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NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Chairperson Dan Kovacevic
Vice Chairperson Clayton Corey
Commissioner Mathew Corrigan
Commissioner Peter Gray
Commissioner Nick Proctor
Commissioner Scott Schlossberg
Commissioner Phil Sveum
TIME:6:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025
WHERE:FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Commissioners of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s Council, various Commission, Committee or Board members may be in attendance at the Commission meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child.
Meetings of the Commission are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present
may be subject to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town
Clerk to such recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may
be made. If a child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents
pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9 have been waived.
REQUEST TO COMMENT
The public is welcome to participate in Commission meetings.
TO SPEAK TO AN AGENDA ITEM, please complete a Request to Comment card, located in the back
of the Council Chambers, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion of that item, if
possible. Include the agenda item on which you wish to comment. Speakers will be allowed three
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agenda item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion, if possible.
REGULAR MEETING
1.CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
2.ROLL CALL
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to
reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on
matters raised during Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action.
At the conclusion of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff
to review a matter, or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda.
4.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: approving the regular meeting minutes of the
Planning and Zoning Commission April 21, 2025 and May 12, 2025.
5.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Ordinance 25-02 amending the Fountain Hills
Zoning Ordinance to add Chapter 27, Downtown Overlay District.
6.REVIEW AND DISCUSS: Ordinances and requirements associated with regulating small cell
wireless facilities in the public right-of-way.
7.COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
8.SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
9.REPORT from Development Services Director.
10.ADJOURNMENT
Dated this ______ day of ____________________, 2025.
_____________________________________________
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of June 9, 2025 2 of 3
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5199 (voice)
or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or to obtain
agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Commission with this agenda are
available for review in the Development Services' Office.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of June 9, 2025 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/09/2025 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE
ACTION: approving the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission April 21,
2025 and May 12, 2025.
Staff Summary (Background)
The intent of approving meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account of the discussion and
action that took place at the meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed on the
Town's website and maintained as permanent records in compliance with state law.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
N/A
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff recommends approving the meeting minutes of the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and
Zoning Commission April 21, 2025 and May 12, 2025.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission April 21, 2025
and May 12, 2025.
Attachments
APRIL 21, 2025 SUMMARY MINUTES & VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT
MAY 12, 2025 SUMMARY MINUTES & VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNNING & ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 21, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission was convened
at 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains in open and public session at 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Chairperson Dan Kovacevic; Vice Chairperson Clayton
Corey (telephonically); Commissioner Mathew Corrigan; Commissioner Peter
Gray; Commissioner Dan Kovacevic; Commissioner Scott Schlossberg and
Commissioner Phil Sveum (telephonically)
Staff Present: Development Services Director John Wesley, Senior Planner
Farhad Tavassoli, Economic Development Director Amanda Jacobs and
Executive Assistant Paula Woodward.
Planning and Zoning Commission April 21, 2025 1 of 2
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 21, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Chairperson Kovacevic called the Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning
and Zoning Commission held on March 10, 2025, to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the
Commission and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Dan Kovacevic; Vice Chairperson Clayton Corey
Commissioner Mathew Corrigan; Commissioner Peter Gray; Commission Nick Proctor
and Commissioner Phil Sveum (telephonically)
Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Scott Schlossberg
Staff Present: Development Services Director John Wesley, Senior Planner Farhad
Tavassoli, Economic Development Director Amanda Jacobs, and Executive Assistant
Paula Woodward.
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
The following resident addressed the Commission:
Susanne Isaacs
4. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: approving the regular meeting minutes of
the Planning and Zoning March 10, 2025.
MOVED BY Commissioner Grey to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Planning
and Zoning Commission March 10, 2025. SECONDED BY Commissioner Corrigan.
Vote: 6/0 Unanimously
5. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Ordinance 25-02 amending the Fountain
Hills Zoning Ordinance to add Chapter 27, Downtown Overlay District.
The followings resident addressed the Commission:
Larry Meyers
Roger Isaacs
MOVED BY Commissioner Grey to continue agenda item #5 to the Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting, June 9, 2025. SECONDED BY Commissioner Corrigan.
Vote: 6/0 Unanimously
6. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION: Possible modifications to Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 17, Wireless Communication Towers and Antennas.
The following residents addressed the Commission:
Larry Meyers
Lori Troller
Planning and Zoning Commission April 21, 2025 2 of 2
7. CONSIDERATION AND DIRECTION: Provide staff with direction on updating the
Town's Sign Regulations contained in Chapter 6 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The following resident addressed the Commission:
Gene Slechta
MOVED BY Commissioner Grey to postpone agenda item # 7 to the May meeting date.
SECONDED BY Commissioner Corrigan. Vote: 6/0 Unanimously
8. COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
No action taken.
9. SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
Director Wesley stated that the May meeting agenda would include review of the signing
ordinance and wireless communication. He said that the June meeting would include the
downtown overlay ordinance review.
10. REPORT from Development Services Director.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Kovacevic adjourned the Regular meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and
Zoning Commission held on April 21, 2025, at 8:22 p.m.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
Page 1 of 59
Post-Production File
Town of Fountain Hills
Regular Meeting
April 21, 2025
Transcription Provided By:
eScribers, LLC
* * * * *
Transcription is provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not
be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.
* * * * *
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WOODWARD: Phil, are you on the line?
SVEUM: I am.
WOODWARD: Corey, are you on the line?
COREY: Yes, I'm here.
WOODWARD: Corey?
COREY: Yes, this is Clayton. Can you hear me?
WOODWARD: Oh, great. Thank you.
COREY: But I can't hear you, Paula.
WOODWARD: Can you hear me now?
COREY: Yes. Thank you.
WOODWARD: Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: All right. Let's call to order the Monday, April 21st Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting. Everybody stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ALL (IN UNISON): I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to
the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you. Paula, can you please take the roll?
WOODWARD: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Schlossberg? Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Present.
WOODWARD: Vice Chair Corey?
COREY: Here.
WOODWARD: Chairman Kovacevic?
KOVACEVIC: Here.
Okay. Do we --
WOODWARD: Oh, I'm sorry. I beg your pardon. Commissioner Proctor?
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PROCTOR: Here. I just whispered that I'm here too. Hate to be so formal.
WOODWARD: Okay. Item 3, Call to the Public. Paula, do we have any speaker cards?
WOODWARD: We do. We have one speaker card from Suzanne Isaacs.
ISAACS: Hi. I'm Suzanne Isaacs. Most of you know who I am. I'm across the street as
an owner. I just want to say that I've been involved with Scouts and associations, and
I've been president of associations, of communities, and I find the best way to get any
kind of interaction, people to show up, people to help out is if they know about the
meetings. All the way up until 8 o'clock this morning, I did not know this meeting was
scheduled. It was not on the website. It was not on the community board out there. It
was not in the newspaper.
WOODWARD: It's on the board out there.
ISAACS: It was not as of Friday.
WOODWARD: I personally placed it there on Thursday morning.
ISAACS: I look -- every day when we go by and run, I'd look and (indiscernible).
WOODWARD: I will check this evening.
ISAACS: But it was not there. I mean, I'm here to represent a lot of people, and nobody
seemed to know this meeting was happening today. So I just say if we could at least get
the notifications out there a little more, you'll get more people to show up and have an
opinion and participate. If they don't know about it, they can't do it. That was just my
comment. Sorry.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you. Paula, we have any more speaker cards?
WOODWARD: No, Chair.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Item Number 4, Consideration and Possible Action, approving the
regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission of March 10th, 2025.
Can I get a motion to approve?
GRAY: So moved.
CORRIGAN: Second.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. All in favor?
GRAY: Aye.
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CORRIGAN: Aye.
KOVACEVIC: Aye.
COREY: Aye.
SVEUM: Aye.
KOVACEVIC: Opposed? Abstentions? We have a five-zero?
WOODWARD: Commissioner Proctor, are you voting?
PROCTOR: Well, I'll move to approve. I did attend the last meeting, and I did --
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
PROCTOR: -- read the minutes, so they look fairly thorough.
KOVACEVIC: Six-zero.
WOODWARD: Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Item Number 5, Consideration and Possible Action, Ordinance 25-02
amending the Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance to add Chapter 27, Downtown Overlay
District.
WESLEY: Commissioners, good evening. I will step through this. Be a little bit of a
repeat from last month, but then I'll point out some of the modifications we've made
based on the discussion at your last meeting.
So again, to set the stage a little bit, the Town Council approved Downtown Strategy last
September. Part of that strategy calls for some updates to the zoning regulations to
meet some of the things that were identified through the process for the downtown. In
particular, through the open house that we held in May of last year, citizens had the
opportunity to review a number of ideas and options for improvements in the
downtown area, and these are the things that got the top scores from that review of the
public, which dealt a lot with, again, the -- some zoning ideas and things we're trying to
accomplish here promoting the active use along the sidewalks.
Currently, in the downtown area, it is mostly zoned C-2 with one small area of C-3, and
then there are a couple of overlay districts that are currently in place, entertainment
and planned shopping plaza overlay districts. They do complementary things but
overlap in some respects into what they do, so it's been a little bit of a challenge trying
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to refer to both of those overlay districts as we help people navigate how to do
development of the downtown area, so we're using this as an opportunity to combine
those two into one new overlay to handle the things that are in them plus make some
adjustments to address the topics that have come up through the public review
process.
So again, we're looking at one new overlay that we're calling Downtown Overlay. It
then divides the overall area into three subdistricts. And so the first is the one along the
Avenue, as we have looked before last month. It allows, by right, the uses in the C-1,
C-C, and C-2 zoning districts. It changed from last month based on some of the feedback
we had and trying to focus, then, some of the more active uses just along the frontage
of the primary streets, saying that within 50 feet of the right-of-way of those adjacent
streets, that the uses get limited to active ground floor uses, such as restaurants, cafes,
bars, taverns, retail, that types of activities.
Also, a change from what you had last month, in these same areas, through approval of
the special use permit, you could have any of the other uses. The office uses primarily
that we currently see, there was a concern that if the business becomes vacant and you
can't fill it back with the active uses or after, it sits there vacant. Well, this gives the
opportunity, then, to get it filled again, but through the special use permit. That puts --
excuse me. That puts the emphasis on what we would like to see most, but doesn't
prohibit the other types of uses from happening.
And then it continues to allow the entertainment-type uses that are currently in the
ordinance. Last month, we had some discussion about the amount of residential
density. Currently, the ordinance allows up to eight units by right on the second floor.
We talked last month about increasing that to 15, but as we discussed it, we realized
that probably really wasn't quite enough, and so I'm proposing now to up that to
approximately 30 units per acre and using two figures to calculate it.
One is the square footage per floor, which calculated out to this approximately 1,742
square feet per floor, which gets you to probably approximately 30 units per acre.
Given the small size of these lots, you know, 5 and 6,000 square feet, trying to
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understand what that means in terms of number of units per acre is a little bit
challenging, plus we're dealing with multiple floors. And so you can get there either way
depending upon which one makes more sense to you, but again, it's approximately 30
units per acre. You'll recall that you've seen recently a couple of requests that we're
getting up at 40 to 45 units per acre. That level would still require the special use
permit, but up to this level, then, would be by right.
Any questions on that, maybe, before we go on? Okay.
And then the SUPs could be used, again, to allow the --
KOVACEVIC: Director, hold on one second.
WESLEY: Oh, okay.
KOVACEVIC: I think we do have a question.
WESLEY: Okay.
CORRIGAN: Yeah. John, a couple of questions came up in public comments, the
concerns about the south side --
WESLEY: Yes.
CORRIGAN: -- of the Avenue, and I don't know that we've addressed those thoroughly.
The issues were that those who spoke, those two speakers, had serious concerns about,
you know, rentability of their property because they're not incorporated into the
Avenue of the Fountains redevelopment, if you want to call it that, downtown project.
And are we planning to do that? Is that part B? Or what -- how does that fall in?
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner Corrigan, as of this time, staff is not proposing to include
the south side within the proposed overlay for a couple of reasons. The primary one is
through the development agreement that is tied to that property, that development
agreement ties the development to the existing zoning as it sits today, so even if we
were to adopt the overlay and apply it to that land, it would be of no effect because
through the DA, they can still develop by the existing TCC zoning district.
CORRIGAN: Park Place II and III?
WESLEY: Yes.
CORRIGAN: What --
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WESLEY: In this -- excuse me.
CORRIGAN: Go ahead. I'm sorry.
WESLEY: The other slight problem with it is because the base zoning district is different,
it really complicates the overlay quite a bit to try to draft it to cover the different types
of zoning. Go ahead.
CORRIGAN: And I think the gentleman who spoke was somewhere in the proximity of
the Chase Bank area, and I don't know if that was on that south side of the Avenue. I
think a little further up. In other words, Park Place I just beyond that to the west side.
That was my understanding.
WESLEY: Yes, I think it was primarily the Isaacs that spoke about it before, and they're
over here in --
CORRIGAN: Right.
WESLEY: -- in the Washington Federal building at the corner of La Montana and the
Avenue.
CORRIGAN: Okay. Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray, did you have anything?
GRAY: I'll wait.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: Okay. And so, again, the things that would be allowed through special use
permits in the Avenue District are the nonactive commercial uses within 50 feet of the
right-of-way and increases in residential density on the upper floors. So again, part of
the discussion has been how big should this Avenue District be or what's the area that
should have the limited, more active vibrant uses. A suggestion is that they extend it all
the way up and down the Avenue and along Verde River. It is a little bit much to try to
get that active use, and maybe it should be something smaller.
And so here are a couple other options for the Commission to consider. And certainly,
other options than these are available, too, but I just wanted to give you some thoughts
of smaller areas, if you wanted to go that way, that would potentially be the Avenue
District that would have the active ground floor uses as a primary use.
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Comments or go on?
KOVACEVIC: Any questions so far?
COREY: Just a comment. This is Clayton.
WESLEY: Go ahead.
KOVACEVIC: Go ahead, Commissioner Corey.
COREY: All right. Thank you. I apologize I couldn't be there this evening. But just
looking at these three different options -- I think we talked about this last time -- I think
we should leverage Verde River Drive to be a connector for the businesses in the back
and the commercial in the front.
So whatever we can do to encourage traffic to kind of walk down that way, whether it is
extending the Avenue District into Verde River or finding some other way to, you know,
make it attractive for people to want to walk down that way, that's going to be the main
connector. So however we do it, I think we need to find a way to make that be an
entrance, be a -- kind of a gateway into the back of that parking lot.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. And Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Thank you, Chair. I just wanted to make a comment on this particular slide. I
think bigger is better in this -- in this approach as we try and not regentrify necessarily,
but transform, I suppose. So I wouldn't be in favor of taking the smaller, you know,
truncated versions forward necessarily.
And just dovetailing on Commissioner Corey's comment on Verde River, the first time
through this version of the packet, my thought was Verde River should really be allowed
to flow both ways, that, you know, it could -- it could be a continuation of the Avenue or
it could allow, you know, encroachment to the -- to the south as well from the adjacent
district.
And then just one other comment since we're on the Avenue still. I just want to make
sure that we're considering some parity with height both north and south side of the
Boulevard as we -- as we carve out this particular district.
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner Gray, on that last point, both have a 40-foot height limit,
the north and south sides. The development agreement for the Parkview did allow for
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taller heights, I believe, up to a maximum of 54 feet, if I remember correctly, although
they weren't built quite that tall. I think it's more in the 48-foot area.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Let's move on.
WESLEY: Okay. And then, again, just to kind of wrap up, we talked about this a little bit
last time, what is meant by active ground floor uses, and so here's a list of some items
that we would consider appropriate on those ground floors along the Avenue.
Moving on to the Business District, fewer changes here, but did make the same change
here in terms of the residential density, increasing it up to approximately 30 units per
acre. There was some discussion about trying to increase the amount of employment-
type uses that we were considering in the Innovation District. As we looked at that,
given, primarily, the lot sizes, building sizes and opportunities elsewhere in town where
we think we'll be promoting those, we didn't propose making that type of change here,
but just this one.
In the Innovation District, no particular changes here. Again, the main change is to allow
these more employment-type uses, light industrial, you might say, with the laboratories,
the manufacturing, line assembly in that area.
And then temporary uses is another item that's in this ordinance. No changes being
proposed here, but allowing temporary uses with some guidelines through the Zoning
Administrator and Town Engineer.
One item that was mentioned last time was some of the challenges with the larger
corner lots that, by the original overlay district, were required to provide all of their own
parking, which has created some challenges with continued development or
redevelopment of those larger corner lots. I did want to point out -- it wasn't brought
up last month -- that the last time we did an update to this overlay district, we did add a
provision to allow up to 50 percent parking reduction for those larger corner lots
through approval of an SUP.
The one other change that's in here based on the discussion last month is to add
basically a build-to line in the area south of Palisades that at least 70 percent of a
ground floor needs to be within five feet of the front property line just so we get that
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building wall and that pedestrian interest along the street.
And then vacant properties, again, looking at the opportunity to encourage temporary
uses and improve maintenance.
So those -- that is the proposed ordinance with the changes based on our discussion last
time. Any further questions for me at this time?
KOVACEVIC: Commissioners? Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Thank you, Chair. Just one on the Innovation District that I think maybe we
ought to consider is, you know, we're kind of -- we're opening the door to residential in
the Innovation District, and that's another spot where, I think, if we believe in an
Innovation District, let's close that back off. I don't think residential should be allowed
purely by SUP. If we want to allow residential in the Innovation District, I think we
should further clarify that to say second floor and above but not allow it down at grade.
I just think we lose -- we lose the value of the -- of the district there.
And then, on the parking, I know that the Chair has some thoughts on the parking and
the discount rate that we're applying there of 50 percent. I've seen it work in other
jurisdictions where you're allowed to take a radius of the parcel and apply some
discounted rate of public street spaces. I don't know if that makes sense to work
something like that into the equation and not inadvertently burden 208. I don't know.
That's just something to consider that I've seen work pretty well, you know, where you
have an abundance of street parking. That's it.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Cory? Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: I do have a couple of questions. This is Phil Sveum.
KOVACEVIC: Go ahead.
SVEUM: Okay. All right. A question about the parking opportunity. I went through the
minutes from the last meeting and reviewed -- Mr. Isaacs talked about there not being
enough parking available if entertainment uses were all stretched along the Avenue. I
don't -- I guess I have not seen anything that's done any types of calculation that if all
first floors were filled with the types of uses that this suggests, that there would be
adequate parking for all those uses. Is there a -- has there been any study done on that?
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WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner, no. At this time, there's not been that study. We've
taken the perspective that when this area was platted and zoned, given the building
heights, it was approved as a mixed use center that will have a variety of uses, and the
parking available would provide the parking for whatever mix of uses evolve and happen
in the area.
KOVACEVIC: We did -- Commissioner Sveum, John did take a look at the corner lots, the
bank buildings, Washington Fed and --
SVEUM: Yes.
KOVACEVIC: -- and Chase, and even with a 50 percent reduction in the required parking,
they don't come close to allowing a restaurant use in those buildings.
WESLEY: To fill the entire building.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, to fill the entire building.
WESLEY: Be something less than that, but not the entire building.
SVEUM: Okay. So there's not -- there's not enough parking.
WESLEY: For those intense uses, but --
SVEUM: That's -- go ahead. Sorry.
WESLEY: But yes -- excuse me, Commissioner. But yes, for those intense uses on those
corner lots, that would be the case for them to fill the entire building.
SVEUM: Well, so if this was approved with the larger district as, I guess, has been talked
about, then if he wants to -- or if he decided -- or sold the building and wanted to put a
restaurant -- if all of this worked together to accomplish the goal that the Town has,
there would not be enough parking to maximize the Entertainment District or the
Avenue District with the larger scenario. So unless I'm missing something, shouldn't this
be addressed now?
WESLEY: So I guess, Chair, Commissioner, so today, there's nothing that prohibits all the
businesses in that area from becoming restaurants or bars or other high-activity
entertainment areas. Those uses are all out today.
SVEUM: Okay. Okay.
KOVACEVIC: They are allowed today --
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WESLEY: They are.
KOVACEVIC: -- but in the -- in the large lots, you couldn't put a restaurant there unless
you provided on-site parking --
WESLEY: That's correct.
KOVACEVIC: -- that would require you to basically knock down the building and build a
smaller building.
WESLEY: Or just use a portion of the building, and then use the rest of it for something
else, but yes.
KOVACEVIC: Right.
SVEUM: Well, it's only one -- but it's only one floor, so the rest of the uses on the first
floor would have to be -- well, if it's vacant, it's going to have to be a restaurant or a bar
or another type of store, correct?
WESLEY: So I guess maybe we need to be clear, Chair, Commissioner. Are we talking
about all the lots or just the large corner lots?
SVEUM: Well, as an example, we've got -- we've included Washington Federal in this --
WESLEY: Correct.
SVEUM: -- in that scenario, so again, I guess -- I think that it's only fair that whoever
owns that property, whether it's Mr. and Mrs. Isaac or someone that they sell it to, that
they should know what they're going to have to do and what the limitations are with
this proposal.
WESLEY: Okay. So if I may, again, Chair, Commissioner, today, under the current
overlay, there are four larger over-10,000-square-foot corner lots as they originally
platted. As this was originally platted and developed, those four larger corner lots were
required to provide all their own parking, and it's been that way since they were
developed until a couple of years ago when we did allow for a 50 percent reduction in
that parking through approval of a special use permit for those four lots. The rest of the
lots in the area, all of the parking is provided for in Plat 208 regardless of the use. And
so again, those four lots have always had that concern or that issue. Nothing's being
changed about that, impacted on that by this except for the --
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SVEUM: Okay.
WESLEY: -- the little bit of restriction in the use that might happen on those corners, but
it still allows for a lot of uses that are at the same 250 parking count.
SVEUM: Well, that -- but that also assumes that the uses of the other buildings on the
Avenue are not going to change to restaurants. So what if they all became restaurants
or bars?
WESLEY: Yeah. And that could happen today. There is nothing that prohibits that.
SVEUM: Right. But it -- okay. What I'm -- I guess my concern is from that perspective,,
future parking. Let's -- if I could, I'd like to know what people think about the Chamber
and TAMA's memo that came to all of us. Is there any reaction from anybody?
KOVACEVIC: Phil, can you repeat that, please? A Chamber --
SVEUM: Okay. I believe that everyone received a memo from the Chamber and TAMA.
KOVACEVIC: The --
SVEUM: The Avenue Merchants Association.
COREY: Yes. This is Clayton. I received that as well.
SVEUM: Okay. Did everybody else receive it?
WESLEY: Commissioner, I'm getting a lot of shrugs from the other commissioners.
GRAY: The Chamber needs to be here if they want to take a position.
SVEUM: Well, yes, and they've been -- is this Peter? They've been heavily -- I think,
heavily involved in this, whether -- they're not tonight. They were at the community
meeting back on March 19th. So I don't think they've not been participating. Like I said,
they may not be there tonight, but they did send out a memo that, I think, has a lot of
legitimate concerns as well as some of the concerns that were from the public on the
19th of March that did show up.
WESLEY: So Chair, if I may again interject, that memo, again, did come from The Avenue
Merchants Association, and I'm not aware who all they did or didn't send it to. I know I
did get a copy of it. It deals primarily with the physical improvements. There's one
paragraph at the end that talks about the zoning change and supports creating a vibrant
area, and I believe I had seen the latest version that supports the SUP approach to
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allowing the -- well, again, say, the less active uses on the ground floor through that
process is what I got from it in terms of the zoning that we're talking about this evening.
SVEUM: Well, I realize we're talking about zoning, but this is going to have -- you know,
the aesthetics of the Avenue are also going to have an impact on the merchants. So I
don't know if all of this is tied into one, John, but I'm not really sure that -- how this is all
going to work out since we're probably going to have one shot at this, so --
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: So I absolutely appreciate where Commissioner Sveum comes from, and I think
that that's kind of the status quo disposition of the Town of Fountain Hills and the voices
that are typically heard in the -- in the Town of Fountain Hills, but sometimes you got to
pull a bigger lever, and sometimes the lever is bigger than the latest craft fair or, you
know, the things that we just mundanely do over and over and over and over again in
this town, and we think that somehow, that's going to bring growth and prosperity to
this village of ours. It never happens. And so we've got to do something bigger and
bolder, and this sets the ground rules to do that.
I would take this further, even. I -- looking at the slide that John's got up, I'd take -- I'd
take full advantage of the frontage of the park and the lake, and I would wrap this
Avenue District up and around Saguaro, all the way up to Parkview, and maybe even a
little bit beyond that. I just -- I mean, it's not an inflection point, but it's a decision point
for the Town again where we either triple down on being nothing more than a services,
bedroom, sleepy little box canyon here or we take a shot.
And if we take a shot at the expense of a parking ratio, okay, let's do it. How many cars
park in this town for our little craft fairs? Thousands, right, for the big ones. Do we
really have a problem? No. It's just a more bustling, urban-like environment that has
more vitality to it. I don't care if there's a few more cars on the street parked downtown
if this district catches fire and it gets life to it. I -- those aren't -- those aren't constraints
that we should be metering ourselves with. We should talk about it, we should consider
it, but it shouldn't be a rate limiter for us in this scenario.
KOVACEVIC: All right.
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SVEUM: Well, I think -- oh, sorry. This is --
KOVACEVIC: Go ahead, Commissioner Sveum.
SVEUM: I think -- I think the opinions of the business owners are important, and
whether they're there tonight in the meeting or listening, I don't know, but I think that
it's -- this is not a matter of drawing -- and I'm not suggesting this to you, Peter, but I'm
just -- it's not a matter of drawing colored lines on this -- on this -- on these maps.
This is going to -- it needs to take into consideration what the impact is going to be on
the people that are taking, in some cases, their life savings and put it into their
business.
I'm not -- I'm not interested in saving all the service businesses, but I think it -- but I do
believe in private property rights, and I think that some of this needs to be flushed out
better before making a decision. I'm not -- and I'm not suggesting that I just kick the can
down the road, either. I think we need to make some -- make some moves, make them
soon, but we also need to make sure that the voices are heard that are selling their
wares, selling their plates of food and paying sales tax on it, which seems to be the main
reason or one of the main reasons we're doing this, and rightly so.
But I do -- I do empathize with those that are trying to make a go of it on the Avenue as
well as the other streets and being in business. These are small businesses that are
really impacted by whatever decision is made on something like this, and I -- and I think
that there -- and I understand people have reached out to the businesses, they've
invited them in.
I don't know how those conversations go or even if they've taken place. Maybe the
businesses have not been as aggressive as they should be in protecting their interest,
but I think that it's something, over the coming months, that really needs to be
explored. Like I said, this is a one-time deal. One-time deal. And that's not just for the
zoning, but it's also what this avenue is going to look like over the next 50 to 100 years,
basically.
KOVACEVIC: All right. Thank you, Commissioner. And if I can piggyback onto that, does
the Commission have an appetite for exempting the large lot -- the large lots that can't
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park these uses and, therefore, would be prohibited from having these uses? Can --
does it make any sense to exempt them from the restrictions and allow their existing --
the uses that are currently existing and give them those uses by right in this overlay
district? Does that make any sense?
WESLEY: Chair, I'm not hearing anybody else respond, so I will. So again, if we look at
the Chase Bank lot -- we'll just use that one. So they -- it's a bank. Under the proposal,
by right, here are the types of uses that could go in that building if it didn't want to be a
bank anymore, and most of those have a very similar -- same parking requirement that a
bank does. It's only a couple of them that don't.
And if there were uses beyond this that wanted to go in there, such as a realty office,
they could apply for the special use permit for the realty office to go in there, and given
constraints, that may well be approved or whatever else is not on this list that would
want to go in there. So it's not -- and those same -- whether we adopt this overlay or
not, those same restrictions are basically there today in terms of it becoming a
restaurant because it's already limited in the parking. That's not changing with this.
KOVACEVIC: But they could have an -- they could have a first-floor office -- they could
have a first-floor service provider like --
WESLEY: They could do that by -- that's the only difference. Today, they could do that
by right.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
WESLEY: Under this, they would need a special use permit to do that on a ground floor
in the -- in the fifty feet closest to the street.
KOVACEVIC: So that -- again, I'll pose the question, does it make sense to allow them to
continue using -- have by-right service providers? Does the Commission have an
appetite for that?
CORRIGAN: Chair --
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: So I guess I have to think about this in the way that what is the concern
from the public? Now, the only two speakers we had at the last meeting that attended,
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and they did attend, and they did speak, were Colby (ph.) and Isaacs, and both of them
were concerned about the limited use of the property that they have, and they
extended some concerns and expressed some concerns about that, and when -- I think it
was Isaacs stated he'd been holding the property for quite some time and was
concerned that he couldn't do anything profitable from his investment.
So hearing -- I don't hear any other investor approaches or investor comments other
than these two, so we have very little to work with other than, I guess, Colby and Isaacs.
Unless there's something I haven't heard in the past. So I am concerned about that, and
how do we address that? They're -- I guess they're investors and they're -- they are in
the area. You know, we have to be concerned.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Sveum or was that Commissioner Corey that spoke up
before?
SVEUM: Well, this is Phil Sveum. I'm not -- I don't know that I'm in favor of isolating
anyone along there. I'm mainly interested in making sure that this is well thought out,
and maybe -- you know, I'm obviously late in the game, but I think that there needs to
be more participation, and I do -- look, and I'm not -- I know the Isaacs have purchased
the property. I was obviously there last -- at the last meeting and listened to them. I am
not looking for the Town to bail them out. They made an investment choice. But we
are changing the use of what the building can be from what they purchased it for, the
way I understand it.
So that's my concern with treating people that have made significant investments and
that, I guess, you can -- you can delete their property or segment their property out of
this, but I think that's just -- I think it's just kind of putting the Band-Aid on this, frankly.
That's just my opinion.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: I'm just curious of the rationale for what appears to me, as a new person,
draconian parking restrictions on uses of -- within the Avenue District. Why are we
restricting the use of a building based on parking?
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner, so today, except for the four large corner lots, the -- any
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use that goes in on these other buildings or lots, we don't worry about the parking. The
parking's there in Plat 208. It's only those corner lots that, from the beginning, have
been required to provide their own parking, and so there, we would do the evaluation
of the use versus the parking available. But they have been now given the opportunity
for the special use permit to reduce that by 50 percent if the Council can approve that.
PROCTOR: Is 50 percent enough? Should it be 75 percent?
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner, we would probably need to have some further
discussions with Plat 208 about that. It's a challenging calculation, but we have done
some rough calculations. These lots can build to 40 feet high, so three stories. If all
these lots were built with three-story buildings covering all the lots, there's not enough
parking. There's nowhere near enough parking for that much use.
We don't expect that to happen. It'll be something less than that. As we see, it's mostly
one-story and a few two-story buildings, and so we haven't been concerned about that,
but that, again, complicates doing a calculation on how much is really available to
transfer from these corner lots into the rest of Plat 208. It was designed originally
thinking that none of those corner lots would use any of the Plat 208 parking. If we start
adding more in there -- again, it's complicated. Could it be 75 percent? I suppose it
could. It could be 100 percent if we wanted it to be. But again, I think we would need
to get the Plat 208 board involved in that discussion a little bit.
PROCTOR: Just by observation, it appears -- parking in Plat 208, outside our festivals,
the art fair, it seems to me, is generally underused --
WESLEY: Correct.
PROCTOR: -- is that correct?
WESLEY: Correct. Certainly, as a general rule. Overall, there are isolated spots where
things are more busy or at various times, they're more busy, but as a general rule, I
think that's true.
KOVACEVIC: Director, can you point out the four lots that are limited?
WESLEY: Let me see here. Let me go to here and see if this is -- is the pointer working?
So it's -- that wasn't supposed to do that. There we go. Try to stay just on the -- so it's
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the -- again, what we'd call the Sears building, and then this other corner here at
Parkview and Saguaro. Maybe there's five. And then here, the Executive Suites
building, the Chase building. And this one was originally a larger lot, but it's been
divided into three, and because it was a larger lot back in '92, I think is the date, it still
counts towards that.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: In the -- in the napkin math, what is the max burden to 208 if you -- let's just say
you pushed 100 percent of the --
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner, it's been too long since I tried to look at those numbers,
so I couldn't tell you off the top of my head.
GRAY: I mean, I still hold the same position. It's inconsequential. And we're not --
we're applying -- we're applying zero as the discount rate to any municipal parking on
top of 208.
WESLEY: Correct.
GRAY: And if we think we're holding back parking to park RVs for art fairs, that's a
mistake as well.
COREY: This is Clayton.
KOVACEVIC: Go ahead, Commissioner Corey.
COREY: Thank you. Don't know how to raise my hand on the phone. I think less
parking -- you know, I'm not really inclined with having too many parking restrictions,
and I try to think about it from a -- from a customer point of view. Customers don't
always know where to park. They'll drive around, they'll find something, and they'll park
there unless there's a sign right in front of the business, which sometimes there's two or
three, and they can help people that may be bringing something in or out of the store.
You know, that's pretty specific, and that can help people get into the business.
But other than that, I think we need to make sure that visitors feel like they can, you
know, park where they want to and walk around to different businesses and not feel like
there's restrictions on where they can park based on what business they're going to. So
I'm hoping that there's a lot more flexibility in allowing people to park where they --
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where they need to park. That's just my two cents on that.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Thank you. Any other comments from the Commissioners right
now?
Paula, do we have any speaker cards?
WOODWARD: Yes, Chair. Larry Meyers, and then Roger Isaacs.
MEYERS: Chair, Commissioners, so ten or 15 minutes ago, Commissioner Gray said
something. It has probably been forgotten while we were arguing about the minutiae of
parking and collecting sales tax. That's not what this is about. I sit on a committee. This
is about trying to find the corporate entity to come here to this town which will, in fact,
organically change the Avenue of the Fountains and the Downtown Business District,
wherever it's put.
So the Innovation District and having any possibility of residential in there, I'm out. I'm
looking for an employer to bring employees that are young enough to have families to
turn the downtown into a vibrant place. It's not about collecting sales tax. It has
nothing to do with collecting sales tax. It doesn't have anything to do with the Chamber
of Commerce and the businesses that are down there because they're operating
already, and we're not using up all the parking spaces.
So if we're going to think small and argue about all of these little things and worry about
whether, you know, if we have enough parking spaces or somebody might have to
actually park up on La Montana and walk 50 yards down to a restaurant somewhere,
we're going to miss the point, which is what we always do. It's what we've been doing
since 1987. We miss the big picture. The downtown will organically develop itself if we
allow for a major business, a corporate entity to come here. And we only have -- John,
what do we have, like, three pieces in town that we can actually do this? And this is
one. The Innovation District is one place. There's a couple of others.
So I'm with Peter. If you want to think small and worry about parking and sales tax and,
you know, cut off half of the area because you didn't draw a yellow line, you know, be
my guest. I'm not in for that. We got people working on a bigger vision in a longer
term, and it doesn't involve any individual building in town. And yes, I get it. Investors
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buy buildings, and we have to look at them, but you made the investment, and we're
trying to make it better, and discussions of small nature only make it harder. Thank you.
ISAACS: I'm Roger Isaacs. I'm the owner of the building across the street over here and
also was on the Plat 208 Board of Directors for the previous cycle. I just saw the latest
revision earlier today, so I went through, and I tried to identify some of the key things
that I think are critical to have changed or further discussion on. I don't believe it's
ready to be signed off and passed along. So I'm just going to try to hit these real quick,
and I'll let you read the details.
Allowable density. They're changing the allowable density, my understanding, to square
footage, and that would eliminate four of the six vacant properties from being able to
build. You need to stay with the units per acre approach. Otherwise, you're going to
have restrictions you don't want. The numbers they're using are 25 per, and if you don't
believe me, if you go and look at the reference they have for R-5, that's how it states its
requirement, and that's below there.
Corner parking rules. Per corner parking rules, there was a statement made in the
summary that we weren't being honest about the fact that we can't put a bar or
restaurant in our building. Our building sits on almost 25,000 square foot of land. It
represents about a nine percent footprint. And yet, if you look at the parking spaces we
have, it's 11. I'm not sure how you'd get many more than that in there. I would need,
here in the yellow, 35, if my eyes are right, to actually meet code requirement for my
building. That's how many I'd have to put in there. I've got no place to put other
parking spaces. Even using John's recently developed SUP allowance, I would still be
short 18 parking spaces.
I don't think the -- well, I better not say anything because I might run out of time here.
You can read about this, but the point is the '92 was a very discriminatory and negative
rule that was put in and taken out many, many years ago. I'm not sure why, after 30
years, it still even exists and is being brought up because it restricts the ability of the
property owners and -- the big property owners to do things.
One thing that you guys should know is that people like me and the other big property
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owners have to provide our own trash enclosure, have to provide our own parking. We
don't use anything in Plat 208, yet the Town forces us to be members, and because the
membership fee is by square footage of your property, we pay the highest fees. So we
get nothing out of it, and year after year, we're forced to pay.
And the problem here is we're not allowed -- if you restrict the uses, then we all have
big buildings that aren't going to be able to be utilized. And I'm not sure about
everybody else, but the solution of knocking the building down to build a building one-
fifth the size, a 500-square-foot restaurant, I might as well just put a mobile food cart on
there, right? So that doesn't make much sense.
Again, so -- oops. I've got two more. Do I have time?
KOVACEVIC: Sure. Go ahead.
ISAACS: So my recommendation there is to drop the '92 rule.
The Avenue District development agreement lacks zoning -- or locks the zoning. And I
understand John was good about bringing this forward and saying, hey, here's our real
issue. The problem is, as Gray said, we would want to make the Avenue District bigger,
not smaller. On none of the three proposed things do we see the south side of the
Avenue being part of the Avenue District, which is unusual since we've got banners up
both sides of the street right now that say Welcome to the Avenue District. I think any
of us who live in town know that both sides of the street are the same. So to avoid
including that or even beyond that, as Pete was saying, doesn't make any sense to me.
KOVACEVIC: We can't include it because it's part of the development agreement.
ISAACS: Don't you have an implicit development agreement with every builder that
comes forward under certain zoning, applies for a permit and then gets permitted use?
I've got permitted use. My building did 20 years ago. What more do they have that I
don't have?
Now, if you look at the statuary -- if you were here in the other meeting -- not the other
one, but the one about -- the what?
ISAACS: Yeah. That was here. You had strong, very emotional comments against these
use restrictions. In fact, people saying that this is going to be against the law. I've
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already talked to people before. I don't agree with it, but they're already saying, let's
lawyer up because they believe their property values, the people on the north side
specifically, are going to be hurt. Bart (ph.) said he would actually support our efforts
against the Town to stop the restrictions.
The issue isn't left and right. The issue is take away the restrictions. There's not a
business person or developer you're going to talk to that thinks putting restrictions on
the use is going to help you get more development. Okay? And that's what you're
proposing. That's the problem. If you restrict the use on our side, you're saying you
can't include the south side because you don't want to apply those restrictions or it'd be
difficult to do that. Well, I think if you apply it to our side and not the other, all the
office space is going to move across, right? That's all that's going to happen because
you're going to say we can't have office space.
And our buildings on our side don't support the desired uses, and the three bigger --
there's 100,000 square foot of property on the north side of the Avenue that can't
because we are restricted under the '92 agreement, and we don't have enough private
parking space, so none of us can participate in the bar/restaurant type of world. I can't
even -- and because of the way the things are being written, they're extending the use
requirement for parking to outside space. One thing they could do is take that out of
the equation, so then I could -- across over here, I could put fencing in and have a small
restaurant or bar if the outside space wasn't included in my parking required. Okay? So
there's things that could be done.
The problem, as an outsider looking at most all the stuff that's coming out, is we're
talking about general rules and requirements. The Town's not looking at specific uses.
Ask them to give you one example of somebody that could put a restaurant over here.
Ask them why -- what restriction needs to be lifted to get the four, five, six, seven
properties on the north side that haven't developed and been sitting empty for 20 years
developed.
Also, there's a lack of understanding. Not to hammer you guys --
KOVACEVIC: We need you to wrap it up.
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ISAACS: Yeah. So okay. But a lot of stuff is brought up in these meetings that's
absolutely wrong. Most of the property and development you're talking about is Plat
208. Plat 208 has a two-story maximum limit, 30 feet. So you guys sit and think this is
what the reality is. The reality is that's not the case, as members of Plat 208 were under
those.
The final thing is the build-to line, and I'd just bring up a couple things here, that the
build-to line restriction seems kind of weird to me because you're saying we want
everybody to be up five feet off the property line, except the big corner lots, we want
you to push back. Why don't you want everybody to come forward? Also, in the write-
up, you've restricted the thing not to the '92 rule but to the 10,800 instead, which
means that Elizabeth (ph.) lot that you guys already approved as a full lot coverage
would have to back up because now, it's no longer '92 rule property, not corner
properties. You're saying ten-eight is the limit. If that's the case, then her 12,000-foot
lot would be under this rule and have to back up.
So I think you need to, at minimum, change that to be a '92 rule if you're going to do it,
or just take it out and say that even the corner lots could build up to the front if that's
what you really want to do. So appreciate your time and your service.
KOVACEVIC: Any other speaker cards?
WOODWARD: No, Chair.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioners, any other comment?
SVEUM: This is Phil again. I -- my comments are directly on the Avenue. The Innovation
area, the district that Mr. Meyers is talking about, I have no problem with what is being
proposed there. My comments were strictly on the -- on the Avenue. So I'll leave it at
that.
KOVACEVIC: Any other comments, Commissioners?
PROCTOR: I'm just wondering what the ramifications would be if we eliminated the
parking restrictions altogether. Does Plat 208 have a veto authority over eliminating
those restrictions?
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner, technically, no, they don't. The Town Council can
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approve whatever zoning rules they want, and they can be in conflict with the CC&Rs or
their rules. Just as Mr. Isaacs just brought up a moment ago, whereas our zoning
ordinance allows 40 feet of height, their CC&Rs do limit it to 30 feet of height, but they
have not pushed back on the couple of proposals that have come in with the 40 feet of
height. So we're going to enforce our rules, and they will, to their degree, enforce their
rules.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. So we are -- we're in a position where we have a draft of an
ordinance.
WESLEY: Yes.
KOVACEVIC: And so we're looking for a motion.
GRAY: Let's talk more. I mean --
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
GRAY: -- he's got this well-written. (Indiscernible) now. I don't think anybody had,
right?
KOVACEVIC: Right. No, this is --
GRAY: John, do you have a copy of Mr. Isaacs' --
WESLEY: No.
GRAY: -- email?
Can you hand him one, please?
And maybe we'd, you know, kind of look to you for guidance, John, but he's got this
pretty well laid out. I think maybe we ought to just, if we can -- I mean, if we go to
number 2, if his calculations are right, it's a 180 -- it's a 180-space impact across those
three parcels, right? The two-story office building, the Chase parcel, and the one that
he owns, which is a 16,600. The 180 spaces across those three, double it to get to the
six overall. 400 spaces, at absolute worst case, built.
WOODWARD: Can you --
GRAY: I usually yell at other people for that.
