the proposal, and the Oregon Department of Aviation has reviewed the proposal. Alternatively, when a site review or conditional use process is required, submit a statement documenting that notice of the proposal has been submitted to the FAA and Oregon Department of Aviation. The site review or conditional use process may proceed and approval may be granted for the proposal as submitted, subject to FAA approval. If FAA approval requires any changes to the proposal as initially approved, then that initial approval shall be void. A new application will need to be submitted, reviewed and approved through an additional site review or conditional use process. No development permit application shall be submitted without documents demonstrating FAA review and approval and Oregon Department of Aviation review.

(b) Construction of Transmission Tower. In addition to standard required application material, an applicant for a transmission tower shall submit the following information; additional application material is required, as specified in paragraph (c) below, for applications requiring a site review or conditional use process:

1. A description of the proposed tower location, design and height.

2. The general capacity of the tower in terms of the number and type of antennas it is designed to accommodate.

3. Documentation demonstrating compliance with non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NIER) emissions standards as set forth by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

4. A signed agreement, as supplied by the city, stating that the applicant will allow collocation with other users, provided all safety, structural, and technological requirements are met. This agreement shall also state that any future owners or operators will allow collocation on the tower.

5. Documentation that the ancillary facilities will not produce sound levels in excess of those standards specified in subsection (7) of this section, or designs showing how the sound is to be effectively muffled and reduced pursuant to those standards.

6. A landscape plan drawn to scale showing proposed and existing landscaping, including type, spacing, size and irrigation methods.

7. Plans showing the connection to utilities/right-of-way cuts required, ownership of utilities and easements required.

8. Documents demonstrating that necessary easements have been obtained;

9. Plans showing how vehicle access will be provided;

10. Signature of the property owner(s) on the application form or a statement from the property owner(s) granting authorization to proceed with development permit and land use processes;

11. Documents demonstrating that the FAA has reviewed and approved the proposal, and Oregon Department of Aviation has reviewed the proposal. Alternatively, when a site review or conditional use process is required, submit a statement documenting that notice of the proposal has been submitted to the FAA and Oregon Department of Aviation. The site review or conditional use process may proceed and approval may be granted for the proposal as submitted, subject to FAA approval. If FAA approval requires any changes to the proposal as initially approved, then that initial approval shall be void. A new application will need to be submitted, reviewed and approved through an additional site review or conditional use process. No development permit application shall be submitted without documents demonstrating FAA review and approval and Oregon Department of Aviation review.

(c) Site Review and Conditional Use Permit Applications. In addition to the application requirements specified in paragraph (b) above, applications for site review or conditional use permits also shall include the following information:

1. A visual study containing, at a minimum, a graphic simulation showing the appearance of the proposed tower, antennas, and ancillary facilities from at least 5 points within a 3 mile radius. Such points shall be chosen by the provider with review and approval by the planning director to ensure that various potential views are represented.

2. Documentation that alternative sites within a radius of at least 2000 feet have been considered and have been determined to be technologically unfeasible or unavailable. For site reviews, alternative sites zoned E-1, E-2, I-2, and I-3 must be considered. For conditional use permits, alternative sites zoned PL, C-2, C-3, E-1, E-2, I-2, I-3 and S-WS must be considered.

3. Evidence demonstrating collocation is impractical on existing tall buildings, light or utility poles, water towers, existing transmission towers, and existing tower facility sites for reasons of structural support capabilities, safety, available space, or failing to meet service coverage area needs.

4. A current overall system plan for the city, showing facilities presently constructed or approved and future expansion plans.

5. A statement providing the reasons for the location, design and height of the proposed tower or antennas.

(7) Standards for Transmission Towers and Antennas. Installation, construction or modification of all transmission towers and antennas shall comply with the following standards, unless a variance is obtained pursuant to the provisions of subsection (9) of this section:

(a) Separation Between Transmission Towers. No transmission tower may be constructed within 2000 feet of any pre-existing transmission tower. Tower separation shall be measured by following a straight line from the portion of the base of the proposed tower which is closest to the base of any pre-existing tower. For purposes of this paragraph, a tower shall include any transmission tower for which the city has issued a development permit, or for which an application has been filed and not denied. Transmission towers constructed or approved prior to February 26, 1997 may be modified to accommodate additional providers consistent with provisions for collocation in this section.