The first section, John, switching back to units per acre versus the square foot per
dwelling unit, I do see the merit in that related to those corner parcels, right? The rest
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of the parcels, per dwelling unit works just fine, but he's getting discounted by the -- by
the parking requirement. Go ahead.
ISAACS: Just to comment, some of the lots (indiscernible) corner lot. On that one, I
have worked -- I'm a general contractor, and I've worked with some of the people that
have small lots, the 1,250s, that have looked at building small business with space
above. If you say you have to have 1,700 square foot on a floor and their lot's only
1,250, you've eliminated the possibility that it could ever make code here. Okay? So
that's what's knocking them out. On a per acre -- per square foot basis, they can still
have their one or two residential units, but when you switch to this language, they can't.
And so again, that's why I believe the R-5 is per area, not per floor.
WESLEY: So I don't know if you're looking for a response from me yet. I haven't -- since
I haven't read this, I'm a little bit lost on what to say, but I will say that my calculations
were specifically per floor.
ISAACS: And John, is your understanding per floor that, then, you're basically
requiring -- less a common hallway, if there was more than one unit, you're basically
saying that people are going to have to build 1,700-square-foot living residences, which
basically says (indiscernible).
GRAY: It's built up.
WESLEY: No, no, no, it's not saying that at all. It's not saying that at all.
ISAACS: That's what that should be, right?
WESLEY: It's not saying that at all.
ISAACS: How -- if you have a floor -- like, a second floor --
WESLEY: Right.
ISAACS: -- that has less -- that averages out to less than 1,742, they would be over the
required units, right?
WESLEY: So Chair, I don't know if you want us to go through this discussion here right
now at this point.
KOVACEVIC: No, I --
WESLEY: I didn't think so. So Chair, while, you know, there's -- we don't want to overly
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belabor the point here. I think I'm hearing enough comment and question that if the
Commission wants to go with another continuance to next month so we can continue to
work out some of these details and come back with some of the numbers that have
been discussed, certainly glad to do that. There is not a requirement that this get
recommended on to Council tonight if you're not comfortable with that.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioners, are you okay with that?
CORRIGAN: I'm actually okay with that. I understand the urgency of getting a major --
I'll use the word operator, a major corporation or someone of status that could bring in,
let's say, employees, which could really lift up the community by investing in property,
investing in everything, and I understand that, but I am concerned about these
individual issues that Mr. Isaacs brought up tonight, and I would like a little more time to
address the issue rather than rushing ahead -- I don't think we're -- rushing is the wrong
word. Than pushing ahead and not addressing this concern in particular from two
people who have made public comments in that regard.
Again, I understand the urgency of getting a major corporation to build up the town. It's
the only way we're going to survive, quite frankly, is to have a major investor here who
can hire, can employ, and the opportunity, then, to use those employees to -- you know,
well-heeled employees, I might add, if that's the perspective, to enhance the community
by, you know, building and buying new homes, investing in our community. And I
understand that concern, but I would rather hear this out, give it a little more time. It's
a long-winded say -- way of saying I'd like more time.
KOVACEVIC: Any other commissioners? Commissioner Corey? Commissioner Sveum?
COREY: I would be open to that continuance as well.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner --
SVEUM: I agree.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: I think if you're going to do it, then we have to spend some real energy
understanding what the possibilities are related to the development agreement that
Park Place was negotiated on as well as the ability to -- maybe influence isn't the right
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word, but the ability to weave in 208 and maybe even have representatives of 208's
board participate in the discussion. I think those are two big variables here. And I think,
once we understand the 208 in particular, we just have to figure out how we normalize
these corner parcels. I mean, it's 40-year-old zoning that's dictating whether we, you
know, turn left or right 20 or 30 degrees, and we need to figure out how to -- how to
normalize those parcels into this whole scheme.
KOVACEVIC: And I agree with that. I think that we -- that was my focus on the -- on the
corner parcels. We have to normalize those parcels.
So I'm looking for a motion to continue this topic until the May meeting, which would be
May --
WESLEY: 9th, I believe. Paula, do you have that handy? 12th.
KOVACEVIC: 12th?
WESLEY: 12th. It's June, though.
WOODWARD: June 12th.
GRAY: I won't be here.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
GRAY: It's up to you.
KOVACEVIC: So 60 days?
GRAY: I'd prefer it, but it's up to you.
KOVACEVIC: Why don't you make that --
WOODWARD: June 12th or June 9th.
KOVACEVIC: Why don't you make that motion, then.
GRAY: Okay. I'll make a motion to continue agenda item 5 related to Ordinance 25-02
to the -- June 9th?
WOODWARD: June 9th.
GRAY: -- June 9th regular session of the Zoning Commission.
PROCTOR: I'll support.
KOVACEVIC: Is that a second?
PROCTOR: That was a second, yes.
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KOVACEVIC: Can you put your mic on, please?
PROCTOR: Yes. I second.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Okay. Commissioner Gray made the motion. Commissioner Proctor
seconded. Can we have a roll call vote, please?
WOODWARD: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Aye.
WOODWARD: Vice Chair Corey?
COREY: Aye.
WOODWARD: I'm sorry. Can you say that again?
COREY: Yes. I said aye.
WOODWARD: Thank you.
COREY: I'm in agreement.
WOODWARD: Thank you. Chairman Kovacevic?
KOVACEVIC: Aye.
WOODWARD: Okay. Six-zero.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Okay. Item 6, Discuss and Provide Direction, possible modifications
to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17, Wireless Communication Towers and Antennas.
WESLEY: Okay. Chairman and Commissioners, again, we're picking up from our
discussion last month a little bit. Quickly, the direction that we were given from the
Town Council was to bring back to Planning and Zoning the review of the existing
ordinance, resolutions, and documents related to wireless communication services. We
began that discussion at your meeting last month by reviewing a draft ordinance as
prepared by Mr. Campanelli and comparing it to the approved ordinance and seeing
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what things were getting into that ordinance that the Commission might like to see in a
final ordinance as it moves forward.
Tonight, we are going to go back to July of last year, the last time the Commission
reviewed the previous ordinance before it went on to Town Council, and look at some of
those things that the Commission discussed at that time that were not included or
maybe were but a different -- in a different way and see what, of those things, you
would like to see brought back into the ordinance, and then from there, we'll begin to
actually craft the revised ordinance for future consideration. And then, again, once we
do that, we'll hold public hearings on that before we send it on to Town Council.
So jumping in, then, to the approved ordinance and looking at some of the things that
were not included. So this is the first one right off the bat in the Purpose Statement.
The Commission had looked at changing some of these first words, from encourage to
promote, minimize to limit, encourage to require, encourage to require. Didn't do that.
Would you like to see those changes made?
KOVACEVIC: Commissioners?
GRAY: Yeah. I mean, I'd like to see number 2 be, require towers to be in nonresidential
areas, but I assume that John's going to say that's not a viable pathway.
WESLEY: Anything else from any --
KOVACEVIC: Any other commissioners? Commissioner Corey? Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: I have no comments.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
COREY: No comment directly to that, but, you know, what I always say here is I hope
we're not being too restrictive, that we unintentionally limit advancements into
technology. For example, I hear from residents saying, when can I get my 5G Internet?
If we don't have technology that is, you know, relevant and up-to-date, we're going to
limit these kind of things, so I want to make sure that whatever regulations we put in
place, which I'm in agreement with most of them, we just don't limit and -- the types of
technologies that we can broadcast here in the community that would help businesses
thrive and attract residents to want to move to our town.
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KOVACEVIC: Okay. Let's move on.
WESLEY: Move on? Okay. So --
KOVACEVIC: Hold on one second. I'm sorry.
Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Chair, I wanted to ask, what would be the problem with -- first of all, I just --
I heard something I didn't quite understand. I understand that broadband Internet
would be more appropriate in Chapter 16. We're talking about Chapter 17, or did I
mishear?
KOVACEVIC: I think you misheard.
CORRIGAN: Okay. Back to the point. What would be the problem with saying we
require, you know, exclusion of towers in nonresidential areas, just for the sake of
discussion? Why would that be unacceptable?
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner Corrigan, if you look at a map of the town, most of the
town is residential, and if you don't allow any towers in a residential district, there'd be
much of the town that would not have coverage.
CORRIGAN: Well, I would like more --
WESLEY: Oh, many people in the audience are saying I'm wrong, and I'd be glad to have
that come up, and they can correct me when they have a chance.
CORRIGAN: I hear you.
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Move on.
WESLEY: Okay? So next item that was discussed previously had to do with some of the
language dealing with stealth or camouflage technology. The language that was in there
was amended slightly to state that stealth design, such as mono-palms and flagpoles,
should be utilized to camouflage a pole, so that was added to the ordinance that you
saw. Also, in what was approved, there's a statement that wasn't in the actual section
where we deal with stealth. That covers part of that same topic and defines
camouflage. That definition probably should be moved to definitions.
So again, there's language in the code dealing with camouflage and stealth design, and
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so the question is, is there really enough there? Are we covering the topic, or is there
more that you might want to see covered in terms of types of stealth design? Let me
see that I have -- yeah.
KOVACEVIC: All right. Commissioners, any comment on stealth design? Hearing none.
WESLEY: Okay. So in previous discussion, there was quite a bit of discussion about
noise. There was discussion about putting a 50 dB max on measuring equipment
enclosures. There was also some discussion about requiring underground of the
equipment. Those weren't included. There are sections of the code that do talk about
noise. They would point out again, as we did before, that our Town prosecutor has -- is
trying to steer us away from using dB meter measures because of challenges he has in
court doing that type of an approach, but that doesn't keep the Commission from
wanting to put something in there that way if you desire.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Since I'm going down the road of being provocative and unpopular, I'll go
ahead and keep the trend open. I'm concerned that we've only had the Campanelli
letter since January, and we're already talking about -- from what I saw from the last
meeting and voiced my opinions on, we're excluding a lot of things that were included in
that Campanelli letter.
My concern is -- and I'll be even more unpopular to provoke an old adage about, you
know, the client who acts -- or rather, the client who acts as his own counselor has a
fool for a client. And if that made sense, I don't know. In other words, what I'm saying
is maybe we should listen to the attorney. The attorney is the expert. He's crafted an
ordinance here that is really a preventative measure and a productive measure,
preventative in the sense that we, as a community, our small town, should listen to the
attorney we hired, I think, and be careful what we exclude from those ordinance issues.
Unless there's something that really stands out that simply doesn't apply to our town.
So from the observation side, on the protection side.
And I'm going to be even more unpopular. There's a lot of big companies out there that
have very large war chests. And I won't name names, but, you know, you know them
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all. Verizon. Anyway, that's the biggie, and they've done well with coming into
communities and just using their power, their attorneys, their money, to use that as a
leverage against, you know, the lack of knowledge. I'll say that. And if we have an
attorney who's crafted this, we've paid for it. We've invested in it. He's come back, and
it just seems like we're excluding more and more of the issues that he's brought
forward. I'm happy to do so if they simply do not apply to our town and they simply are
unimaginably exclusive.
So one example was, I think, we eliminated the balloon test. We eliminated the decibel
reading because we don't have the equipment to do that. And we've gotten -- we've
made progress because we've talked about vaults for concealing the equipment
underground, and I see the path going down the road here where, on Chapter 16, we
end up putting something above ground, and the whole consensus from everything I've
heard is everything should be underground.
So that's my concern, and I just don't want to eliminate anything that our attorney, our
expert on data and cellular, you know, code and ordinances -- anything that we exclude
from that, I don't know that we are doing that wittingly and knowledgably. That's my
concern.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you.
WESLEY: Chair, before I go on, if I can just comment.
Commissioner Corrigan, I appreciate that comment. And my take from the last meeting
was there was a lot out of the Campanelli ordinance that you did want to see in the
future, and so my plan is to -- when we come back with the revised ordinance, most of
that will be in there, as was directed last time.
So going on, then, about noise, any direction here on the regulations you'd want to see?
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Thank you, Chair.
John, can you just clarify? Did you say that in the upcoming draft, that we've omitted
vaults or underground equipment, or is that still being considered?
WESLEY: So it is not in the ordinance as it was approved by Town Council, but if you
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would like to see it in the draft that comes back to you, tell me, and we'll put it in there.
GRAY: Personally, I would as --
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: Okay. Not hearing anybody opposing that, I'll move on.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: I think --
CORRIGAN: I was concerned about some things that I thought were eliminated. Maybe
they're still there. I had some concern about -- well, I guess, the noise and the vaults,
but I thought from this latest tally -- I have a list of items here that we talked about.
One was a requested map of where the existing -- now, I know we're on Chapter 17, but
one of the things I requested, because I have a complete lack of knowledge on this, the
map of where the saguaro SRP cactus-type -- I use the word saguaro. It's a decorative
indication. But the towers, all of those SRP towers, an engineering drawing, you know, a
schematic, a number that are out there, a map of where they are. You know, I kind of --
I did request that.
And maybe even engineering drawings is another thought that I had and the
components that are in there, and I thought that might be helpful. It's just a little, small
slice of the big cake. But I know -- and I know this is in regard to Chapter 16, but it's
something, maybe, that we should look at because, again, the Campanelli letter is
crafted as an ordinance, and I think we're straying a little bit from that. I'm concerned
we're eliminating things maybe we shouldn't. That's my opinion. I'm willing to listen to
other thoughts.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Let's --
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: -- get through, and then we'll --
WESLEY: Sure.
KOVACEVIC: -- comment on what --
WESLEY: So another thing the Commission brought up was putting something
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specifically in this ordinance about graffiti. There is a town code already that deals with
graffiti, so did not put something specific in here. Again, we can if the Commission
wants to add that to this specific section.
Another piece that's different is that there were -- there were a couple different
competing sections dealing with landscaping in the draft that the Commission looked at.
When we finished with your review and looked back at that, we decided it was less
confusing to combine those into one section, eliminating some of the pieces, and so
that would be a difference that you would see compared to what you looked at
before.
This is probably one of the biggest topics, this and the next one, from your discussion
before, and what we really want to get some input on this evening is setbacks and
separations. So currently, the ordinance has required -- does require that any tower be
set back at least 100 percent of its height from any property line, so if it falls, it stays on
the property that it's on. Then tower setbacks from residential uses was in Table 1, and
accessory buildings must be set back consistent with whatever the zoning is in that
district for any other building.
So the table as it's in the code requires the -- a tower to be at least 200 feet from a
single-family or duplex, 200 feet from a vacant single-family, duplex, 100 feet from
vacant residentially zoned land and so forth. You can read that. So the tower cannot be
within those separation districts unless the Council determines the goal of the chapter is
better served with a reduction. So it takes Council action to allow something less than
what is shown here.
KOVACEVIC: And that distance -- those distances are substantially less than the
ordinances we have reviewed, and I think we've talked about expanding those
distances --
WESLEY: Right.
KOVACEVIC: -- from single-family, correct?
WESLEY: Right. You did. And so what was talked about here mostly was increasing that
to 500 feet, but no towers within 300 feet. So you couldn't even get an exception from
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Council to be less than 300 feet and that all towers would require an SUP. That's what I
heard the most being discussed.
And so just to give some context to that, just -- here are a few examples of towers at a
300-foot separation and what's around them, different types. So one's a church steeple
tower. One's just a regular, standard tower. Here's a large lattice tower as well as some
other monopoles. And another one is a couple cactus. And so towers are in residence
areas and currently less than 300 feet from residential uses in town.
So again, what I felt like I was hearing mostly before is all towers require an SUP,
regardless of location. If between 300 and 500 feet from residential, they would need
some extra justification for why it needs to be there. And in no case would we ever
allow another tower within 300 feet of residential.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: Is that the direction you'd like to go, or is there something more than that, or
less than that?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, I think that's the direction we want, but Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Well, I just want to -- I have two questions, I guess. I think back to other hotly
contested deliberations that we've had, and based on the examples that you've given, if
we lay this in here, we've created a scenario that's basically impossible to conform to,
right?
WESLEY: Right. All those would be grandfathered in, nonconforming uses.
GRAY: And what's your guidance or opinion on implementing a separation distance that
has zero potential to come to fruition in the town? It seems -- it seems -- I'm all for it,
but it seems risky that we've -- you know, we're going to layer a new language that we
know upfront no one can conform to.
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner, I probably should have included that map again. I didn't.
We talked about it a year ago. I can bring it back in the future as we continue to discuss
this. When you look at 300 feet from any residential in town, of what does that leave
you, what are the spaces available, it is very limited. Most of it's going to be in washes
and golf courses where any future towers can go. There may be a few other spots, but
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that's -- it's pretty limited.
GRAY: And I mean, this is where talking about 16 and 17 together becomes important in
the deliberation because the more restrictive we are here in 17, the more likely we are
to prolificate right-of-way deployments, my way of thinking. I don't --
WESLEY: It's possible.
GRAY: We're not going to recommend -- do anything tonight. We're just going to talk
about it. So I think that --
WESLEY: Just giving me some direction to bring it back, and you'll continue that
discussion as you get into it.
GRAY: So I think that this is a point -- I mean, again, all of my DNA says I want to go with
this, but I think it's probably problematic, and I think we ought to consider backing off of
that and going to something more reasonable, like 150 percent of the height of the
tower or 200 percent of the height of the tower versus layering in something that's
overly restrictive.
WESLEY: Commissioner, that has to do with the fall zone --
GRAY: Yeah.
WESLEY: -- on that, which is different than these numbers.
GRAY: Well, they work together, don't they?
WESLEY: To some degree, but one is where it's placed on the property to make sure, if
it falls, it stays on the property, but doesn't really say how far it is from a residential use.
So most of the towers in the 50 to 60, 65-foot range, and so 200 percent of that -- of a
65-foot tower is 130 feet, so it's nowhere, again, near these distances.
GRAY: But if I layered 16 and 17 together, I'd much rather have a few 60, 70-foot towers
than I would have in one on ten times that number of street corners to get coverage.
WESLEY: Right.
GRAY: So I think -- it's something, I think, we should keep in the air and we should talk
about some more. And with respect to the fall zones, I like the -- I think the one -- if you
go back to the fall zone slide, I think that the minimum -- I think we should have our fall
zone be 120 percent of the height of the tower rather than falling right to a property
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line.
WESLEY: All right. Okay. So the next related one is separation distances between
towers. And so that's in a table we'll look at in just a moment. And I had to remind
myself, too, when you say tower, what does that include? Is it just a monopole?
And by definition in here, it's basically all kinds of towers, including alternative
structures.
So here is the ordinance as approved, and then the red strikeouts were what I was
hearing suggested as a modification in terms of the separation between towers that we
would want to have. And again, here are just some existing examples of towers. I didn't
go out to measure them and check to see for sure what they were since most of them
are in that, you know, 45 to 65 range. I just assume that's what they were and use that
distance with the exception of maybe just the saguaros, I figured, were probably a little
shorter.
And so when you look at these two commercial areas that we have, there's really very
little opportunity for any additional towers to go in. There's a little bit in this piece of
commercial down here off of Saguaro that would meet the separation requirement.
Didn't mean to do that. Over here in this industrial commercial area, it's already pretty
well covered by towers meeting the separation requirements, and so there's not much
opportunity for new towers in those commercial areas at the current separations, and
when you increase those separations, it makes it even more challenging.
So again, here's what we have. Here is what was discussed before. And it's, again, not
final decisions, but just kind of direction for staff in what we might bring back for further
discussion. Do we want to increase those distances as proposed, leave them as they
are, something different?
KOVACEVIC: It seems in the other ordinances that the concept of effective prohibition is
a very important concept --
WESLEY: Yes.
KOVACEVIC: -- that we have to be concerned about. We're using these setbacks and
separations of towers. Are we -- are we prohibiting a carrier from providing service in
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town?
WESLEY: It does provide some -- again, depending what numbers you end up with can
be fairly restrictive. I can bring back those maps in the future as we talk about it.
Before, when we were talking about the 500-foot separation from residential, we ended
up with -- basically, the Plat 208 area was open for towers and a couple other little spots
around town. When you combine that, you know, with the separation by the towers,
there was very few -- very few spots were available.
KOVACEVIC: Who could review the ordinance and make a determination whether or
not we're effectively prohibiting? Is that something we can determine in advance?
WESLEY: I think, as part of our review, as we put -- get these numbers together and put
together some actual maps, I think we can come to some conclusions that we would
want to put on the record that we think it does or doesn't. Certainly don't want to say
on the record that it is an effective prohibition. We'll have -- we will need to look at
that.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
WESLEY: So again, any direction you want to give here? Keep the existing numbers, just
go with a larger number, something different?
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: I just think -- I mean, I'm going to make the same statement just for the record,
but I think this is another one where this table needs to be reviewed in concert with
Chapter 16. The more restrictive you are here -- you know, prohibition, I think, is kind of
moot because the accommodation mechanism between our whole system would simply
be to default to 16, which our current understanding is by right without -- you know,
without the ability to control, generally speaking. So I think -- I mean, none of us care
for this, but I think we have to be really careful that we don't pivot a carrier into wanting
to leverage what's by right under 16.
WESLEY: Certainly, going along with that, Commissioner Gray, is part of what we
discussed before, and we may want to come back to again, is kind of that hierarchy of
locations and determine where you would most like to see any towers go and make that
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the easiest thing possible, and then those places where you most don't want them,
make that the most difficult place to put them. So you haven't prohibited it, but you
made it difficult, so that, again, tries to steer the user as to where you'd like them to be.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Chair, are we aware or do we know whether we have, in fact, Mr.
Campanelli on retainer? Do we still -- are we still allowed to use his services and review
all of this in light of an attorney rather than us kind of second-guessing, you know, our
little -- none of us in the room here -- well, okay. I'll speak for myself. I don't know
beans about broadband and cellular, and I cannot quote you the FAA regulations on
Chapter 17. No way. I can't even -- so my point is, Chair, if we have Mr. Campanelli on
retainer, shouldn't we run this all by him? Because he's the attorney. And again, not to
reiterate an adage, but we have to be careful. You know, we shouldn't be that client
who finds himself a fool for not having an attorney. That's it.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: I preface my comments I'm jumping into this river that's been flowing for
quite a while, so there's a lot I don't know, but it seems to me we're trying to -- I mean,
this all looks fantastic, but I agree with Mr. Gray that we could be awfully prohibitive. I
think our goal is to extend 5G to the town. Now, how do we best accomplish that? I
don't know -- in all due respect, Mr. Corrigan, I don't know if an attorney is going to be
able to provide that to us.
I'm wondering what the -- what the -- what range these towers have. We do have a
challenge with our topography. I'm sure these signals don't bend over hills and valleys,
so they're going to have to be strategically placed. I'm just wondering if we -- it would
be nice to have a technical expert to come in and say if you're going to have effective
5G in this town, you're going to need a tower in that valley, on that peak, in this
residential area, in this industrial area, maybe in that park, and then we can see if it -- I
mean, all this is great. See if that overlays in what we are saying here, what the Town is
doing.
But I'm at a loss to know where these towers would have to go to provide effective 5G,
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and I'm not sure an attorney is going to provide that unless he's got background in
engineering and stuff. It would probably be inappropriate to reach out to a 5G provider,
but someone that has that technical knowledge that could advise us what effective
coverage would be and where these towers would have to go and what height the
towers would have to be to achieve that effective coverage, and then we can bring that
back and overlay a map and say, okay, where are our problems? Where do we get
pushback from constituents? It's in a residential area. Can't put one in the middle of
the fifth fairway of Desert Canyon.
I'm with you. I don't know what I -- I don't know. I'm just trying to apply a dose of
common sense here. But it would be nice to know where towers would have to go,
what range they would be to give the town effective 5G coverage, and then we can
overlay this to that and see where our problems would be.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Thank you, Chair. My concern is not so much with the technical aspect, the
engineering aspect and so on. My concern is with an expert -- being that attorney that
we did hire and we did pay. Maybe we still retain. I don't know -- who knows and has
litigated these issues. I don't know that it's so much a technical issue because, again,
the technical issue, if you want to go to a technical expert, I guess you'd go to someone
who's a broadband provider. I'm not sure that's wise.
GRAY: Yeah.
CORRIGAN: He would -- you know, he probably would -- he'd favor whoever he's
representing and probably not our little town. But speaking as someone -- again, I'll
reference Campanelli. Speaking as someone who -- him, not me -- who's litigated these
cases, who has designed ordinances to really help us as a town. You know, that's the
whole idea is to protect the community. That's why we're here. So -- and I think that
maybe is the answer is that, okay, maybe he's not a technical expert, but he knows
enough that he litigates that way, so it doesn't matter.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: Guess we'll move on. So another item that we discussed quite a bit last time
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was co-location, how many additional users should be designed on a tower and ensuring
there's power for the users. So we did make some modifications to the ordinances with
the Council to address that topic, and the piece underlined there is what was added. So
hopefully, that addressed what the Commission's concerns were at the time, and if not,
you can let me know if there's some additional modification you might feel needs to go
with that co-location language.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Commissioner Corey, Commissioner Sveum, speak up if you have
any comments on these as we go through.
WESLEY: So a quick reminder that the way the code is currently set up, there are two
types of applications, administrative and public review. Administrative is a longer
section because a lot of it has to do with amendments to existing towers and the ways
those can be handled administratively, and basically, the public review, as you looked at
it before, was anything that's not administrative goes through public review. Anything
that requires a special use permit is going through public review.
As I continued to work on that and went back and was reviewing what was stated in
Section 1703.B.1 and 2 about the separations and the setbacks, they were -- those
numbers -- unless the Council determines the code's better met by something less, but
there wasn't any mechanism to necessarily get those cases in front of the Town Council,
so added a provision in here in the public review that if you're going to request those
lesser numbers, what we were talking about a minute ago is you want to go from 500
down to the 300, okay, well, that means you're a public review application. So that was
a little change from what you saw before.
There was questions about electromagnetic interference and what that means and can
we better define what limits or allowances go with that. That's not something we
delved into in the current code. If that's still a concern or interest to the Commission,
we can look at trying to add that language or figure out what those statement might be,
if that's something you'd want us to look into.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, I think we should look into it.
WESLEY: You think we should? Okay. And so similarly, we discussed some other
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options to a drive test. Before, the ordinance we looked at from Campanelli last month
added a few more tests to go along with that, dropped call records being the primary
thing that was in that ordinance. Are there other options for determining the gap
service? You may hear some others from the public, but that was another area that we
may want to expand upon. Any thoughts or comments on the gaps? Okay.
Requiring some kind of -- so there are kind of a list of other items that didn't necessarily
make it into active discussion. I think this mostly came from then-Commissioner
Kovacevic. And so just kind of run through these quickly. So it's to require some kind of
security for maintenance of tower equipment and landscaping. We have this one
provision in the code currently for security for removal of a tower. Would you like to
see something more detailed to cover maintenance of tower equipment and
landscaping?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah. I think they should post a bond, and the bond should be updated
every three years.
WESLEY: Okay. RF testing. Annual RF testing. Current code requires testing within 40
days of completion of a tower and then random testing. There's not a specific
requirement for annual testing in the current code. Should we up that for specific
annual testing?
KOVACEVIC: Again, Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Sorry, Chair. Again, I think there's been public comments in regard to the
radiation, and I also think that we need to examine that a bit more, so yeah, I'm in favor
of that.
But then going back to the gap, as I -- as I recall, the gap requirement or the verification
of the gap, that should be something that is a -- what do they call it? Drive-by or drive --
yeah.
WESLEY: Yeah, the drive test is one option.
CORRIGAN: And that's done usually by the provider, right? So -- and I guess, maybe the
critical issue there, from what comments I've heard in the past, is that that favors the
provider, and so maybe they'll, you know, test at a certain time of day when, you know,
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it favors their, you know, interests. And another option was provided to cover that idea
of, you know, provable gaps in service, and I think we maybe need to reexamine that,
so --
KOVACEVIC: It's on there, the dropped call records.
CORRIGAN: Okay. Good.
KOVACEVIC: That's what -- that's --
CORRIGAN: All right.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, we're --
CORRIGAN: Thank you, Chair.
KOVACEVIC: -- going that we should stick with the Campanelli ordinance on that.
WESLEY: Okay. Let's see here. So building codes -- compliance with building codes and
structural requirements. We do have two standards currently in the code about being
in the building codes and Town Engineer review. Again, was that sufficient, or is the
Commission looking for something more than what these sections provide?
KOVACEVIC: I think it's fine.
WESLEY: Okay. Power and fiberoptics underground. So I guess there continues to be
some concern that there will be overhead service somehow going to the towers, and
there needs to be something more specific in the code to require underground. We
believe the code absolutely covers that currently, but if the Commission feels
differently, we can add some language to reinforce that point.
KOVACEVIC: Go ahead, Commissioner Corrigan.
CORRIGAN: Chair. Yeah, underground is the way we've done it historically with
everything, all the utilities, so I think we have to keep that as -- you know, this whole
committee was planned on that basis, and I think we need to keep that -- everything
underground. Chair?
WESLEY: Okay. Then providing backup power. The federal government does require
some level of backup power. I'm not sure how extensive it is. We could research that a
little bit further to see if it's 100 percent of the time or something less, but if that's a
topic you want to have us look into further, we could.
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KOVACEVIC: If there's governmental requirements, federal government requirements
on that, then I don't -- they should be fine. What do you -- Peter?
GRAY: But we can -- we can require things like hush kits and -- well, we can -- we can
bump that up. You know, beyond just emergency power, we can say, sure, you can
provide emergency power, but you've got to have a hush kit on the generator, and we
can put -- you can put a technical spec behind that.
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: I would agree with that. We're -- especially since we're having so much
trouble with the noise ordinance.
WESLEY: Okay. Some other random things. Require parking adjacent to a tower.
Typically, that's going to happen through a site plan. We can be -- make something
more specific. Require an indemnification agreement with the Town. Similar to a
previous one, cannot interfere with government emergency communications. More
clarity on what that means. Requirement for insurance. When I have these things, dark
sky compliant, that's a requirement anyway, but we could add something specific to
that statement.
And then require new development to designate tower locations. So in particular, this
could be used if the state trust land is developed, considering they're the only large
developable area left, to have them put a statement in here that says that if somebody's
developing new land like that, then they have to predesignate tower locations so we
know where they're going to be from the start.
KOVACEVIC: And yeah, those are all important. And we have -- for example, we have
other ordinances with insurance limits. We have other language with indemnification
and the parking agreements from the other ordinances, so -- but all those are
important.
WESLEY: Right. This last one on new development, I haven't explored it yet, but that
really feels, to me, like it really goes someplace else in the town code, the zoning
ordinance or someplace, so that somebody that's looking to develop knows that's what
they have to do because if they're just coming out and developing land, they're not
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going to be looking in the wireless ordinance to find out they're supposed to designate a
place. But we'll think about that.
And I think that's the end of what I have to say tonight. I'm going to sit down.
KOVACEVIC: Do we have any speaker cards on this topic?
WOODWARD: Yes, Chair. The first speaker is Larry Meyers, and the second speaker is
Lori Troller.
MEYERS: This is why everything takes so long. So let's just review -- can I have 15 more
minutes? Let's just review how this all started three years ago. We were -- there were a
group of citizens concerned about property values and medical issues, period. I'd like
everybody to look at their phone just so we understand we get 5G. There's nobody
hurting for 5G in this town, so just so we know that. Your phone will tell you that you
get it. Clear that point up.
We hired an attorney. He created an ordinance that our town attorney, who no longer
exists, fought for a period of time, refused to turn the document over. One of the
commissioners here sitting on the dais -- who's not here tonight but who sits on the dais
actually has his position because she chose to resign because we weren't given that
document.
Then, a group of citizens flipped the Council so that we could get a vote to force the
attorney who wrote the ordinance -- the ordinance is fine. What Mr. Campanelli wrote
requires only the personalization of the Town of Fountain Hills. It's been reviewed. It's
been litigated. It's been to hell and back. So we're now asking John, who knows nothing
about any of this. There are people sitting in this room who can run circles around John.
And I'm not one of them, but I know more than John, and I'm the least of the people
that are in this room that know more.
So we finally get the Campanelli document, and now John's picking it apart, and then
you're going to spend an hour and a half reviewing the pick-apart when we already have
the ordinance. We can personalize it for Fountain Hills. And we don't have to worry
about selectively prohibiting because we can do what he wrote. We paid him to write
it. And we still have some time left for him to say whatever we personalized is fine
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because that was the deal we made.
Now, one councilmember was charged with putting this all together with the citizens
that know more than John and you all so that we could get to the end of this sometime
before I'm dead, which is where we are. It's been going on for three years. And I heard
the same crap when we talked about detox. Select the prohibiting and, oh, my God, we
can't do this. We can do plenty. And it's already written, and it's actually been
improved on, and so I suggest we get on with it.
And this stuff? Forget it. Just leave it alone. Look at the Campanelli document and the
personalization of it, and you'll be just fine. And we'll get a new town attorney that
might not block our efforts to protect the citizens' property and health in this town
because that's what this is about. And it does involve 16 and 17, which is what
Chairman Gray, when he was chairman, said in the first place, and then our Council
decided that wasn't the way it was going to go. Thank you.
TROLLER: Good even, Commission. Lori Troller, resident. There's so much to be said,
and trying to get this said quickly. Very first question, and seems to be everybody's
concern, are we prohibiting? No, you're not. Again, he just asked, can everybody make
a phone call? If you can call 911 on your cell phone, you met the requirement. The
Town met their requirement. We are not prohibiting anything. That's what prohibit --
that's what prohibit means, if you can't make a 911 call. And that call only has to be so
long. It's not the two-hour phone conversation I have with my mom. Hi, Mom. It's a
911 call. That's the only requirement for this.
So if you're wondering if we're prohibiting, no, we're not. So if there's anywhere in
town we can't do that -- and then -- now, then, you start talking about gaps. Those gaps
can be so long. You can have a quarter mile hole. That's not a definition of a gap. So all
these words that are in this ordinance, they're very important in what they are. So is
there a gap? I mean, ooh, my phone is dead right here, but if I move -- no, it's a quarter
mile. So all this stuff -- there's answers for all of this out there. It's actually very easy.
I've been at this for a long time. I can help you with any questions.
Commissioner Corey was talking about limiting 5G. I want to let you know this
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ordinance no way in any -- in any stretch says we're only going to ever have 5G. So I've
already got this positioned. Your next issue -- we're not going to have towers in two
years. It's all going straight up to Elon, right? What our issue then is, is your neighbor's
antenna -- which way it's aimed at. If it's aimed at my house, I'm getting concentrated
exposure. Those things have to be aimed up. That's going to be your next ordinance.
There is nothing in this ordinance that's going to stop you from saying that. There is
nothing in this ordinance that limits the technology. Absolutely nothing.
So now, I'm going to get back to the approach that we're taking. And Larry pretty much
said everything, but we did spend $8,500, and we hired Campanelli. He's highly
recommended. He's recognized. He's a case lawyer, and he's been in the courtroom,
and he knows exactly how telecoms think and work and take advantage of the self-
directed municipal codes.
So Attorney Campanelli did -- he has written hundreds of ordinances across the country,
and we have one he wrote specifically for us. We can tweak it, and that's about all we
need to do. There are some things we need to add. But when he wrote it, his has
respect for the federal, state, and Ninth Circuit. We are not considering Ninth Circuit in
this work right here. That's very important because our state laws are so awful. Arizona
has the most constricting. So anything in the Ninth Circuit can override any of our state
laws. So that's what Campanelli wrote. Can I -- okay. So in the last meeting --
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, give her another two minutes.
TROLLER: Okay. In the last meeting, collectively, in this room, we spent more than 16
hours going nowhere, picking apart Campanelli's ordinance. So you're taking this
professional -- he -- John read paragraph for paragraph, do you feel we should keep that
when you have no idea of the court cases that bring about that verbiage. So now, we've
castrated that -- that ordinance that he wrote, that the professional we paid for wrote,
we castrated 70 percent of it. Who knows -- who knows better than the case lawyer
that's been in these cases and has written these things?
All I'm saying is stop what you're doing. Start with Campanelli's document. Weave in
some other strong ordinances. I've been saying Ithaca and Kopec (ph.) all along. Weave
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those in because there are some elements missing from Campanelli's. Campanelli didn't
have insurance. There are -- there are some other really big hitters in there that you
want to get in, and you're done, and you've got something he wrote.
And we still have time in the bank with him. When you get that, when you're happy
with that, take it back to him. He'll look at it. He knows Ithaca. I know he knows
Ithaca. I'm very fairly sure he wrote it. So Ithaca -- the only reason with Ithaca you got
to watch, it's the Second Court of Appeals, which is not ours, so -- but I think most
of everything that I would think would come in, you're not going to have an issue
there.
So all I'm saying is let's come back to Campanelli's documents, which you guys fought for
the first half of last year. Let's bring that back in. Let's start with that. Let's throw our
flavors in, you know, the few things that we want to be insistent on. Campanelli doesn't
know the whole desert thing, so he's talking about wood structures. We don't have
wood structures here, you know. There's a few little things like that. But please start
with Campanelli, and then we will be on the right road, and we will get there very
quickly. Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Commissioners, any comments? Commissioner Corey?
Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: No comments.
COREY: Just -- yes, just one comment. So I think that still part of these wireless -- I've
said this many times, but still part of the wireless capabilities is the fixed wireless access,
like we've talked about in the past, and I know, you know, just for me personally, I can't
get T-Mobile to provide my home Internet because the megabytes per second down is
too slow, and up, it's too slow. It doesn't compare with Cox. And I've reached out to T-
Mobile, and they said that we need more service where I live to be able to provide the
speeds that I would need to get their 5G home Internet. I'd like to. I'm a T-Mobile
customer, and it would be at a discounted rate for me. And I know other people are in
the same position.
So I just wanted to call that out because that, I believe, is still a wireless signal that
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would be broadcast from these cell towers. So when we talk about balancing -- and I
totally understand -- balancing protecting the community with providing services, I don't
want us to forget that that is one of the services that people are going to expect. Thank
you.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Chair, I would like to hear more from -- in ways of -- in means of a
document, if it's available, from Ms. Troller, those other findings that she has in regard
to -- in addition to the Campanelli letter so that we can see what other cases,
apparently, have been fought and maybe garnered around or protected around these
new ordinances which she mentioned, Ithaca, New York. So if she's willing, I think we
maybe should address that and bring that into the conversation. If she has documents
like that, we maybe want to take a second look.
In my understanding, my extremely limited knowledge of this in general, I know
there's -- I do know there's a difference between broadband and cellular
communication, so I don't think the two are -- that's why we have Chapter 16 and
Chapter 17. I don't think one can be compared with the other. We're trying to protect
everything in our town. So they're two different -- two different factors, and we need to
address that, but we can't do that with our own knowledge. None of us in the room has
that knowledge except for maybe Ms. Troller and others. But my point is, I think, maybe
if she's willing, we should take that -- those documents and take a second look, review
those. That's it.
SVEUM: Mr. Chair?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
SVEUM: Mr. Chair, this is Phil again.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: I think it's worthwhile, as long as there's some potential large company that
could possibly come into town, that why not find out what the needs are of some
companies that would come into the Innovation area that may not be provided at this
point in time since -- and I think I'm -- again, this is not in my wheelhouse whatsoever,
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but I think it's -- that it's worthwhile checking on a future large customer to find out
what their needs might be.
I -- and thank you, Lori, for coming in again. You certainly provide great information
when you come -- you know, I think, probably three or four times, you've been in since I
got on the Planning Commission, and I appreciate your explanation of things and hope
that you stay connected with all of this and keep educating us from what your
knowledge is because it certainly -- it certainly is helpful to us that don't know the ins
and outs of this topic.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you. One of the things that I'm hearing over again is -- I mean, we're
starting with our ordinance and incorporating Campanelli's work into our ordinance, and
it -- you know, is -- rather than do that, how do we start with Campanelli's ordinance? Is
it -- how do we do that? That just seems to be where I'm hearing that concern.
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioners, if that's the direction you want to give me to move this
forward, that's what we'll do.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Well, let's just -- I mean, let's back up a step and go back to what's the value in
taking this approach? I think you're going to say the value is to have a form- and
function-conforming ordinance. Using the components from Campanelli that, you
know, allows us to have a uniform look and feel to our -- to our ordinance binder is
probably the primary reason we're going this way. Is that fact or fiction?
WESLEY: That's one of them, although the -- what Mr. Campanelli did can be converted
in terms of a numbering scheme to fit our format without too much challenge, I think.
My bigger challenge with it is the -- some of the procedural things and the conflicts that
it created with the rest of the ordinance, but again, those are all things that can be
reworked. It just seemed to be easier to start with what we already have in terms of
how we process cases rather than going back into how he did it and try to figure out
how to restructure all that to make it work.
GRAY: Yeah. So --
WESLEY: It can be either way.
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GRAY: -- I mean, I go back to the whole reason that we belabored and ultimately shut
down the conversation lying, you know, in wait of this Campanelli ordinance was that
we couldn't get it, and we didn't know what was behind the curtain. No one would tell
us what was behind the curtain. We still don't know why we weren't allowed to see
behind the curtain, but we weren't. And so we get it. The ordinance is fill in these
blanks, and magically, it's going to go through some algorithm and spit out a perfect
document.
I don't see a problem -- I guess I don't share the same sentiment that we need to go to
Campanelli's draft language and then stuff it into our ordinance binder. I'm perfectly
fine going this route, but I think if we go this route, I think we need to be okay with
saying, okay, you know, whatever, if there's a retainer and there's money left on the
retainer, bring the guy back in at the end. Maybe we -- maybe we do it before it goes
to Council. Bring him back in and say, hey, give us a QC of this because this conforms
with what, you know, the rest of our chapters align with. I don't have a problem with
that.
I also think that we have to -- I think that we have to remember, you know, what are we
doing? We got sent down a path however long ago -- I don't think it was three years,
but however long ago, we went down a path of blindfold -- you know, blinders, not
blindfold -- blinders for Chapter 17, right? That was the direction from the Council. We
weren't allowed to look left or right of that. We couldn't open up 16. It was just 17.
Our objective the whole time has been, really, what's in 16. What's in 16 is allowed by
right via the federal government, passed down to the state, passed down to us that
says a provider can go put a small cell tower anywhere in the right-of-way, anywhere in
this town, and none of us can say anything about it. That's the simplified version,
right?
That's our real objective is how do we minimize the damage and the impacts from
whatever angle you want to take? Whether it's property value or any other, you know,
how do -- how do we minimize the impact of that? And I think we're at a point where
we've got to say -- procedure aside for a second, we've got to say 16 and 17 have to
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come together or we have to talk about both at the same time instead of talking about
17 in isolation from it because we're making decision -- not decisions, we're making
recommendations and suggestions on 17 that I don't know that we'd make if we
thought about the implications of -- you know, of what the right-of-way application
would necessarily be.