(b) Height Limitation: Transmission tower heights shall be governed by this section except as provided for below. No transmission tower shall exceed the maximum heights provided below. In no case shall a variance be granted from the limitations of subparagraphs (1) through (4) below.

1. In any zones, no transmission tower shall exceed the height limitations established for buildings and structures in the specified areas surrounding Skinner Butte contained in EC 9.6715 Height Limitation Areas of this land use code to protect views to and from Skinner Butte.

2. In any zone within the area east of Willagillespie Road, south of Cal Young Road, west of Oakway Road, and north of Southwood Lane and Country Club Road, no transmission tower shall exceed 75 feet in height to protect views to and from Gillespie Butte.

3. If located within a PL, C-2, C-3, R-4, E-1, E-2, I-2, I-3 or S-WS zone, the height limitation for that zone shall apply.

4. If located within a C-1, S (other than S-WS) or GO zone, the maximum height of a transmission tower, including antennas, is 100 feet.

5. If located within an R-1 zone, the maximum height of a transmission tower, including antennas, is 75 feet, unless a variance is granted pursuant to the provisions of subsection (9) of this section. In no event shall a variance be granted to construct such a tower in excess of 100 feet.

(c) Collocation. New transmission towers shall be designed to accommodate collocation of additional providers:

1. New transmission towers of a height of 80 feet or more shall be designed to accommodate collocation of a minimum of 2 additional providers either outright or through future modification to the tower.

2. New transmission towers of a height of at least 60 feet and no more than 80 feet shall be designed to accommodate collocation of a minimum of 1 additional provider either outright or through future modification to the tower.

(d) Setback. The following setbacks from adjacent property lines and adjacent streets shall be required unless a variance is granted pursuant to the provisions of subsection (9) of this section:

1. If located within a PL, S, C-2, C-3, E-1, E-2, I-2, I-3 or S-WS zone, no setback from adjacent property lines shall be required beyond that required by this land use code or the provisions applicable to the S zone.

2. If located within an R-1, C-1, or GO zone, the transmission tower shall be set back from adjacent property lines a minimum number of feet that is equal to the height of the transmission tower.

3. In the R-1, PL, C-1 and GO zones, transmission towers shall be set back from adjacent public street(s) a minimum number of feet that is equal to the height of the tower. In all other zones, the setback from adjacent public streets shall be a minimum of 25 feet.

(e) Buffering. In all zones, existing vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible. In the E-1, E-2, I-2 and I-3 zones, no buffering is required beyond that required by this land use code. In all other zones, landscaping shall be placed completely around the transmission tower and ancillary facilities located at ground level except as required to access the facility. Such landscaping shall consist of evergreen vegetation with a minimum planted height of 6 feet placed densely so as to form a screen. Landscaping shall be compatible with other nearby landscaping and shall be kept healthy and well maintained.

(f) Noise Reduction. In R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-1, and GO and in all other zones when the adjacent property is zoned for residential use or occupied by a dwelling, hospital, school, library, or nursing home, noise generating equipment shall be sound-buffered by means of baffling, barriers, or other suitable means to reduce sound level measured at the property line to 45dBa.

(g) Status of Location. No permit may be issued for the location of a new telecommunications facility within an R-1 or C-1 zone unless the lot on which it is to be placed is vacant or developed with a non-residential use at the time the permit application is submitted. This restriction does not apply within other zones.

(h) Lighting. No lighting shall be permitted on transmission towers except that required by the Federal Aviation Administration. No high intensity white lights may be located on transmission towers in an R-1, C-1, or PRO zone.

(i) Color. The transmission tower and attached antennas shall be unpainted galvanized steel or painted neutral colors or such shades as are appropriate and compatible with the surrounding environment, as approved by the city.