And one more thing and I'll shut up. I don't think any one of us wants to put a
restriction on cellular communication service in this town. We constantly gravitate back
to that position. That's not what we're trying to say. What we do want to heavily
deliberate, though, is as we -- as we get into those higher, denser frequencies, you
know, in the, quote, unquote, broadband area, you know, how do we address that, and
that's still to be determined, I think, as we -- as we work through this whole thing, so --
KOVACEVIC: Any other comments, Commissioners? Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: I agree with Commissioner Gray but would add that we're not maybe using
all the resources pro bono, I might add, that have been provided by Ms. Troller,
apparently. We haven't seen the -- of course, we're very, you know, aware of the
Campanelli document, but what I'm hearing is that litigation that has continued on from
the point from last January -- and not only in the Ninth District, apparently, from what
I'm looking at or my notes, but also in the Second, and I guess that what that means is
that what she referred to as the Ithaca -- I think that's New York -- should be considered.
So we haven't really looked at any of that.
So if there's that information that she is providing pro bono -- now, we paid for the
Campanelli letter. If she's got more, I'm sure she's put a lot of time into this. I think we
ought to look at that and look at what's come down litigation-wise and decision-wise.
And they must have, then, crafted other ordinances to accommodate those new
concerns or litigation or complaint, or whatever the term is, and crafted some sort of an
ordinance, I guess, for this town or another town or something, and we should work
with that because now, somebody's done that pro bono, number one. Somebody's --
we can -- we can graft in pro bono stuff from attorneys who have written ordinances,
and now, we have access to that, so we're getting a double freebie here, and so are we
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going to turn our heads and just say, no, we're good with this Campanelli letter and let's
just move on down the road.
I think we -- I agree with Commissioner Gray, but I think we should compound that by,
you know, looking at all the provided information, you know, from those cases in one or
two towns back east and also -- those ordinances and what she has been willing to do
and provide up to this point and modified and so on, I guess, given the current
information, and I think we need to look at that. That's my thought.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Thank you. Anybody else? Okay.
We're not taking action. Do we give you --
WESLEY: So I guess I'm looking -- I know it's hard to see the two head nods that aren't in
the room, but do we have -- so my hope for your May meeting was to bring back the
start of a draft ordinance that's bringing the pieces together, and so am I starting with
17 and modifying it, or am I starting with Campanelli and modifying that? That's the
direction I need in order to bring you something next month.
KOVACEVIC: I think you're -- I think we decided that it's not really -- that we can do it
from our ordinance.
WESLEY: Okay. Okay. Again, that just -- just because I start that next month, if you look
at it and you don't like it and want to send me back the other direction, that'll be fine
just as long as I know what to do, you know, for next month.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah. Commissioner Gray, did you have something else?
GRAY: Well, yeah. Just don't lose sight of the value of folding 16 in before we, you
know, bake 17's language, right?
WESLEY: Okay. Yeah.
GRAY: I mean, I'm still -- I'm at a crossroads still, personally, where I think I understand
the structure of, you know, 16 being public right-of-way, 17 being private, you know, on
parcel, if you will, but I don't know that I'm fully convinced that they shouldn't be, you
know, meshed together in this case, and I don't appreciate the full, you know, level of
disruption that that might cause to our -- to our ordinance structure, framework, if you
will, but I think we need to still be prepared to potentially meld the two together.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
Page 55 of 59
WESLEY: And again, Chair and Commissioner Gray, that's certainly the intent. After we
take a first blush look at here's what it's looked like coming together, bringing these
pieces, then we'll transition and start talking about 16 before we take any further action
on 17 and see what's there, and then start talking about how we move forward from
that. That's sort of the intent.
KOVACEVIC: Director, are we okay pushing signs to next month?
WESLEY: Yes.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Well, let's do that.
WESLEY: Okay. We need a specific motion --
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: -- to do so, but yes.
KOVACEVIC: I'm looking for a motion to take up signs in May --
WESLEY: Well, actually --
KOVACEVIC: -- at the May meeting.
WESLEY: I'm not sure -- I mean, this wasn't a public hearing, so I guess we don't
necessarily need an actual motion, right? It's not a -- it's not a public hearing at this
point. So a motion would be nice but not necessarily required now that I think about it.
GRAY: So moved.
WESLEY: Okay.
CORRIGAN: I second.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray made the motion. Commissioner Corrigan second.
WESLEY: Chair, I'm sorry. Before you do that, we did have a speaker card that's been
sitting here through this.
KOVACEVIC: Oh.
WESLEY: And so maybe -- it's up to you. Maybe you want to give the speaker a chance
to say something since he's been sitting here.
KOVACEVIC: Sure.
WOODWARD: We have one speaker card, and it's Gene Slechta pertaining to agenda
item 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
Page 56 of 59
SLECHTA: Okay. My name is Gene Slechta. I'm a 30-year resident of this town. Also,
spent five years in the Planning and Zoning Department as a planner. I also spent
three years on this commission. And finally, I was on a sign committee, remember,
back in 2012. There was about eight to ten members. I was the only nonbusiness
person.
Just a reminder about the signs. If you look at the purpose of the ordinance, it talks
about that there needs to be considerations regarding public safety, property values,
obstructions, and aesthetics. 24,000 residents, I think, would be horrified at some of
the changes being requested, and they're certainly not happy about the expansion of
the political signs that was passed recently. Unfortunately, the interests of a few
businesses are being addressed here and not the total community. Back when I was
involved with the signage issues almost 15 years ago, there was a great deal more
communications, including the sign committee and an open house. That's sadly lacking
here. Residents really need to be heard.
I'm definitely against increasing the number of A-frame signs from one to four. It's
ridiculous. One is adequate, and more would be devastating to the beauty and
aesthetics and safety of our town. Plus, every temporary sign creates a hazard from
weather, from abuse, such as blocking sidewalks, placement on the streets, and I
remember that. However, allowing two signs where there are multiple entries is
certainly reasonable.
I'm also against increasing the display time beyond the sunrise to sunset requirements
of the current ordinance. These temporary signs now become permanent with no
control or monitoring after hours. They become subjects of vandalism and, worse,
potential hazards, safety. Also, think about a business open 40 hours per week and
probably less during the summer, but their signs are sitting out there 168 hours a week.
Our dark skies make these A-frames at night even a bigger risk.
By the way, 13 years ago, when businesses routinely left their signs out but became
required to bring the signs in at night, we found that many of the businesses stopped
putting out the signs, period. That signaled to me and others that those signs may not
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
Page 57 of 59
be as valuable as they talk about. As for size, the average sign size is six square feet,
two-by-three. I see no reason to change that. However, for businesses with two
entries, I would think two signs of up to six square feet each is very reasonable.
On yard signs, I'm against the idea of increasing those to four because during elections, I
believe you can put virtually any number of signs in the town right-of-way adjacent to
your property, so no need to complicate any more of the ordinance. And I'm against
railing signs, period. Businesses have windows, doors, A-frames. Stop the clutter.
Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: All right. So we had a motion and a second to move the agenda item 7 to
May.
GRAY: Before we vote, I just want to say I won't be here if we go to the next agenda
item, but I agree with everything he just said.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. All right. So we have a motion and a second. Can we get a roll call
vote, Paula?
WOODWARD: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Aye.
WOODWARD: Vice Chair Corey?
COREY: Aye.
WOODWARD: Chairman Kovacevic?
KOVACEVIC: Aye.
WOODWARD: Six-zero.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Agenda item 8, Commission Discussion/Request for Research to
staff. Hearing none.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
Page 58 of 59
Agenda item 9, Commission Requests from Director Wesley.
WESLEY: So I'm going to move on past that, I think, just a little bit. These are kind of
combined, these last two, together anyway. So what we see we have coming, then, for
your May meeting will be signs, and we'll talk about those first, give Farhad his chance
to do that, and then we'll pick up our discussion on the wireless ordinance. And
hopefully, I can have a first draft of some -- pulling the pieces together for you to look at
and respond to at that meeting.
For June, at this point, then, we have the continuation of the downtown overlay
ordinance. We had thought, if you talked about signs tonight, that we might have a
draft ordinance at your June meeting. At this point, I don't know if that will happen or
not. We've had the special use permit requests out there for Wilson -- Mr. Ejim at
Fountain Hills Boulevard and El Pueblo that you saw a couple months ago. He has not
come back with those, so we don't know if or when those might come back. We've also
had the request for the cell tower SUP over off of Ironwood and Fountain Hills
Boulevard that you acted on. It's on hold at Council, so I don't know that that would
come back here for any reason, but it could.
I'm saying some of those things as -- because we're starting to look forward to the
summer and when we might have summer meetings and will we have some time off.
Right now, we're thinking we may be able to take the month of July off, but we can
narrow that down as we continue on. But it does look like we have things for your May
and June meetings.
And no public request items at this point that would interfere with that. We have one
or two others that may be coming in, but if they come in between now and the next
deadline, which is May 19th, you wouldn't hear them until August anyway. So again, it
looks like there's a possibility, if the Commission desires, we could take July off, but
again, we'll formalize that as we move forward.
KOVACEVIC: Any -- as far in advance of the June meeting, if we can get a telecom doc to
look at, that would be great because that'll take some time.
WESLEY: Okay.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
APRIL 21, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
Page 59 of 59
KOVACEVIC: Thanks.
WESLEY: For the -- I'm shooting for your May meeting for a first draft of that, so yeah.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: So you'd like it tomorrow if I could give it to you; is that correct?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, that's what I'm saying.
WESLEY: Okay. Got it.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Okay. Motion to adjourn.
COREY: Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: So yeah. Thanks, guys.
Having no further business, Chairperson Kovacevic adjourned the Regular Meeting of the
Planning and Zoning Commission held on April 21,2025, at 8:22 p.m.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
_______________________
Dan Kovacevic, Chairperson
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
_______________________________
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of
the Regular Meeting held by the Planning & Zoning Commission of Fountain Hills in the
Town Hall Council Chambers on the 21 day of April 2025. I further certify that the
meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 9 Day of June 2025.
_______________________________
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNNING & ZONING COMMISSION May 12, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission was convened at 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains in open and public session at 6:00 p.m.
Members Present: Chairperson Dan Kovacevic; Vice Chairperson
Clayton Corey; Commissioner Mathew Corrigan; Commissioner Peter
Gray (arrived at 6:14 PM); Commissioner Scott Schlossberg and
Commissioner Phil Sveum
Staff Present: Development Services Director John Wesley, Senior
Planner Farhad Tavassoli, and Executive Assistant Paula Woodward.
Planning and Zoning Commission May 12, 2025 1 of 1
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
May 12, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Chairperson Kovacevic called the Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and
Zoning Commission held on May 12, 2025, to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the
Commission and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Dan Kovacevic; Vice Chairperson Clayton Corey;
Commissioner Mathew Corrigan; Commissioner Peter Gray (arrived at 6:14 p.m.);
Commission Nick Proctor; Commissioner Scott Schlossberg and Commissioner Phil
Sveum
Staff Present: Development Services Director John Wesley, Senior Planner Farhad
Tavassoli, and Executive Assistant Paula Woodward
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
The following resident addressed the Commission:
Betsy LeVoie
4. CONSIDERATION AND DIRECTION: Provide staff with direction on updating the Town's Sign
Regulations contained in Chapter 6 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The followings resident addressed the Commission:
Lori Troller
Discussion only
5. REVIEW AND PROVIDE COMMENTS ON: Initial draft revisions to Zoning Ordinance Chapter
17, Wireless Telecommunications Towers and Antennas.
The following residents addressed the Commission:
Lori Troller
Discussion only
6. COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
7. SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
8. REPORT from Development Services Director.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Kovacevic adjourned the Regular meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and
Zoning Commission held on May 12, 2025, at 7:43 p.m.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 1 of 44
Post-Production File
Town of Fountain Hills
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2025
Transcription Provided By:
eScribers, LLC
* * * * *
Transcription is provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not
be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.
* * * * *
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 2 of 44
KOVACEVIC: All right. Let's call to order the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting of
May 12th, 2025. Everybody rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ALL: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic
for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Thank you. So Paula, can we take the roll?
WOODWARD: Chairman KOVACEVIC?
KOVACEVIC: Here.
WOODWARD: Vice Chair Corey?
COREY: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Schlossberg?
SCHLOSSBERG: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Gray? Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: Here.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. We have a Call to the Public.
Paula, do we have any speaker cards?
WOODWARD: We do, Chair. One speaker, Betsy LaVoie.
LAVOIE: Good evening, Chair, Vice Chair, Commissioners, staff. Betsy LaVoie with the
Chamber of Commerce. I am speaking to an agenda item that was on your last
agenda, so I know you cannot reply or speak to it, but I just wanted to provide the
information.
On April 8th, we had sent out a letter from the TAMA, The Avenue Merchants
Association, to the Planning & Zoning commissioners as well as SPAC and different staff
members, and we understand that it was not received by all, so I wanted to provide it
for you today as well as a new letter of support from the Board of Directors of the
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, and it's the initiatives that The Avenue Merchants
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 3 of 44
Association spent countless hours to put together and had 37 wet signatures of
businesses who participated in that.
So I do believe it brings with it a lot of weight of what the business community would
like to see happen, so it's just for your reference as you're looking at all the downtown
strategies in the new plan. Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: Are there any other speaker cards?
WOODWARD: No, Chair.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Okay. Let's move on to agenda item 4, Consideration and Direction
on updating the Town's Sign Regulations contained in Chapter 6 of the Zoning
Ordinance.
TAVASSOLI: All right. Thank you. And good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the
Commission. I'm here to discuss with you this evening some potential amendments that
were discussed at the January meeting - Town Council meeting regarding Chapter 6 of
the Zoning Ordinance, which addresses sign regulations. And again, we're not -- we --
John and I are not looking for any recommendations for approval. This is for discussion
purposes and, you know, us trying to figure out how to move forward given these deal
points that were discussed in January.
So a little bit of background. As some of you have been involved back in November
2021, there were some significant amendments made to the sign ordinance that
reflected the Reed v. Town of Gilbert decision regarding content neutrality. That was
followed by some more revisions, not as big in scale. But back in October '23, there
were some proposed revisions that came before Council that were subsequently
approved.
And then in January, as I said earlier, Council directed staff to review and revise the sign
ordinance, but before revising -- going through any particular legislative revisions to the
sign ordinance, we're coming before you. And on February 18th, after staff, I guess,
was -- didn't receive a whole lot of direction, we came before the Council again and got
some more specific direction on how they would like to see the Zoning Ordinance or
the -- Chapter 6, in particular, revised to address current needs.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 4 of 44
So I'm going to talk about five different kinds of signs that were discussed at the January
Council meeting, and I'll begin with A-frame signs. And so currently, Chapter 6 allows
one sign for each business -- each commercial business, two if there are two public
entrances to that -- to that business. A maximum of six square feet is allowed for one
sign, but in the situation where you are allowed to put up two, the maximum is nine
square feet cumulative for both signs. And they are to only be displayed only between
sunrise and sunset.
At the Council discussion on January -- I believe it was January 25th, if I'm not mistaken,
a councilmember proposed the idea of allowing businesses up to four A-frame signs
without any restrictions on display times and increase the square footage limit to eight
square feet. Now, I'm not sure if that was in reference to the six square feet allowed for
one sign or a cumulative nine square feet for two signs, but that was an idea thrown out
by one of the councilmembers.
And Mr. Chairman, we discussed this before the meeting, whether or not we'd like to
discuss each of these signs as I go along before going on to banner signs and the other
subsequent sign types.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah. Does anybody have any comments on A-frame signs? We're going
to review each sign type as we go rather than do it all at once.
Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: So my thought was --
COREY: The right button.
KOVACEVIC: There you go.
CORRIGAN: Thanks, Clayton.
WOODWARD: No. No.
COREY: No.
CORRIGAN: Am I -- yeah? (Indiscernible).
COREY: It should light up red when you hit it.
KOVACEVIC: The button --
PROCTOR: Turn the blue one on.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 5 of 44
KOVACEVIC: The button --
WOODWARD: There you go.
PROCTOR: Technology.
CORRIGAN: Yeah, you would think. Count to two.
My thought was I like the idea of increasing the sign size and the number. I thought that
was -- I was there during the Council meeting. I thought Councilmember Earle made a
pretty formulative discussion in regard to a need for keeping merchants up to, you
know, four signs, and, I think, it was eight square feet is what she proposed. I think it's a
reasonable expectation. We have more and more businesses, that is, downtown
businesses, you know, coming and going, mostly going, and I think this would help with
some retention there by exposing what they do, more about their business in a nutshell.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you. Commissioner Schlossberg?
SCHLOSSBERG: Yeah. The number of signs, I'm okay with that. The leaving them up all
night, I -- so that -- I'm totally against that. I don't think that -- I mean, it doesn't take
much effort to erect them and then take them down in the evening. So I think that's my
thoughts on that.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corey?
COREY: Thank you. I agree with Scott's comments. I think that it's not too much effort
to take them down. And I feel that if we don't ask them to take them down, then there
could be too many left up over time, and it will just start to get cluttered. I mean,
overall, my concern with the number of signs is the clutter, but I think we almost
need to -- I mean, we want to help the businesses and let them have signs up that will
help attract customers to their business, but I am concerned when there's -- let's just
say there's, you know, business after business after business, and they're allowed to put
four signs up.
When there are too many signs, you might not see any of the signs. So I am concerned
if we have too many, it might defeat the purpose, but I also hope that we can, you
know, kind of just give the business the benefit of the doubt. They should know how
many signs - they should know what's going to attract a customer to coming into their
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 6 of 44
store.
But around the time frames, I think there's no reason for them to be kept up all night,
and I think, if they have that requirement of taking them in and putting them back out,
they might not want to put all four -- you know, four signs up every time. So that's my
comment.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Thank you. Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Well, I'm all in favor of business people promoting their business and their
product, but can you imagine -- on both sides, once the last parcel is developed by the
Sheas, there could be 80 to 100 signs along -- on each side of the Avenue. I think it's
over-the-top clutter. And if that's -- I think if that's what a business wants to do, I agree.
I think the message gets lost, and it will not look very attractive. But if that's the wishes
of the Council and the businesses, I guess that's up to them.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: I believe the current ordinance is very reasonable as long as it complies with
Reed v. Gilbert, which it does. My question is, has there been any complaints from
merchants that the current ordinance is unreasonable and affecting their bottom line?
TAVASSOLI: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Proctor, although I haven't personally
received any complaints, I believe there have been some complaints coming into
different members of Town staff, particularly the business community downtown.
PROCTOR: Is it -- is it targeted at any aspect? The number? The location?
TAVASSOLI: You know what? I'm -- Mr. Chairman, Commissioner, I'm not sure. I
haven't documented the complaints, but I --
PROCTOR: Well, my point is if we haven't had a groundswell of complaints from
merchants that this ordinance is unreasonable to them, you know, I'm scratching my
head why we're bothering changing what appears to be pretty damn good. That's all I
have.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corey?
COREY: Thank you. Before we move on to a different -- oh, there's a bug up here -- to a
different sign, which one was proposed to use an SUP for -- as an option? Was that
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 7 of 44
A-frame? Yeah. Okay. So SUP for signs. So to --
PROCTOR: Nick.
COREY: - Nick's comment here, I agree with that. I think we could potentially use the
SUP as a better alternative if there is a problem or if a business finds that two isn't
enough for them because I'm also not sure where this came from. You know, we've
revisited the sign ordinance many times, and if, like, one or two businesses comes and
says, hey, can you change this, then I feel like we all get -- you know, huddle back
together and try to make big changes, but in this case, if it was one or two businesses
that said, we would like to have more based on our unique circumstances, then maybe
an SUP would be a better alternative. So thank you.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you. And I want to echo that sentiment. We just did this sign
ordinance about 18 months ago -- 18 to 20 months ago, and it was not -- it went to
Council. It wasn't -- they approved something that we had that -- they really didn't
change it all that much. There may have been some minor changes. But I just -- my
biggest concern is we increase the number of A-frame signs, and if every business in the
village put up four A-frame signs, it would look like a flea market, and we just don't want
that.
So I'm inclined not to increase the number of signs to four, and, you know, I'll certainly --
I'm all ears to the commissioners if they want to talk about a number -- another
number, but I would not be supportive of four A-frame signs.
And Commissioner Gray, we're talking about A-frame signs. We just started the sign
ordinance discussion, and we're going sign type by sign type. So if you have any
thoughts on A-frame signs, now's the time.
GRAY: I think my thoughts pretty much echo what you had just overlaid. Sorry,
Commissioner Corey, I didn't quite get to hear yours. But I think the signage - the macro
view on signage for me is we're trying to be everything to everyone every time, and it's
just not -- it's just not appropriate for an ordinance to - you know, to be so open-ended
that way. So, I agree. One A-frame is probably more than enough. I really don't think
we should entertain the suggestion of four, no restrictions, et cetera. I just - I just think
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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that's inappropriate for a municipality like ours.
KOVACEVIC: All right. Do you -- does that give you the feedback you're looking for?
TAVASSOLI: Yeah, absolutely.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Then we can move on to the next one.
TAVASSOLI: Okay. And so the next one was a discussion about banner signs. So
currently, any business can apply for a banner permit. That permit will be valid for 30
days. There is an option to reapply up to four times, so it would be a total of 150 days
that the applicant can keep the sign up, although they would have to reapply and pay a
$50 fee each time for the renewal. It's allowed for new businesses for up to one year,
new businesses, and a temporary use permit -- there is a mechanism for that to allow
additional time through a temporary use permit.
And at the Council discussion, the idea was to extend the 90-day -- extend to 90 days
the maximum for the initial permit instead of the 30 days, and an option to extend --
and this was from a different councilmember, but an option to extend for a total of 364
days total. So essentially, allowing it up to 90 days and then throwing out the option to
keep it up for just less than a year altogether.
Any discussion on that?
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Yeah. Chair, I think the 90 days, as I recall, was based on an assumption that
there might be supply chain interruptions for signs and that type of thing, and extending
it from 30 to 90, I don't think, is too unreasonable. There might be some compromise in
there. Someone else may suggest 60. But I think 30 is a little too short for a banner
sign. So, I think we should give the businesses some leeway to offer a reasonable
compromise between -- somewhere between 30 and 90, my thoughts.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: Again, I think, as written, our ordinance on this is spot on. And what's nice
about the current ordinance, it allows a temporary use permit for additional time. So if
a business wants additional time, they can apply for it, and we don't need to put more
time in the ordinance.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Just going back to, you know, how we arrived at the language the first time
around, I think a lot of it was really derived from, you know, UV degradation of banner
materials, temporary banners in particular. And the reason that we wanted the reapply
to occur was that also allowed for some standard of care and upkeep with those, so it
gave us almost an automatic -- not an automatic inspection, but an automatic
opportunity to say, yes, you may -- you may reup, but we're going to require that that
media be replaced because those things are -- you know, they're notorious for, you
know, wind tear and UV degradation. And so I agree with the Commissioner. I think the
way we had it written was probably more than generous. I think it should probably be
left alone.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioners?
COREY: Agreed.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. My -- the only other comment I have, jumping ahead to railing signs,
I think railing signs are basically banner signs. Would there be a --
TAVASSOLI: Mr. Chairman, I believe the idea behind railing signs, I think it would -- the
idea was to put it up and keep it up on a permanent basis. Yeah.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Let's move on, then, to yard signs.
TAVASSOLI: Yes, yard signs. Quite simply, the current Zoning Ordinance allows two yard
signs per residential property. At Council discussion, the idea was discussed to allow a
four-sign maximum during election season and a two-sign maximum at all other times.
That was the extent of that discussion.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: What’s our obligation to -- other than election signs, what's our obligation to
allow for wire-frame residential property yard signs? None, right? Just if we allow it, we
have to allow unrestricted content on it?
TAVASSOLI: Correct.
GRAY: I personally don't like the idea of being able to advertise in single-family districts
or multi-family districts on wireframes year-round. The political season is the political
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MAY 12, 2025 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Page 10 of 44
season. You know, we're not going to get around that. If we were going to propose a
modification here, I would propose something to the effect of elimination of the wire
frame yard signs except for political season. I just don't see the -- I don't see what --
what's the added value to the Town of Fountain Hills and to the residents, the
homeowners of Fountain Hills seeing roof by A, B, C, yard by X, Y, Z. I don't see the
value to that.
KOVACEVIC: But if you did that, would you, then, be restricting for sale signs?
GRAY: No, because I think we have those carved out separately as a post --
TAVASSOLI: Post and board sign.
GRAY: Post and board, yeah.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Well, there are other signs, though, that are wire. I've seen them for the high
school kids that might be on a team. You know, might be a garage sale you want to put
up a wire sign, temporary. So I guess I'm not bothered by those. I think even a business
that is putting a new roof on someone's home, I don't know that it's offensive. Probably
not the best looking, but at least there are not four of them. There's only one or two.
So I think it's -- you know, going back to what it was currently is fine.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corey?
COREY: Thank you, Chair. I would have to agree with Commissioner Sveum's comment.
And I can think there's also other types of signs. Some people have signs kind of
hanging on a little bar that has, like, a quote or a comment or something, and I don't
know if that would be -- we would be restricting those, but a lot of people like to hang
those things up as well.
And to his comments around, you know, you're getting a new roof or a paint job or
something, they like to advertise, with your neighbors, who's doing that work. I think
that's okay. Again, on this one, I think the current ordinance with two per property, you
know, it gives homeowners flexibility to have something out there, but I think four
would definitely be making, you know, a back road look like Shea in a way, and then I
don't know that everybody would want that, so --
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KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Yeah, I certainly think that the four-sign maximum during election season is
appropriate, being that we had so many candidates running the last council election and
maybe as many this time. But the other thing is that there's always signs that -- there's
a freedom of speech concept, I think, that is an undertone there, whether it's, you
know, please respectfully clean up after your dog or whatever it might be or, you know,
just, yeah, support the Falcons, whatever -- I don't know. Whatever it might be. Or you
know, anything, really. That's just kind of freedom of expression. I don't think two signs
is too much, you know, the normal of the year other than election time, which it would
be four. Four is reasonable.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray, you got something else?
GRAY: Yeah. Just -- so I'll rephrase it a little bit. I guess what I was looking for is the way
we have it written, you can put out your roofing by A, B, C, 365 days a year. It can stay
out indefinitely now. I think that we should consider putting a -- whatever it needs to
be, a 30, 45, 60-day limit on -- or tie it to an active permit or something for those types
of services. Just put some limiter on it to where, you know, it's just not an artificial
billboard opportunity because, I think, to Commissioner Corrigan's free speech, you
know, that that's how we got into this the first time around was, you know, talking
about, you know, unrestricted language, you know, and once you say you can have a
sign, you can say anything you want whenever you want on that sign. So you know, I
think some restrictor is maybe appropriate if we want to modify something.
KOVACEVIC: So is this helpful to what you're looking for? I mean, we're not necessarily
reaching a recommendation or a consensus, but we're giving you ideas.
TAVASSOLI: Yeah, Chairman.
KOVACEVIC: Is this helpful? Is this what you're looking for?
TAVASSOLI: Yeah. I mean, you know, following this meeting, we're going to go back and
review the verbatim transcript, and kind of -- staff will deliberate and figure out what's
the best course of action moving forward. If there's a desire -- if we gather that there's
a desire to come before you again with a text amendment proposal, we'll do that prior
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to going before Town Council and propose a formal text amendment at one of our
upcoming Commission meetings. But yeah, we'll go back and review what's said here at
the dais and deliberate and see how to come before you next time regarding this topic.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. I think that's it for yard signs. We can move on to railings.
TAVASSOLI: Yes, railing signs, as you mentioned, Mr. Chairman. There's no provisions
currently regarding railing signs. Now, I should mention that photo that you see here,
that is not -- that's photoshopped, actually. That was actually -- I received that during
an inquiry a few months ago from a business owner proposing to put up a railing sign,
and consequently, this person was told that there were no provisions in the Zoning
Ordinance that would allow that, but at the Council discussion, there was -- apparently,
there was some comments received regarding a desire for rail signs by a number of
businesses to increase visibility, and so it was, basically, suggested to include a provision
to allow rail signs, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Is there a way to look at this as advertising the business versus advertising Bud
Light or certain products, or -- this is -- this could be a can of worms, I think.
TAVASSOLI: Yeah, content neutrality.
SVEUM: What’s that?
TAVASSOLI: There’s that provision of content neutrality, so I don't know whether or not
that -- you know, certainly for a permanent sign, yeah, like you said, it might raise some
challenges and some questions, but --
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corey?
COREY: I think this is a great example, though, that you shared with us. What would be
their option for advertising their business, given that they're kind of tucked inside the
plaza there?
TAVASSOLI: Their option -- well, they would have been allowed a banner sign for up to
one year after opening. I'm trying to remember -- yeah, other than that, the A-frame
signs
COREY: So there are businesses like this that are going to have that challenge of -- I
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mean, I know Social Thrift is kind of tucked away on the side, and unless they have some
way of facing a sign towards customers, that's going to be a challenge. They could put a
sticker on the door. They can't really put a sign above because that's, like, you know,
residential upstairs there. So in that type of an example, that might be the best place
for them to put a sign. I'm sure it's not going to be consistent with the look of the rest
of the commercial property, but I think there are going to be instances where that's the
only choice that they have.
SVEUM: But on the parking lot side, on the front side, they've got signage above the
stores.
COREY: They do. That's true.
SVEUM: That’s just more professional than this.
COREY: So if I could just add to that, then -- thank you. So there's no sign above. Is that
the area that the businesses in the front would typically have their sign?
TAVASSOLI: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Corey, so I believe this was sent before the
business actually opened, long before the business actually opened. So again, this was
just a illustrative example of what the (indiscernible).
COREY: What I'm saying is you see above the doors, above the archway --
TAVASSOLI: Oh.
COREY: -- that area that's right on top --
TAVASSOLI: Sure.
COREY: -- is that designated for that business to put a sign?
TAVASSOLI: Oh, yes, yes. Yes.
COREY: So if that's the case, why don't they choose to put a sign there?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Indiscernible).
COREY: Okay.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Very expensive.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: Just two thoughts. I think the path that Commissioner Corey just took there is
exactly why the more we open this up, the more we try to be all things to all people.
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And I don't know Social Thrift or any of these other businesses necessarily, but they
make a --
SCHLOSSBERG: (Indiscernible).
GRAY: Well, that's true, right?
But I'll also say the other side of that is they make a conscious decision at the rent rate
that -- the market that prevails for that suite, and that's kind of what comes with it. At
one point, we talked about, you know, trying to promote the businesses that are way
back on -- I forget. What is it? Like, Technology Drive and then kind of the -- you know,
you could put a sign, you know, half a mile away from your business, way back there,
and I always thought, well, but you made a choice to put your business way back
there.
If you want street frontage, you're going to have to pay five bucks more a square foot
for that. You know, Scott, you made a choice where you put your agency. I'm sure that
that's, you know, at least in part, part of that decision. And so I just think -- I think we
have to keep that lens to it.
And then I just want to say, on these rail signs, I think we should drop it, and the reason
is we're too close to encroaching on building signage and, you know, all of the -- you
know, the square footage restrictions and the aesthetic restrictions that we have to kind
of keep our building facades -- not decluttered but not cluttered. I'm not sure what the
right words are there. And I just think this is -- you know, this is dangerously close to
that. So I think that's kind of airing to Commissioner Sveum's thought as well. Thanks.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Other thoughts on this. I think that where they have a second-story
building, and there is railing, we should really give them the option of doing that. And
when I say that, I'm saying that you have an option of either a sign above the business
or on the railing, maybe not both.
And I think you could -- maybe not the content. You could make it business
identification. That's not unreasonable. All you're saying is that -- you're identifying the
business, number one. Number two, give them the option of a building mount attached
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to the building or railing. And we can certainly, based on the square footage, limit the
sign size based on the appropriate square footage. So I think those are, again,
reasonable options.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: Building owners that have this much money invested in their property should
be insisting on consistent signage because if you look, again, on the front of this building
facing the parking lot, all of the -- all of the signs are above the doors. They're on that --
maybe you could point to that on the -- above the curvature. That's where the signs are
on the front of that building. And they should be insisting on it be continuous around
the corner as well. Otherwise, you have such a hodgepodge. I mean, aesthetically, it's
not very pleasing. My opinion. But they should -- they should insist on consistent
signage. And if they can't afford it, perhaps they can't afford that space, to Peter's
point.
KOVACEVIC: And I'd like to piggyback onto that. Most centers do have standardized
sign criteria, and I'd be surprised if the shopping center owner would particularly allow
or want to allow signage on the railings because it isn't aesthetically pleasing at all, and
again, it's just a -- you know, a clutter and a -- I think it devalues the experience.
Commissioner Corey?
COREY: I understand, and I agree, to a certain extent, on your thoughts, Commissioners,
and Chair. The exception might be an alcove where a business has a back-set, and you
see this in a lot of properties, two-story properties in particular, here in Fountain Hills
where you don't have a front-facing to parking, for example, but you're back in an
alcove. So that would be the option, mounted on the -- above the, you know, entrance
of the building or property or on the railing if you're in an alcove situation. I don't know
how you can restrict that. I think maybe an either/or option, one or the other. I don't
think -- again, I don't think it's unreasonable if you're back in an alcove, and we have
them here in town, to offer that option of a rail sign.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Sveum?
SVEUM: I think just -- it goes back to the building owner and how they want to maintain
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their property. And the image that the Town has is beautification and vistas, and that
should be maintained, but again, it's not something that maybe the building owner does
enforce, even if it's in their architectural restrictions for their tenants, but -- I mean, I'm
probably making a bigger deal out of this than should be, but I just think it's important
to do these properly so that aesthetically, it is -- it provides the general theme of the
community.
KOVACEVIC: Okay?
TAVASSOLI: Okay?
KOVACEVIC: All right. Let's --
TAVASSOLI: All right.
KOVACEVIC: -- move on.
TAVASSOLI: Okay. On to the next slide. So any one of these -- any one of these sign
types that I've discussed thus far. One of the councilmembers said that we might throw
out the option of allowing folks to apply for a special use permit if they wanted an extra
few square feet of A-frame signage or a number -- quantity of signage, so on, and that
could be applied to any sign type, so --
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corey?
COREY: Thank you for bringing that up. Yes, and I wrote that down in three different
places here as we were talking about this because I could see an SUP being particularly
useful with A-frame, banner, and railing. And I think one of the things I like to consider
is, like, we -- I think we should give the benefit -- give the businesses the benefit of the
doubt. They want to have a nice-looking sign. They want to have the image that is
going to show off their products or services the best way to their customer, so I think
they're going to, you know, have a nice banner sign or do it the right way because they
don't, also, want to be seen as that business that just has a tarp thrown over the
railing with somebody that painted on their sign, you know? They want to show an
image.
So I think I would like to try to give them the benefit of the doubt and, I think, sticking to
the provisions that we already have, but being flexible enough to offer them these SUPs
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if they're in a unique situation and they need to make a change. I think if we just give it
a blanket for everybody, it could be a little too chaotic and a little too -- I think we've all
said cluttery at times today, but I think that there's definitely use cases for, like Mr.
Corrigan said, you know, when the railing sign is maybe the best bet on that -- you
know, in that location or if they're positioned in a unique spot where they need to host
an additional A-frame to attract their customers.
And hopefully, that's not something that would be too burdensome on you guys if they
came to you and requested these kind of things. I don't know what the volume is like
today on this, and would that be, you know, a problem. I can't imagine it would be. I
don't think there's going to be too many people that are going to be jumping at the bit
the next day after we approve this and getting changes, you know?
TAVASSOLI: Right. Well, I don't see that to be the case for railing signs, but potentially
A-frame signs. And this is just my personal take on it. But yeah, it could mean a few
more items on Commission's agenda if --
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Commissioner Gray?
TAVASSOLI: Sorry.
GRAY: Yeah. So I don't mean to be the contrarian to Commissioner Corey tonight, but I
feel like I am here. I don't think we should have special use permits for this level of
signage in this town. This is -- this is the second tier of signage after you've dealt with
monuments after you've dealt with building-level signs and all of those standards.
That's where a special use permit is legitimately deployed as a tool here. We did it for
Target, I think, with mixed -- probably a mixed bag of support on that one, but that's the
most recent example.
If we take our SUP process and start applying it to throw-away, temporary-level
branding, wayfinding, announcement signage, we've lost the plot, in my opinion. And I
do not think that this tool should be applied to this level of signage. It has to be a
permanent installation for a special use permit to be in play.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: Yeah, I generally like special use permits. I think it would allow some
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flexibility. But I agree with Commissioner Gray on this. This will open the Pandora's box
to the clutter from which the commissioners have spoken. Once you get a special use
permit for one, it's going to expand and more and more and more. We did it for this
guy, got to do it for that. For this instance, I agree with Commissioner Gray. I'm not in
favor of opening that Pandora's box.
And plus, my -- just a question. Who would authorize an SUP? Would that be staff?
Would that be Planning & Zoning or the Council?
TAVASSOLI: Mr. Chairman, it would come before the Planning & Zoning Commission for
a recommendation --
PROCTOR: Bring it back here.
TAVASSOLI: -- before it goes to Town Council.
PROCTOR: Yeah. No, I'm not in favor of opening this can of worms.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Do -- oh, Commissioner Corey?
COREY: Sorry. Just hit it right before you talked.
Have there been a lot of complaints on businesses or -- not complying with our current
sign ordinance? And I say that because if we don't bother with the SUP -- and you're
right. If they all come to us, we might not want to deal with that, but if we -- if we kind
of just give them the benefit of the doubt and trust that they are doing the right thing
for their business, which maybe they have been right now, have they been -- have there
been complaints that they have too many signs or that they have a banner and they
shouldn't or something?
TAVASSOLI: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Corey, usually -- and I -- and I may be wrong,
and ultimately, the Code Enforcement division might know better, but I don't think -- I
don't think there is a pattern of businesses complaining of one another's signage. There
are, of course, occasions where Code Enforcement officers would be patrolling, and
they might see one too many signs, some -- you know, some egregious examples out
there, perhaps, or one -- a sign placed in the right-of-way. But I don't know if John has
any experience with hearing about complaints from other businesses, but yeah, in my
five years here, I don't know of any complaints.
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COREY: Okay. So then, in closing, perhaps this came back to us because there were just
a couple of businesses, maybe, that said, you know, we would like to make a change,
and then here we are again. So if that's the case, then, you know, be more inclined with
keeping it the way that it is and finding out who those businesses were that wanted a
change and see if there's some way that we can help them.
KOVACEVIC: So, I hope this is helpful. I don't know that we gave you any decisive
direction.
TAVASSOLI: Well, certainly, there's a lot of --
KOVACEVIC: But -
TAVASSOLI: -- lot of opinions --
KOVACEVIC: Yeah. Yeah.
TAVASSOLI: -- various opinions on it, so -- and again, you know, the next step may be to,
you know, continue the discussion. I'm not sure, but we'll have to deliberate and see
what's the best course of action.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
TAVASSOLI: Maybe the next step would be -- would just be a text amendment, you
know, to some extent, whether it's -- I don't think it'll be too comprehensive from what
I'm gathering, but --
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
TAVASSOLI: Yeah. All right. And then finally -- and this wasn't discussed at the Council
meeting. Staff kind of found this as an opportunity to discuss a -- discuss an inquiry that
we came across from a local business owner. And I'll go ahead and name names. In this
case, it was Spooner Physical Therapy where the desire was -- and by the way, for those
of you not familiar, this is just north of us off of La Montana, just north of Palisades. The
desire was, from this business owner, to put two signs -- well, other than the sign facing
the parking lot, which is allowed because, after all, this is street frontage, the other
desire was to put two signs on either side of the business here so that it would be visible
for traffic going both directions on La Montana.
As the current Zoning Ordinance reads, two wall signs are allowed, but they would have
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to be -- unless they're corner buildings, in which case -- in this case, it's not, two signs
would have -- the two signs would have to face the street frontages. So in this case,
there are two street frontages. And it would also allow for one freestanding sign along
the street frontage and one projecting sign.
Now, we thought it might be a good idea to offer some options. We, staff. You know,
perhaps to allow, in this case, some signs -- some additional wall signs in lieu of
freestanding signs or projection signs. So just -- and this example might be too case-
specific because, I think, the way the streets are configured here, it's kind of an anomaly
here in town, but just throwing that out there.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Schlossberg?
SCHLOSSBERG: Yeah. Well, I -- personal opinion on wall signs, I am vehemently
against -- I think they are very unattractive. There's a few on the Avenue of the
Fountains that, I think, degradate the entire Avenue of the Fountains, and I think -- as
you're looking up the Avenue. So the wall signs, as far as I'm concerned, I am -- I'm not
for those.
TAVASSOLI: Mr. Chairman, if I may ask for clarification? Are you referring to the -- like,
when I'm referring to wall signs, I mean on the building wall. Is that -- okay. Got you.
Got it. Okay. Thanks.
KOVACEVIC: Any other -- I think I missed Commissioner Sveum and Commissioner
Proctor on the last -- they had further comment.
PROCTOR: Go ahead.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
SVEUM: Oh, my question wasn't on these specific signs, but --
KOVACEVIC: Can you speak into the mic, though, please?
SVEUM: Oh, I'm sorry.
I wanted to ask about -- some of my real estate friends are interested in open house
signage, and the -- and I realize there's some -- obviously, some public right-of-way that
needs to be not part of -- or that they're off limits, so to speak, right, where they're
removed? But I think that it -- sometimes it's not real clear on where they can place
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them and staying within the guidelines.
And it seems -- I'm not sure. I mean, they're up for maybe three or four hours on one
day a week. It doesn't seem to be an exorbitant amount of time. But has there been
any discussion about that with maybe -- I'm not saying loosely in the guidelines, but
looking at these things and realistically figuring out what might be a better way to do
this. I mean, Scottsdale obviously allows them along Shea as soon as you -- you know,
for open houses. They're small tent signs, obviously. Something that might be a little
bit more friendly and being able to place them, again, for very temporary purposes, that
it does help the citizens that are trying to sell their home.
TAVASSOLI: Mr. Chairman, Commissioner Sveum, you're talking particularly about open
house signs (indiscernible)?
SVEUM: Exactly. The small tent signs that are put --
TAVASSOLI: Yeah.
SVEUM: -- on medians or on the corner.
TAVASSOLI: Yeah. Well, yeah, I'm not exactly sure what the provisions are for that. I
think there's some allowance to have them at, like --
SVEUM: That -
TAVASSOLI: -- off-site at street corners, but --
SVEUM: Yeah.
TAVASSOLI: But yeah, we can review that.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: I think it's somewhere between five and seven is what we bumped that number
up to, so you can -- you can -- you can have a pretty significant number of way-finding
signs to an open house for that -- for that temporary duration. That was a big -- I think,
probably just before you came on the Commission, actually, it was a big deliberation
point. Commissioner Dempster was still here for that.
COREY: That’s how long we've been doing this.
GRAY: Yeah.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
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GRAY: How many times we've done it.
COREY: Right.
SVEUM: Well, it was 2023, right?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
COREY: Since COVID stopped, we've been doing this.
SVEUM: Geez. I think it's -- and they're just obviously at certain areas that -- is there a
specific area along Shea that signs are not allowed at all?
TAVASSOLI: Yeah, I believe there's no signs on the --
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioners, in terms of Shea Boulevard, we allow A-frame signs in
the commercial areas along -- within the right-of-way, but we don't allow any yard signs
anywhere along Shea.