(j) Viewshed. The transmission tower shall be located down slope from the top of a ridgeline so that when viewed from any point along the northern right-of-way line of 18th Avenue, the tower does not interrupt the profile of the ridgeline or Spencer Butte. In addition, a transmission tower shall not interrupt the profile of Spencer Butte when viewed from any location in Amazon Park. Visual impacts to prominent views of Skinner Butte, Judkins Point, and Gillespie Butte shall be minimized to the greatest extent possible. Approval for location of a transmission tower in a prominent view of these Buttes shall be given only if location of the transmission tower on an alternative site is not possible as documented by application materials submitted by the applicant, and the transmission tower is limited in height to the minimum height necessary to provide the approximate coverage the tower is intended to provide.

(k) Display. No signs, striping, graphics or other attention getting devices are permitted on the transmission tower or ancillary facilities except for warning and safety signage with a surface area of no more than 3 square feet. Such signage shall be affixed to a fence or ancillary facility and the number of signs is limited to no more than 2.

(8) Standards for Ancillary Facilities. All ancillary facilities shall comply with the standards of subsections (7)(e) and (7)(f) of this section. In addition, all ancillary facilities within an R-1, PL, C-1, GO, and PRO zone must be located underground to the maximum extent technology allows, unless a variance is obtained pursuant to the provisions of subsection (9) of this section. This restriction does not apply within other zones.

(9) Variance.

(a) Any variance to the requirements of this section shall be granted only pursuant to the following provisions. The criteria for granting a variance shall be limited to this section, and shall not include the standard variance criteria beginning at EC 9.8750 Purpose of Variances.

(b) The city may grant a variance from the provisions of subsection (7)(a) of this section providing the applicant demonstrates that:

1. It is technologically impossible to locate the proposed tower on available sites more than 2,000 feet from a pre-existing transmission tower and still provide the approximate coverage the tower is intended to provide;

2. The pre-existing transmission tower that is within 2,000 feet of the proposed tower cannot be modified to accommodate another provider; and

3. There are no available buildings, light or utility poles, or water towers on which antennas may be located and still provide the approximate coverage the tower is intended to provide.

(c) The city may grant a variance to the setback and undergrounding requirements of subsections (7)(d) or (8) upon finding that stealth design, proposed landscaping, configuration of the site, or the presence of mature trees obviates the need for compliance.

(d) The city may grant a variance to the 75 foot height limitation in the R-1 zone to a maximum of 100 feet providing the applicant demonstrates that a transmission tower taller than 75 feet will directly eliminate the need for 1 or more additional transmission towers in an R-1 zone.

(e) If the proposed transmission tower or ancillary facility requires site review or a conditional use permit, the request for variance shall be considered as part of the site review or conditional use permit process. If the proposed transmission tower or ancillary facility is an outright permitted use, the request for a variance shall be processed pursuant to Type II application procedures beginning at EC 9.7200 General Overview of Type II Application Procedures except that the decision shall be based on the criteria in this section.

(10) Removal of Facilities.

(a) All transmission towers and antennas shall be removed by the person who constructed the facility, by the person who operates the facility, or by the property owner, within 6 months of the time that the facilities have ceased being used to transmit, receive or relay voice and data signals to or from wireless communication devices. The city manager may grant a 6-month extension where a written request has been filed, within the initial 6-month period, to reuse the tower or antennas.

(b) If a transmission tower is located within an R-1, PL, C-1 or GO zone, the provisions of subparagraph (a) also shall apply to the tower substructure and all above ground ancillary facilities.

(c) The city may require the posting of an open ended bond before development permit issuance to insure removal of the transmission tower, substructure or antennas after the facility no longer is being used.

(11) Application Review and Fees. The city manager shall retain one or more consultants to verify the accuracy of statements made in connection with an application for a building or land use permit for a telecommunications facility. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the city manager shall require the applicant to pay, as part of the application fees, an amount sufficient to recover all of the city’s costs in retaining the consultant(s).

(Section 9.5750, see chart at front of Chapter 9 for legislative history from 2/26/01 through 6/1/02; amended by Ordinance No. 20332, enacted December 10, 2004, effective January 9, 2005; Ordinance No. 20353, enacted November 28, 2005, effective January 1, 2006; Ordinance No. 20460, enacted July 12, 2010, effective August 14, 2010; Ordinance No. 20528, enacted May 14, 2014, effective June 23, 2014; Ordinance No. 20679, enacted November 30, 2022, effective January 1, 2023; Ordinance No. 20693, enacted July 12, 2023, effective August 18, 2023.)