SVEUM: Okay. This would be, for instance, at Balera, the condo, and the entry there
where I know a specific instance where a couple of the real estate open house signs
were removed, and they were placed very close to the Balera identification sign. So I
assume that the agents didn't know exactly where the property line was.
WESLEY: Property line was. Probably.
SVEUM: And it's hard for people that have -- might have some interest in looking at
them to be able to find the property if there's no directional signs.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: Yeah, just a couple comments on the wall signs. I believe the current
ordinance to wall signs allowed, one freestanding, one projecting, is more than enough.
I agree with Commissioner Schlossberg. We don't need to be tacking up more wall
signs.
On a separate but related -- just on the matter of process, it appears to me, as the new
guy, that there is very little appetite from the Commission to tinker with this existing
ordinance. Would it be advantageous for us to give a clear signal to the pass to Council
that we recommend no changes and make a motion to do that? Or just buck it back to
you, and you bring it back to us, and we can continue the ping-pong match. I'm just
looking at a matter of expedience. Put this thing to rest, and you can communicate that
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to Council. Just a matter of process. I'm not sure how we do it here.
TAVASSOLI: Yeah. Mr. Chairman, Commissioners, I think that all those options, I think,
should be made available, yeah.
PROCTOR: Well, Mr. Chair, if there's no objection, I'll make a motion that we
recommend that the -- that there be no changes to the current sign ordinance.
KOVACEVIC: Well, before we do that, do we have a -- we have a speaker card, Paula?
WOODWARD: We do, Chair. We have a one-speaker card. Lori Troller.
TROLLER: So, I was looking -- trying to find it on my phone. Railings are a safety thing,
right? And there's got to be OSHA standards. And I wouldn't think you're allowed to
hang anything off a safety thing. That's probably OSHA-related.
I will share an experience that always brings tears to my eyes. When my guys were
little, we were in a situation like this, and my son, who was two, three at the time,
stumbled. And in that situation, he was on the other side of the rail. He thought he had
a good stop to put his hand up. His hand went between the rails. He thought he was
going to stop, and he didn't, and then his face met the rail.
So before things -- like, I don't know how well that's a fixture or anything like that. I'm
just saying it's a safety issue. I'm sure OSHA's got some things about this. I just -- don't
lose sight of the OSHA stuff on railings. That's my only comment. Thanks.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you. That'll close comments. So you wanted to make a motion to --
PROCTOR: I'll make the motion that we recommend that no changes be made to the
existing sign ordinance.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. I'm looking for a second.
COREY: Could we -- yeah. Oh, we - second. I wrote no change, no change, no change as
we were going through this. However, I do want to make sure that if businesses have a
legitimate concern or challenge with the current ordinance and they need to -- and we
need to find a way to make something tweak or work for them, I don't want to just close
the door on them. I want to let them come in and talk with us about their situation and
see if there's something that we can do. And I don't know how we want to word that in
the --
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KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: Chair, if you don't mind, Commissioners, weren't anticipating this direction this
evening, and so we're maybe at a little bit of a loss. Certainly, wasn't an advertised
public hearing. The report says we weren't anticipating any motions tonight. There
could be some that were thinking, okay, this is the first kind of opportunity to talk about
it, but they expected to come at a future meeting. So we might not really have given
everybody a full chance, kind of Vice Chair's comment, to really speak or give their
input.
So my suggestion is go ahead and let us continue to work it from our end, see what
other inputs we might have, and schedule it for one more meeting that is really
advertised as a time that action will be taken, and we can go from there, I think, maybe
a little bit better. Appreciate, Commissioner, your desire to eliminate work that we
maybe don't need to do or whatever, but I think, procedurally, that maybe is going to be
a better way. And we'll talk again at the end of the meeting whether that's going to be a
July or an August meeting. Oh, my time's up.
COREY: Time’s up.
TAVASSOLI: Sit down, John.
KOVACEVIC: I was trying to stop it, but it wouldn't stop.
PROCTOR: Mr. Chair, if I may, I will withdraw that motion given Mr. Wesley's comment.
KOVACEVIC: We had a motion, and then we had a second. Can we do that?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: (Indiscernible).
KOVACEVIC: Okay. He withdrew it.
COREY: I withdraw my second to that.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
TAVASSOLI: Okay? Well, that concludes my presentation. I'm not sure if there's any
additional discussion. No? Okay. All right.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Agenda item 5, Review and Provide Comments on initial draft
revisions to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17, Wireless Communications, Towers, and
Antennas.
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Director Wesley?
WESLEY: Commissioners, I'm back. Had a busy month. So appreciate the discussion
we've had at the last couple of meetings with regard to the wireless communication
ordinance, Chapter 17 of the Zoning Ordinance. It's just the start, however. I have
taken the comments received, went back and relistened to the meetings and tried to
pull out from those the changes that I understood the Commissioners were looking for,
both based on your previous discussion and what came from Mr. Campanelli's draft
ordinance. I don't know that I got them all. Maybe I got some I shouldn't have
gotten. But I've put them in an ordinance for some discussion this evening and
feedback.
This is, again, early in the process. The idea is that this evening, we'll breeze through it,
hopefully, fairly quickly, and you can say yeah, yeah, yeah, or no, hearing this, this, or
we thought we -- you know, this is a little bit differently than what I had. We'll take
those notes. Then the idea is we're going to set this part aside for now, and then
starting next month, we'll go to the small cell and the right-of-way piece and begin that
discussion and see what changes, if any, are looked at there, and then we'll come back
after we know that piece and see how they're working together if they should be
combined or not, and then how we continue to refine from there.
So this is far from being a finished piece, but it's the first attempt to get feedback on
how I did and hearing what you had to say before. So that is -- again, I just got the
ordinance as we sent it to you to go through, and again, hopefully, fairly quickly. We'll
stop as much as we need to, and you can let me know if you're seeing things here as
you've reviewed it that I might have missed or not gotten quite correct.
Chair, anything else before I get started on where we're at?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah. Who is going to review the ordinance once we come up with a
recommendation?
WESLEY: Chair, once we have a final ordinance, obviously, a Town attorney will be
charged with reviewing it. They do all ordinances. If it's anybody beyond that, that'll be
up to the Town Council to bring any outside services on to provide review beyond that.
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KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: On that topic, Chair Kovacevic, I -- maybe we should, as a commission, once
we've done all the work -- thank you, John, for what you've done to date. Once we've
done all the work on Chapter 17 and Chapter 16 and we're closer to kind of a target
date, I'd like to make a suggestion that we recommend -- send a recommendation,
rather, to Town Council that they consider rehiring an attorney who specializes in
cellular and broadband communication. Whether it's a Campanelli or a McCulloch,
whoever that attorney might be, bring them in so that we're certain that what we have
as a completed document for an ordinance really falls within the legal standards of what
we should be looking at.
So just a thought on that because you brought it up, and I think it's an important point,
and I think maybe we should make that suggestion -- not recommendation, maybe, but
suggestion to Town Council that they bring that attorney back in. That's it.
KOVACEVIC: All right. Thank you.
WESLEY: Okay?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
WESLEY: So again, as we go through here, I mentioned in a memo to you all the changes
are through the strike-through, which were done with the red, but to help understand,
maybe, where the different changes came from, if they're highlighted in the yellow, as
these are, these were changes that came based on Commission discussion and
direction.
And so we talked about these before, just a little bit stronger words here in some of
these introductory statements. And if you need me to stop anyplace, just let me know.
Otherwise, going through here, all this stays the same. Anything that's here that has a
blue highlight, just something I noticed as I was going that I thought a little change was
needed for some consistency here and some language, so just a couple things in blue
that were just from me.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Yeah, Chair. I just have a question, John, if you would. My copy is a little
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hard to read. It appears that everything is deleted on my end from the document that I
have. So wireless facility on number 4 remains; is that correct?
WESLEY: Yes. Yes.
CORRIGAN: Okay.
WESLEY: I substituted the word cell tower for wireless facility.
CORRIGAN: Yeah, I just have -- on my copy, it's difficult reading it.
WESLEY: Okay.
CORRIGAN: Maybe it's easier, you know, on the computer, but here, it's completely
blacked out, so --
WESLEY: Okay. And then, we get down to the definition section. So, Mr. Campanelli
had a lot more definitions than what we have in our current ordinance, so again, I just
pulled all those over. And I'll comment here, a few places in his wording, I would make
changes that I could see were pretty obvious, such as adding in here Chapter 17 or --
again, there'll be a few things that I didn't necessarily track or point out at this point, but
I felt free to make some of those little changes.
Otherwise, I did, as much as possible, just bring in exactly his language. I pointed out in
the staff report that we need to come back and look at some things, such as we
currently have a definition of antenna. His had a different definition of antenna. So I
put them both in here for now until we look at it and decide maybe there's a third
definition that we really want.
But we'll also use this as a point -- a time to point out that in Mr. Campanelli's
ordinance, his was really focused on personal wireless service, that portion of the total
wireless communication type of activities that can go in, whereas our Chapter 17 has
been and still is that broader use. And so there'll be some places where you may want
to come back -- for instance, if we use this definition of antenna, we may want to
change personal wireless services to something broader. Again, I didn't make any of
those changes now. It'll be something we can discuss in the future. But I just wanted to
point those out as we go forward and continue reviewing the ordinance and looking at
the pieces.
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This definition of camouflage, this was something that's in the current ordinance, but I
recognized, when we went back through it this time, that it's a definition stuck down in
a regulation, and definitions ought to be in definitions, so I'm proposing that we bring it
up here. Again, a couple other places in here where there's some repeats. For instance,
FAA is in both places. A height. We have two definitions of a height. So again, we'll
have to look at those. And down here, tower, I believe, is the last one where we had a
definition, and the other one has a definition, so we're looking, at some point, to decide
which one is more appropriate.
Any comments, questions on any of the definitions? Anything missing there?
Then we get into --
KOVACEVIC: Let's hold on.
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: We’ve got some comments.
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Proctor?
PROCTOR: I'm -- good work on this. I did read it at home. It's good for insomnia. But
excellent work. I did catch a phrase --
COREY: That wasn't a compliment.
PROCTOR: That was a compliment.
I did catch a phrase -- a sports phrase, shot clock. Is that appropriate? Is that a --
generally put that in ordinances, a shot clock, or just --
WESLEY: Yes.
PROCTOR: Is it --
WESLEY: In this case, it is, Commissioner. It is used in the industry, and you'll see it
further down in the ordinance where we talk about the time frames --
PROCTOR: Okay.
WESLEY: -- that we have to operate under.
PROCTOR: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
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CORRIGAN: You answered my question.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: All right. We get into 17.03, which are the basic requirements associated with
making an application. So here, one of the things that the Commissioners talked about
last time is wanting to get the equipment underground, in a vault, and so I looked at
ways to do that. And we'll see several places in here where I've made that attempt to
say that that's the standard, but if, for whatever reason, the Council then doesn't
approve it that way, here are standards associated with it being above grade.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: John, I'd echo what the other commissioners had said. I think this is -- I think this
is pretty well tailored. I love the enhancements around effective prohibition that are
further up several pages here. The question I have is just, you know, over time, ability
to maintain this. There's a lot of specific federal and state code references in this thing.
Are we going to be able to keep up with that, or do we need to find a simpler way to tie
back so that it stands the test of time a little better? Otherwise, I'm afraid we're going
to be in this thing regularly.
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner, that's one of the things in the back of my mind as we go
forward looking at the code and how specific it does get. And I can't remember, with
some of these things and how clearly, they're written, that it's this version or the latest,
so then we don't have to come back and change it. That would be some of the type of
language that we would look for that would help keep us from having to amend our
code to stay consistent.
So going on down, lighting. Again, there is the comment from the Commissioners about
making sure it was dark sky compliant, so that was added. Then, back to the
underground, trying to cover that piece.
KOVACEVIC: John?
WESLEY: Yes?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, we --
GRAY: Just there on 11 -- I think this was the section. I just would like to be a little
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stronger there in requiring baffling, and I think this is a spot where -- I know we don't
want to get into noise meters for reactive complaints, but I think -- up front, I think
demonstrating a design meets a certain dB at a certain distance is probably appropriate
for that section rather than being a little open-ended.
WESLEY: Okay. We can look at that.
Then added in the requirement for the parking. What I heard from the Commission last
time was 120 percent instead of 100 percent setback. This phrase gets moved a little bit
later in the code about the separation distance. And again, what I heard you were
looking for as the standard is you've got to be 500 feet away from residential. With
Council approval, you can even go down to 300, but never less than 300, that you got to
have your justification for why it's going to be anything less than 500 and sell the
Council on that. Then on these separation distances, what I gathered from the
discussion last time was, yes, you may want to increase them, but you wanted to wait
until after we had the small cell discussion, so I left these alone for now.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: I just -- 100 percent, I think that we need to put a big asterisk on this table so that
we don't inadvertently put ourselves into a small cell scenario.
WESLEY: Okay. Little bit more about the underground vault and how I work that in here.
And the application type. So, the main change down here is that previously, we were
allowing some new towers to be approved administratively if it met certain criteria, but
based on the Commission discussion, it sounded like you want all new towers to go
through a review process, so that's removed, and so they're all covered down here
under Public Review.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: John, going back to -- I guess it's page 22, the Section 17.04, Application
Types.
WESLEY: Yes.
CORRIGAN: Can you explain to me -- it says administrative. Now, maybe you can explain
the process a little more in detail. When an applicant comes in and makes a request, is
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that always kind of an administrative application without review by P&Z and Council, or
is that just the first step?
WESLEY: So Chair, Commissioner Corrigan, the applicant would look at what -- at the
ordinance and what the criteria are, and they should be able, from this, to determine
whether it would be an administrative review or a public review. But regardless, it
would come into us, and we would look at it based on the criteria, and if they got it
wrong, then we would correct it. But if it is something that meets the criteria here for
administrative review, basically it's a minor modification to an existing tower, then we
would handle that as staff. It wouldn't come to the Commission or Council.
CORRIGAN: Yeah, the reason for my question is there's so much to this, you know. And
gosh, I think this is 55 pages long, and I'm just wondering if something might possibly
get by that should be maybe in more public review by either Planning & Zoning and/or
Council.
WESLEY: Chair Commissioner, certainly, mistakes can happen. I can't say that they
never would. But we have pretty clear criteria to use to make that determination.
CORRIGAN: Okay. But as it's written right now, it's pretty much administrative only.
WESLEY: For modifications to existing towers. Any new tower is automatically --
CORRIGAN: Yeah.
WESLEY: -- going to go through a review process --
CORRIGAN: Okay.
WESLEY: -- and any changes that exceed these limits would come through P&Z and
Council.
CORRIGAN: Okay. Thank you.
WESLEY: So then, again, we get down here. So then that actual submittal, review, and
processing, this is a section -- I kind of wonder if it shouldn't be broken out and down to
maybe a couple of sections. It's gotten pretty lengthy and detailed. But we'll -- we can
see that as we go forward. And so again, in terms of the requirements that come in
with an application, added to those things in Mr. Campanelli's ordinance that the
Commission pointed out would be a benefit.
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You know, there are -- there are some things that I wonder about in here as I read it, if
they really belong in an ordinance or if they belong in a supporting document, but
they're in here as they came from him, and so we got them in here now. And also, this
reference here to the 66-page report that's in Appendix 1, we never got that appendix
originally that I'm aware of, and trying to do some looking to see if I can find a 66-page
report. I find reports, but none of them at 66 pages yet. So that's something we'll have
to keep following up on.
KOVACEVIC: All right. We have a question from Commissioner Corrigan.
CORRIGAN: John, I noticed in -- on page 27, about midway through, it says the Town is
additionally aware that the -- in August 2020 and so on, driven by concern of
propagation maps created by the FCC and so on and so forth. What they're looking for
is a -- kind of a drive test review, and there's been a lot of discussion, both in public
comments and, I think, past P&Z meetings and in Council, about a possible other
substitute for that; that is, a dropped call log as opposed to -- I would call it a vendor or
provider review in the referenced procedure there where they're talking about, you
know, they're self-monitored. And those are my words. But I'm thinking I'm hearing a --
I have heard a lot of discussion about a dropped call log rather than the monitoring by
what I call drive-by, lack of a better word. That's it.
WESLEY: Yes, Chair and Commissioner Corrigan, understand that. Top of page 30 is the
dropped call log option, too, that we can use.
Any other comments on any of these items?
So here again, this whole section on shot clocks and tolling, about how long we have to
review an application. This is also originally from Campanelli, so it would have just been
included originally.
GRAY: I just thought I saw -- I didn't read it the first time through. Okay. It's struck. I
was looking at the shot clock. Administrative applications which do not involve new
towers. Okay.
WESLEY: Let’s see. What are -- what else do we got here? So we get down to the
review, and again, here's where we added a lot from Mr. Campanelli on the review
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criteria that would -- to be used by staff, P&Z, and the Town Council. Maybe I'll use this
as an opportunity to mention this again, too, as we come back to this. There are these
shot clocks and time frames and something we'll have to look closely at if we're going
through staff, P&Z, and Council. I think we can get it done in the time frames, but it's
going to be a little bit of a challenge sometimes because I also believe they need to have
their building permit within the time frame that's listed. So again, that might be a
challenge. When Mr. Campanelli wrote it, he seemed to write it going straight to
Council and not coming through P&Z.
KOVACEVIC: Are there -- are there state requirements for the time frames?
WESLEY: No. They're federal.
KOVACEVIC: Federal requirements for the time frames?
WESLEY: I believe so.
KOVACEVIC: But we're within those?
WESLEY: Yes. Yeah, that's what -- that's what we're using.
KOVACEVIC: That's what you're using?
WESLEY: Yes.
KOVACEVIC: But it'll be a challenge to meet the federal --
WESLEY: I’m just a little bit concerned, just the process --
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
WESLEY: -- of advertising and coming through this many bodies. Just might make it
challenging.
KOVACEVIC: Special meetings.
WESLEY: Maybe.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah.
WESLEY: Yeah. And if everything meets the typical, it'll be fine. It's -- but again, the
whole shot clock thing gives us some opportunities to extend the shot clock so we can
work with all that.
Anyway, so now we're in the section on different determinations used to make the
decisions, and so the factual determination is just based on the actual application zoning
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requirements.
KOVACEVIC: We have -- Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: The - on page 38, John, toward the bottom, I'm assuming that -- it's the
second to the last paragraph. And I'm assuming that's a Campanelli statement --
WESLEY: Yes.
CORRIGAN: -- about scintilla of evidence?
WESLEY: Um-hum.
CORRIGAN: Okay.
WESLEY: Yeah.
CORRIGAN: That wasn't -- I mean, those -- everything in red is from Campanelli?
WESLEY: Yes.
CORRIGAN: Okay. Thank you.
WESLEY: So again, going through based on our zoning requirements and their
compliance with those and then based on TCA requirements. Maybe, again, another
question that we'd want to ask to see where the Commission is. Mr. Campanelli's
ordinance was pretty strong on sending written notice, First Class mail, to applicants.
That's not something we do for any other type of application. If we think there's a need
to do that here, there's some wording changes. I left all that out based on our current
procedures.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: Is there a -- and I guess this is what we don't know, I'm assuming. I don't
know what the legal ramifications are for written versus electronic communication. And
I know when warrants and things like that are done by the sheriff's department or, in
the future, by a constable or, you know, whatever it might be, a lot of those, the court
requires written documents, and they have to be hand-served, especially where there's
an appearance for a call, and you have to be -- you know, you're demanded by the court
to appear, that kind of thing.
And I don't know -- I don't know if any of us know what -- the legal ramifications of
sending electronic versus written. I don't know whether we should do both, just -- but
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maybe, again, not to beat a dead horse, but bringing the Campanelli -- or some attorney
back in at some point and saying, hey, this is what we think we have, please review it
and see if we've missed something along the way. Those are my thoughts.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you.
WESLEY: Okay. Any other --
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corey?
WESLEY: Yeah.
COREY: I was just going to ask, what was the -- what's the alternate way of
communicating it? If they're not sending it via snail mail, what's the typical process?
WESLEY: It’s all through emails.
COREY: It’s all through emails. Okay.
WESLEY: And, yeah, through documentation on their case file.
COREY: And they're recommending that we also do mail, typical post mail?
WESLEY: So as this ordinance came from Mr. Campanelli, it was all based on basically
paper copies and using regular mail. There's -- I guess there wasn't a knowledge of our
electronic system that we use.
COREY: Okay. It seems a little archaic to me to do it that way. I'd say stick with email, if
we can. Just my comments.
WESLEY: There’s a piece cut out here because as we added the new stuff in, it was
duplication, and we ended up using a larger section elsewhere. Added in an
environmental impacts piece. And then we get down to the final pieces here on
maintenance. Added in the annual testing that the Commission discussed. And then,
again, some other pieces based on the Commission discussion. That gets us to the -- oh,
so no. Okay. And then retention of consultants was another one from Mr. Campanelli
that we hadn't included the first time, and it was added here on the end.
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Corrigan?
CORRIGAN: John, on page 49, second paragraph, annual testing.
WESLEY: Yes.
CORRIGAN: Does it say in here somewhere that that's at the -- at the cost of the
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provider, or --
WESLEY: Yeah, that's the intent of the language. The owner or operator shall provide.
CORRIGAN: At his own -- or at their own -- at their own cost, or --
WESLEY: I mean, that wording, I guess, could be strengthened a little bit to make sure
that's clear, but that's the way that I read it.
CORRIGAN: Yeah, I -- because I just don't -- I'm looking for clarification, but I don't see it
here where, I mean, the provider -- service provider should probably -- they should bear
the cost of that annual testing. I don't -- anyway --
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner Gray?
GRAY: So to Commissioner Corrigan's point, they all do it, but they all do it in-house,
and I think what you might want to consider is requiring that to be independent third
party provided -- well, independent third party. The second you say that independent
third party is contracted by the provider, however, you've lost the value of the
independent third party.
So I think -- I think the max value -- I think it's a very important paragraph in here, and I
think that the max value of that to the Town is that that report is done independently
and it's done accurately, and I think if there's a cost to be incurred for that, and there
will be, but it'll be nominal, I think we should be okay as a municipality absorbing that.
Otherwise, it's just a rubber stamp report.
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner Gray, I understood, but I will also remind you that we do
have this other random testing that the Town can request at any time through a third
party, so if we had any reason to suspect or be concerned that their annual report was
not fully complete, we can do this random report, test.
GRAY: But I would say, even with that one, the second that's contracted by the
provider --
WESLEY: So, the Town may retain --
GRAY: Town may retain. Okay. Thank you.
WESLEY: Let’s see. I guess maybe I'll pause here real quick. I don't remember where I
pulled this specific language from. I just kept, you know, dollar amounts and such that
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were in wherever I pulled it from. We may have other amounts that we'd want to --
want to use or expand upon.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, I have -- I can -- I was looking at Ithaca's insurance requirements.
They require an umbrella policy of not less than 5,000,000. They require not just
general liability but pollution liability insurance with the same GL limits and deductible
not to exceed 25,000; and they require the town officers and employees to be included
as additional insureds; and they require the insurance carrier provide 30 days advance
written notice of cancellation.
WESLEY: Okay. I'm sure we can go look at that just along that line. Okay. So -- and that
gets us back to attention to consultants, and I think that is the last piece.
So again, my attempt was going back and listening to what I was hearing the
Commission was interested in, and, hopefully, I captured those things. Appreciate the
comments that were made and questions. If there's anything that you feel like I missed
or didn't get quite right, let me know now, or you could follow up in an email, and we
can keep track of that for when we come back to it.
KOVACEVIC: Anybody? I have a list.
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: On page 3 on the Campanelli ordinance, there was a paragraph that
stated, to achieve the objectives stated herein, the Town seeks to employ the, quote,
"general authority," unquote, preserved -- that seemed to me like that was there for
legal purposes, and we don't have it in ours in this one. But it was on -- it was on page 3
of the Campanelli -
WESLEY: Right.
KOVACEVIC: -- document.
WESLEY: Right.
KOVACEVIC: And I think we should find room for it.
WESLEY: That would probably go -- okay. Got it. Yeah. Very good. Here.
KOVACEVIC: We touched last time on 17.16, historical sites, and we don't have any
historical sites, but we're talking about, I guess, the fountain becoming a historical site.
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Do we need to preemptively include that?
WESLEY: Chair, we sure could, but what I thought I heard with the meeting last week
was the decision that, no, we didn't need to. That's why --
KOVACEVIC: Oh.
WESLEY: -- I didn't include any of it, but if I was wrong, I'd be glad to go back and edit it.
KOVACEVIC: And does anybody -- I mean, we have the language in the -- if we're going
to have an historical site, we might as well put it in, I'm thinking. Does anybody else?
CORRIGAN: I would agree with that, Chair.
KOVACEVIC: To the contrary?
CORRIGAN: Just in agreement with that.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Campanelli, Section 17.18, eleventh-hour submissions. The -- I don't
think you protected yourself there against the --
WESLEY: Where’s that?
KOVACEVIC: -- eleventh-hour submissions.
WESLEY: That was an oversight.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: That’s not (indiscernible).
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, you want to put that in, I think.
17.19, prohibition against illegally excessive emissions in RF radiation testing. That
language wasn't there. I think it's partially covered elsewhere. But I think you should
revisit --
WESLEY: Okay. Sure.
KOVACEVIC: -- and get that language in there.
In our -- in your rewrite, 17.05(a)(10), we require an estimate for the cost of removing
the facility, but we don't have, in 17.06 (e) or (f), where we're requiring a bond to pay
for the cost of the removal. I didn't see that anywhere in there.
WESLEY: Yeah.
KOVACEVIC: Okay? Just a housekeeping thing. Where there's a definition, if it appears
in the body of the document, isn't it supposed to be capitalized? So like, notice of
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incompleteness as a defined term, I think it should be capitalized within the document.
And you know, there's a number of things like that where the -- where a defined term is
not capitalized. So just to clean that up was my comment.
New developments over -- of a certain size, X acres, I'm guessing that probably belongs
in a subdivision ordinance, but how do we get it there when we know, in the course of
rewriting this, that we want a new development to have a tower -- I mean, a 50-acre,
100-acre development to have a tower location? I think that's --
WESLEY: Yes. Chair --
KOVACEVIC: That’s my comment.
WESLEY: Right. Yes, we'll need to keep track of that one at some point as we're nearing
the end of this. I think it is most appropriate in the subdivision ordinance, so that could
maybe be in the Zoning Ordinance, that we would look at where that would go and
include that as part of the amendments we'd take forward to Council.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. And I'll ask the Commissioners, do you want to require balloon
tests -- balloon tests where they, for a week, fly a balloon at the height of the tower so
that people have an idea what -- how high this thing's going to be?
SVEUM: Chair, I'd like to see it only because I think the visual impact of that height via a
balloon would have a more pressing or affirming visual imprint. If it was a balloon that
you would know everywhere where that's visible, what have you, it's a good way to do
it, so I'd approve that.
KOVACEVIC: So, we can -- I think we can include the balloon test language in
Campanelli.
And last thing, we require an inventory of existing sites in 17.05(a)(3). Campanelli had a
concept of an alternative site analysis. I don't think they're exactly the same thing, and
I -- so I think that we may want to have an alternative site analysis, too.
WESLEY: Okay.
KOVACEVIC: And that's my comments.
WESLEY: Okay. Thank you.
KOVACEVIC: So, we're not looking for a motion or anything tonight?
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WESLEY: No. No. Just that input, and we'll take it from there as far as what we come
back with.
KOVACEVIC: Okay. Oh, do we have any speaker cards?
WOODWARD: We do, Chair. We have one speaker card. Lori Troller.
TROLLER: Thank you. Lori Troller, resident. I'm just going to keep adding like Dan was.
Can I have some extra time to address the shot clock question? Yeah, there -- that is
shot clocks. For you sports fans, this is not a shock -- it's not that kind of shot clock.
What the shot clocks do is define when the application is submitted to the Town, a
timer starts, and there are several timers, and they call each grouping of every timer a
shot clock.
So there's, like, four major shot clocks. So we receive an application. We got to get it
back to them in the first shot clock. Second shot clock is once they're approved, then
the designs have to be worked on or whatever. There's all -- there's, like, four
classifications of work that needs to happen, and they all have to happen so that the
tower goes up in 180 days, done. And it doesn't allow the telecom to drag their feet. It
doesn't allow the Town to drag their feet. So it just -- when an application goes in, the
tower's up in 180 days, and that's what those shot clocks define. That's the definition of
shot clocks for anybody else.
I have a whole bunch of changes. I know John was speaking about definitions. I actually
had 53 additional terms I would add to this, and they're all used in the document.
Noise. I just want to point out on the noise thing, some of these towers can require
generators, so if the power goes out -- I mean, that's really not an issue here in Fountain
Hills, but just don't lose sight of the fact that some of these can have generators going.
So you live next to one of these things, and these generators power up, there's your
noise. So it's a -- it's a noise factor folks aren't thinking -- folks are thinking, you know,
the towers are running, they're quiet. Just think of, you know, in those strange
situations where there might be additional information.
Okay. I would include the verbiage for historical site. It never hurts to put it in there if
we don't have it yet. And that is coming. So they are talking about the fountain and
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making that a historical site, so I highly suggest you include that. All you have to say is
that historical sites are considered. That's not much of a line.
So additions to -- like, I always speak about Copec and Ithaca. These are some of the
things I would add. And I'll highlight the ones that Dan's already mentioned. I would
add an entire section that is monitoring and evaluation. There's an enormous section
on that. Copec. It's written beautifully. Cut and paste, lift it in.
Insurance. Copec has excellent insurance. For those of you that don't understand, the
game that telecoms play is -- so let's say it's AT&T. AT&T comes in, and they want to
build a tower. No problem. We're going to hold them to have insurance. The only
insurance that can be bought in the industry is that by the Telcom company itself. The
Town can't buy it. Residents can't buy it. So the only people who can actually buy it is
the telecoms.
So what they do is they create LLCs. So they'll say, here's an LL -- AT&T LLC 1 through
1,000. LLC 1, 2, 3, 4. So then when we ask for insurance, we get insurance through
company AT&T 59 LLC. Then, that LLC, all it does is carry insurance. That's its only
purpose. There's no employees, nothing like that. Then, when we make a claim, they
bankrupt that LLC, close it out, and they never pay the claim. They will never pay a
claim. It is a shell game. They play it all the time. And we can't get insurance as a town,
and residents, you can't get a rider on your house because you have a tower in your
yard, so that damage is all yours. They're scot-free.
So when I say Copec has got excellent -- and Dan mentioned this -- excellent verbiage,
check out Copec's because you can't -- they'll -- they get around that. That's not going
to happen with -- if you take Copec's. The shot clocks. Copec also gets really particular
when they identify the persons on the application. There is another shell game that
they play with that, the verbiage and Copec on that is really good. They just do a shell
game. I'm not going to get into that anymore.
The visual impact, the verbiage for that is in Copec. There's also verbiage that -- oh, and
I don't know which one this is from, Copec or Ithaca. I can get back to you on that. But
there is FAA legal and technical compliance. They should -- we should require they
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provide that written out; otherwise, they don't have to. If we don't require it, then they
don't have to prove that they are FAA compliant, so let's get that one in there. And like I
said, I'm not sure which that one is.
The NEPA review, both Ithaca and Copec have verbiage in there. That's not at all in Mr.
Campanelli's. Copec has excellent and extensive stuff on the NEPA review, what
would cause that. I've got, like, eight more. Okay. Allowable minimum coverage.
That's also in -- that's referring to insurance, so you can tack that on there. Evidence of
need. So AT&T comes in, says, I got to put up five towers. And Peter had mentioned
this in a previous meeting. Copec has excellent verbiage on how to prove you have a
need. Again, the need is can everyone make a 911 call. You can't lose sight of that in
both these. Gaming is not a need. And you're going to address that on the 16, not the
17.
The definition of a significant gap. I talked about this before. That's in Ithaca. They
have great verbiage for that. Cost of the removal of the tower. Dan mentioned that.
That's also Ithaca. They have got great verbiage. Monitoring evaluation of -- and
compliance, Copec. So now, these things are up. What do they do once they're up?
What are we holding them to? What are the standards? Copec is great on that. Then
there's, in the design standards, the separation. We're going to talk about that real
shortly. That's the other item you have. Copec is good on that. And they also have
great information on fall zones.
And then I just wanted to explain, real quickly, there's -- in this -- the way Campanelli
has this divided out, he has it divided out into four types. There's either co-location or
new towers. So they're either -- they either qualify as a small wireless facility, or they
don't. So it's a co-located small wireless facility or a new small wireless facility, or it's a
co-location of something that doesn't meet small wireless facility and something that's
new that doesn't follow small wireless facility.
The other thing I wanted to mention is John included a map. And I think this is -- the
next discussion point is about setbacks. And he had the map. It was the second
attachment on the agenda item. This only shows the red dots for cell towers.
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Unfortunately, my eyeglasses, when I drive through Fountain Hills, don't filter out all the
other towers, and I can only see cell towers. I wish it did. You got to understand the
strength we have, both state and federally, is aesthetics and public safety. You -- we
have a very wide allowance there.
So when we're talking about when you drive through Fountain Hills -- and these are only
the cell towers. I understand he's making the point, but I still think it's really important
that when these maps come out, that they indicate where all the antennas are because
that's public safety. Even the SRP. The SRP towers, that's a whole nother subject.
Those are very concerning for different reasons I won't get into. But whenever we're
talking about, you know, setbacks and stuff like that, I would have liked to have seen
this exact map with these -- the cell towers in red but still the markings where
everything else is because overall, aesthetically, that's what we're looking at.
Thank you for the extra time. Oh, my gosh, thank you.
KOVACEVIC: Thank you, Lori. Okay. Anything else for cell towers?
All right. We'll wrap that up and move on to Commission Discussion/Request for
Research to Staff.
Summary of Commission Requests from Development Services Director.
WESLEY: My summary is you didn't have any. Okay.
KOVACEVIC: Do you have a report for us?
WESLEY: So looking ahead again to the summer, the next couple of months. So next
month -- you continued your discussion of the downtown overlay to next month, so
we'll have that, and I'll also prepare a stark discussion with regard to the small cell
wireless in the right-of-way, so we can kick that off. And I don't believe -- we didn't have
any other public applications, correct? Right.
And at this point, I don't believe we have anything for July as far as a public application,
and so we could -- and again, we don't have to decide this for sure until next month --
look at taking July off and then plan on coming back in August picking up with the
wireless ordinance, discussing signs again. And I think we may have Mr. Ejim's
application back for you at that point up on Pueblo and Fountain Hills Boulevard.
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Special use permits for some residential. Yeah.
So again, we don't have to decide for sure tonight, but that's kind of the plan that I'm
looking at a little bit to you as the Commission. Do you want to have that break, or do
you want to, once we get started with small cells, keep right on going through July? And
we can decide that for sure next month. But any questions for me on what we're
looking at for a schedule the next couple of months?
GRAY: I’m -
KOVACEVIC: Commissioner -
GRAY: I’m out in July, so --
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
GRAY: -- I'm in full support of that.
KOVACEVIC: Okay.
WESLEY: We’re done.
KOVACEVIC: That’s it? Motion to adjourn.
GRAY: Second. Aye.
KOVACEVIC: All in favor, say aye.
ALL: Aye.
KOVACEVIC: Opposed? Unanimous. We're adjourned.
Having no further business, Chairperson Kovacevic adjourned the Regular Meeting of the
Planning and Zoning Commission held on May 12, 2025, at 7:43 p.m.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
_______________________
Dan Kovacevic, Chairperson
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
_______________________________
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of
the Regular Meeting held by the Planning & Zoning Commission of Fountain Hills in
the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 12 day of May 2025. I further certify that the
meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 9 Day of June 2025.
_______________________________
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/09/2025 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Staff Contact Information: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE
ACTION: Ordinance 25-02 amending the Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance to add Chapter 27,
Downtown Overlay District.
Staff Summary (Background)
When Fountain Hills began development in the County as a master-planned community, a
"downtown" area was established with a unique platting pattern for the eight blocks on both sides of
the Avenue of the Fountains (Plat 208). The area was zoned C-2, which is a typical, intermediate
commercial zoning designation that allows a wide range of uses. The C-2 district also typically has
setback requirements for each lot, maximum lot coverage requirements, and the requirement for
on-site parking. These blocks included large parking fields in the middle of the blocks and mostly
small, 6,000 sq. ft. lots facing the streets.
The four blocks on the north side of Avenue of the Fountains included five lots over 10,800 sq. ft. in
size; these were each around 40,000 sq. ft. As platted, contrary to the zoning designation, the small
lots were designed to allow 100% coverage and rely on the common parking area to meet the parking
requirements of the small individual lots. Board of Adjustment variances were granted by the County
to allow the buildings to occur without the typical setbacks and on-site parking.
When the Town was incorporated in 1989, the Town adopted portions of the County zoning
ordinance for the Town as its initial zoning ordinance and maintained the C-2 zoning in the downtown
area. This zoning district, however, did not allow for the type of development occurring on Plat 208.
To address this, rather than continue to grant variances or establish a new zoning district, in October
1992, the Town Council adopted an ordinance establishing the Planned Shopping Plaza Overlay
District for the north side of the Avenue. This district allowed the same uses as the underlying district
but amended the development standards to allow up to 100% lot coverage and use of the common
parking lot for lots of 10,800 sq. ft. or less. The larger lots ranged in size from 31,855 to 41,207 sq. ft.
and were required to provide their own parking, as is common for lots of this size.
In 1993, the Town completed drafting and adopting its own zoning ordinance. This new zoning
ordinance was based on the County ordinance with a few modifications to meet the needs of the
Town. When the Town adopted the revised ordinance, the chapter for the Planned Shopping Plaza
Town. When the Town adopted the revised ordinance, the chapter for the Planned Shopping Plaza
Overlay was not included. In 2020, the Town staff recognized the overlay district was no longer in the
zoning ordinance. A revised Planned Shopping Plaza Overlay was added to the Zoning Ordinance in
late 2020 as Chapter 26, and applied to the land through a rezoning action in early 2021. As
compared to the 1992 overlay, the revised overlay placed a few limitations on uses allowed through
special use permits in the downtown area and allowed up to 50% of the parking requirement for the
lots over 10,800 sq. ft. to be counted in the common parking area through consideration and approval
of a special use permit.
The four blocks of Plat 208 south of the Avenue were not included in the Planned Shopping Plaza
Overlay and did not develop with any uses prior to 2002 with the Community Center and Library
buildings were constructed. Starting at that time, these blocks south of the Avenue have been
replatted to eliminate all the small lots and common parking areas and developed with an entirely
different pattern and form compared to the north side of the Avenue.
In November 2016, the Town Council adopted the Entertainment Overlay District for the downtown
area north of the Avenue. This overlay district allows for outdoor seating and music within the
district. The activities can be extended into the public right-of-way (ROW) with Council approval of an
encroachment permit. In May 2017, the overlay was amended to allow second floor residential uses
up to 8 units per acre by right. This overlay was amended again in 2020 to allow applications for
Special Use Permits to increase the allowed density greater than 8 units per acre. Despite the zoning
allowing for outdoor entertainment activities for the last nine years, there have not been any new
outdoor-oriented entertainment uses established in this area.
Based on experience using the two existing overlays, and the input received from the public through
the downtown strategy plan update, staff is now recommending these two overlay districts be
combined into one overlay district with a few modifications to address the current goals of the Town.
The ordinance as drafted and presented:
Maintains the same outdoor entertainment allowances as the current ordinance with the
following modifications:
Removes the allowance for outdoor seating areas in the ROW for all areas but the
Avenue District. The other districts do not have the sidewalk width along the
street to allow this type of use of the ROW.
Allows the encroachment permit for use of the ROW in the Avenue District to be
approved by the Town Engineer rather than going to Council. This will simplify this
process and make it easier to have this extended use area.
Continues to allow the same parking provisions as the current ordinance (allows the small lots
in the Avenue and Business Districts to have all their parking needs met by the common parking
area and up to 50% of the parking needs of the larger lots through approval of a SUP).
Continues to allow upper floor residential uses by right in the Avenue and Business Districts but
proposes to increase the allowed density from 8 units per acre to at least 30 units per acre. As
discussed below, the Commission may want to increase this to 45 units per acre.
Ground floor residential use is still permitted in the Business District with approval of a
SUP.
Residential is still permitted in the Innovation District with approval of a SUP. As
discussed below, this could be changed.
The four primary differences with the new overlay are:
Expanding the boundaries to include the area north of Palisades to create the Innovation
District. This portion of the overlay amends the uses allowed in C-2 to allow more types
of employment uses in this area.
Restricting office and service uses by right in the Avenue District within 50' of the street
to focus the area on active retail and entertainment uses.
This has been the most controversial aspect of this proposed ordinance. The desire of the
public has been to create the entertainment area along the Avenue that was envisioned
years ago with the adoption of the Entertainment Overlay. To encourage this to happen,
the ordinance allows active retail and entertainment uses by right (makes them the easy
thing to do) but creates a barrier to the less desired uses by requiring a SUP. Again, any
existing business can remain and renew leases. The limitation on uses would only apply if
there is a new user of a lease space. There has still been some concern that the market is
just not ready to support this kind of shift in use or that this type of ordinance change
should wait until after improvements are made to the Avenue to make it more attractive
to the desired uses. An option has also been expressed that if the ordinance continues to
require a SUP for less active uses, that the process should be made easier by including
modifications such as reducing the fee, lessening the notice requirements, and/or not
requiring the Citizen Participation Process.
Allowing temporary use of vacant properties.
Establishing a "built to" line in the Avenue and Business Districts.
Under the ordinances as they exist today, except for the larger corner lots, occupancies can change,
new buildings can be built, existing buildings can be expanded, and no additional parking will be
required. The assumption is that, based on the approval of the initial plat and zoning, there is
sufficient parking for all uses and all the lots to be built with buildings up to 40' in height. Today, it
would be possible for all the buildings to be used as restaurants and no additional parking would be
required by the Town.
The consideration of this ordinance was continued to this meeting to allow staff to research and
provide responses to comments and questions raised at the April 21st meeting.
Do not allow residential in the Innovation district, or at least not on the first floor. This area is
currently zoned C-2 which allows residential through a SUP, just like any other C-2 property.
The draft ordinance simply kept this same provision. Staff agrees that residential use is not a
preferred option in this area. The SUP gives Council the opportunity to approve it in places it
would serve the district. This could be removed as directed by the Commission.
Residential density. Staff has included a minimum density of 30 units per acre in the ordinance.
This will allow up to four apartment units on the typical 6,000 sq. ft. lot. Adjusting it to 45 units
per acre would result in 6 units on a typical 6,000 sq. ft. lot. Park Place was approved for up to
50 units per acre. The SUP approved for 16622 Avenue of the Fountains was approved at 38
units per acre and the SUP for 16740 Avenue of the Fountains was recommended for approval
at 44 units per acre. Staff has heard from developers that sufficient residential density is
needed to make it possible to develop the commercial portions of the building. Bringing more
people into the downtown area will help make the businesses more successful.
Impact on parking from the limitation of office uses along the Avenue. Current ordinance
requirements are 2.25 spaces per apartment, 1 space per 75 sq. ft. of restaurant use,1 space
per 250 sq. ft. of office use, and 1 space per 350 sq. ft. of retail space. Trading out a 1,000 sq. ft.
office for one apartment reduces the parking spaces required from 4 to 2.25; if traded for retail,
the parking required drops from 4 to 2.8; if traded for restaurant it increases from 4 to 13.3.
For group commercial areas such as this, the ordinance sets a standard of 1 space per 275 sq. ft.
For the two blocks on the north side of the Avenue, there are 65 lots with a total of 256,225 sq.
ft. of floor area and approximately 1,340 parking spaces (including on-street spaces). By code,
this square footage of building area would require 932 parking spaces. There are 87,180 sq. ft.
buildable land available. If all these lots are built with one-story buildings covering the entire
buildable area, it would require 1,249 parking spaces.
Concern with impact on larger, corner lots; need to normalize the parking.
Executive Suites (NEC AotF and Verde River). This is a 41,202 sq. ft. lot with 39,847 sq. ft.
of buildable area. The existing building on the lot is 17,517 sq. ft. At one space per 275
sq. ft. for a multi-tenant building, the ordinance requires 63 parking spaces. There are 51
parking spaces on this lot. If the new overlay is adopted as currently written, the only
area impacted by the requirement for active ground floor uses is the west 50' of the
portion of the building along Verde River. The ground floor is currently used as a nail
salon, which is an allowed use under the new overlay. Should that business leave they
would be required to fill the space with an active use (retail or entertainment) or receive
a SUP for the non-active uses. Regardless of the use, the property owner would not be
required to provide any additional parking.
Chase Bank (NWC AotF and Verde River). This is a 41,202 sq. ft. lot with 40,302 sq. ft. of
buildable area. The existing building on the lot is 6826 sq. ft. A bank is required one
space per 250 sq. ft. of floor area which results in a need for 28 parking spaces. There are
currently 35 spaces. Because the existing building is setback more than 50' from both
streets, the new ordinance would not pose any limitations on the C-2 uses which could go
into this building; new uses would, however, have to meet the parking requirement.
Should the building be torn down, the ordinance would require a new building to be
brought to the street. This would the require the active commercial uses of the
building, unless the Council approved a SUP. There are many commercial lots in town of
a similar size that provide their own parking, including restaurants. This lot also has the
option of applying for a SUP to allow up to 50% of the Plat 208 parking to be counted
toward their parking requirement.
Washington Federal and adjacent lots (NEC AotF and La Montana). As originally platted,
this was one 41,207 sq. ft. lot with 40,307 sq. ft. of buildable area. The Washington
Federal building was constructed on the property in 1999. This is a 2634 sq. ft.
building and was built with 18 parking spaces; 11 were required. In 2006, the property
owner subdivided the property into two lots and provided a common access and parking
easement for the established parking area. In 2007, the owner of the northern lot
subdivided that parcel into two lots. The lot along La Montana is 10,771 sq. ft., has
an 8,053 sq. ft. buildable area and a 7,124 sq. ft. building. As a multi-tenant building, it is
required 26 parking spaces. The other lot in this subdivision is 6,181 sq. ft. with 4969 sq.
ft. of buildable area. This lot is currently vacant and should be used for the additional
parking required for the existing buildings. The portions of the existing buildings within
50' of the adjacent street would be impacted by the use requirements of the proposed
ordinance as currently drafted. Regardless of whether the overlay is adopted, the uses
that will be allowed in these buildings are limited by the lack of parking on the lot(s).
Given the constraints on these lots, staff has removed this area from the Avenue District
as shown in the attached ordinance.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Zoning Ordinance Chapters 12, 25, and 26
Council approved Downtown Strategy
2020 Fountain Hills General Plan
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
The draft new overlay district combines the two existing districts, extends the area north of Palisades,
and makes a few modifications to the existing requirements to meet the current needs of the Town.
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as drafted.
Based on the discussion above, the Commission may wish to consider the following modifications:
Eliminate the opportunity for a SUP for residential use in the Innovation District;
Increase the allowable density by right in the Business and Avenue Districts to 45 units per acre;
and/or
Either eliminate the use restriction along the Avenue or amend the ordinance to make the SUP
option easier.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to recommend approval of Ordinance 25-02 (including any recommended modifications).
Attachments
Ordinance 25-02
ORDINANCE NO. 25-02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE FOUNTAIN HILLS ZONING
ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 27, DOWNTOWN OVERLAY DISTRICT
ENACTMENTS:
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA,
as follows:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 27, Downtown Overlay District, is added to the Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
is provided in Exhibit A attached hereto.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Fountain Hills, Maricopa County, Arizona, this
day of, 2025.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO:
___________________________________ __________________________________
Mayor Town Clerk
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________________ __________________________________
Town Manager Town Attorney
Exhibit A
Chapter 27
Downtown Overlay District
Section 27.01 Purpose and Intent
The Downtown Overlay District is an overlay zoning district for development of the downtown
area of Fountain Hills. The intent of this district is to integrate commercial activity and
professional offices with residential uses, visitor attractions and parks as appropriate for the
established districts within the downtown area. The Downtown Overlay District modifies the
underlying zoning district regulations only to the extent specifically set forth in this Chapter. If
not specifically modified in this Chapter, all of the regulations in effect in the underlying zoning
districts will remain in full force and effect.
Section 27.02 Permitted Uses
Uses permitted in the Downtown Overlay District shall be:
A. The Avenue District:
1. Permitted uses:
a. Uses listed in Zoning Ordinance Sections 12.02 B. and C. provided, however, that ground floor
uses within fifty feet (50’) of the right-of-way for the nearest adjacent street shall be limited to
restaurants and cafes; bars and taverns; gift shops, apparel stores, variety stores and similar
retail commercial stores; entertainment venues; or similar uses.
b. Outdoor seating areas for food and beverage service with associated outdoor entertainment
subject to the following requirements.
i. Any recorded or live music or sound that is electronically amplified and played outside an
establishment shall only be permitted at establishments with dedicated outdoor seating
areas for food and beverage service.
ii. Establishments with dedicated outdoor seating areas for food and beverage service shall
comply with the sound level requirements set forth in the Fountain Hills Town Code Section
11-1-7, as amended.
iii. Outdoor seating areas for food and beverage service shall comply with any applicable
barrier requirements from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
iv. Outdoor seating areas for food and beverage service are allowed within the sidewalk
areas, provided an encroachment permit is approved by the Town Engineer pursuant to
Town Code Article 16-1, for any seating areas located in a public right-of-way. Such outdoor
seating areas must be properly maintained to ensure safe access and mobility for business
patrons.
c. Museums
d. Multifamily residential up to 30 units per acre above the ground floor.
2. Uses permitted by special use permit.
a. Uses listed in Zoning Ordinance Sections 12.02 B. and C. not permitted by right on the
ground floor
b. Multifamily residential above the ground floor at a density more than 30 units per acre.
B. The Business District:
1. Those uses permitted in Zoning Ordinance Sections 12.02 A., B., and C.
a. Outdoor seating areas for food and beverage service with associated outdoor entertainment
subject to the following requirements:
i. Any recorded or live music or sound that is electronically amplified and played outside an
establishment shall only be permitted at establishments with dedicated outdoor seating
areas for food and beverage service.
ii. Establishments with dedicated outdoor seating areas for food and beverage service shall
comply with the sound level requirements set forth in the Fountain Hills Town Code Section
11-1-7, as amended.
iii. Outdoor seating areas for food and beverage service shall comply with any applicable
barrier requirements from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
b. Multifamily residential up to 30 units per acre above the ground floor.
2. Uses permitted by special use permit shall be residential uses on the ground floor or at a density
more than 30 units per acre.
c. The Innovation District:
1. Those uses permitted in Zoning Ordinance Sections 12.02 A., B., and C.
a. Laboratories, (research, experimental and testing).
b. Manufacture and assembly of nonhazardous and nontoxic materials.
c. Light assembly and storage as an accessory use if all of the following criteria are met:
i. Any assembly or storage areas associated with assembly activities shall not occupy more
than fifty (50%) percent of enclosed building space used for the business; and,
ii. There shall be no use of hazardous materials involved in the assembly operation(s).
2. Uses permitted by special use permit shall be residential uses.
Illustration 27.02. Downtown District Boundaries
Section 27.03 Temporary Uses
Uses allowed by Zoning Ordinance Section 2.03 are allowed to be established as temporary uses on
vacant lots provided they comply with the adopted Downtown Temporary Use Guidelines and receive
approval from the Zoning Administrator and Town Engineer.
Section 27.04 General Provisions
Except as may be modified by this overlay district, the general provisions in chapter 5 shall apply.
Section 27.05 Signs
The regulations in Chapter 6, Signs, shall apply.
Section 27.06 Parking and Loading
A. Area south of Palisades Boulevard.
1. The parking regulations in Chapter 7, Parking and Loading Requirements, shall apply to all lots
over 10,800 square feet in area as of January 1, 1992. The Council may approve up to a fifty percent
(50%) reduction in required on-site parking through approval of a special use permit.
2. For lots 10,800 square feet or less as of January 1, 1992, the common parking lot areas shall
satisfy all of the off-street parking requirements regardless of the land use. Any elimination of
parking spaces in the common parking area by a lot owner or user is required to be replaced by
adding the lost spaces on site or on another lot in the same block.
B. Area north of Palisades Boulevard. The regulations in Chapter 7, Parking and Loading Requirements,
shall apply.
Section 27.07 Outdoor Lighting
The provisions of Chapter 8, Outdoor Lighting Control, shall apply.
Section 27.08 Plan Review
The provisions of Section 2.04, Site Plan Review Regulations, shall apply.
Section 27.09 Density, Area, Building and Yard Regulations
A. Building height:
Building height allowances shall be the same as permitted in the underlying zoning district.
B. Building setbacks:
1. Area south of Palisades Boulevard.
a. Front yard:
i. Lots 10,800 square feet and under do not have a front yard setback requirement but must
meet sight triangle requirements when a corner lot (see Chapter 7, Exhibit 7.03 g). must not
encroach into platted easements.
ii. Lots over 10,800 square feet must provide a 10-foot front yard and must meet sight
triangle requirements when a corner lot. must not encroach into platted easements.
iii. At least 70% of the first floor of the building must be within five feet of any street facing
property line.
b. Side yard. None required except on corner lots as required by Chapter 12, Section 12.13.,
street side yards must meet sight triangle requirements; must not encroach into platted
easements.
c. Rear yard. None required; must not encroach into platted easements.
2. Area north of Palisades Boulevard. As required by the underlying zoning district.
C. Maximum lot coverage:
1. South of Palisades Boulevard. Lots may have one hundred percent (100%) lot coverage exclusive
of any easements or required setbacks.
2. North of Palisades Boulevard. As required by the underlying zoning district.
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/09/2025 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Staff Contact Information: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): REVIEW AND DISCUSS: Ordinances
and requirements associated with regulating small cell wireless facilities in the public right-of-way.
Staff Summary (Background)
In 2017, the State of Arizona adopted rules regarding the placement and regulation of small wireless
facilities (SWF) located in the public right-of-way. In response, local jurisdictions across the state
adopted local procedures in keeping with these State requirements. The State's regulations are in
ARS 9-591-600. Copies of those requirements are attached.
Following the requirements of the State, Fountain Hills adopted what is now Article 16-2, Small
Wireless Facilities, in the Town Code to regulate this activity in the Town's rights-of-way. In addition,
the Town also adopted by resolution a Wireless Facilities License Agreement, Wireless Facilities
Standard Terms and Conditions, and Small Wireless Facilities in the Right-of-Way Design Standards
and Guidelines. These various documents provide the details on what is required to establish and
maintain a small wireless facility in the Town's right-of-way. Copies of each of these documents are
attached to this report.
When the Town contracted with Mr. Campanelli to prepare a new ordinance addressing wireless
telecommunications and antennas, he included provisions for regulation of small wireless facilities in
the draft ordinance provided to the Town. A copy of this draft ordinance is attached.
Following is a brief review and summary of these documents. The full documents are attached. Also
provided below are a few regulations staff found in other Arizona communities that may be of
interest to the Commission.
State Statutes
9-591 Definitions
1. "Antenna" means communications equipment that transmits or receives electromagnetic radio
frequency signals and that is used in providing wireless services.
19. "Small wireless facility" means a wireless facility that meets both of the following qualifications:
(a) All antennas are located inside an enclosure of not more than six cubic feet in volume or, in
the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of the antenna's
the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of the antenna's
exposed elements could fit within an imaginary enclosure of not more than six cubic feet in
volume.
(b) All other wireless equipment associated with the facility is cumulatively not more than
twenty-eight cubic feet in volume, or fifty cubic feet in volume if the equipment was ground
mounted before August 9, 2017. The following types of associated ancillary equipment are not
included in the calculation of equipment volume pursuant to this subdivision:
(i) An electric meter.
(ii) Concealment elements.
(iii) A telecommunications demarcation box.
(iv) Grounding equipment.
(v) A power transfer switch.
(vi) A cutoff switch.
(vii) Vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services.
25. "Wireless services" means any services that are provided to the public and that use licensed or
unlicensed spectrum, whether at a fixed location or mobile, using wireless facilities.
26. "Wireless services provider" means a person that provides wireless services. Wireless services
provider does not include a special taxing district.
9-592 Applicability; wireless provider; use of right-of-way
A. This section applies to the activities of a wireless provider within a right-of-way.
E. An authority shall establish and make available rates, fees and terms for all of the following, within
six months after August 9, 2017 or three months after receiving the first request by a wireless
provider, whichever is later:
1. The construction, installation, mounting, maintenance, modification, operation or
replacement of a utility pole or monopole by a wireless provider in a right-of-way.
2. The collocation of a small wireless facility by a wireless provider in a right-of-way.
3. The collocation of a wireless facility on or within a monopole by a wireless provider in a
right-of-way.
I. Subject to subsection K, paragraph 2, subdivision (c) of this section, a new, replacement or modified
utility pole that is associated with the collocation of small wireless facilities and that is installed in the
right-of-way is not subject to zoning review and approval under section 9-594 if the utility pole does
not exceed the greater of either:
1. Ten feet in height above the tallest existing utility pole, other than a utility pole supporting
only wireless facilities, that is in place on August 9, 2017, that is located within five hundred
feet of the new, replacement or modified utility pole and that is in the same right-of-way within
the jurisdictional boundary of the authority, but not more than fifty feet above ground level.
2. Forty feet above ground level.
J. New small wireless facilities collocated on a utility pole or wireless support structure in the
right-of-way are not subject to zoning review and approval if they do not extend more than ten feet
above the utility pole or wireless support structure and do not exceed fifty feet above ground level.
K. An authority may require an application under this section for the installation of new, replacement
or modified utility poles associated with the collocation of small wireless facilities. An authority shall
approve an application unless the authority finds that the utility pole fails to comply with any of the
following:
1. Applicable codes.
2. Local code provisions or regulations that concern any of the following:
(a) Public safety.
(b) Objective design standards and reasonable stealth and concealment requirements.
(c) Undergrounding requirements that prohibit the installation of new or the
modification of existing utility poles or monopoles in a right-of-way without prior
approval, if such requirements include a waiver, zoning or another process that addresses
requests to install such new utility poles or monopoles or modify such existing utility
poles or monopoles and do not prohibit the replacement of utility poles or monopoles.
3. Requirements that are imposed by a contract between an authority and a private property
owner and that concern design standards applicable to utility poles in the right-of-way.
4. The authority's public safety and reasonable spacing requirements that concern the location
of new utility poles in a right-of-way.
L. An authority shall process applications under subsection K of this section in compliance with
applicable law. If an authority fails to approve or deny an application within the time frame specified
by applicable law, the application shall be deemed approved. Any application fee is subject to the
requirements provided in section 9- 593, subsection J. The total application fee, if allowed, may not
exceed seven hundred fifty dollars.
M. The construction, installation, mounting, maintenance, modification, operation or replacement for
which a permit is granted shall be completed within one hundred eighty days after the permit
issuance date, unless the authority and wireless provider agree to extend this period or a delay is
caused by a lack of commercial power at the site.
9-593 Applicability; colocation of small wireless facilities
B. Except as provided in this section and sections 9-592, 9-594, 9-595, 9-597, 9-598 and 9-599, as
applicable, an authority may not prohibit, regulate or charge for the collocation of small wireless
facilities.
C. Subject to this section and section 9-592, subsection J, a small wireless facility is classified as a
permitted use and is not subject to zoning review or approval if the small wireless facility is collocated
in a right-of-way in any zone.
G. An authority may not:
1. Directly or indirectly require an applicant to perform services that are unrelated to the
collocation for which approval is sought, such as in-kind contributions to the authority,
including reserving fiber, conduit or pole space on the wireless provider's monopole or utility
pole for the authority.
2. Require an applicant to provide more information to obtain a permit than the authority
requires of a communications service provider that is not a wireless provider and that requests
to attach facilities to a structure. An authority may require the applicant to certify that the small
wireless facilities to be collocated comply with the federal communications commission's
regulations concerning radio frequency emissions referenced in 47 United States Code section
332(c)(7)(B)(iv).
3. Institute, either expressly or de facto, a moratorium on filing, receiving or processing
applications or issuing permits or other approvals, if any, for the collocation of a small wireless
facility.
4. Require an application for routine maintenance or the replacement of small wireless facilities
with small wireless facilities that are substantially similar or the same size or smaller. An
authority may require a permit to work within a right-of-way for such activities, if applicable. A
permit issued pursuant to this paragraph is subject to the requirements of this section.
L. This article does not allow a person to collocate small wireless facilities on a privately owned utility
pole, a privately owned wireless support structure or private property without the consent of the
property owner.
5-594 Structures subject to zoning;
A. The following activities that take place inside of a right-of-way are subject to this section and all of
the authority's codes and regulations, including the authority's zoning codes and other regulatory
processes governing use of the rights-of-way, unless the activities are exempt from zoning review and
approval under section 9-592, subsection I or J or section 9-593, subsection C:
1. The installation of new monopoles, utility poles or wireless facilities.
2. The collocation of wireless facilities.
B. Notwithstanding any provision in this article to the contrary, the construction, installation,
maintenance, modification, operation or replacement of a monopole or associated wireless facility in
a right-of-way is subject to all of the authority's codes and regulations, including the authority's zoning
codes and other regulatory processes governing use of the rights-of-way.
C. An authority shall:
1. Accept and process applications for the modification of existing or the installation of new
monopoles, utility poles or wireless facilities and the collocation of wireless facilities.
2. Within thirty days after receiving an application, notify the applicant whether the application
is complete. If an application is incomplete, the authority must specifically identify the
information missing from the application.
3. Process each complete application on a nondiscriminatory basis. A complete application is
deemed approved if the authority fails to approve or deny the application within one hundred
fifty days after receipt of an application for the modification of existing or the installation of
new monopoles, utility poles or wireless facilities or within ninety days after receipt of a
complete application for the collocation of wireless facilities. The time period for approval may
be tolled to accommodate timely requests for information required to complete the application
or may be extended by mutual agreement between the applicant and authority.
4. If a complete application is denied, notify the applicant in writing and provide substantial
supporting evidence of the reason for denial in the written record. The written notification of
the denial and the supporting evidence shall be publicly released contemporaneously. There
must be a reasonable basis for the denial of an application. An authority may not deny an
application if the denial is discriminatory against the applicant with respect to the placement of
the facilities of other wireless providers.
D. An authority may not:
1. Require an applicant to submit information about the applicant's business decisions
regarding the need for the monopole, utility pole or wireless facilities.
2. Require an applicant to submit information about, or evaluate an applicant's business
decisions regarding, the applicant's service, customer demand for service or quality of service.
3. Institute, either expressly or de facto, a moratorium on filing, receiving or processing
applications or issuing decisions for modifications or installations that are not a permitted use.
E. An authority, in addition to other rights the authority has under federal, state or local law, may:
1. Adopt reasonable requirements regarding the appearance and concealment of facilities,
including those relating to materials used for arranging, screening or landscaping.
2. Adopt setback or fall zone requirements that are substantially similar to setback or fall zone
requirements that are imposed on other types of commercial structures of a similar height.
3. Charge an application fee. Any application fee is subject to the requirements provided in
section 9-593, subsection J. The total application fee, if allowed, may not exceed one thousand
dollars for the modification of existing or the installation of new monopoles or utility poles or
for the collocation of wireless facilities.
4. Charge a rate or fee for the use of the right-of-way for the installation of a monopole and
associated wireless facility that is limited to not more than the direct and actual costs of
managing the right-of-way and that is not in the form of a franchise or other fee based on
revenue or customer counts.
9-596. Scope of local authority
A. Subject to this article and applicable federal law, an authority may exercise zoning, land use,
planning and permitting authority and the authority's police power within the authority's territorial
boundaries, including for the installation, modification and replacement of wireless support structures
and utility poles.
The key language in all of this is in 5-592. In E, cities and towns are directed to establish the terms for
allowing construction of new wireless provider facilities and colocation on existing facilities in the
right-of-way. I and J state new poles up to 40' in height and colocation on poles up to 50' in height are
not subject to local zoning.
Current Town Ordinance and Supporting Documents
Following the adoption of the State's new regulations in 2017, the Town drafted and approved the
required local regulations. Because the facilities would be in street rights-of-way and not subject to
zoning regulations, the Town chose to place the ordinance in Chapter 16, Streets and Sidewalks, of
the Town Code. The provisions regulating SWF are in Article 16-2, Small Wireless Facilities. In
particular, Section 16-2-3 sets forth the requirements and process for review and approval of these
facilities. In order to obtain approval for placing these facilities in the Town's right-of-way, an
applicant must sign a Facility Lease Agreement, comply with the Wireless Facilities Standard Terms
and Conditions and the Town's Design Standards and Guidelines, and receive an Encroachment
Permit. The actual regulations for the installation and maintenance of SWF in the Town's
rights-of-way are contained in the Terms and Conditions and the Design Standards documents.
Wireless Facility Lease Agreement
The lease agreement primarily addresses six topics related to the areas of the ROW being leased:
Establishment of the boundary of the area leased and the provider's responsibilities within that
area;
1.
Provision of a site plan that shows the improvements that will be placed in the right-of-way;2.
Agreement with the Terms;3.
Lease payments;4.
Compliance with the use restrictions in the Terms; and,5.
Granting of an Encroachment Permit.6.
Wireless Facilities Standard Terms and Conditions
This document provides the details on how a SWF in the right-of-way is to be developed and
operated. This is a legal contract document, not an ordinance. The focus of Planning Commission
review will be on the sections that address the physical impacts of the use. Sections to focus
attention on are:
1. Definitions.
5. Use Restrictions
6. Wireless Provider's Improvements
8. Maintenance and Utilities
13. Insurance
18. Compliance with Law
Small Wireless Facilities in the Right-of-Way Design Standards and Guidelines
This document sets minimum standards for the design of SWF facilities within the public right-of-way.
The adopted standards are based on whether the SWF is being located on an existing pole (streetlight,
traffic signal, or utility pole) or is installing a new structure in the right-of-way. All of these standards
and guidelines are open for update and modification based on the input and direction of the
Commission.
Campanelli Ordinance SWF in the ROW
The request to Mr. Campanelli was to include regulations for SWF in the right-of-way as part of the
ordinance. Section 17-3 of that draft ordinance lists four application types, two of which address SWF.
Application Type I addressed colocation of SWF. SWF's being colocated on an existing pole in the
public right-of-way are allowed subject to approval of a building permit. No other review criteria or
standards were included.
Application Type III addressed new SWF not in the right-of-way and required review through a Special
Use Permit.
None of the proposed application types in this draft ordinance addressed new SWF in the right-of-way.
Sample of SWF Requirements from other Arizona Cities and Towns
Each city and town in Arizona has had to develop their own regulation to address SWF in the
right-of-way. Staff has reviewed the regulations in several other communities to see if they are
providing any regulations that the Town may want to consider adding to our regulations. A few ideas
that have been identified are:
Paradise Valley
Administrative SWF applications go to Planning Commission for review of siting and site specific
design at a public hearing. Notice is sent to property owners within 500'.
Staff can examine the proposed location and an area within 100' radius for the best location
that still meets the cover and capacity requirements based on the following criteria:
Not in sight triangle of street or driveway
Setback as far as possible from sidewalk or street curb
Setback from habitable structures on private property equal to height of structure
Placed to blend with landscaping
RF frequency performance standards and monitoring requirements that include: “Existing SWF
plus cumulative: Maximum estimate of RF power density levels (spatially averaged per FCC
Guidelines) measured in the SWF RF environment to be inclusive of any other significant
contributors to the RF environment (i.e. co-located SWF). Definition of “Significant
Contributors” to be any contributor >5% of the FCC Public limit at any measurement location.”
Sedona
No antenna attached to a freestanding pole in the right-of-way, other than as a collocation with
an existing power, light or other utility pole, or unless installed as a concealed facility, shall be
permitted within 50 feet of any principal residential structure as measured from the location of
the small wireless facility to the nearest wall of a residential structure. Small wireless facilities
shall maintain a minimum 25-foot distance from the primary doorway of businesses or
residences measured from the outer door frame.
Whenever small wireless facilities must be placed in a right-of-way with residential uses on one
or both sides, neither poles, equipment, antennas nor other structures shall be placed in front
of a residential structure. If a right-of-way has residential structures on only one side, the small
of a residential structure. If a right-of-way has residential structures on only one side, the small
wireless facilities shall be located on the opposite side of the right-of-way whenever possible.
All small wireless facilities shall be sited to minimize visual impacts to adjacent properties and
viewsheds.
The city may deny an application subject to this section if the proposed small wireless facility,
ground equipment, or new, modified, or replaced pole:
i. Materially and demonstrably interferes with the safe operation of traffic control equipment;
ii. Materially and demonstrably interferes with sight lines or clear zones for transportation or
pedestrians;
iii. Materially fails to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar federal, state, or
local laws, standards and regulations regarding pedestrian access or movement;
iv. Fails to comply with applicable codes, standards and regulations, including the city’s design
standards; or
v. Fails to comply with the provisions in this section.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
N/A
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
There is no recommendation at this time. The purpose of this agenda item is to introduce the
Commission to the existing ordinance and associated documents for regulating SWF in the
right-of-way, have initial discussion about these rules, and seek direction on how the Commission
would like to proceed with review and potential modifications of these requirements.
SUGGESTED MOTION
No motions will be made at this time, but the Commission may give direction to staff on steps to take
to review and update the ordinance and associated documents.
Attachments
State Statutes
Article 16-2
Supporting Documents
Draft Campanelli Ordinance
591. Definitions
In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Antenna" means communications equipment that transmits or receives electromagnetic radio frequency
signals and that is used in providing wireless services.
2. "Applicable codes" means uniform building, fire, electrical, plumbing or mechanical codes that are adopted
by a recognized national code organization or local amendments to those codes that are enacted to address threats
of destruction of property or injury to persons and to an extent that is not inconsistent with this article.
3. "Applicant" means any person that submits an application and that is a wireless provider.
4. "Application" means a request that is submitted by an applicant to an authority for a permit to collocate small
wireless facilities or to approve the installation, modification or replacement of a utility pole or wireless support
structure.
5. "Authority" means any city, town, special district or political subdivision of this state that is authorized to
make legislative, quasijudicial or administrative decisions concerning an application. Authority does not include
any state court that has jurisdiction over an authority and does not include a county, special taxing district, or
electric cooperative.
6. "Authority utility pole" means a utility pole that is owned or operated by an authority and that is in a
rightofway. Authority utility pole does not include a utility pole for electric distribution.
7. "Cable operator" has the same meaning prescribed in section 9505 and includes a video service provider.
Cable operator does not include a special taxing district.
8. "Collocate" or "collocation" means to install, mount, maintain, modify, operate or replace wireless facilities
on, within or adjacent to a wireless support structure or utility pole.
9. "Communications service" means cable service as defined in 47 United States Code section 522(6),
information service as defined in 47 United States Code section 153(24), telecommunications service as defined
in 47 United States Code section 153(53) or wireless service.
10. "Communications service provider" means a cable operator, a provider of information service as defined in
47 United States Code section 153(24), a telecommunications carrier as defined in 47 United States Code
section 153(51) or a wireless services provider.
11. "Fee" means a onetime charge.
12. "Law" means any federal, state or local law, statute, common law, code, rule, regulation, order or ordinance.
13. "Monopole" means a wireless support structure that is not more than forty inches in diameter at the ground
level and that has all of the wireless facilities mounted on the pole or contained inside of the pole.
14. "Permit" means written permission required by an authority to install, mount, maintain, modify, operate or
replace a utility pole or monopole, to collocate a small wireless facility on a utility pole or wireless support
structure or to collocate wireless facilities on a monopole.
15. "Person" means an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other
entity or organization, including an authority.
16. "Private easement" means an easement or other real property right that is only for the benefit of the grantor
and grantee and the grantor's or grantee's successors and assigns.
17. "Rate" means a recurring charge.
18. "Rightofway" means the area on, below or above a public roadway, highway, street, sidewalk, alley or utility
easement. Rightofway does not include a federal interstate highway, a state highway or state route under the
jurisdiction of the department of transportation, a private easement, property that is owned by a special taxing
district, or a utility easement that does not authorize the deployment sought by the wireless provider.
19. "Small wireless facility" means a wireless facility that meets both of the following qualifications:
(a) All antennas are located inside an enclosure of not more than six cubic feet in volume or, in the case of
an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of the antenna's exposed elements could fit within
an imaginary enclosure of not more than six cubic feet in volume.
(b) All other wireless equipment associated with the facility is cumulatively not more than twentyeight cubic
feet in volume, or fifty cubic feet in volume if the equipment was ground mounted before August 9,
2017. The following types of associated ancillary equipment are not included in the calculation of
equipment volume pursuant to this subdivision:
(i) An electric meter.
(ii) Concealment elements.
(iii) A telecommunications demarcation box.
(iv) Grounding equipment.
(v) A power transfer switch.
(vi) A cutoff switch.
(vii) Vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services.
20. "Special taxing district" means a special district formed pursuant to title 48, chapter 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20 or
22.
21. "Utility pole" means a pole or similar structure that is used in whole or in part for communications services,
electric distribution, lighting or traffic signals. Utility pole does not include a monopole.
22. "Wireless facility":
(a) Means equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless communications between user equipment and
a communications network, including both of the following:
(i) Equipment associated with wireless communications.
(ii) Radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cables, regular and backup power supplies and
comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration.
(b) Includes small wireless facilities.
(c) Does not include the structure or improvements on, under or within which the equipment is collocated,
wireline backhaul facilities, coaxial or fiberoptic cable that is between wireless support structures or utility
poles or coaxial or fiberoptic cable that is otherwise not immediately adjacent to, or directly associated with,
an antenna.
(d) Does not include WiFi radio equipment described in section 9506, subsection I or microcell equipment
described in section 9584, subsection E.
23. "Wireless infrastructure provider" means any person that is authorized to provide telecommunications
service in this state and that builds or installs wireless communications transmission equipment, wireless
facilities, utility poles or monopoles but that is not a wireless services provider. Wireless infrastructure provider
does not include a special taxing district.
24. "Wireless provider" means a cable operator, wireless infrastructure provider or wireless services provider.
25. "Wireless services" means any services that are provided to the public and that use licensed or unlicensed
spectrum, whether at a fixed location or mobile, using wireless facilities.
26. "Wireless services provider" means a person that provides wireless services. Wireless services provider does
not include a special taxing district.
27. "Wireless support structure":
(a) Means:
(i) A freestanding structure, such as a monopole.
(ii) A tower, either guyed or selfsupporting.
(iii) A sign or billboard.
(iv) Any other existing or proposed structure designed to support or capable of supporting small
wireless facilities.
(b) Does not include a utility pole.
9-592. Applicability; wireless provider; use of right-of-way; rates, fees and terms; right to access; damage and
repair
A. This section applies to the activities of a wireless provider within a right-of-way.
B. An authority may not enter into an exclusive arrangement with a wireless provider for use of a right-of-way
for any of the following:
1. The construction, installation, maintenance, modification, operation or replacement of utility poles or
monopoles.
2. The collocation of small wireless facilities on utility poles or wireless support structures.
3. The collocation of wireless facilities on monopoles.
C. An authority may charge a wireless provider a rate or fee for the use of a right-of-way for the construction,
installation, maintenance, modification, operation or replacement of a utility pole in the right-of-way or the
collocation of a small wireless facility in the right-of-way, only if the authority charges other communications
service providers or publicly, cooperatively or municipally owned utilities for the use of the right-of-way and
the authority has the legal authority to do so. If an authority charges a rate or fee pursuant to this section, the rate
or fee for a wireless provider must be:
1. Limited to not more than the direct and actual cost of managing the right-of-way.
2. Competitively neutral in regard to other users of the right-of-way, including investor-owned, authority-
owned or cooperatively owned entities, unless other users are exempt from such rates or fees under
applicable law.
D. A rate or fee charged pursuant to subsection C of this section may not do any of the following:
1. Result in a double recovery where existing rates, fees or taxes already recover the direct and actual costs
of managing a right-of-way.
2. Be in the form of a franchise or other fee based on revenue or customer counts.
3. Be unreasonable or discriminatory.
4. Exceed an annual amount equal to fifty dollars multiplied by the number of small wireless facilities that
are in the authority's geographic jurisdiction and that are placed by the wireless provider in the right-of-way.
E. An authority shall establish and make available rates, fees and terms for all of the following, within six months
after August 9, 2017 or three months after receiving the first request by a wireless provider, whichever is later:
1. The construction, installation, mounting, maintenance, modification, operation or replacement of a utility
pole or monopole by a wireless provider in a right-of-way.
2. The collocation of a small wireless facility by a wireless provider in a right-of-way.
3. The collocation of a wireless facility on or within a monopole by a wireless provider in a right-of-way.
F. The rates, fees and terms established pursuant to subsection E of this section must be made available for
acceptance by a wireless provider. At the wireless provider's option, a wireless provider may request different or
additional terms that the parties shall negotiate in good faith. Documents that reflect rates, fees and terms with
each wireless provider are public records. Rates, fees and terms must comply with this article, and the terms:
1. May not be unreasonable or discriminatory.
2. May include requirements applicable to other users of the right-of-way.
3. May require that the wireless provider's operation of the small wireless facilities in the right-of-way does
not interfere with the authority's public safety communications.
4. Subject to subsection K of this section and section 9-593, subsection F, may not require the placement of
small wireless facilities on any specific utility pole or category of poles or require multiple antenna systems
on a single utility pole.
5. Subject to subsection K of this section and section 9-593, subsection F, may not limit the placement of
small wireless facilities by minimum separation distances.
G. Agreements between authorities and wireless providers that are in effect on August 9, 2017 and that relate to
the collocation of small wireless facilities in the right-of-way, including the collocation of small wireless
facilities on authority utility poles, remain in effect, subject to applicable termination provisions. The wireless
provider may accept the rates, fees and terms established under subsections E and F of this section for small
wireless facilities and utility poles that are the subject of an application submitted after the rates, fees and terms
become effective.
H. Subject to this section and the approval of an application, if required, a wireless provider may do any of the
following:
1. Collocate small wireless facilities.
2. Construct, install, modify, mount, maintain, operate and replace utility poles that are associated with the
collocation of small wireless facilities along, across, on and under the right-of-way.
3. Construct, install, modify, mount, maintain, operate and replace monopoles that are associated with the
collocation of wireless facilities along, across, on and under the right-of-way. The installation, modification
and replacement of monopoles are subject to review under section 9-594 regardless of the height of the
monopole.
I. Subject to subsection K, paragraph 2, subdivision (c) of this section, a new, replacement or modified utility
pole that is associated with the collocation of small wireless facilities and that is installed in the right-of-way is
not subject to zoning review and approval under section 9-594 if the utility pole does not exceed the greater of
either:
1. Ten feet in height above the tallest existing utility pole, other than a utility pole supporting only wireless
facilities, that is in place on August 9, 2017, that is located within five hundred feet of the new, replacement
or modified utility pole and that is in the same right-of-way within the jurisdictional boundary of the
authority, but not more than fifty feet above ground level.
2. Forty feet above ground level.
J. New small wireless facilities collocated on a utility pole or wireless support structure in the right-of-way are
not subject to zoning review and approval if they do not extend more than ten feet above the utility pole or
wireless support structure and do not exceed fifty feet above ground level.
K. An authority may require an application under this section for the installation of new, replacement or modified
utility poles associated with the collocation of small wireless facilities. An authority shall approve an application
unless the authority finds that the utility pole fails to comply with any of the following:
1. Applicable codes.
2. Local code provisions or regulations that concern any of the following:
(a) Public safety.
(b) Objective design standards and reasonable stealth and concealment requirements.
(c) Undergrounding requirements that prohibit the installation of new or the modification of existing
utility poles or monopoles in a right-of-way without prior approval, if such requirements include a
waiver, zoning or another process that addresses requests to install such new utility poles or monopoles
or modify such existing utility poles or monopoles and do not prohibit the replacement of utility poles
or monopoles.
3. Requirements that are imposed by a contract between an authority and a private property owner and that
concern design standards applicable to utility poles in the right-of-way.
4. The authority's public safety and reasonable spacing requirements that concern the location of new utility
poles in a right-of-way.
L. An authority shall process applications under subsection K of this section in compliance with applicable law.
If an authority fails to approve or deny an application within the time frame specified by applicable law, the
application shall be deemed approved. Any application fee is subject to the requirements provided in section 9-
593, subsection J. The total application fee, if allowed, may not exceed seven hundred fifty dollars.
M. The construction, installation, mounting, maintenance, modification, operation or replacement for which a
permit is granted shall be completed within one hundred eighty days after the permit issuance date, unless the
authority and wireless provider agree to extend this period or a delay is caused by a lack of commercial power
at the site.
N. Approval of an application by an authority authorizes the applicant to do both of the following:
1. Undertake the requested deployment.
2. Subject to applicable relocation requirements, the authority's terms as described in this section and the
wireless provider's right to terminate at any time, operate and maintain the wireless provider's new, modified
or replacement utility pole for a period of not less than ten years, which must be renewed for equivalent
durations unless the authority makes a finding that the new or modified utility pole does not comply with
the requirements described in subsection K of this section.
O. An authority may require a wireless provider to repair all damage to the authority's property and the right-of-
way that is caused by the activities of the wireless provider or the wireless provider's contractor while occupying,
installing, repairing or maintaining small wireless facilities, wireless support structures or utility poles in the
right-of-way and to return the damaged property to the same condition as before the damage pursuant to the
competitively neutral, reasonable requirements and specifications of the authority. If the wireless provider fails
to make the repairs required by the authority within a reasonable time after the authority provides written notice
to the wireless provider, the authority may make the repairs and charge the applicable party the reasonable,
documented cost of the repairs.
P. This article does not relieve a wireless provider from any applicable requirement to obtain a franchise, license
or other permission to provide communications service or to install, place, maintain or operate facilities or
structures that are not authorized by this article in the right-of-way to provide a communications service.
9-593. Applicability; collocation of small wireless facilities; permits; application; fee
A. This section applies to the activities of a wireless provider within a right-of-way.
B. Except as provided in this section and sections 9-592, 9-594, 9-595, 9-597, 9-598 and 9-599, as applicable,
an authority may not prohibit, regulate or charge for the collocation of small wireless facilities.
C. Subject to this section and section 9-592, subsection J, a small wireless facility is classified as a permitted use
and is not subject to zoning review or approval if the small wireless facility is collocated in a right-of-way in any
zone.
D. An authority may require an applicant to obtain one or more permits to collocate a small wireless facility if
the permit requirement is of general applicability and does not apply exclusively to wireless facilities. An
applicant seeking to collocate multiple small wireless facilities within the jurisdiction of a single authority may
file a consolidated application for the collocation of up to twenty-five small wireless facilities if the collocations
each involve substantially the same type of small wireless facilities and substantially the same type of structure.
E. An application must include an attestation that the small wireless facilities will be collocated on the utility
pole or wireless support structure and that the small wireless facilities will be operational for use by a wireless
services provider to provide service within one hundred eighty days after the permit issuance date, unless the
authority and the wireless provider agree to extend this period or a delay is caused by a lack of commercial power
at the site.
F. An authority:
1. Shall accept applications for, process and issue permits to collocate small wireless facilities.
2. Within twenty days after receiving an application, shall determine and notify the applicant whether the
application is complete. If an applicant is not notified within the twenty-day period, the application is
deemed complete. If an application is incomplete, the authority must specifically identify the information
missing from the application.
3. Shall process each application on a nondiscriminatory basis. A complete application is deemed approved
if the authority fails to approve or deny the application within seventy-five days after receiving a complete
application.
4. Shall approve an application unless the application does not meet the applicable codes, local code
provisions or regulations that concern public safety, objective design standards for decorative utility poles
or reasonable stealth and concealment requirements or public safety and reasonable spacing requirements
concerning the location of ground-mounted equipment in a right-of-way. If an authority determines that
applicable codes or local code provisions or regulations require that the utility pole or wireless support
structure be replaced before the requested collocation, approval may be conditioned on such replacement of
the utility pole or wireless support structure. The wireless provider's request for a replacement utility pole
or wireless support structure will be processed pursuant to section 9-592.
5. If an application is denied, shall document the basis for the denial, including the specific code provisions,
regulations or requirements on which the denial was based, and send the documentation to the applicant on
or before the date that the application is denied. The applicant may cure the deficiencies identified by the
authority and resubmit the application within thirty days after the denial without paying an additional
application fee. The authority shall approve or deny the revised application within thirty days after receiving
the revised application. Any subsequent review is limited to the deficiencies cited in the denial.
6. If an application includes multiple small wireless facilities, may remove small wireless facility
collocations from the application and treat separately small wireless facility collocations for which
incomplete information has been provided or that do not qualify for consolidated treatment or that are
denied. The authority may issue separate permits for each collocation that is approved in a consolidated
application.
G. An authority may not:
1. Directly or indirectly require an applicant to perform services that are unrelated to the collocation for
which approval is sought, such as in-kind contributions to the authority, including reserving fiber, conduit
or pole space on the wireless provider's monopole or utility pole for the authority.
2. Require an applicant to provide more information to obtain a permit than the authority requires of a
communications service provider that is not a wireless provider and that requests to attach facilities to a
structure. An authority may require the applicant to certify that the small wireless facilities to be collocated
comply with the federal communications commission's regulations concerning radio frequency emissions
referenced in 47 United States Code section 332(c)(7)(B)(iv).
3. Institute, either expressly or de facto, a moratorium on filing, receiving or processing applications or
issuing permits or other approvals, if any, for the collocation of a small wireless facility.
4. Require an application for routine maintenance or the replacement of small wireless facilities with small
wireless facilities that are substantially similar or the same size or smaller. An authority may require a permit
to work within a right-of-way for such activities, if applicable. A permit issued pursuant to this paragraph is
subject to the requirements of this section.
H. Collocation for which a permit is granted shall be completed within one hundred eighty days after the permit
issuance date, unless the authority and the wireless provider agree to extend this period or a delay is caused by
the lack of commercial power at the site.
I. Approval of an application by an authority allows the applicant to do both of the following:
1. Collocate the small wireless facilities.
2. Subject to applicable relocation requirements, the wireless provider's right to terminate at any time and
the authority's terms described in section 9-592, operate and maintain the small wireless facilities for a period
of not less than ten years, which must be renewed for equivalent durations unless the authority makes a
finding that the small wireless facilities do not comply with the applicable codes or local code provisions or
regulations described in subsection F, paragraph 4 of this section.
J. An authority may charge an application fee that is limited to the actual, direct and reasonable costs that are
incurred by the authority and that relate to the granting or processing of an application. An application fee shall
be reasonably related in time to the incurring of such costs. If such costs are already recovered by existing fees,
rates or taxes that are paid by a wireless provider, an authority may not charge an application fee to recover such
costs. An application fee may not include:
1. Third-party travel expenses that are incurred to review an application.
2. The direct payment or reimbursement of third-party rates or fees that are charged on a contingency basis
or pursuant to a result-based arrangement.
K. The total application fee, if allowed, may not exceed one hundred dollars each for up to five small wireless
facilities addressed in an application and fifty dollars for each additional small wireless facility addressed in the
application.
L. This article does not allow a person to collocate small wireless facilities on a privately owned utility pole, a
privately owned wireless support structure or private property without the consent of the property owner.
9-594. Structures subject to zoning; time frames; application; fees
A. The following activities that take place inside of a right-of-way are subject to this section and all of the
authority's codes and regulations, including the authority's zoning codes and other regulatory processes
governing use of the rights-of-way, unless the activities are exempt from zoning review and approval under
section 9-592, subsection I or J or section 9-593, subsection C:
1. The installation of new monopoles, utility poles or wireless facilities.
2. The collocation of wireless facilities.
B. Notwithstanding any provision in this article to the contrary, the construction, installation, maintenance,
modification, operation or replacement of a monopole or associated wireless facility in a right-of-way is subject
to all of the authority's codes and regulations, including the authority's zoning codes and other regulatory
processes governing use of the rights-of-way.
C. An authority shall:
1. Accept and process applications for the modification of existing or the installation of new monopoles,
utility poles or wireless facilities and the collocation of wireless facilities.
2. Within thirty days after receiving an application, notify the applicant whether the application is complete.
If an application is incomplete, the authority must specifically identify the information missing from the
application.
3. Process each complete application on a nondiscriminatory basis. A complete application is deemed
approved if the authority fails to approve or deny the application within one hundred fifty days after receipt
of an application for the modification of existing or the installation of new monopoles, utility poles or
wireless facilities or within ninety days after receipt of a complete application for the collocation of wireless
facilities. The time period for approval may be tolled to accommodate timely requests for information
required to complete the application or may be extended by mutual agreement between the applicant and
authority.
4. If a complete application is denied, notify the applicant in writing and provide substantial supporting
evidence of the reason for denial in the written record. The written notification of the denial and the
supporting evidence shall be publicly released contemporaneously. There must be a reasonable basis for the
denial of an application. An authority may not deny an application if the denial is discriminatory against the
applicant with respect to the placement of the facilities of other wireless providers.
D. An authority may not:
1. Require an applicant to submit information about the applicant's business decisions regarding the need
for the monopole, utility pole or wireless facilities.
2. Require an applicant to submit information about, or evaluate an applicant's business decisions regarding,
the applicant's service, customer demand for service or quality of service.
3. Institute, either expressly or de facto, a moratorium on filing, receiving or processing applications or
issuing decisions for modifications or installations that are not a permitted use.
E. An authority, in addition to other rights the authority has under federal, state or local law, may:
1. Adopt reasonable requirements regarding the appearance and concealment of facilities, including those
relating to materials used for arranging, screening or landscaping.
2. Adopt setback or fall zone requirements that are substantially similar to setback or fall zone requirements
that are imposed on other types of commercial structures of a similar height.
3. Charge an application fee. Any application fee is subject to the requirements provided in section 9-593,
subsection J. The total application fee, if allowed, may not exceed one thousand dollars for the modification
of existing or the installation of new monopoles or utility poles or for the collocation of wireless facilities.
4. Charge a rate or fee for the use of the right-of-way for the installation of a monopole and associated
wireless facility that is limited to not more than the direct and actual costs of managing the right-of-way and
that is not in the form of a franchise or other fee based on revenue or customer counts.
F. An applicant's business decisions regarding the type and location of wireless facilities, monopoles or utility
poles or the technology to be used are presumed to be reasonable. This presumption does not apply to the height
or appearance of wireless facilities, monopoles or utility poles. An authority may consider the height of such
structures in the zoning or other regulatory review, provided that the authority does not unreasonably
discriminate between the applicant and other communications service providers that install wireless facilities.
G. Subject to applicable relocation requirements, the authority's terms described in section 9-592 and the wireless
provider's right to terminate at any time, the approval term of an application shall be for a period of not less than
ten years, which must be renewed for equivalent durations unless the authority makes a finding that the structure
or facilities do not comply with the applicable codes or terms of the zoning or other regulatory process approval.
Construction of the approved structure or facilities shall be completed within one hundred eighty days after the
permit issuance date, unless the authority and the wireless provider agree to extend this period or a delay is
caused by the lack of commercial power at the site.
9-595. Access to authority utility poles; rates and fees; collocations for other commercial projects or uses
A. An authority may not enter into an exclusive arrangement with any person for the right to attach to authority
utility poles.
B. The rates and fees for the collocation of small wireless facilities on authority utility poles shall be
nondiscriminatory regardless of the services provided by the collocating person.
C. The rate to collocate small wireless facilities on authority utility poles may not exceed fifty dollars per
authority utility pole, per year.
D. An authority shall establish and make available rates, fees and terms for the collocation of small wireless
facilities on authority utility poles within six months after August 9, 2017 or three months after receiving a
request to collocate the first small wireless facility on such poles, whichever is later. The rates, fees and terms
shall be made available for acceptance by a wireless provider. At the wireless provider's option, a wireless
provider may request different or additional terms that the parties shall negotiate in good faith. Documents
reflecting rates, fees and terms with each wireless provider shall be made publicly available. The rates, fees and
terms shall comply with the following requirements:
1. The rates, fees and terms must be nondiscriminatory, competitively neutral and commercially reasonable
and comply with this section and section 9-592, subsections E and F. Requests for collocating a small
wireless facility on an authority utility pole will be processed pursuant to section 9-593. The authority may
require a wireless provider to replace the authority utility pole if the authority determines that applicable
codes or local code or regulatory provisions that concern public safety require replacement of the authority
utility pole. The wireless provider's request to install a replacement utility pole will be processed pursuant
to section 9-592. The authority shall retain ownership of the utility pole.
2. Terms must reasonably accommodate power supply and electric metering for the small wireless facility.
E. An authority may prohibit, regulate and charge for the collocation of a wireless facility on a wireless support
structure owned by the authority.
9-596. Scope of local authority
A. Subject to this article and applicable federal law, an authority may exercise zoning, land use, planning and
permitting authority and the authority's police power within the authority's territorial boundaries, including for
the installation, modification and replacement of wireless support structures and utility poles.
B. An authority does not have any jurisdiction or authority over the design, engineering, construction, installation
or operation of any small wireless facility located in an interior structure or on the site of any campus, stadium
or athletic facility that is not owned or controlled by the authority, other than to require compliance with
applicable codes.
C. This article does not authorize this state or any political subdivision of this state, including an authority, to
require small wireless facility deployment or to regulate wireless services.
D. If an authority determines that a utility pole, monopole or wireless support structure of a wireless provider
will be relocated to accommodate a public project, all wireless facilities deployed on such utility pole, monopole
or wireless support structure shall be relocated at no cost to the authority.
9-597. Dispute resolution
A court of competent jurisdiction in this state shall determine all disputes arising under this article.
9-598. General requirements for use of the right-of-way
Structures and facilities deployed by wireless providers pursuant to this article shall be constructed, maintained
and located as to not obstruct, endanger or hinder the usual travel or public safety on the right-of-way, damage
or interfere with any other utility facilities in the right-of-way or interfere with a utility's use of the utility's
facilities in the right-of-way. Construction and maintenance by the wireless provider shall comply with the
national electrical safety code and all applicable laws and regulations for the protection of underground and
overhead utility facilities. An authority shall treat a wireless provider's facilities located within a right-of-way on
an equal basis with other utility facilities, except that an authority may adopt reasonable regulations to address
the separation of the wireless provider's facilities from the other utility facilities within the right-of-way to
prevent any damage to or interference with such other utility facilities or interference with a utility's use of the
utility's facilities located or to be located within the right of way.
9-599. Applicability
This article does not:
1. Affect the authority of a special taxing district, investor-owned electric utility or electric cooperative that
owns, controls or operates utility poles or wireless support structures to deny, limit, restrict or determine the
rates, fees, terms and conditions for the use of or attachment to its utility poles or wireless support structures
by a wireless provider.
2. Confer on any authority any zoning, land use, planning, permitting or other regulatory authority over the
utility poles, wireless support structures or small wireless facilities owned, controlled or operated by a
special taxing district, investor-owned electric utility or electric cooperative or the installation of such utility
poles, wireless support structures or small wireless facilities by a special taxing district, investor-owned
electric utility or electric cooperative.
3. Amend, modify or otherwise affect any private easement. Any and all rights for the use of a right-of-way
are subject to the rights granted pursuant to any private easement.
9-600. Antenna use; private property; applicability
A. If an antenna is installed on property within the exclusive use or control of the antenna user whether the user
has a direct or indirect ownership or leasehold interest in the property, an authority may not:
1. Unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use of the antenna.
2. Unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use of the antenna.
3. Prevent reception of acceptable signal quality.
B. This section applies to antennas that are not larger than one meter in diameter and installed on private property
and are designed to receive video programming services via broadband radio service or to receive or transmit
wireless signals other than via satellite.
C. This section does not apply to antennas used to transmit signals to and or receive signals from multiple
customer locations.
16-2-1
16-2-2
16-2-3
16-2-4
Article 16-2
Small Wireless Facilities
Sections:
Purpose
Definitions
Small Wireless Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way
Rates and Fees
Section 16-2-1 Purpose
The intent and purpose of this article is to facilitate the development and installation of small wireless facilities in
the Town of Fountain Hills to supplement existing wireless communications networks and to increase capacity in
high demand areas, while simultaneously promoting and preserving the health, safety, and general welfare of the
residents of the Town and protecting and preserving the aesthetic qualities of the natural and built environment
of the Town. Through this article, the Town seeks to balance the need for increased wireless communications
capacity with the need for reasonable standards to preserve the aesthetic values of the Town and to ensure the
safe placement of small wireless facilities. (18-01, Added, 02/20/2018)
Section 16-2-2 Definitions
The definitions contained in A.R.S. § 9-591 are incorporated by this reference and shall apply to this article as if
fully set forth here. (18-01, Added, 02/20/2018)
Section 16-2-3 Small Wireless Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way
This section permits the installation of small wireless facilities in the right-of-way subject to the following
requirements:
A. No monopoles, utility poles associated with small wireless facilities, or small wireless facilities shall be
collocated, installed, modified, or replaced in the public right-of-way unless the following requirements are met:
1. The applicant participates in a pre-application conference with the Department of Development Services;
2. An Application is submitted to and approved by the Town pursuant to this section;
3. All Town requirements as set forth in this article are met;
Art. 16-2 Small Wireless Facilities | Fountain Hills Town Code Page 1 of 3
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 24-19, passed October 1, 2024.
4. All other applicable codes and requirements are met;
5. A Wireless Facility License Agreement is signed; and
6. A Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit issued.
B. The collocation, installation, modification, maintenance, and replacement of monopoles, utility poles
associated with small wireless facilities, or small wireless facilities in the public right-of-way shall be subject to and
comply with reasonable requirements, including the Wireless Facilities Standard Terms and Conditions, the Town’s
Design Standards and Guidelines, and any site-specific requirements developed based upon consultation with the
Town through the site review and permitting process.
C. The Development Services Department shall prescribe and provide a regular form of Application for use by
applicants for the collocation, installation, modification, maintenance, and replacement of monopoles, utility poles
associated with small wireless facilities, or small wireless facilities in the public right-of-way. The Application shall
include such information and details as the Department deems necessary to establish the exact location, nature,
dimensions, duration and purpose of the proposed monopoles, utility poles, or small wireless facilities in the
public right-of-way.
D. The Application shall be accompanied by maps, sketches, diagrams or similar exhibits. The accompanying
materials shall be of the size and in the quantity prescribed by the Development Services Department and of
sufficient clarity to illustrate the location, dimensions, nature and purpose of the proposed monopoles, utility
poles associated with small wireless facilities, or small wireless facilities in the public right-of-way and its relation
to existing and proposed facilities in the right-of-way.
E. No changes shall be made in the location, dimensions, character or duration of the monopoles, utility poles
associated with small wireless facilities, or small wireless facilities in the public right-of-way as granted by the
permit except upon written authorization of the Development Services Department.
F. Approval of an Application is contingent upon the applicant demonstrating compliance with the Wireless
Facilities Standard Terms and Conditions, the Town’s Design Standards and Guidelines, and any site-specific
requirements developed based upon consultation with the Town through the site review and permitting process.
G. An applicant may appeal denial of an Application to the Town Council by following this procedure: Within
seven calendar days of the denial of an Application, an applicant shall file a notice of appeal, in writing, with the
Town Clerk. The Town Council may affirm, modify, or reverse the action from which the appeal is taken.
H. Upon approval of an Application, a Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit will be issued for each monopole,
utility pole associated with small wireless facilities, or small wireless facility included in the Application. However,
nothing in this article shall be construed to exempt monopoles, utility poles associated with small wireless
facilities, or small wireless facilities in the public right-of-way from the requirements of Article 16-1 as an
encroachment in the public right-of-way.
Art. 16-2 Small Wireless Facilities | Fountain Hills Town Code Page 2 of 3
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 24-19, passed October 1, 2024.
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 24-19, passed October 1, 2024.
Disclaimer: The town clerk’s office has the official version of the Fountain Hills Town Code. Users should contact
the town clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
Town Website: www.fh.az.gov
Hosted by General Code.
I. The collocation, installation, modification, maintenance, and replacement of monopoles, utility poles
associated with small wireless facilities, or small wireless facilities shall be subject to rates and fees pursuant to
Section 16-2-4 of this article. (18-01, Added, 02/20/2018)
Section 16-2-4 Rates and Fees
A. The Town Council shall, by ordinance or resolution, set and amend any rate, rate component, charge, or fee
authorized by state law for the use of the public right-of-way and Town utility poles in connection with small
wireless facilities including:
1. Fees for special use permit applications
2. Fees for collocation applications;
3. Fees for the use of the right-of-way;
4. Rates for the use of the Town’s utility poles;
5. Fees for Encroachment Permit Applications;
6. Fees to recover legal costs resulting from enforcement to any noncompliance including, but not limited
to, administrative expenses, investigation, testing, legal proceedings and filings, and continued monitoring;
and
7. Other fees as the Town may determine necessary to carry out the requirements contained herein.
B. All rates and fees set or amended pursuant to this article shall be reasonable and shall not exceed the
amounts permitted by state law.
C. The Town shall publish and make available its schedule of rates and fees.
D. These fees relate solely to the matters covered by this article and are separate from all other fees, fines and
penalties chargeable by the Town. (18-01, Added, 02/20/2018)
Art. 16-2 Small Wireless Facilities | Fountain Hills Town Code Page 3 of 3
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 24-19, passed October 1, 2024.
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, ADOPTING THE
WIRELESS FACILITY LICENSE AGREEMENT AND THE
WIRELESS FACILITIES STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR LOCATING WIRELESS FACILITIES WITHIN TOWN
RIGHTS-OF-WAY, THE 2018 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
WIRELESS FACILITIES IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY DESIGN
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, AND AMENDING THE TOWN
COMPREHENSIVE FEE SCHEDULE; AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the Wireless Facility License Agreement is hereby approved
in the form as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.
SECTION 2. That the Wireless Facilities Standard Terms and Conditions are
hereby approved in the form as set forth in Exhibit "B", attached hereto and incorporated
herein by reference.
SECTION 3. That the 2018 Town of Fountain Hills Wireless Facilities in the
Right-of-Way Design Standards and Guidelines are hereby approved in the form as set
forth in Exhibit "C", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4. That the proposed amendments to the Fee Schedule, initially posted
as Development Services Department Fees, are now included in Public Works
Department Fees as Encroachment/Engineering Permit Fees.
SECTION 5. That the Town Comprehensive Fee Schedule, of the Fiscal Year
2017-2018 Adopted Budget is hereby amended by adding the line items set forth in
Exhibit"D", attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 6. That the Mayor, the Town Manager, the Town Clerk and the Town
Attorney are hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents and take all steps
necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of this Resolution.
SECTION 7. Because of the urgent need for the implementation of the Town's
regulations concerning small wireless facilities, and the immediate operation of this
Resolution is necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and welfare, an
emergency is hereby declared to exist and this Resolution shall be in full force and effect
I 400, from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor and Council as required by law and
1
is hereby exempt from the referendum provisions of the Constitution and laws of the
State of Arizona.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain
Hills, February 20, 2018.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS:ATTESTED TO:
d M. Ka nagh Bevelyn J. B de own Clerk
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
OZ:›47/1N .. •VA•AIL---
Grady E. Miller, Tawn Manager Fr d isman, Town Attorney
111)
2
CERTIFICATION
I, Bevelyn J. Bender, the duly appointed Clerk of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona,
do hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution No. 2018-18 was duly passed
by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona, at a re lar meeting
held on February 20, 2018, and the roll call of the vote thereon was Ayes, 0
Nays, and that the Mayor and 5 Councilmembers were present thereat.
Bevelyn J. nder, own Clerk
Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona
3
EXHIBIT A
TO
416, RESOLUTION NO. 2018-18
Wireless Facility License Agreement]
See following pages.
II
Town License#
Wireless Provider's Name:
WIRELESS FACILITY LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS WIRELESS FACILITY LICENSE AGREEMENT (the "License Agreement") is
made and entered into this day of 20 ("Effective Date"), by and
between the Town of Fountain Hills, an Arizona municipal corporation ("Town"), and
a Wireless
Provider").
RECITALS
A. The Town of Fountain Hills "Wireless Facilities Standard Terms and
Conditions" sets out various recitals and terms (collectively the "Terms").
B. Town holds interests in certain parcels of land (the "Street Parcels")
comprising street Right- of-way within the Town of Fountain Hills.
C. This License Agreement allows Wireless Provider to use certain limited
portions of Town's specific Street Parcels pursuant to an approved Wireless Facilities
Encroachment Permit ("Encroachment Permit").
D. The portions of the Street Parcels that this License Agreement permits
Wireless Provider to use (the "Use Areas") are defined in the package of maps and related
materials (the "Boundary Plan") attached to each Encroachment Permit Application.
E. Wireless Provider desires to install and operate on the Use Areas the wireless
telecommunications receiving, processing and transmitting devices and related electronic
equipment that is specified on each Site Plan (the "Communications Equipment") subject to
the requirements of this License Agreement and associated Encroachment Permit. The
Communications Equipment is limited to the actual electronic equipment, portable cabinets
for such equipment, enclosures, and antennas ("Antennas") utilized for wireless
communications, all as shown on the drawings (the "Site Plans") attached to each
Encroachment Permit. Notwithstanding anything in this License Agreement or associated
Encroachment Permit to the contrary, the Communications Equipment excludes any item
not shown on the approved Site Plan.
F. The volume of the Enclosure and the above ground portion of its pad shall be
2
as shown in the Site Plan incorporated into each Encroachment Permit Application and
shall be limited as stated on that Site Plan.
G. The Street Parcel in each Encroachment Permit Application shall state
whether it is currently improved with an electrical, traffic signal, street light, or antenna
support pole (the "Utility Pole") which is owned by Town, and the approximate height of the
Utility Pole.
H. In the Encroachment Permit Application, the Wireless Provider will indicate
whether it proposes to use the existing Utility Pole, replace the existing Utility Pole, or install
a new Utility Pole that Town or Wireless Provider will own. If the Utility Pole is owned by a
third-party, the Wireless Provider shall provide documentation confirming the third-party
owners' consent for Wireless Provider's use of the Utility Pole.
I. In order to install the Communications Equipment, Wireless Provider desires
to construct supporting improvements and perform all other work shown on the Site Plan
collectively the "Project") for each site.
J. Wireless Provider shall complete the entire Project and put the
Communications Equipment in full operation no later than one hundred eighty (180) days
after the date of the issuance of the Encroachment Permit (the "Completion Deadline") for
each site.
K. Town desires to grant to Wireless Provider the right to install, maintain,
operate and repair the Communications Equipment (the "Permitted Uses") subject to the
requirements of this License Agreement and as specified in each specific Encroachment
Permit granted pursuant to this License Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing, the amounts
hereinafter to be paid by Wireless Provider, and the covenants and agreements contained
herein to be kept and performed by Wireless Provider, and other good and valuable
consideration, Town and Wireless Provider agree as follows:
I.LICENSE TERMS
1 . License Terms. Town hereby grants to Wireless Provider a license to use the Use
Areas as follows:
1.1 Terms Incorporated. The Terms (as defined in the Recitals above) are all
incorporated by reference as if set out in full herein. WIRELESS PROVIDER WARRANTS
AND REPRESENTS THAT WIRELESS PROVIDER HAS READ AND AGREES TO THE
TERMS. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this License Agreement shall have the
meanings assigned by the Terms.
1.2 Terms Application. Wireless Provider shall comply with all of the Terms.
Without limitation, the Terms shall apply to the Use Areas as follows:
3
1.2.1 Wireless Provider's Boundary Plan Responsibility. It is Wireless
Provider's responsibility before submitting any Encroachment Permit Application
authorized by this License Agreement to ensure that the Boundary Plan is prepared as
follows:
1.2.1.1 Wireless Provider shall insure that the Boundary Plan clearly
depicts all portions of the Street Parcel that Wireless Provider desires to use and that each
such area is clearly shown on the Boundary Plan and labeled to clearly indicate which of
the categories of Exclusive Areas or Shared Areas set out in the Terms applies to the area.
1.2.1.2 If the Boundary Plan does not clearly show any portion of the
Street Parcel as one of the categories of Exclusive Areas or Shared Areas set out in the
Terms, then such portion of the Street Parcel is not part of the Use Areas and Wireless
Provider may not use such portion of the Street Parcel, even if the use is discussed in the
Terms.
1.2.1.3 Any Exclusive Area or Shared Area described or named in the
Terms that is not clearly depicted and correctly labeled on the Boundary Plan is excluded
from this License Agreement and Encroachment Permit and unavailable for Wireless
Provider's use.
1.2.1.4 Any portion of the Boundary Plan or the Site Plan that indicates
a Wireless Provider's use of the Street Parcel that is not one of the Exclusive Areas or
Shared Areas specifically enumerated in the Terms is excluded from this License
Agreement and Encroachment Permit and not available for Wireless Provider's use.
1.2.1.5 All work, improvements and equipment within an Exclusive
Area or Shared Area is limited to the purposes enumerated in the Terms for that particular
Exclusive Area or Shared Area.
1.2.1.6 This License Agreement and Encroachment Permit does not
allow use of any land other than the specified portions of the Street Parcel that are
Exclusive Areas or Shared Areas.
1.2.1.7 Any change to the Boundary Plan after Town issues the
Encroachment Permit is void unless it is memorialized in a formal amendment to this
License Agreement.
1.2.2 Site Plan. It is Wireless Provider's responsibility before submitting any
Encroachment Permit Application authorized by this License Agreement to ensure that the
Site Plan correctly shows the work that Wireless Provider intends to perform, that the Site
Plan correctly shows all improvements and equipment that Wireless Provider intends be
located on the Use Areas, that the Site Plan shows no work, improvements or equipment
outside the Exclusive Areas and Shared Areas properly depicted and labeled on the
Boundary Plan, and that all work, improvements and equipment is encompassed within the
purposes enumerated in the Terms for that particular Exclusive Area or Shared Area. Any
4
work, improvements or equipment not conforming to all the foregoing is prohibited, even if it
is clearly shown on the Site Plan or discussed in the Terms. Any refinement or other
change to the Site Plan after Town issues a Encroachment Permit is void unless Wireless
Provider obtains Town's approval of the change pursuant to the plans approval processes
set out in the Terms and pursuant to all applicable regulatory requirements.
1.2.3 Term of Agreement. The term of this Agreement is as stated in the
Terms.
1.2.4 Wireless Provider's Payments. Wireless Provider shall pay to Town the
amounts described in the Terms.
1.2.5 Use Restrictions. Wireless Provider shall comply with the use
restrictions set out in the Terms.
1.2.6 Encroachment Permits. This Agreement constitutes an "Encroachment
Permit" under Chapter 16-1-4.F of the Town of Fountain Hills Town Code to the extent of
granting permission for the Communications Equipment to exist on the Street Parcel but
not to allow any construction or other work of any description in the Right-of-way or to allow
obstruction of traffic or alteration of Town's improvements. Before performing any work on
the Right-of-way, Wireless Provider shall obtain the following additional encroachment
permits, as applicable:
41161, 1.2.6.1 Permission to work in the Right-of-way.
1.2.6.2 Traffic control plan.
1.2.6.3 Any other applicable permits regarding work in the Right-of-
way.
1.2.7 Compliance with Law. Wireless Provider acknowledges that this
License Agreement or any issued Encroachment Permit does not constitute, and Town has
not promised or offered, any type of waiver of, or agreement to waive (or show any type of
forbearance, priority or favoritism to Wireless Provider with regard to) any law, ordinance,
power, regulation, tax, assessment or other legal requirement now or hereafter imposed by
the Town of Fountain Hills or any other governmental body upon or affecting Wireless
Provider's use of the Street Parcel. For example, Wireless Provider shall comply with all
zoning, building and Right-of-way codes, ordinances and policies.
2. Permitted Uses. Town hereby grants to Wireless Provider the right to install,
maintain, operate and repair the Communications Equipment (the "Permitted Uses") subject
to the requirements of this License Agreement and as specified in each specific
Encroachment Permit granted pursuant to this License Agreement.
3. Annual Blanket Encroachment Permit for Incidental Work at a Site: On or before
January 1 of each calendar year, the Wireless Provider shall submit an application for a
5
Blanket Encroachment Permit to perform incidental and routine maintenance work at any
site in the Town's Right-of-way. The Blanket Encroachment Permit shall only cover such
activities as checking and inspecting communications equipment and antennas, changing
circuit packs and cards, cleaning the cabinets and immediate area, and other similar
activity. The Blanket Encroachment Permit does not include any work that requires the
replacement of cabinets, antennas, or communications equipment, or any excavation,
trenching, or concrete or roadway cutting within the Boundary Plan use area.
4. Town's Initial Information. Unless and until Town gives notice otherwise, Town's
contract administrator shall be the Development Services Director.
5. Wireless Provider's Initial Information. Unless and until Wireless Provider gives
notice otherwise:
5.1 Wireless Provider's network operations center phone number as required by
the Terms is (
0
0
5.2 Wireless Provider's address for notices as required by the Terms shall be:
L
5.3 Wireless Provider's billing address for routine billing invoices as required by
the Terms shall be:
7 .
EXECUTED as of the date first given above.
TOWN: Town of Fountain Hills,
an Arizona municipal corporation
By:
Town Manager
WIRELESS PROVIDER:
a
By:
Name:
Its:
40
0
EXHIBIT B
TO
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-18
Wireless Facilities Standard Terms and Conditions]
See following pages.
9
WIRELESS FACILITIES STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Common Council of the Town of Fountain Hills ("Town") has adopted the
following recitals, terms and conditions (collectively, the "Terms") to govern the use of Town
owned right-of-way for the placement of wireless facilities by a Wireless Provider as defined
by the Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 9-591, et. seq. These Terms are effective as of
2018, and may be amended only upon approval of the Town Council.
RECITALS
a. Town owns the public street and alley rights-of-way and public utility easements within
the boundaries of the Town of Fountain Hills that are designed for use by utility
companies for installation, operation and repair of water, electrical and other utilities
pursuant to franchise, licenses or other agreements between utility companies and
Town (collectively the "Right-of-way").
b. Town is the owner of certain street lights and traffic signals (individually a "Utility Pole"
or collectively "Utility Poles") located in the Right-of-way (as hereinafter defined).
c. Pursuant to A.R.S. 9-591, et seq., one or more Wireless Providers may desire to
establish and operate a network of Small Wireless Facilities to enhance wireless
service coverage within the Town.
d. Town anticipates that one or more Wireless Providers may desire to install Small
Wireless Facilities on the Town's Utility Poles, install new and replacement Utility
Poles capable of supporting Small Wireless Facilities, and in certain cases and where
permitted by the Town's Code, install other Small Wireless Facilities or monopole
towers in the Right-of-way.
e. Wireless Providers agree to comply with the Town's Right-of-way use requirements
as provided in these Terms. Furthermore, Wireless Providers agree to file the
appropriate applications and secure the appropriate licenses and permits required by
the Town for placement of Wireless Facilities within the Town's boundaries.
f. Town Utility Poles approved for Small Wireless Facilities shall retain their primary
governmental purpose, and use of the Right-of-way by Wireless Providers shall not
interfere with the Town's use thereof. The primary purpose of these Terms is to
protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, and to protect the value of and
physical integrity of publicly-owned property and assets.
g. Because Town's existing streetlight poles and traffic signal poles are not designed to
safely support the additional weight and stress of Wireless Facilities, Wireless Service
Providers shall be required to provide poles designed to support these facilities to
replace existing poles prior to attaching Wireless Facilities.
TERMS
to
1. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of the Terms:
Antenna" means communications equipment that transmits or receives
electromagnetic radio frequency signals and that is used in providing wireless
services.
Application Fee" means the Town's encroachment permit application, review
and other fees related to the issuance of the permit.
Base Use Fee" means the amount that the Company shall pay to Town for
each year of this license for use of Town Right-of-way and Town-owned Pole,
as set out in the current fee schedule.
Communications Equipment" means any and all electronic equipment at the
Small Wireless Facility location that processes and transports information from
the antennas to the Wireless Provider's network.
Competing Users" means entities that own the water pipes, cables and wires,
pavement, and other facilities which may be located within the Right-of-way.
The Competing Users include without limitation, the Town, the State of Arizona
and its political subdivisions, the public, and all manner of utility companies and
other existing or future users of the Use Areas.
Encroachment Permit" means a permit issued pursuant to Chapter 16 of the
Fountain Hills Town Code allowing a a utility pole, monopole, small wireless
facility or wireless support structure to be placed in the Town's Right-of-way
pursuant to the Wireless Provider's License Agreement.
FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission.
FCC Rules" means all applicable radio frequency emissions laws and
regulations.
FCC OET Bulletin 65" means the FCC's Office of Engineering & Technology
Bulletin 65 that includes the FCC Radio Frequency Exposure Guidelines.
License Agreement" means the license incorporating these Terms for Wireless
Providers to install and operate Wireless Facilities in the Town's Right-of-way.
Monopole" means a wireless support structure that is not more than forty
inches in diameter at the ground level and that has all of the wireless facilities
mounted on the pole or contained inside of the pole.
RF" means radio frequency.
II RF Letter" means a letter attesting to the Wireless Provider's compliance with
FCC RF exposure guidelines from the Wireless Provider's senior internal
11
engineer.
Right-of-way" as defined for wireless sites in A.R.S. §9-591(18) means the
area on, below or above a public roadway, highway, street, sidewalk, alley, or
utility easement. Right-of-way does not include a Federal Interstate Highway, a
state highway or state route under the jurisdiction of the Department of
Transportation, a private easement, property that is owned by a special taxing
district, or a utility easement that does not authorize the deployment sought by
the wireless provider.
Site Documents" means the depiction of the use area, schematic plans and
map showing location of the installation of the Wireless Facility in the Right-of-
way, including but not limited to the title report of the use area, vicinity map,
site plan, elevations, technical specifications and the cubic feet of the non-
antenna wireless equipment.
Small Wireless Facility" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(19), means a Wireless
Facility that meets both of the following qualifications:
a. All antennas are located inside an enclosure of not more than six (6)
cubic feet in volume or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed
elements, the antenna and all of the antenna's exposed elements
could fit within an imaginary enclosure of not more than six (6) cubic
feet in volume.
b. All other wireless equipment associated with the facility is
cumulatively not more than twenty-eight (28) cubic feet in volume, or
fifty (50) cubic feet in volume if the equipment was ground mounted
before the effective date of this section. The following types of
associated ancillary equipment are not included in the calculation of
equipment volume pursuant to this subdivision:
An electric meter.
ii.Concealment elements.
iii.A telecommunications demarcation box.
iv.Grounding equipment.
v.A power transfer switch.
vi.A cutoff switch.
vii.Vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other
services.
Supplemental Parcel Agreement" means an agreement authorizing the
Wireless Provider to use property outside of the Town's Right-of-way, whether
12
owned by the Town or a third-party.
Third Party Areas" means the portions of the Right-of-way, such as canal
crossings or other areas that for any reason have limited Right-of-way
dedications or that have regulatory use restrictions imposed by a third party.
Violation Use Fee" means the types of fees that the Town has available to
remedy certain breaches of the License Agreement by a Wireless Provider.
Wireless Facility" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(22):
a. Means equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless
communications between user equipment and a communications
network, including both of the following:
Equipment associated with wireless communications.
ii. Radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cables,
regular and backup power supplies and comparable
equipment, regardless of technological configuration.
b. Includes small wireless facilities.
c. Does not include the structure or improvements on, under or within
which the equipment is collocated, wireline backhaul facilities, coaxial
or fiber-optic that is between wireless support structures or utility
poles or coaxial or fiber-optic cable that is otherwise not immediately
adjacent to, or directly associated with, an antenna.
d. Does not include Wi-Fi radio equipment described in Section 9-506,
Subsection I or microcell equipment described in Section 9-584,
Subsection E.
Wireless Infrastructure Provider" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(23) means any
person that is authorized to provide telecommunications service in this state
and that builds or installs wireless communications transmission equipment,
wireless facilities, utility poles or monopoles but that is not a wireless service
provider. Wireless Infrastructure Provider does not include a special taxing
district.
Wireless Provider" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(24) means a Cable Operator,
Wireless Infrastructure Provider or Wireless Services Provider.
Wireless Provider's Improvements" means all improvements installed by the
Wireless Provider, including, but not limited to: all elements of the Wireless
ow Facility, all screening elements, any landscaping plants or materials, and any
13
other elements provided by the Wireless Provider in the approved License
Agreement.
Wireless Services" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(25) means any services that
are provided to the public and that use licensed or unlicensed spectrum,
whether at a fixed location or mobile, using wireless facilities.
Wireless Services Provider" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(26) means a person
that provides wireless services. Wireless Services Provider does not include a
special taxing district.
Wireless Support Structure" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(27):
a) Means:
A freestanding structure, such as a monopole.
ii.A tower, either guyed or self-supporting.
iii.A sign or billboard.
iv.Any other existing or proposed structure designed to
support or capable of supporting small wireless facilities.
v.Does not include a utility pole.
2. USE AREAS.
Upon approval of a License Agreement, Town grants to Wireless Service Provider the
right to install Wireless Facilities in the Town's Right-of-way upon issuance of an
Encroachment Permit for each Use Area as set forth below:
2.1 Limitations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Use
Areas include and are limited to only certain areas that Wireless Provider is
permitted to exclusively use and occupy (the "Exclusive Area") and certain
areas that Wireless Provider is permitted to use on a shared basis (the "Shared
Area"). The Use Areas are defined by the Boundary Plan.
2.2 Use Areas Boundary. The Use Areas is the smallest geometric shape
that includes the Exclusive Areas and the Shared Areas. The Use Areas
exclude other parts of the Street Parcel or and all other land. Wireless Provider
shall not occupy or use any other portion of the Street Parcel or adjoining lands.
An approved License Agreement or any associated Encroachment Permit(s)
does not allow any use by Wireless Provider of land outside the Street Parcel.
If any portion of Wireless Provider's work, improvement or equipment is to be
located on other land, then such work, improvements and equipment are
prohibited unless Wireless Provider first obtains from the owner of said land
including Town, if applicable) a Supplemental Parcel Agreement allowing such
work, improvements and equipment.
14
2.3 Exclusive Areas. The Exclusive Areas are limited to the following, if and
as defined by the Boundary Plan:
2.3.1 The land area defined as "Enclosure" on the Boundary
Plan to be used by Wireless Provider solely for the enclosure
housing the electronic ground equipment shown on the Site Plan
the "Enclosure"). Such area is confined to the actual area occupied
by the exterior structure and the interior of the enclosure. If the
Boundary Plan does not show a clearly defined and correctly
labeled "Enclosure" area, then no enclosure area is available for
Wireless Provider's use and any enclosure for Wireless Provider's
use must be located outside the Street Parcel and authorized by a
Supplemental Parcel Agreement.
2.3.2 The area on the Pole defined as "Antennas" on the
Boundary Plan to be used by Wireless Provider solely for mounting
the Antennas. Such area is confined to the Town approved
elevations and locations actually occupied by the Antennas and
their supporting brackets. If the Boundary Plan does not show a
clearly defined and correctly labeled "Antennas" area, then no main
antennas area is available for Wireless Provider's use and any main
antennas for Wireless Provider's use must be located outside the
Street Parcel and authorized by a Supplemental Parcel Agreement.
2.4 Shared Areas. Shared Areas are limited to the following areas, if and as
defined by the Boundary Plan:
2.4.1 A motor vehicle Parking space (the "Parking Space") at the
Parking Space" location described on the Boundary Plan to be
used by Wireless Provider solely for parking a service vehicle to
service the Communications Equipment and for ingress and egress
to that Parking Space.
2.4.2 No temporary construction area is provided by these
Terms, an approved License Agreement or Encroachment Permit.
Wireless Provider must obtain from Town a separate written
document giving Wireless Provider permission to work in the Right-
of-way, as described elsewhere herein.
2.4.3 An underground cable route (the "Signal Route") labeled
as the "Signal Route" described on the Boundary Plan from the
Enclosure to the Antenna to be used by Wireless Provider solely for
underground radio frequency lines between the Enclosure and the
Antenna. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the portion of the
Signal Route upon the Pole shall not be underground but shall be
within the Pole. If the Boundary Plan does not show a clearly
IDdefined and correctly labeled "Signal Route" area, then no signal
route area is available for Wireless Provider's use and any signal
15
route for Wireless Provider's use must be separately authorized by
Town.
2.5 Power and Telephone Service. Nothing herein grants permission for
Wireless Provider to use any portion of power, telephone or other service
routes, if any. Wireless Provider acknowledges that use of the public street
Right-of-way or public utility easements for these purposes, if any, is governed
by Town's normal Right-of-way rules and policies, and by the franchise
agreements between the Town and the electrical and telephone service
providers.
2.6 Rights in Adjacent Land. Wireless Provider's rights are expressly limited
to the real property defined as the "Use Areas" an issued Encroachment Permit.
Without limitation, in the event any public Right-of-way or other public or private
property at or adjacent to the Use Areas is owned, dedicated, abandoned or
otherwise acquired, used, improved or disposed of by Town, such property shall
not accrue to Wireless Provider but shall be the Town's property and not subject
to the Use Areas.
2.7 Variation in Area. In the event the Use Areas consist of more or less
than any stated area, Wireless Provider's obligations hereunder shall not be
increased or diminished.
2.8 Condition of Title. Wireless Provider shall not have power to amend,
modify, terminate or otherwise change the Site Documents or create new Site
Documents.
2.8.1 Town does not warrant its own or any other person's title
to or rights to use the Use Areas or any other property.
2.8.2 Wireless Provider shall pay, indemnify, defend and hold
harmless Town and its agents and representatives of, from and
against any and all claims, demands, damages, expenses, interest
or penalties of any kind or nature whatsoever, including attorneys',
arbitrators' and experts' fees and court costs that arise from or
relate to Wireless Provider's non-compliance with the Site
Documents.
2.9 Condition of Use Areas. The Use Areas are being made available in an
as is" condition without any express or implied warranties of any kind, including
without limitation any warranties or representations as to their condition or
fitness for any use.
2.10 No Real Property Interest. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the
contrary, and notwithstanding any negotiation, correspondence, course of
performance or dealing, or other statements or acts by or between the parties,
Wireless Provider's rights herein are limited to use and occupation of the Use
Areas for the Permitted Uses.
16
2.11 Limited Rights in Use Areas. Wireless Provider's rights in the Use Areas
are limited to the specific rights expressly granted in Wireless Provider's
approved License Agreement.
2.12 Reserved Right and Competing Users and Activities. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, Town specifically reserves to itself and excludes
from any Encroachment Permit a non-exclusive delegable right (the "Reserved
Right") over the entire Use Areas for all manner of real and personal
improvements and for streets, sidewalks, trails, landscaping, utilities and every
other land use of every description. Without limitation:
2.12.1 Competing Users. Wireless Provider accepts the risk that
Town and others (the "Competing Users") may now or in the future
install their facilities in the Use Areas in locations that make parts of
the Right-of-way unavailable for Wireless Provider's use.
2.12.2 Competing Activities. Wireless Provider accepts the risk
that there may now or in the future exist upon the Use Areas all
manner of work and improvements upon the Use Areas (the
Competing Activities"). The Competing Activities include without
limitation any and all laying construction, erection, installation, use,
operation, repair, replacement, removal, relocation, raising,
lowering, widening, realigning or other dealing with any or all of the
following, whether above, upon or below the surface of the Use
4110 Areas and whether occasioned by existing or proposed uses of the
Right-of-way or existing or proposed uses of adjoining or nearby
land:
2.12.2.1 All manner of streets, alleys, sidewalks,
trails, ways, traffic control devices, subways, tunnels,
trains and gates of every description, and all manner of
other transportation facilities and their appurtenances.
2.12.2.2 All manner of pipes, wires, cables, conduits,
sewers, pumps, valves, switches, conductors,
connectors, poles, supports, access points and guy
wires of every description, and all manner of other utility
facilities and their appurtenances.
2.12.2.3 All manner of drains, bridges, viaducts,
overpasses, underpasses, culverts, markings,
balconies, porches, overhangs and other
encroachments of every description and all manner of
other facilities and their appurtenances.
2.12.2.4 All other uses of the Right-of-way that Town
may permit from time to time.
40
17
2.12.3 Town's Rights Cumulative. All of Town's Reserved Rights
under various provisions of the License Agreement, these Terms
and Encroachment Permits shall be cumulative to each other.
2.12.4 Use Priorities. These Terms do not grant to Wireless
Provider or establish for Wireless Provider any exclusive rights or
priority in favor of Wireless Provider to use the Use Areas. Wireless
Provider shall not obstruct or interfere with or prevent any
Competing User from using the Use Areas.
2.12.5 Regulation. Town shall have full authority to regulate use
of the Use Areas and to resolve competing demands and
preferences regarding use of the Use Areas and to require Wireless
Provider to cooperate and participate in implementing such
resolutions. Without limitation, Town may take any or all of the
following into account in regulating use of the Use Areas:
2.12.5.1 All timing, public, operational, financial and
other factors affecting existing and future proposals,
needs and plans for Competing Activities.
2.12.5.2 All other factors Town may consider relevant,
whether or not mentioned in the License Agreement,
these Terms and Encroachment Permit(s).
2.12.5.3 Differing regulatory regimes or laws
applicable to claimed rights, public benefits, community
needs and all other factors relating to Competing Users
and Competing Activities.
2.12.6 Communications Equipment Relocation. Upon one
hundred eighty (180) days' notice from Town, Wireless Provider
shall temporarily or permanently relocate or otherwise modify the
Communications Equipment Relocation (the "Relocation Work") as
follows:
2.12.6.1 Wireless Provider shall perform the
Relocation Work at its own expense when required by
Town's town manager or designee.
2.12.6.2 The Relocation Work includes all work
determined by Town to be necessary to accommodate
Competing Activities, including without limitation
temporarily or permanently removing, protecting,
supporting, disconnecting or relocating any portion of
the Communications Equipment.
0 2.12.6.3 Town may perform any part of the Relocation
Work that has not been performed within the allotted
18
time. Wireless Provider shall reimburse Town for its
actual costs in performing any Relocation Work. Town
has no obligation to move Wireless Provider's, Town's
or others' facilities.
2.12.6.4 Town and not Wireless Provider shall be
entitled to use any of Wireless Provider's facilities that
are abandoned in place or that are not relocated on
Town's request.
2.12.6.5 All Relocation Work shall be subject to and
comply with all other provisions of the License
Agreement.
2.12.7 Disruption by Competing Users. Neither Town nor any
agent, contractor or employee of Town shall be liable to Wireless
Provider, its customers or third parties for any service disruption or
for any other harm caused them or the Communications Equipment
due to Competing Users or Competing Activities.
2.12.8 Emergency Disruption by Town. Town may remove, alter,
tear out, relocate or damage portions of the Communications
Equipment in the case of fire, disaster, or other emergencies if
Town's town manager or designee deems such action to be
reasonably necessary under the circumstances. In such event,
neither Town nor any agent, contractor or employee of Town shall
be liable to Wireless Provider or its customers or third parties for
any harm so caused to them or the Communications Equipment.
When practical, Town shall consult with Wireless Provider in
advance to assess the necessity of such actions and to minimize to
the extent practical under the circumstances damage to and
disruption of operation of the Communications Equipment. In any
event, Town shall inform Wireless Provider after such actions.
Wireless Provider's work to repair or restore the Communications
Equipment shall be Relocation Work.
2.12.9 Public Safety. If the Communications Equipment or any
other Wireless Provider equipment, improvements or activities
present any immediate hazard or impediment to the public, to Town,
to Town's equipment or facilities, to other improvements or activities
within or without the Use Areas, or Town's ability to safely and
conveniently operate the Right-of-way or perform Town's utility,
public safety or other public health, safety and welfare functions,
then Wireless Provider shall immediately remedy the hazard,
comply with Town's requests to secure the Street Parcel, and
otherwise cooperate with Town at no expense to Town to remove
any such hazard or impediment. Wireless Provider's work crews
shall report the Use Areas within four (4) hours of any request by
Town under this paragraph (the "RF Safety Paragraph").
19
2.13 Third Party Permission. There may be portions of the Right-of-way or
other areas that for any reason have limited Right-of-way dedications or that
have regulatory use restrictions imposed by a third party ("Third Party"). Areas
subject to such restrictions or regulations by Third Parties are referred to as
Third Party Areas" and communications equipment may not be built without
permission from the Third Party or Third Parties that have property rights or
regulatory authority over a specific Third Party Area. Wireless Provider's right
to use any Use Areas shall be suspended, but not its obligations with respect
thereto, during any period that a Third Party Permission is not in effect.
3.DURATION; EXTENSIONS.
3.1 Term. The original term of each License Agreement shall be for a
period of ten (10) years commencing on the effective date stated therein ("Initial
Term"). The Term of any associated Encroachment Permits issued to Wireless
Provider shall be the same as Wireless Provider's approved License
Agreement.
3.2 Extensions. The term of the License Agreement may be extended for
one (1) additional ten (10) year period ("Extension Term") subject to consent by
Town and Wireless Provider, which either may withhold in its sole and absolute
discretion. Both Town and Wireless Provider shall be deemed to have elected
to extend unless Town or Wireless Provider, respectively, gives notice to the
contrary to the other at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the initial Term.
3.3 Holding Over. In any circumstance whereby Wireless Provider would
remain in possession or occupancy of the Use Areas after the expiration of this
License Agreement (as extended, if applicable), such holding over shall not be
deemed to operate as a renewal or extension of the License Agreement or
Encroachment Permits, but shall only create a use right from month to month
that may be terminated at any time by Town upon thirty (30) days' notice to
Wireless Provider, or by Wireless Provider upon sixty (60) days' notice to Town.
3.4 Town's Right to Cancel. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to
the contrary, Town shall have the unconditional right, with or without cause, to
terminate any Encroachment Permit for reasons including but not limited to
street widening, Right-of-way abandonment, or development that may impact
the location of the site, upon one hundred eighty (180) days' prior written notice
given at any time after the first one hundred eighty (180) days.
3.5 Wireless Provider's Right to Cancel. Wireless Provider shall have the
unilateral right to terminate any License Agreement without cause upon thirty
30) days' prior written notice. Wireless Provider has no right to terminate any
time after an event of default by Wireless Provider has occurred (or an event
has occurred that would become a default after passage of time or giving of
notice).
20
3.6 Removal and Restoration Obligations. Upon expiration or termination of
any License Agreement or Encroachment Permit, or any abandonment of any
Wireless Facilities, Wireless Provider shall remove its Wireless Facilities from
the Right-of-way, at is sole cost and expense as provided in Section 12.4
hereto.
4.WIRELESS PROVIDER'S PAYMENTS.
Wireless Provider shall make payments to Town as follows:
4.1 Use Fee Items. Wireless Provider shall pay to Town each of the
following separate and cumulative amounts (collectively the "Use Fees"):
4.1.1 An annual amount (the "Base Use Fee").
4.1.2 An amount (the "Application Fee") based on Wireless
Provider's application and permit review and other costs as set out
below.
4.1.3 An amount (the "Violation Use Fee") based on certain
breaches by Wireless Provider of the License Agreement as set out
below.
4.1.4 All other amounts required by the License Agreement.
4.2 Base Use Fee Amount. The amount of Base Use Fee Wireless Provider
shall pay to Town for each year of this Agreement shall be the total of all
applicable fee line items for wireless communications facilities (including without
limitation "antenna base fee" and "ground equipment fee", as applicable) as set
out in the then current fee schedule as it may be amended from time to time by
Town's town council.
4.3 Application Fee Amount. The amount of the Application Fee for Small
Wireless Facilities under A.R.S. § 9-592 shall be Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars
750.00) and the Application Fee for wireless sites under A.R.S. § 9-594 shall
be One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00). Nothing herein shall prevent the Town
from charging any other applicable fees ordinarily charged by the Town for
review of plans, issuance of permits, and inspection of Wireless Provider's work
upon the Use Areas (including, without limitation, encroachment permits, traffic
control fees, technology fees) as set out in the then current fee schedule as it
may be amended from time to time by Town's town council.
4.4 Use Fees Cumulative. All items of Use Fees shall be cumulative and
separate from each other.
4.5 Use Fee Schedule. Provider shall pay all Use Fees at the times and in
lir the amounts specified by Town's normal processes. Town's failure to collect
21
any item of the Use Fees does not waive Wireless Provider's liability for such
Use Fee, nor shall such failure be deemed a waiver by the Town to collect such
Use Fee thereafter.
4.6 Letter of Credit. The Initial Letter of Credit amount shall be based upon
the Wireless Provider's good faith projection of the number of sites to be
constructed within the Town of Fountain Hills during the current calendar year.
The Initial Letter of Credit shall be received by the Town before any construction
and encroachment permits are issued as follows:
4.6.1 The amount of the letter of credit shall be as follows: Thirty
Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) for up to ten (10) wireless sites;
Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000) for eleven (11) to twenty (20)
wireless sites; One Hundred Five Thousand Dollars ($105,000) for
twenty one (21) to thirty five (35) wireless sites; One Hundred Eighty
Thousand Dollars ($180,000) for thirty six (36) to sixty (60) wireless
sites; Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) for sixty one
61) to one hundred (100) wireless sites; Four Hundred Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($450,000) for one hundred one (101) to one
hundred fifty (150) wireless sites; Six Hundred Seventy Five
Thousand Dollars ($675,000) for one hundred fifty one (151) to two
hundred twenty five (225) wireless sites; One Million Fifty Thousand
Dollars ($1,050,000) for two hundred twenty six (226) to three
hundred fifty (350) wireless sites; One Million Five Hundred
S Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000) for three hundred fifty one (351) to
five hundred (500) wireless sites; Two Million Two Hundred Fifty
Thousand Dollars ($2,250,000) for five hundred one (501) to seven
hundred fifty (750) wireless sites; and Three Million Dollars
3,000,000) for seven hundred fifty one (751) to one thousand
1,000) wireless sites. If the number of Wireless Provider's wireless
sites is more than one thousand (1,000), the Three Million Dollar
3,000,000) letter of credit shall remain in effect and the letter of
credit for the wireless sites in excess of one thousand sites shall be
calculated using the schedule provided in this subsection.
4.6.2 The Town will determine at least once annually if the
number of Wireless Provider's wireless sites that are licensed
require that the letter of credit be upgraded to a higher amount. If
Town requires a new letter of credit, it shall provide formal notice in
writing to the Wireless Provider. The Wireless Provider must
provide the new letter of credit within 45 days of receiving written
notice.
4.6.3 The letter of credit is a security deposit for Wireless
Provider's performance of all of its obligations under these Terms
within the Town of Fountain Hills.
0 4.6.4 The letter of credit shall meet the requirements listed on
Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
22
4.6.5 Wireless Provider shall provide and maintain the letter of
credit during the entire term of the License Agreement as follows:
4.6.5.1 Wireless Provider shall cause the original
letter of credit to be delivered to Town's Development
Services Director.
4.6.5.2 Wireless Provider shall pay all costs
associated with the letter of credit, regardless of the
reason or manner such costs are required.
4.6.5.3 Within ten (10) business days after Town
gives Wireless Provider notice that Town has drawn on
the letter of credit, Wireless Provider shall cause the
letter of credit to be replenished to its prior amount.
4.6.6 Town may draw on the letter of credit upon any Event of
Default, and in the following circumstances whether or not they are
an Event of Default:
4.6.6.1 Wireless Provider fails to cause the letter of
credit to be renewed, extended, increased in amount or
otherwise maintained as required by these Terms.
4.6.6.2 Wireless Provider fails to make monetary
payments as required by these Terms.
4.6.6.3 The issuer of the letter of credit fails to
immediately honor a draft on the letter of credit or
otherwise repudiates or fails to honor the letter of credit.
4.6.7 Town shall also have such additional rights regarding the
letter of credit as may be provided elsewhere in the License
Agreement.
4.7 Late Fees. Any fee payable under this Agreement is deemed paid only
when Town actually receives good cash payment. Should any fee not be paid
on or before the date due, a late fee shall be added to the amount due in the
amount of the greater of ten percent (10%) of the amount due, or One Hundred
Dollars ($100.00). Furthermore, any fee that is not timely paid shall accrue
simple interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1 1/
2 %) per month from
the date the amount first came due until paid. Wireless Provider expressly
agrees that the foregoing represent fair and reasonable estimates by Town and
Wireless Provider of Town's costs (such as accounting, administrative, legal
and processing costs, etc.) in the event of a delay in payment of the fee. Town
shall have the right to allocate payments received from Wireless Provider
40, among Wireless Provider's obligations.
23
4.8 Fee Amounts Cumulative. All amounts payable by Wireless Provider
hereunder or under any tax, assessment or other existing or future ordinance,
law or other contract or obligations to the Town of Fountain Hills or the State of
Arizona shall be cumulative and payable in addition to each other payment
required hereunder, and such amounts shall not be credited toward, substituted
for, or setoff against each other in any manner.
5. USE RESTRICTIONS.
Wireless Provider's use and occupation of the Use Areas shall in all respects conform
to all and each of the following cumulative provisions:
5.1 Permitted Uses. Wireless Provider shall use the Use Areas solely for
the Permitted Uses and shall conduct no other activity at or from the Use Areas
without Town's prior written consent, which may be withheld in Town's sole and
absolute discretion.
5.2 Enclosure Use. Wireless Provider shall use the Enclosure solely for
locating utility cabinets and housing the Communications Equipment used for
the Antennas.
5.3 Small Wireless Facility. Wireless Provider may install a Small Wireless
Facility, as defined in A.R.S. 9-591(19), to be limited to:
5.3.1 All antennas, including the antenna's exposed elements,
are located inside an enclosure of not more than six (6) cubic feet in
volume, and
5.3.2 All other wireless equipment associated with the facility is
cumulatively not more than twenty-eight (28) cubic feet in volume.
5.3.3. The following ancillary equipment is not included in the
equipment volume: electric meter, concealment elements, telecom
demarcation box, grounding equipment, power transfer switch,
cutoff switch, and vertical cable runs.
5.4 Communications Operations Restriction. Pursuant to A.R.S. 9-
592(F)(3), Wireless Provider shall not install, operate, or allow the use of
equipment, methodology or technology that interferes or is likely to interfere with
the optimum effective use or operation of Town's existing or future fire,
emergency or other communications equipment, methodology or technology
i.e., voice or other data carrying, receiving or transmitting equipment). If such
interference should occur, Wireless Provider shall immediately discontinue
using the equipment, methodology or technology that causes the interference
until Wireless Provider takes corrective measures to alter the Communications
Equipment to eliminate such interference. Any such corrective measures shall
be made at no cost to Town. Wireless Provider shall give to Town advance
ti.r written notice containing a list of the radio frequencies Wireless Provider is
24
using at the Use Areas and shall give advance written notice to Town of any
change in frequencies.
5.5 Other Equipment. Wireless Provider shall not disturb or otherwise
interfere with any other antennas or other equipment Town or an authorized
third party may have already installed or may yet install upon the Street Parcel.
5.6 Signs. All signage is prohibited except in compliance with the following
requirements:
5.6.1 Wireless Provider shall install and thereafter maintain the
following signs and other markings as reasonably determined by
Town from time to time:
5.6.1.1 All signs and markings required for safe use
of the Use Areas by Town, Wireless Provider and other
persons who may be at the Use Areas at any time for
any reason.
5.6.1.2 Any signage Town may request directing
parking, deliveries and other vehicles and other users to
comply with this License Agreement.
5.6.1.3 Warning signs listing only Wireless Provider's
ID
name, permanent business address, telephone number,
emergency telephone number, and any information
required by law.
5.6.2 All signage not expressly allowed by these Terms is
prohibited.
5.6.3 The location, size, content and style of each sign shall be
subject to the provisions of the applicable sign ordinance and shall
comply with Town's sign programs as the same may change from
time to time. Wireless Provider shall update signs, at Wireless
Provider's sole cost and expense, as required to comply with
changes in the applicable sign ordinance and Town's sign
programs.
5.6.4 Wireless Provider shall design, make, install and maintain
all signage in a first class, professional manner without broken
panels, faded or peeling paint or other damage. Town reserves the
right to require Wireless Provider to install, at Wireless Provider's
cost, new or updated signage if the existing signage is not compliant
with this Agreement.
5.6.5 Wireless Provider shall bear all costs pertaining to the
L erection, installation, operation, maintenance, replacement and
removal of all signs including, but not limited to, the application for
25
and obtaining of any required sign, building or other permits
regardless of the reason for any such activity, even if such activity is
required by Town pursuant to these Terms.
5.6.6 The requirements of this paragraph apply to all signs,
designs, monuments, decals, graphics, posters, banners, markings,
and other manner of signage.
5.7 Wireless Provider's Lighting. Except for security lighting temporarily
operated with Town's approval from time to time, Wireless Provider shall not
operate outdoor lights at the Use Areas.
5.8 Noise. Except during construction permitted under the License
Agreement and for burglar alarms and other safety devices, outdoor loud
speakers, sirens or other devices for making noise are prohibited. All equipment
shall be operated so that sound coming therefrom is compliant with Section 11-
1-7 of the Town Code and does not exceed the ambient noise level at the
boundary of the Street Parcel. The preceding sentence does not apply to use of
normal, properly maintained construction equipment used as permitted by the
approved License Agreement or permit issued to Wireless Provider by the
Town, to infrequent use of equipment that is as quiet or quieter than a typical
well maintained gasoline powered passenger automobile, to use of an air
conditioning unit that is no noisier than a typical well maintained residential air
conditioning unit.
5.9 Limited Access. It is Wireless Provider's and not Town's responsibility
to keep unauthorized persons from accessing the Communications Equipment
and the Exclusive Areas.
5.10 Standards of Service. Wireless Provider shall operate the Use Areas in
a first-class manner, and shall keep the Use Areas attractively maintained,
orderly, clean, neat and tidy at all times. Wireless Provider shall not allow any
person or persons in or about the Use Areas related to Wireless Provider's
operations who shall fail to be clean, courteous, efficient and neat in
appearance.
5.11 Wireless Provider's Agent. Wireless Provider shall at all times retain on
call available to Town by telephone an active, qualified, competent and
experienced person to supervise all activities upon the Use Areas and operation
of the Communications Equipment. Wireless Provider's agent shall be
authorized to represent and act for Wireless Provider in matters pertaining to all
emergencies and the day-to-day operation of the Right-of-way and all other
matters affecting a License Agreement or Encroachment Permit. Wireless
Provider shall also provide notice to Town of the name, street address,
electronic mail address, and regular and afterhours telephone number of a
person to handle Wireless Provider's affairs and emergencies at the Right-of-
way. Any change shall be given in writing to Town's Development Services
Director in the manner stated for notices required herein.
26
5.12 Coordination Meetings. Wireless Provider shall meet with Town and
other Right-of-way users from time to time as requested by Town to coordinate
and plan construction on the Use Areas and all matters affected by these
Terms.
5.13 Toxic Substances. Wireless Provider's activities upon or about the Use
Areas shall be subject to the following regarding any hazardous or toxic
substances, waste or materials or any substance now or hereafter subject to
regulation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601, et seq., the Arizona Hazardous Waste
Management Act, A.R.S. §§ 49-901, et seq., the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 6901, et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15
U.S.C. §§ 2601, et seq., or any other federal, state, county, or local law
pertaining to hazardous substances, waste or toxic substances and their
reporting requirements (collectively "Toxic Substances"):
5.13.1 Wireless Provider understands the hazards presented to
persons, property and the environment by dealing with Toxic
Substances. Town has made no warranties as to whether the Use
Areas contain actual or presumed asbestos or other Toxic
Substances.
5.13.2 Within twenty-four (24) hours after discovery by Wireless
Provider of any Toxic Substances, Wireless Provider shall report
tilar such Toxic Substances to Town in writing. Within fourteen (14) days
thereafter, Wireless Provider shall provide Town with a written
report of the nature and extent of such toxic substances found by
Wireless Provider.
5.13.3 Disturbance of Toxic Substances. Prior to undertaking any
construction or other significant work, Wireless Provider shall cause
the Use Areas to be inspected to prevent disturbance of potential
asbestos or other Toxic Substances. Prior to any work of any
description that bears a material risk of disturbing potential asbestos
or other Toxic Substances, Wireless Provider shall cause the
contractor or other person performing such work to give to Town
written notice by the method described in these Terms to the effect
that the person will inspect for Toxic Substances, will not disturb
Toxic Substances, and will indemnify, defend and hold Town
harmless against any disturbance in Toxic Substances in the course
of the contractor's or other person's work. Wireless Provider shall
cause any on-site or off-site storage, inspection, treatment,
transportation, disposal, handling, or other work involving Toxic
Substances by Wireless Provider in connection with the Use Areas
to be performed by persons, equipment, facilities and other
resources who are at all times properly and lawfully trained,
authorized, licensed, permitted and otherwise qualified to perform
such services. Wireless Provider shall promptly deliver to Town
27
copies of all reports or other information regarding Toxic
Substances.
5.14 Required Operation. During the entire term of the License Agreement
and associated Encroachment Permit(s), and any renewals or extensions
thereof, Wireless Provider shall actively and continuously operate the
Communications Equipment twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per
week, for the Permitted Uses. Notwithstanding anything contained in this
paragraph to the contrary, the operation requirements of this paragraph shall be
effective commencing on the completion of the Project and shall continue
through the date the License Agreement terminates or expires for any reason.
In the event of relocation of the Communications Equipment or damage to the
Use Areas severe enough that the Communications Equipment cannot
reasonably be operated during repairs, the operation requirements of this
paragraph shall be suspended during the time specified by these Terms for
accomplishing repair of such damage or relocation of the Communications
Equipment. Wireless Provider may temporarily cease operating the
Communications Equipment for short periods necessary to test, repair, service
or upgrade the Communications Equipment. Notwithstanding the foregoing to
the contrary, any suspension in operations, whether or not authorized pursuant
to the License Agreement, shall not serve to extend any Term of the License
Agreement.
5.15 Actions by Others. Wireless Provider shall be responsible to ensure
40 compliance with the License Agreement by all persons using the Right-of-way
through or under Wireless Provider.
6. WIRELESS PROVIDER'S IMPROVEMENTS.
All of Wireless Provider's improvements and other construction work whether or not
specifically described herein upon or related to the Use Areas (collectively "Wireless
Provider's Improvements") shall comply with the following:
6.1 Wireless Provider's Improvements. Wireless Provider's Improvements
include without limitation, all modification, replacement, repairs, installation,
construction, grading, structural, utility, lighting, plumbing, sewer or other
alterations, parking or traffic alterations, removal, demolition or other
cumulatively significant construction or similar work of any description and all
installation or alteration of the Communications Equipment.
6.2 Zoning and Similar Approval Process. The zoning processes, building
permit processes, Right-of-way management policies and similar regulatory
requirements that apply to Wireless Provider's Improvements are completely
separate from the plans approval processes set forth in these Terms. Wireless
Provider's satisfaction of any requirement set forth these Terms does not
substitute for compliance with any regulatory requirement. Wireless Provider's
satisfaction of any regulatory requirement does not substitute for compliance
with any requirement of these Terms. Wireless Provider must make all
28
submittals and communications regarding the requirements of these Terms
through Town's Development Services Director and not through other staff.
Wireless Provider shall be responsible to directly obtain all necessary permits
and approvals from any and all governmental or other entities having standing
or jurisdiction over the Use Areas. Wireless Provider bears sole responsibility to
comply with all stipulations and conditions that are required in order to secure
such rezoning and other approvals. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph
to the contrary, to the extent regulatory requirements and requirements of these
Terms are identical, compliance with regulatory requirements shall constitute
compliance with these Terms and vice versa.
6.2.1 Batching Sites for Approval. Only sites that do not have a
new or a replacement pole required for the antennas, and do not
have any underground cables, conduit, and foundations, are eligible
for batch processing of the applications.
6.3 Relationship of Plans Approval to Regulatory Processes. Wireless
Provider's submission of plans under these Terms, Town's approval of plans for
purposes of these Terms, and the plans approval process herein shall be
separate and independent of all development, zoning, design review and other
regulatory or similar plans submittal and approval processes, all of which shall
continue to apply as provided under state law, in addition to the requirements of
these Terms and its approvals. BUILDING PERMITS, ZONING CLEARANCES,
OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL REVIEWS OR ACTIONS DO NOT
O CONSTITUTE APPROVAL OF ANY PLANS FOR PURPOSES OF THE
LICENSE AGREEMENT.
6.4 Town's Fixtures and Property. Wireless Provider shall not remove, alter
or damage in any way any improvements or any personal property of Town
upon the Use Areas without Town's prior written approval. In all cases, Wireless
Provider will repair any damage or other alteration to Town's property caused by
Wireless Provider or its contractors, employees or agents to as good or better
condition than existed before the damage or alteration.
6.5 Design Requirements. All Wireless Provider's Improvements shall
comply with the following design requirements:
6.5.1 All Wireless Provider's Improvements shall be contained
entirely within the Use Areas and without any encroachment or
dependence upon any other property, except for permitted utility
service.
6.5.2 Any changes to utility facilities shall be strictly limited to the
Use Areas, shall not affect utilities used by Town or any authorized
users thereof, and shall be undertaken by Wireless Provider at its
sole cost and expense.
6.5.3 The Antennas and other Communications Equipment shall
be properly designed, installed and maintained so as not to create a
29
risk of damage to the Pole, to persons or property upon or using the
Street Parcel or Town's other property.
6.5.4 To the extent requested by Town, Wireless Provider's
plans shall include a description of construction methods employed
to address environmental issues affecting or affected by the Use
Areas and protect other facilities at the Street Parcel and
surrounding properties.
6.5.5 All specifications set forth in the Town of Fountain Hills's
Design Standards for Small Wireless Facilities in the Right-of-Way,
attached here to as Exhibit "A."
6.6 Approval Required. Wireless Provider shall not construct any Wireless
Provider's Improvements (including work on adjacent public lands, if applicable)
without having first received an executed License Agreement, written plans
approval from Town and any and all permits deemed necessary by the Town.
Such consent requirement shall apply to all improvements, furnishings,
equipment, fixtures, paint, wall treatments, utilities of every description,
communications cabling and other construction work of any description as
described in all plans heretofore or hereafter delivered by Wireless Provider to
Town. Such consent requirement does not apply to work to the Communications
Equipment confined completely inside the Enclosure and not visible, audible, or
otherwise discernible outside the Enclosure.
6.7 Effect of Plans Approval. Wireless Provider shall submit engineering
and construction plans to the Town for review and approval. Town's approval of
plans submitted shall be for purposes of these Terms only and shall constitute
irrevocable approval (but only at the level of detail of the applicable stage of the
review process) of the matters plainly shown on the plans approved. Town shall
not reject subsequent plans to the extent the matter to which Town objects was
plainly shown on plans previously approved by Town. However, Town is not
precluded from objecting to matters not previously approved, changes to plans,
matters not previously clearly disclosed on approved plans, or refinements or
implementation of matters previously approved.
6.8 Plans Required. Wireless Provider's design of all Wireless Provider's
Improvements shall occur in three stages culminating in final working
construction documents for the Wireless Provider's Improvements (the "Final
Plans"). The three stages are, in order of submission and in increasing order of
detail, as follows:
6.8.1 Conceptual plans showing the general layout, locations,
elevations, configuration, and capacities of all significant
improvements, topographical features, pedestrian and vehicular
ways, buildings, utilities, and other features significantly affecting
the appearance, design, function or operation of each element of
Wireless Provider's Improvements.
30
6.8.2 Preliminary plans showing all surface finishes and
treatments, finished elevations, general internal and external design
including without limitation colors, textures and materials),
mechanical, communications, electrical, plumbing and other utility
systems, building materials, landscaping and all other elements
necessary prior to preparation of final working construction
documents and showing compliance with all requirements of these
Terms. The preliminary plans shall show all detail necessary prior to
preparation of Final Plans.
6.8.3 Final Plans. In addition to the information that Town
required for Preliminary plans, the Final Plans shall include a title
report for the Use Area and the Shared Use Area, engineering
design documents for the pole foundation, pole structural design,
and other generally required engineering specifications for
construction drawings or "CD" plans for permits.
6.9 Approval Process. The following procedure shall govern Wireless
Provider's submission to Town of all plans for Wireless Provider's
Improvements, including any proposed changes by Wireless Provider to
previously approved plans:
6.9.1 All plans Wireless Provider submits under these Terms
shall show design, appearance, capacity, views, and other
information reasonably deemed necessary by Town for a complete
understanding of the work proposed, all in detail reasonably
deemed appropriate by Town for the level of plans required herein.
6.9.2 Wireless Provider shall deliver all plans submissions for
non-regulatory approvals required herein directly to Town's
Development Services Director and shall clearly label the
submissions to indicate that they are submitted pursuant to the
Terms and not for building permits, zoning or other approvals. Each
submittal of plans by Wireless Provider for Town's review shall
include five (5) complete sets of the plans on paper and, if
requested, two (2) copies of the plans in electronic form.
6.9.3 All construction plans shall be prepared by qualified
registered professional engineers.
6.9.4 Town and Wireless Provider shall endeavor to resolve
design and construction issues to their mutual satisfaction but, in
the event of an impasse for any reason or however arising, in light
of Town's ownership and other uses of the Use Areas, and as a
condition of Town's entering into a License Agreement or issuing an
Encroachment Permit, final decision authority regarding all design
and construction issues shall rest with Town.
31
6.9.5 All Wireless Provider's Improvements shall comply with all
requirements of law, any applicable insurance contracts and these
Terms.
6.10 Cost of Wireless Provider Improvements. All Wireless Provider's
Improvements shall be designed and constructed by Wireless Provider at
Wireless Provider's sole cost and expense, including without limitation any
alteration or other change to Town's equipment or other improvements or
property that may occur. In no event shall Town be obligated to compensate
Wireless Provider in any manner for any of Wireless Provider's Improvements
or other work provided by Wireless Provider during or related to the term of any
approved License Agreement and Encroachment Permit(s). Wireless Provider
shall timely pay for all labor, materials, work, and all professional and other
services related thereto and shall pay, protect, indemnify, defend and hold
harmless Town and Town's employees, officers, contractors and agents against
all claims related to such items. Wireless Provider shall bear the cost of all work
required from time to time to cause the Use Areas and Town's adjoining
property (if directly affected by Wireless Provider's work) to comply with local
zoning rules, the Americans with Disabilities Act, building codes and all similar
rules, regulations and other laws if such work is required because of work
performed by Wireless Provider, by Wireless Provider's use of the Use Areas,
or by any exercise of the rights granted to Wireless Provider under this License
Agreement or associated Encroachment Permit(s).
6.11 Improvement Quality. Any and all work performed on the Use Areas by
Wireless Provider shall be performed in a workman-like manner meeting9 or
exceeding the best practices of similar facilities in Maricopa County, Arizona,
and shall be diligently pursued to completion and in conformance with all
building codes and similar rules. All of Wireless Provider's Improvements shall
be high quality, safe, fire resistant, modern in design, and attractive in
appearance, all as approved by Town through the plans approval processes
described in these Terms in addition to any zoning, building code or other
regulatory processes that may apply.
6.12 Ownership of Wireless Provider's Improvements. All Wireless
Provider's Improvements (including without limitation poles and lights) except
the Communications Equipment shall be and become part of the real property of
Town as the same is constructed or installed.
6.13 Damage During Work. Upon performing any work upon the Right-of-
way, Wireless Provider shall simultaneously restore the Right-of-way to its prior
condition, as directed by Town and repair any holes, mounting surfaces or other
damage whatsoever to the Right-of-way. Such work shall include revegetation
and appropriate irrigation systems for revegetated areas.
6.14 Replacement Pole. If Town approves a Wireless Provider proposal to
install Antennas on a Town owned pole, then in addition to the other
40 requirements, the following shall apply:
32
6.12.1 Wireless Provider shall provide and deliver to Town a
replacement pole, including mast arm, so that a replacement is
immediately available to Town in case the original pole is damaged.
6.12.2 If Town uses a replacement pole, then Wireless Provider
shall provide another replacement pole.
6.12.3 Upon installation of a replacement pole, the Town will
determine if the original pole, mast arm(s), signal head(s), and light
fixture(s) shall be delivered by Wireless Provider to the Town's
Corporation Yard or if the Wireless Provider shall dispose of the
original pole, mast arm, signal head and light fixture.
6.12.4 All performance under this paragraph shall be at Wireless
Provider's expense. Town owns the original pole and all
replacement poles.
6.15 Coordination with Encroachment Permit. The Street Parcel is located in
Town's public street Right-of-way. Wireless Provider shall obtain encroachment
permits at Wireless Provider's expense as follows:
6.15.1 Wireless Provider shall perform no construction work in the
Right-of-way without obtaining from Town a permit giving
permission to work in the Right-of-way.
6.15.2 Wireless Provider shall not alter or modify its antennas,
wireless equipment or any improvements without submitting plans
or drawings of the proposed alteration or modification to Town and
obtaining approval from Town's Development Services Director.
6.15.3 Wireless Provider shall not perform any work on its own
antennas or wireless equipment without first obtaining from Town an
encroachment permit giving it permission to work in the Right-of-
way.
6.15.4 Wireless Provider shall not in any way obstruct pedestrian
or vehicular traffic within the Right-of-way without first obtaining
from Town a permit giving permission to obstruct traffic.
6.16 Time for Completion. Wireless Provider shall diligently and
expeditiously pursue to completion the construction of all approved Wireless
Provider's Improvements. Wireless Provider shall complete construction of all
Wireless Provider's Improvements no later than one hundred eighty (180) days
of permit issuance unless Town and Wireless Provider agree to extend this
period or a delay is caused by a lack of commercial power at the site. If Town,
in its sole examination of the construction activity at a site, determines that
Wireless Provider has not substantially performed construction at a site within
11, one hundred eighty (180) days of the permit issuance date, Town may require
the Wireless Provider to cease construction and resubmit the site for approval.
33
6.17 Construction Notification. Town may establish requirements for
notification of nearby residents and property owners prior to construction.
6.18 Work Time and Manner Restrictions. All installation, construction,
maintenance, inspection, repair and other work of any kind shall be done in a
manner that does not disrupt traffic (except in compliance with appropriate
permits) or nearby land uses. Without limitation, such work shall be done in
compliance with applicable Town policies and directions from time to time,
taking into account the various sensitivities of traffic, tourism, events, adjoining
land uses, other Right-of-way uses, and all other needs and concerns that are
likely to be affected by Wireless Provider's work.
7.RF SAFETY FOR TOWN'S EMPLOYEES.
Prior to performing any work on a wireless site in the Right-of-way, an employee or
authorized agent of the Town will contact Wireless Provider's Network Operations
Center (the NOC") whose information shall be located on the ground equipment or on
the pole. The Town's employee or agent shall identify himself or herself as an
employee or agent of Town and the need for the RF to be turned off at the site for a
specified period to perform maintenance or repair work at the site. Upon completion
of the work, the Town's employee shall contact the NOC and inform them that the site
may activate the RF signals.
Furthermore, as Town's employees, agents, and representatives must have
uninterrupted and safe access to the Right-of-way and all structures located thereon,
Wireless Provider must comply with at least one of the following safety protocols:
7.1 Provide access to a "kill switch" for each wireless site that the Town's
employees, agents, or representatives can use to turn off all power to the
Wireless Provider's Facilities while Town's work is performed at the location.
7.2 Within 24 hours of a request, agree to send a technician with an RF
monitor to confirm that all RF emitting equipment has, in fact, been deactivated,
and to install all appropriate lockout tags and devices.
8. MAINTENANCE AND UTILITIES.
Except as expressly provided below, Wireless Provider shall be solely responsible for
all maintenance, repair and utilities for the Use Areas during the term of an approved
License Agreement and associated Encroachment Permit(s). Without limitation, Wireless
Provider shall perform the following:
8.1 Maintenance by Town. Town has no maintenance or repair obligations
for the Communications Equipment or other Wireless Provider's Improvements.
34
8.2 Maintenance by Wireless Provider. Wireless Provider shall at all times
repair and maintain the Use Areas at Wireless Provider's sole expense in a first-
class, sound, clean, safe and attractive manner, meeting or exceeding the
manner of maintenance at first class comparable facilities in Maricopa County,
Arizona, as determined in Town's reasonable discretion. The preceding
sentence does not require Wireless Provider to repair or maintain Town's
facilities at the Use Area unless such work is attributable in whole or in part to
Wireless Provider's use of the Use Areas.
8.3 Utility Service. Wireless Provider shall contract for and pay all charges,
fees, deposits and other amounts for electricity and telephone and other data
communication service to the Use Areas at the rates applicable thereto.
Wireless Provider shall use no other utilities at the Use Areas, unless otherwise
authorized by Town.
8.4 Utility Interruptions. Town is not responsible for any interruption of
utilities to or upon the Use Areas or other difficulties related to utilities at the Use
Areas.
8.5 Right of Inspection. Town shall be entitled to inspect all construction,
reconstruction or installation work and to make such tests as it deems
necessary to ensure compliance with the terms herein and any applicable laws
and regulations. All Town plans reviews, inspections, standards and other rights
and actions with relation to Wireless Provider's Improvements are for Town's
sole and exclusive benefit and neither Wireless Provider nor any other person
shall rely thereon or have any rights related thereto. The preceding sentence
does not prevent Wireless Provider from relying on consents, permits or
approvals Town may grant based on Town's plans, reviews, and inspections.
This right of access is in addition to access rights for Town inspectors or other
employees and officers acting within their legal authority.
8.6 Construction Notification. Town may establish requirements for
Wireless Provider to notify nearby residents prior to construction.
8.7 Blue Stake. Wireless Provider shall register with and comply with the
local Blue Stake program.
9.BREACH BY WIRELESS PROVIDER.
Wireless Provider shall comply with, perform and do each obligation required of
Wireless Provider herein and shall cause all persons using the Use Areas through or
under Wireless Provider or these Terms to do the same. Wireless Provider's failure to
do so shall be a material breach by Wireless Provider of these Terms.
9.1 Events of Default. All License Agreements and Encroachment Permits
are approved upon the condition that each and every one of the following
events herein shall be deemed an "Event of Default" by Wireless Provider of
Wireless Provider's material obligations under these Terms:
35
9.1.1 If Wireless Provider shall be in arrears in the payment of
Use Fee and shall not cure such arrearage within ten (10) days after
Town has notified Wireless Provider of such arrearage.
9.1.2 If Wireless Provider shall fail to operate the
Communications Equipment (except during specific periods
expressly excused herein) for a period of five (5) consecutive days
or a total of thirty (30) days within any twelve (12) month period.
9.1.3 If Wireless Provider shall fail to maintain any insurance
required under these Terms. Notwithstanding the preceding
sentence, such failure shall not be a default if, within ten (10) days
after notice from Town, Wireless Provider provides to Town the
required insurance and the required evidence thereof. Such
insurance must cover the past for a period adequate that there is no
gap in the insurance coverage required by these Terms.
9.1.4 If the Wireless Provider's right to use a Utility Pole expires
or is terminated for any reason.
9.1.5 If Wireless Provider does not commence and diligently
pursue to completion each required stage of construction of the site
within the times required herein. The times specified for concluding
40
each stage of required construction have been established far
enough in advance, and have taken into account the likelihood of
construction delays, so that no cure period is provided.
9.1.6 If Wireless Provider shall be the subject of a voluntary or
involuntary bankruptcy, receivership, insolvency or similar
proceeding or if any assignment of any of Wireless Provider's or
such other person's property shall be made for the benefit of
creditors or if Wireless Provider or such other person dies or is not
regularly paying its debts as they come due (collectively a "Wireless
Provider Insolvency").
9.1.7 If the issuer of any letter of credit shall fail for any reason
to timely and fully honor any request by Town for funds or other
performance under the instrument and Wireless Provider fails to
cause the issuer, or some other person, to honor the request within
ten (10) days after Town notifies Wireless Provider that such
request has not been honored.
9.1.8 If Wireless Provider shall fail to obtain or maintain any
licenses, permits, or other governmental approvals pertaining to the
Right-of-way or timely pay any taxes pertaining to the Right-of-way
and does not cure such failure within thirty (30) days.
0
36
9.1.9 If Town shall be exposed to any liability, obligation,
damage, cost, expense, or other claim of any description, whether
or not asserted, unless Wireless Provider gives immediate notice to
Town of Wireless Provider's commitment to indemnify, defend and
hold Town harmless against such claim, and Wireless Provider
does in fact promptly commence and continue to indemnify, defend
and hold Town harmless against such claim.
9.1.10 If Wireless Provider shall fail to meet its obligations under
the RF Safety Paragraph.
9.1.11 If Wireless Provider shall engage in a pattern of repeated
failure (or neglect) to timely do or perform or observe any provision
contained herein. After Town has once given notice of any failure by
Wireless Provider to comply with its obligations set forth in these
Terms, the following shall constitute a repeated failure by Wireless
Provider to comply with such provision:
h. 9.1.11.1 Another failure to comply with any provision of these
Terms during the following thirty (30) day period.
i. 9.1.11.2 Three (3) or more failures to comply with any provision
of these Terms during any ninety (90) day period.
410 j. 9.1.11.3 Six (6) or more failures to comply with any provision of
these Terms during any twelve (12) month period.
9.1.12 If Wireless Provider shall fail to or neglect to timely and
completely do or perform or observe any other provisions herein
and such failure or neglect shall continue for a period of thirty (30)
days after Town has notified Wireless Provider in writing of such
failure or neglect.
9.2 Town's Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default or at
any time thereafter, Town may, at its option and from time to time, exercise at
Wireless Provider's expense any or all or any combination of the following
cumulative remedies in any order and repetitively at Town's option:
9.2.1 Terminate the License Agreement or any or all
Encroachment Permits due to Wireless Provider's breach or for any
other reason, however, such termination does not terminate
Wireless Provider's obligations arising during the time simultaneous
with or prior to or the termination, and in no way terminates any of
Wireless Provider's liability related to any breach of these Terms.
9.2.2 Pay or perform, for Wireless Provider's account, in
Wireless Provider's name, and at Wireless Provider's expense, any
or all payments or performances required hereunder to be paid or
performed by Wireless Provider.
37
9.2.3 Abate at Wireless Provider's expense any violation of
these Terms.
9.2.4 Notwithstanding anything under these Terms to the
contrary, unilaterally and without Wireless Provider's or any other
person's consent or approval, draw upon, withdraw or otherwise
realize upon or obtain the value of any letter of credit, escrowed
funds, insurance policies, or other deposits, sureties, bonds or other
funds or security held by Town or pledged or otherwise obligated to
Town by Wireless Provider or by any third party (whether or not
specifically mentioned herein) and use the proceeds for any remedy
permitted by these Terms.
9.2.5 Require an additional security deposit adequate in Town's
sole discretion to protect Town and the Right-of-way.
9.2.6 Require that the Wireless Provider remedy any and all
violations and pay any and all outstanding fees in full (before
accepting applications for new Encroachment Permits).
9.2.7 Assert, exercise or otherwise pursue at Wireless Provider's
expense any and all other rights or remedies, legal or equitable, to
which Town may be entitled, subject only to the limitation set out
40 below on Town's ability to collect money damages in light of the
Violation Use Fee.
9.3 Violation Use Fee. Wireless Provider and Town agree that Wireless
Provider's failure to comply with the provisions herein will result in damages to
Town, including but not limited to expenses related to administrative costs, staff
time, field work and inspections, legal services, etc. Wireless Provider's failure
to comply with the provisions herein will result in damages in an amount that is
and will be impracticable to determine. Therefore, the parties have agreed that
Wireless Provider shall pay the Violation Use Fee set out below in accordance
with the following (the "Violation Fee Provisions"):
9.3.1 Violation Use Fee is only intended to remedy damages
that Town suffers because of Wireless Provider's breach of this
Agreement. Wireless Provider's payment of Violation Use Fee does
not in any way excuse any breach by Wireless Provider of these
Terms or limit in any way Town's obtaining any other legal or
equitable remedy provided by these Terms or otherwise for such
breach. For example, Wireless Provider's obligation to pay Violation
Use Fee does not in any way detract from Wireless Provider's
indemnity and insurance obligations under these Terms, which shall
apply according to their terms in addition to Wireless Provider's
obligation to pay Violation Use Fee.
38
9.3.2 Town may elect to draw upon the letter of credit to collect
the Violation Use Fee.
9.3.3 The Violation Fee Provisions and the amount of the
Violation Use Fee per day or part thereof are as follows:
9.3.3.1 The amount of Six Hundred Dollars
600.00) per day for Wireless Provider's failure to
properly restore the public Right-of-way or to correct
related violations of specifications, code, ordinance or
standards within ten (10) business days after Town's
notice to correct such defects. Such Violation Use Fee
shall be in addition to any cost the Town may incur to
restore the Right-of-way or correct the violation.
9.3.3.2 The amount of Five Hundred Dollars
500.00) per instance of any other action or non-action
by the Wireless Provider contrary to these Terms herein
and that is not cured after three (3) business days'
notice.
9.3.4 Violation Use Fees shall be assessed as follows:
9.3.4.1 If Town determines that Wireless Provider is
0 liable for Violation Use Fee, then Town shall issue to
Wireless Provider a notice of Town's assessing a
Violation Use Fee. The notice shall set forth the nature
of the violation and the amount of the assessment.
9.3.4.2 Wireless Provider shall pay the Violation Use
Fee within ten (10) days after Town's notice. However, if
the Violation Use Fee amount exceeds Five Thousand
Dollars ($5,000), then the following shall apply:
9.3.4.2.1 Wireless Provider shall have thirty (30)
days after the notice to pay the Violation
Use Fee or give Town notice contesting
the assertion of noncompliance.
9.4 Reimbursement of Town's Expenses. Wireless Provider shall pay to
Town within thirty (30) days after Town's demand any and all amounts
expended or incurred by Town in performing Wireless Provider's obligations
upon Wireless Provider's failure to perform the same after notice from Town)
together with interest thereon at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum
from the date expended or incurred by Town.
0 10. BREACH BY TOWN.
39
Notwithstanding anything in these Terms to the contrary, if Town at any time is
required to pay to Wireless Provider any amount or render any performance, such
amount or performance is not due until thirty (30) days after notice by Wireless
Provider to Town that the amount has become payable or that the performance is
due. In the event a cure cannot be effected during that period, Town shall not be in
default so long as Town commences cure during the period and diligently prosecutes
the cure to completion provided such cure must be completed within sixty (60) days
after the notice.
10.1 Right to Setoff and Credit. In addition to its other rights and remedies
Town shall have the right to setoff and credit from time to time and at any time,
any and all amounts due from Wireless Provider to Town, whether pursuant to
these Terms herein or otherwise, against any sum which may be due from
Town to Wireless Provider.
11. NON-WAIVER.
Wireless Provider acknowledges Wireless Provider's unconditional obligation to
comply with these Terms herein. No failure by Town to demand any performance
required of Wireless Provider under these Terms herein, and no acceptance by Town
of any imperfect or partial performances under these Terms herein, shall excuse such
performance or impair in any way Town's ability to insist, prospectively and
retroactively, upon full compliance with these Terms herein. No acceptance by Town
of Use Fee payments or other performances hereunder shall be deemed a
compromise or settlement of any right Town may have for additional, different or
further payments or performances as provided for in these Terms. Any waiver by
Town of any breach of condition or covenant herein contained to be kept and
performed by Wireless Provider shall not be deemed or considered as a continuing
waiver and shall not operate to bar or otherwise prevent Town from declaring a
default for any breach or succeeding or continuing breach either of the same condition
or covenant or otherwise. No statement, bill or notice by Town or Wireless Provider
concerning payments or other performances due hereunder, or failure by Town to
demand any performance hereunder, shall excuse Wireless Provider from compliance
with its obligations nor estop Town (or otherwise impair Town's ability) to at any time
correct such notice and/or insist prospectively and retroactively upon full compliance
with the License Agreement. No waiver of any description (INCLUDING ANY
WAIVER OF THIS SENTENCE OR PARAGRAPH) shall be effective against Town
unless made in writing by a duly authorized representative of Town specifically
identifying the particular provision being waived and specifically stating the scope of
the waiver. WIRELESS PROVIDER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND SHALL NOT
HAVE THE RIGHT TO RELY ON ANY SUPPOSED WAIVER OR OTHER CHANGE
OR MODIFICATION, WHETHER BY WORD OR CONDUCT OR OTHERWISE, NOT
CONFORMING TO THIS PARAGRAPH.
12. TERMINATION.
40
The following provisions shall apply at the expiration of the term or earlier termination
of each License Agreement and Encroachment Permit:
12.1 Surviving Obligations. Expiration or termination of a License Agreement
or Encroachment Permit does not terminate Wireless Provider's obligations
existing or arising prior to or simultaneous with, or attributable to, the
termination or events leading to or occurring before termination.
12.2 Delivery of Possession. Wireless Provider shall cease using the Use
Areas associated with the expired or terminated License Agreement or
Encroachment Permit. Wireless Provider shall, without demand, peaceably and
quietly quit and deliver up the Use Areas to Town thoroughly cleaned, in good
repair with the Use Areas maintained and repaired and in as good order and
condition, reasonable use and wear excepted, as the Use Areas now are or in
such better condition as the Use Areas may hereafter be placed.
12.3 Confirmation of Termination. Upon expiration or termination of a
License Agreement or Encroachment Permit for any reason, Wireless Provider
shall provide to Town upon demand recordable disclaimers covering the Use
Areas executed and acknowledged by Wireless Provider and by all persons
claiming through this License Agreement, Encroachment Permit or Wireless
Provider any interest in or right to use the Use Areas.
12.4 Removal of Improvements. Wireless Provider shall remove all
Communications Equipment and restore the Use Areas including Utility Pole,
mast arms, luminaires, or wireless support structure to its prior condition, or to a
condition matching Town's surrounding land and improvements, as directed by
Town, at Wireless Provider's expense prior to normal expiration of the term of a
License Agreement or Encroachment Permit; or within sixty (60) days after early
termination of a License Agreement or Encroachment Permit. Without limitation,
such work shall include revegetation and appropriate irrigation systems for
revegetated areas. Notwithstanding anything in the License Agreement and
these Terms to the contrary, Town may elect to require Wireless Provider to
leave any or all construction or other items (except the Communications
Equipment) in place, and all such items shall be owned by Town. Unless Town
directs otherwise, all wiring, pipes and conduits shall be left in good and safe
condition, in working order, with each end properly labeled and enclosed in
proper junction boxes.
12.5 Prior Improvements. This article also applies to any improvements that
Wireless Provider may have made to the Use Areas.
13. INSURANCE.
During the entire term of any License Agreement or Encroachment Permit, Wireless
Provider shall insure its property and activities at and about the Use Areas and shall
provide insurance and indemnification as follows:
41
13.1 Insurance Required. Not later than the date of this License Agreement,
and at all times thereafter when Wireless Provider is occupying or using the Use
Areas in any way, Wireless Provider shall obtain and cause to be in force and
effect the following insurance:
13.1.1 Commercial General Liability. Commercial general liability
insurance with a limit of Ten Million and No/100 Dollars
10,000,000.00) for each occurrence, a limit of Ten Million and
No/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) for products and completed
operations annual aggregate, and a limit of Ten Million and No/100
Dollars ($10,000,000.00) general aggregate limit per policy year.
The policy shall cover liability arising from premises, operations,
independent contractors, products, completed operations, personal
injury, bodily injury, advertising injury, and liability assumed under
an "insured contract" including this License Agreement. The policy
will cover Wireless Provider's liability under the indemnity provisions
set forth in these Terms. The policy shall contain a "separation of
insured's" clause.
13.1.2 Automobile Liability. Automobile liability insurance with a
limit of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for each occurrence
covering any and all owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles
assigned to or used in any way in connection with Wireless
Provider's use of the Right-of-way. Without limitation, such
insurance shall cover hazards of motor vehicle use for loading and
off loading.
13.1.3 Workers' Compensation. Such workers' compensation
and similar insurance as is required by law and employer's liability
insurance with a minimum limit of One Hundred Thousand Dollars
100,000) for each accident, One Hundred Thousand Dollars
100,000) disease for each employee, Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($500,000) policy limit for disease. All contractors and
subcontractors must provide like insurance.
13.1.4 Special Risk Property. Unless waived by Town in writing,
all risk property insurance covering damage to or destruction of all
real and personal improvements to the Right-of-way, including
without limitation, all improvements existing upon the Right-of-way
prior to this License Agreement or hereafter constructed in an
amount equal to full replacement cost of all such improvements.
Such insurance shall be special causes of loss policy form
minimally including perils of fire, lightning, explosion, windstorm,
hail, smoke, aircraft, vehicles, riot, civil commotion, theft, vandalism,
malicious mischief, collapse and flood). Coverage shall include
pollutant clean up and removal with minimum limits coverage of
Fifty-Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00).
42
13.1.5 Other Insurance. Any other insurance Town may
reasonably require for the protection of Town and Town's
employees, officials, representatives, officers and agents (all of
whom, including Town, are collectively "Additional Insureds"), the
Right-of-way, surrounding property, Wireless Provider, or the
activities carried on or about the Right-of-way. Such insurance shall
be limited to insurance a reasonable person owning, leasing,
designing, constructing, occupying, or operating similar facilities
might reasonably purchase.
13.2 Policy Limit Escalation. Town may elect by notice to Wireless Provider
to increase the amount or type of any insurance to account for inflation,
changes in risk, or any other factor that Town reasonably determines to affect
the prudent amount of insurance to be provided.
13.3 Form of All Insurance. All insurance provided by Wireless Provider with
respect to the Right-of-way, whether required in these Terms or not, shall meet
the following requirements:
13.3.1 "Occurrence" coverage is required.
13.3.2 If Wireless Provider uses any excess insurance then such
excess insurance shall be "follow form" equal to or broader in
coverage than the underlying insurance.
0 13.3.3 Policies must also cover and insure Wireless Provider's
activities relating to the business operations and activities
conducted away from the Right-of-way.
13.3.4 Within five (5) business days of receiving a written request
from the Town, Wireless Provider shall provide copies of insurance
certificates, insurance policies, formal endorsements or other
documentation acceptable to Town that all insurance coverage
required herein is provided.
13.3.5 Wireless Provider's insurance shall be primary insurance
with respect to claims arising out of Wireless Provider's operations,
activities and obligations set forth in these Terms.
13.3.6 All policies, including workers' compensation, shall waive
transfer rights of recovery (subrogation) against Town, and the other
Additional Insureds.
13.3.7 All deductibles, retentions, or "self-insured" amounts shall
be subject to the following:
13.3.7.1 Wireless Provider shall be solely responsible
4110 for any self-insurance amount or deductible.
43
13.3.7.2 Such amounts shall not exceed in total One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) per loss. At
such times as Wireless Provider's net worth is more
than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00),
such limit shall be One Million and No/100 Dollars
1,000,000.00).
13.3.7.3 Any self-insured exposure shall be deemed
to be an insured risk under this License Agreement.
13.3.7.4 Wireless Provider shall provide to the
beneficiaries of all such amounts no less insurance
protection than if such self-insured portion was fully
insured by an insurance company of the quality and
caliber required hereunder.
13.3.7.5 The right to self-insure is limited and specific
to Wireless Provider and does not extend to Wireless
Provider's contractors or others.
13.3.8 All policies except workers' compensation must name
Town and the other Additional Insureds as additional insureds.
Wireless Provider shall cause coverage for Additional Insureds to
be incorporated into each insurance policy by endorsement with
respect to claims arising out of Wireless Provider's operations,
activities and obligations under the License Agreement.
13.3.9 All policies must require the insurer to provide Town with
at least thirty (30) days' prior notice of any cancellation. The
insurer's duty to notify Town of changes in coverage shall not
include phrases such as "endeavor to" or "but failure to mail such
notice shall impose no obligation or liability of any kind upon the
company, its agents or representatives."
13.3.10 All policies shall require that notices be given to Town in
the manner specified for notices to Town set forth in the License
Agreement and these Terms.
13.4 Insurance Certificates. Wireless Provider shall evidence all insurance
by furnishing to Town certificates of insurance annually and with each change in
insurance coverage. Certificates must evidence that the policy described by the
certificate is in full force and effect and that the policy satisfies each requirement
of these Terms applicable to the policy. For example, certificates must evidence
that Town and the other Additional Insureds are additional insureds. Certificates
must also be in an industry standard form reasonably acceptable to Town.
Wireless Provider shall provide updated certificates at Town's request.
13.5 Acceptable Insurers. All insurance policies shall be issued by insurers
acceptable to Town. At a minimum, all insurers shall be duly licensed (or
44
qualified unlicensed non-admitted insurer) by the State of Arizona, Department
of Insurance. At a minimum, all insurers shall have and maintain an A.M. Best,
Inc. rating of B++ 6.
13.6 No Representation of Coverage Adequacy. By requiring insurance
herein, Town does not represent that coverage and limits will be adequate to
protect Wireless Provider. Town reserves the right to review any and all of the
insurance policies and/or endorsements cited in these Terms but has no
obligation to do so. Failure to demand such evidence of full compliance with the
insurance requirements set forth in these Terms or failure to identify any
insurance deficiency shall not relieve Wireless Provider from, nor be construed
or deemed a waiver of, Wireless Provider's obligation to maintain the required
insurance at all times.
13.7 Risk of Loss. Wireless Provider assumes the risk of any and all loss,
damage or claims related to Wireless Provider's use of the Right-of-way or other
property of Town, Wireless Provider or third parties throughout the term of any
License Agreement or Encroachment Permit. Wireless Provider shall be
responsible for any and all damage to its property and equipment related to the
License Agreement or Encroachment Permit.
13.8 Insurance to be Provided by Others. Wireless Provider shall cause its
contractors or other persons occupying, working on or about, or using the Right-
of-way pursuant to these Terms to be covered by their own or Wireless
1110 Provider's insurance as required by these Terms. The required policy limits for
commercial general liability insurance provided by such persons shall be One
Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for each occurrence, One Million Dollars
1,000,000) for products and completed operations annual aggregate, and Two
Million Dollars ($2,000,000) general aggregate limit per policy year. This
paragraph does not apply to persons who do not actually perform physical labor
in the Right-of-way (such as Wireless Provider's consulting design engineers).
14. INDEMNITY.
In addition to all other indemnities and other obligations hereunder, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, throughout the term of any License Agreement or
Encroachment Permit and until all obligations and performances under or related to
the License Agreement (including these Terms) are satisfied and all matters
described in this Paragraph are completely resolved, Wireless Provider and all other
persons using, acting, working or claiming through or for Wireless Provider (if they or
their subcontractor, employee or other person or entity hired or directed by them
participated in any way in causing the claim in question) shall jointly and severally
indemnify, defend and hold harmless Town and all other Additional Insureds for, from
and against any and all claims or harm related to Wireless Provider's use of the Right-
of-way or the rights granted to Wireless Provider with respect to the Right-of-way or
Wireless Provider's exercise of its rights under these Terms (the "Indemnity"). Without
I limitation, the Indemnity shall include and apply to any and all allegations, demands,
judgments, assessments, taxes, impositions, expenses, proceedings, liabilities,
45
obligations, suits, actions, claims (including without limitation claims of personal injury,
bodily injury, sickness, disease, death, property damage, destruction, loss of use,
financial harm, or other impairment), damages, losses, expenses, penalties, fines or
other matters (together with all attorney fees, court costs, and the cost of appellate
proceedings and all other costs and expenses of litigation or resolving the claim) that
may arise in any manner out of any use of the Right-of-way or other property pursuant
to any License Agreement or Encroachment Permit or any actions, acts, errors,
mistakes or omissions relating to work or services in the performance of or related to
the License Agreement, including without limitation any injury or damages or cause of
action claimed or caused by any employees, contractors, subcontractors, tenants,
subtenants, agents or other persons upon or using the Right-of-way or surrounding
areas related to Wireless Provider's exercise of its rights under this License
Agreement, including without limitation, claims, liability, harm or damages caused in
part by Town or any other Additional Insured or anyone for whose mistakes, errors,
omissions or negligence Wireless Provider or Town may be liable (collectively,
Claims"). As a condition to Town's approval of any License Agreement or
Encroachment Permit, Wireless Provider specifically agrees that to the extent any
provision of this paragraph is not fully enforceable against Wireless Provider for any
reason whatsoever, this Paragraph shall be deemed automatically reformed to the
minimal extent necessary to cause it to be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted
by law. The Indemnity shall also include and apply to any environmental injury,
personal injury or other liability relating to Wireless Provider's use of real property
under the License Agreement or any Encroachment Permits. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Indemnity does not apply to Claims arising only from the sole gross
negligence or intentionally wrongful acts of Town or to Claims that the law prohibits
from being imposed upon the indemnitor.
15. CONDEMNATION.
The following shall govern any condemnation of any part of or interest in the Use
Areas and any conveyance to Town or another condemnor in avoidance or settlement
of condemnation or a threat of condemnation:
15.1 Termination for Condemnation. The Encroachment Permit for the Use
Area shall terminate on the date (the "Condemnation Date") that is the earlier of
the date title vests in the condemnor, or the date upon which the condemnor is
let into possession. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Town reasonably
determines that the Use Areas continue to be suitable for Wireless Provider to
conduct the Permitted Uses, Town may elect to cause the Encroachment Permit
to continue to remain in effect as to the part of the Use Areas not taken and the
Use Fee shall not be reduced or abated. Nevertheless, if Wireless Provider
reasonably determines that the Use Areas are not suitable for Wireless Provider
to conduct the Permitted Uses, then the Encroachment Permit shall terminate.
15.2 Condemnation Proceeds. Wireless Provider hereby assigns and
transfers to Town Wireless Provider's entire interest in all condemnation
damages, interest, severance damages, and any other payments or proceeds of
any kind relating to the condemnation (collectively the "Condemnation
46
Proceeds"). Wireless Provider shall execute and deliver to Town assignments or
other instruments requested by Town confirming such assignment and transfer.
Wireless Provider shall immediately pay to Town any Condemnation Proceeds
Wireless Provider may receive. The Condemnation Proceeds shall not include
relocation benefits, if any, awarded specifically to Wireless Provider to cover
expenses of relocating Wireless Provider's business located at the Use Areas at
the time of the condemnation, or any compensation specifically awarded to
Wireless Provider for any taking of the Communications Equipment itself. Any
repair, relocation or similar costs relating to the Communications Equipment
shall be borne by Wireless Provider.
15.3 Power to Condemn. Wireless Provider acknowledges that Town and
others from time-to-time may use the power to condemn the Use Areas or any
interest therein or rights thereto. Town has not relinquished any right of
condemnation or eminent domain over the Use Areas. Town does not warrant
that Town will not condemn the Use Areas during the term of this License
Agreement, but Town does not presently have intentions to condemn the Use
Areas.
16. DAMAGE TO OR DESTRUCTION OF USE AREAS.
The following provisions shall govern damage to or destruction of the Use Areas by fire,
flood, explosion, the elements, the public enemy, or other casualty (collectively "Casualty
Damage"):
16.1 Damage to Wireless Provider's Improvements. Wireless Provider shall
commence restoring the Casualty Damage to Wireless Provider's
Improvements within thirty (30) days after any Casualty Damage occurs.
Wireless Provider shall complete the restoration work within thirty (30) days
after commencement. Such work shall be subject to the plans approval process
and all other requirements for Wireless Provider's Improvements. Wireless
Provider shall perform all restoration work at Wireless Provider's sole cost and
expense.
16.2 Monthly Restoration Work Report. Wireless Provider shall provide to
Town no later than the tenth day of each month a written narrative report of the
progress of the restoration work.
17. WIRELESS PROVIDER'S RECORDS.
During the entire term of any License Agreement, Wireless Provider shall keep
records and provide information to Town as follows:
17.1 Scope of Information. Unless otherwise specified, all of Wireless Provider's
recordkeeping and disclosure obligations under this article are limited to the
following (collectively the "Covered Information"):
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17.1.1 The status of the construction, repair or restoration of
Wireless Provider Improvements.
17.1.2 Information indicating whether Town or Wireless Provider is
in compliance with the terms herein.
17.2 Records Inspection. At Wireless Provider's expense, Wireless Provider
shall:
17.2.1 Permit and assist Town and its representatives upon twenty-
one (21) days' notice to inspect, audit, and copy Wireless Provider's
records of Covered Information.
17.2.2 Make the records of Covered Information (and reasonable
accommodations for Town's audit and inspection) available to Town
at Wireless Provider's offices in Maricopa County, Arizona.
17.2.3 Cause Wireless Provider's employees and agents and
accountants to give their full cooperation and assistance in connection
with Town's access to the Covered Information.
17.3 Record Retention. Wireless Provider shall preserve records of the
Covered Information in a secure place at Wireless Provider's corporate
headquarters in the continental United States for a period ending seven (7) years
0 after the time period reported by the records.
17.4 Record Media Included. Town's and Wireless Provider's rights and
obligations regarding the Covered Information apply regardless of the type of
media, materials, or data repositories that may contain the Covered Information.
Town shall have access to Covered Information contained, without limitation, in
records, books, papers, documents, recordings, computer data, contracts, logs,
notes, ledgers, correspondence, reports, drawings, and memoranda, and any and
all other sources, records and repositories of Covered Information.
17.5 Reports. Wireless Provider shall deliver to Town written reports (and, if
requested by Town, a presentation to Town's governing council or designee)
covering such Covered Information as Town may request from time to time.
17.6 Standards for Records. Wireless Provider shall maintain a standard,
modern system of record keeping for the Covered Information and shall keep and
maintain proper and accurate books and other repositories of information relating
to the Covered Information.
18. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
Wireless Provider shall perform its obligations under the License Agreement
including these Terms ) and any Encroachment Permit in accordance with all federal,
state, county and local laws, ordinances, regulations or other rules or policies as are
48
now in effect or as may hereafter be adopted or amended. Without limiting in any way
the generality of the foregoing, Wireless Provider shall comply with all and each of the
following:
18.1 Applicability of Municipal Law. Without limitation, Wireless Provider
shall comply with municipal laws as follows:
18.1.1 Wireless Provider acknowledges nothing set forth herein
or by approval of a License Agreement or issuance of an
Encroachment Permit constitutes, and Town has not promised or
offered, any type of waiver of, or agreement to waive (or show any
type of forbearance, priority or favoritism to Wireless Provider with
regard to) any law, ordinance, power, regulation, tax, assessment or
other legal requirement now or hereafter imposed by the Town of
Fountain Hills or any other governmental body upon or affecting
Wireless Provider, the Use Areas, or the Street Parcel or Wireless
Provider's use of the Use Areas, the Street Parcel or the Right-of-
way.
18.1.2 All of Wireless Provider's obligations hereunder are in
addition to, and cumulative upon (and not to any extent in
substitution or satisfaction of), all existing or future laws and
regulations applicable to Wireless Provider.
18.1.3 Town by approving this License Agreement or any
Encroachment Permit cannot, and has not, relinquished or limited
any right of condemnation or eminent domain over the Right-of-way
or any other property related to the License Agreement or
Encroachment Permit, or within the Right-of-way.
18.1.4 The approval of this License Agreement or issuance of any
Encroachment Permit cannot and does not impair Town's, power to
enact, apply or enforce any laws or regulations, or exercise any
governmental powers affecting in any way Wireless Provider, the
Use Areas, the Street Parcel, or the Right-of-way.
18.1.5 Town's rights and remedies under this License Agreement
and any Encroachment Permit for Wireless Provider's failure to
comply with all applicable laws supplement and are in addition to
and do not replace otherwise existing powers of the Town of
Fountain Hills or any other governmental body.
18.1.6 Wireless Provider's rights under this License Agreement
and any Encroachment Permit are further subject to all present and
future building restrictions, regulations, zoning laws, and all
ordinances, resolutions, rules and orders of all bodies, bureaus,
commissions and bodies of any municipal, county, state, or federal
authority, now or hereafter having jurisdiction over the Use Areas or
49
Wireless Provider's use thereof. Wireless Provider shall comply with
all of the foregoing.
18.2 Radio Frequency Compliance Requirements. Wireless Provider shall
document, report and confirm its compliance with Federal Communications
Commission ("FCC") Radio Frequency Exposure Guidelines (FCC OET Bulletin
65) and all other applicable radio frequency emissions laws and regulations in
effect from time to time (collectively, the "FCC Rules") as follows:
18.2.1 Wireless Provider shall cause its senior internal engineer
responsible for compliance with the FCC Rules to deliver to Town a
written letter (the "RE Letter"), as follows:
18.2.1.1 The RF Letter shall attest that Wireless
Provider's operation of the Communications Equipment
is in compliance with the FCC Rules. A statement from
Wireless Provider declaring exemption from reporting to
FCC is not acceptable to comply with the requirements
of this paragraph.
18.2.2 Wireless Provider shall maintain records of radio
frequency measurements and Communications Equipment
performance in accordance with the FCC Rules.
18.2.3 Wireless Provider shall also evidence and demonstrate its
compliance with the FCC Rules in such manner and at such
intervals as the Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance and other
applicable laws and regulations may mandate.
18.3 Use Area Regulations. Town reserves the right to adopt, amend and
enforce against Wireless Provider rules and regulations governing the operation
of the Street Parcel, including the Use Areas, Wireless Provider's activities
therein and thereon, and the public areas and facilities used by Wireless
Provider in connection therewith.
18.4 Taxes, Liens and Assessments. In addition to all other amounts herein
provided and to the extent consistent with applicable law, Wireless Provider
shall pay, when the same become due and payable, all taxes and general and
special fees, charges and assessments of every description that during the term
of any License Agreement or Encroachment Permit may be levied upon or
assessed upon or with respect to Wireless Provider's use of the Right-of-way,
the operations conducted therein, any amounts paid or other performances
required by these Terms by either party, and all possessory interest in the
Right-of-way and Wireless Provider's improvements and other property thereon.
Wireless Provider shall pay, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Town from
any and all such obligations, including any interest, penalties and other
expenses which may be imposed, and from any lien therefor or sale or other
proceedings to enforce payment thereof.
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18.5 Permits. Nothing in these Terms relieves Wireless Provider of the
obligation to obtain permits, licenses and other approvals from Town or other
units of government that are required for the erection, construction,
reconstruction, installation, operation or maintenance of the Communications
Equipment or provision of telecommunications services; or from compliance
with applicable municipal codes, ordinances, laws and policies, such as zoning
and land use ordinances and regulations, pavement cut and restoration
ordinances and regulations, subdivision and project improvement ordinances,
curb cut permits, building permits, Right-of-way permits, encroachment permits,
traffic control permits and the like.
19. ASSIGNABILITY.
The License Agreement or Encroachment Permit(s) are not assignable by Wireless
Provider (and any assignment shall be void and vest no rights in the purported
assignee) unless the assignment is made in strict compliance with the following:
19.1 Assignments Affected. Every assignment of any of Wireless Provider's
interest in the Right-of-way, the License Agreement, Encroachment Permit(s) or
these Terms or any of Wireless Provider's rights or interests hereunder is
prohibited unless Wireless Provider first receives from Town notice of Town's
consent to the assignment, where Town's consent to such assignment not to be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed. All references in these Terms
to assignments by Wireless Provider or to assignees shall be deemed also to
apply to all of the following transactions, circumstances and conditions and to all
persons claiming pursuant to such transactions, circumstances and conditions:
19.1.1 Any voluntary or involuntary assignment, conveyance or
transfer of Wireless Provider's right to use the Right-of-way under
this License Agreement or any interest or rights of Town under this
License Agreement, in whole or in part.
19.1.2 Any voluntary or involuntary pledge, lien, mortgage,
security interest, judgment, claim or demand, whether arising from
any contract, any agreement, any work of construction, repair,
restoration, maintenance or removal, or otherwise affecting Wireless
Provider's rights to use the Right-of-way (collectively "Liens").
19.1.3 Any assignment by Wireless Provider of any interest in the
License Agreement or Encroachment Permit(s) for the benefit of
creditors, voluntary or involuntary.
19.1.4 A Wireless Provider Insolvency.
19.1.5 The occurrence of any of the foregoing by operation of law
or otherwise.
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19.1.6 The occurrence of any of the foregoing with respect to any
assignee or other successor to Wireless Provider.
19.2 Pre-approved Assignments. Subject to certain conditions hereafter
stated, Town hereby consents to certain assignments (the "Pre-approved
Assignments"). Only the following assignments are Pre-approved Assignments:
19.2.1 Complete Assignment of License Agreement and
Encroachment Permits. Wireless Provider's complete assignment
of all of Wireless Provider's rights and Interests in the Right-of-way,
the approved License Agreement and all Encroachment Permits to
a single assignee who meets all of the following requirements, as
determined by Town in Town's reasonable discretion (a "Qualified
Operator"):
19.2.1.1 The assignee has experience, management,
credit standing and financial capacity and other
resources equal to or greater than Wireless Provider's
and adequate to successfully perform the obligations set
forth herein.
19.2.1.2 The assignee is experienced in the
management and operation of similar projects.
ID 19.2.1.3 The assignee assumes all of Wireless
Provider's obligations herein.
19.2.1.4 The assignee has a net worth of not less
than Fifty Million and No/100 Dollars ($50,000,000.00).
19.2.2 Stock Transfers. The transfer of publicly traded stock,
regardless of quantity.
19.2.3 Merger. The merger or consolidation of Wireless Provider
with another entity that is a Qualified Operator.
19.2.4 Common Ownership Transfer. Wireless Provider's
complete assignment of all of Wireless Provider's rights and
interests in the Right-of-way, the approved License Agreement and
Encroachment Permits to single assignee who is and remains a
wholly owned subsidiary of Wireless Provider's sole owner as of the
date of the License Agreement (or a wholly owned subsidiary of a
wholly owned subsidiary of Wireless Provider's sole owner as of the
date of the License Agreement).
19.3 Limitations on Assignments. Town's consent to any assignment,
including without limitation, Pre-approved Assignments, is not effective until the
kV following conditions are satisfied:
52
19.3.1 Except for the sale of stock, Wireless Provider shall
provide to Town a complete copy of the document assigning its
interests, or other such documentation acceptable to the Town.
19.3.2 Each assignee must execute an assumption of the License
Agreements and/or the Encroachment Permits in form acceptable to
Town.
19.3.3 Each Pre-approved Assignment must satisfy all other
requirements of these Terms pertaining to assignments.
19.4 Assignment Remedies. Any assignment without Town's consent shall
be void and shall not result in the assignee obtaining any rights or interests.
Town may, in its sole discretion and in addition to all other remedies available to
Town under these Terms or otherwise, and in any combination, terminate any
and all of the License Agreement and Encroachment Permits, collect Use Fees
from the assignee and/or declare the assignment to be void, all without
prejudicing any other right or remedy of Town under these Terms. No cure or
grace periods shall apply to assignments prohibited under these Terms or to
enforcement of any provision under these Terms against an assignee who did
not receive Town's consent.
19.5 Effect of Assignment. Prior to any effective assignment, each assignee
must execute an assumption of each License Agreement and Encroachment
IP Permit in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "C." No action or inaction by Town
shall be deemed a waiver of the prohibition on assignments or any other
provision herein, or the acceptance of the assignee, Wireless Provider or
occupant as Wireless Provider, or a release of Wireless Provider from the
further performance by Wireless Provider of the provisions of these Terms.
Consent by Town to an assignment shall not relieve Wireless Provider from
obtaining Town's consent to any further assignment. No assignment shall
release Wireless Provider from any liability hereunder.
19.6 Enforceability after Assignment. No consent by Town shall be deemed
to be a novation. Town's consent to any assignment does not in any way
expand or modify the terms set forth in these Terms or waive, diminish or
modify any of Town's rights or remedies under the License Agreement or any
Encroachment Permit. The terms set forth in these Terms shall be enforceable
against Wireless Provider and each successor, partial or total, and regardless of
the method of succession, to Wireless Provider's interest hereunder. Each
successor having actual or constructive notice of the License Agreement, these
Terms or any Encroachment Permit shall be deemed to have agreed to the
preceding sentence.
19.7 Grounds for Refusal. Except for the Preapproved Assignments, no
assignment of the License Agreement or any Encroachment Permit by Wireless
Provider is contemplated or bargained for. Without limitation, Town has the right
IPto impose upon any consent to assignment such conditions and requirements
as Town may deem appropriate.
53
19.8 Consent to Assignments. Wireless Provider shall attach to each Pre-
approved Assignment a copy of Wireless Provider's notice to Town of the Pre-
approved Assignment and other required documents. Wireless Provider shall
attach to each other assignment, a copy of Town's notice to Wireless Provider
of Town's consent to the assignment. These Terms shall continue to be
enforceable according to its terms in spite of any provisions of any documents
relating to an assignment.
19.9 Assignment Fee. Wireless Provider shall pay to Town in advance the
sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) as a nonrefundable fee for legal,
administrative and other expenses related to every Pre-approved Assignment
other than the sale of publicly traded stock) or to any request for a consent to
assignment, whether or not Town grants such request.
20. MISCELLANEOUS.
The following additional provisions apply to these Terms:
20.1 Amendments. These Terms may not be amended except by a formal
writing executed by all of the parties.
20.2 Dates. Any reference to a year shall refer to a calendar year unless a
fiscal year is specifically stated. Sunday, Saturday and Arizona legal holidays
are holidays for purposes of the License Agreement and issued Encroachment
Permits.
20.3 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of
the License Agreement and issued Encroachment Permits.
20.4 Severability. If any provision of these Terms shall be ruled by a court or
agency of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason,
then:
20.2.1 The invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not
affect the validity of any remaining provisions of these Terms.
20.2.2 These Terms shall be automatically reformed to secure to
the parties the benefits of the unenforceable provision, to the
maximum extent consistent with law.
20.5 Conflicts of Interest. No officer, representative or employee of Town
shall have any direct or indirect interest in the License Agreement or any
Encroachment Permit, nor participate in any decision relating to the License
Agreement or any Encroachment Permit that is prohibited by law.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-511, the Town of
Fountain Hills may cancel the License Agreement or any Encroachment Permit,
without penalty or further obligation, if any person significantly involved in
54
initiating, negotiating, securing, drafting or creating the License Agreement or
associated Encroachment Permits on behalf of the Town is, at any time while
the License Agreement or Encroachment Permits is in effect, or any extension
thereof, an employee, agent or consultant to Wireless Provider in any capacity.
20.6 No Partnership. The transactions and performances contemplated
hereby shall not create any sort of partnership, joint venture or similar
relationship between the parties.
20.7 Nonliability of Officials and Employees. No official, representative or
employee of Town shall be personally liable to any party, or to any successor in
interest to any party, in the event of any default or breach by Town or for any
amount which may become due to any party or successor, or with respect to
any obligation of Town or otherwise under the terms of any License Agreement
or related to any License Agreement or Encroachment Permit.
20.8 Notices. Notices hereunder shall be given in writing delivered to the
other party or mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid or a national overnight express courier (such as Federal
Express or UPS) to the addresses set forth in the License Agreement and to the
Town as follows:
If to Town: Town of Fountain Hills
16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains
II Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Attn: Town Manager
Copy to: Town of Fountain Hills
16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Attn: Development Services Director
0
55
Town of Fountain Hills
0 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Attn: Town Attorney
By notice from time to time, a person may designate any other street address
within Maricopa County, Arizona as its address for giving notice hereunder.
Service of any notice (i) if by registered or certified ail shall be deemed to be
complete three (3) days (excluding Fridays, Saturday, Sunday and legal
holidays) after the notice is deposited in the United States mail or (ii) if by
overnight courier upon receipt.
20.9 Construction. Whenever the context of these Terms requires herein the
singular shall include the plural, and the masculine shall include the feminine.
20.10 Funding. This subparagraph shall control notwithstanding any provision
of the License Agreement or any exhibit or other agreement or document
related hereto. If funds necessary to fulfill Town's obligations under the License
Agreement or any Encroachment Permit are not appropriated by the Town of
Fountain Hills Town Council, Town may terminate the License Agreement or
any Encroachment Permit, by notice to Wireless Provider. Town shall use best
efforts to give notice of such a termination to Wireless Provider at least thirty
30) days prior to the end of Town's then current fiscal period. Termination in
accordance with this provision shall not constitute a breach of the License
Agreement or Encroachment Permit byTown. No person will be entitled to any
compensation, damages or other remedy from Town if the License Agreement
or any Encroachment Permit is terminated pursuant to the terms of this
subsection.
20.11 Paragraph Headings. The paragraph headings contained herein are for
convenience in reference and not intended to define or limit the scope of any
provision of the License Agreement.
20.12 No Third Party Beneficiaries. No person or entity shall be a third party
beneficiary to the License Agreement or shall have any right or cause of action
hereunder. Town shall have no liability to third parties for any approval of plans,
Wireless Provider's construction of improvements, Wireless Provider's
negligence, Wireless Provider's failure to comply with the provisions of these
Terms (including any absence or inadequacy of insurance required to be carried
by Wireless Provider).
20.13 Exhibits. All Exhibits specifically stated to be attached hereto as
specified herein are hereby incorporated into and made an integral part of the
License Agreement for all purposes.
20.14 Attorneys' Fees. If any action, suit or proceeding is brought by either
0 party hereunder to enforce the License Agreement or any issued Encroachment
Permit or for failure to observe any of the covenants of the License Agreement,
56
these Terms or any issued Encroachment Permit, or to vindicate or exercise
any rights or remedies hereunder, the prevailing party in such proceeding shall
be entitled to recover from the other party such prevailing party's reasonable
attorneys' fees and other reasonable litigation costs (as determined by the court
and not a jury) in such proceeding).
20.15 Approvals and Inspections. All approvals, reviews and inspections by
Town are for Town's sole benefit and not for the benefit of Wireless Provider, its
contractors, engineers or other consultants or agents, or any other person.
20.16 Legal Workers. If and to the extent A.R.S. § 41-4401 is applicable,
Wireless Provider shall comply with laws regarding workers as follows:
20.16.1 Wireless Provider warrants to Town that Wireless Provider
and all its subcontractors will comply with all federal immigration
laws and regulations that relate to their employees and that
Wireless Provider and all its subcontractors now comply with the E-
Verify Program under A.R.S. § 23-214(A).
20.16.2 A breach of the foregoing warranty by Wireless Provider
shall be deemed a material breach of the License Agreement and
any issued Encroachment Permit that is subject to penalties up to
and including termination of this License Agreement and any issued
Encroachment Permits.
20.16.3 Town retains the legal right to inspect the papers of any
employee of Wireless Provider or any subcontractor who works on a
Use Area pursuant to License Agreement and any Encroachment
Permit to ensure that they or the subcontractor is complying with the
warranty given above.
20.16.4 Town may conduct random verification of Wireless
Provider's and its subcontractors' employment records to ensure
compliance with the warranty given above.
20.16.5 Wireless Provider shall indemnify, defend and hold Town
harmless for, from and against all losses and liabilities arising from
any and all violations of the warranty given above.
57
EXHIBIT A
le TOWN'S DESIGN GUIDELINES]
See following pages
58
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that tio0i
2018
Town of Fountain Hills
Small Wireless Facilities in the Right-of-Way
Design Standards & Guidelines
59
Town of Fountain Hills
Design Standards, Concepts and Requirements
Small Wireless Facilities in the Right-of-Way
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 60
Definitions 62
Small Wireless Facility on Existing Streetlight 65
Small Wireless Facility on Traffic Signal Pole 68
Small Wireless Facility on Existing Utility Pole 71
Common Standard Design Concepts, Requirements and Details 76
Town of Fountain Hills Contacts 83
Exhibit Al
Calculation Points for Height of an Existing Streetlight with Separated Luminaire Mast Arm ..... 84
Exhibit A2
Calculation Points for Height of an Existing Streetlight with Integrated Luminaire Mast Arm 85
IL Exhibit B
Calculation Points for Height of Existing Traffic Signal Pole 86
Exhibit C
Dog House— Cable Transition from Underground to Electric Utility Pole 87
Exhibit D1
Antenna Shrouds—45 Degrees 88
Exhibit D2
Antenna Shrouds —90 Degrees 89
Exhibit D3
Unacceptable Visible Cables 90
Exhibit El
Examples of Electrical Meter Pedestals—"Myers" or"Milbank" Style 91
Exhibit E2
Ground Equipment Screening Examples 92
Exhibit E2
Ground Equipment Screening Examples (continued) 93
Exhibit F
Cannister Antenna 94
60
Exhibit G
Larsen Camouflage Examples 95
411
61
Definitions
Standard Design Requirements for Small Wireless Facility
Antenna" means communications equipment that transmits or receives
electromagnetic radio frequency signals and that is used in providing wireless services.
Antenna Mounting Bracket" means the hardware required to secure the antenna to
the pole.
Antenna Mounting Post" means the vertical post or pipe that the antenna mounting
bracket is mounted to in order for the antenna to be attached to the pole.
Antenna Shroud" means the three-sided cover that is mounted at the base of the
antenna to conceal the appearance of the cables and wires from the hand-hole port
on the pole to the bottom-fed antenna.
Canister Antenna" means the canister or cylinder style housing used to conceal the
antenna(s), amplifier(s), radio(s), cables, and wires at the top of a pole.
Communications Equipment" means any and all electronic equipment at the Small
Wireless Facility location that processes and transports information from the antennas
to the Wireless Provider's network.
1w• Dog House" means the plastic or metal attachment to the base of a pole that covers
the transition point of underground cables and wires to the vertical section of the
pole.
Ground Mounted Equipment" means any communications equipment that is
mounted to a separate post or to a foundation on the ground.
Light Emitting Diode" also referred to as "LED" is a type of lighting fixture installed
on Town streetlight and traffic signal poles.
Light Fixture" means the lighting unit or luminaire that provides lighting during the
evening hours or during the hours of darkness.
Luminaire Mast Arm" means the horizontal post that attaches the light fixture to the
streetlight pole or traffic signal pole.
Omni-directional Antenna" also referred to as an "omni antenna" this antenna is
round in shape, like a pipe, and may be about one (1) inch diameter up to about six
6) inches diameter.
Outside Diameter" also referred to as "OD" means the points of measurement,
using the outer edges of a pole, pipe or cylinder.
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Panel Antenna" means the style of antenna that is rectangular in shape and with
dimensions that are generally four (4) feet to eight (8) feet in height, by eight (8)
inches to twelve (12) inches wide, and four (4) inches to nine (9) inches deep.
Remote Radio Heads (RRH) / Remote Radio Units (RRU)" means the electronic
devices that are used to amplify radio signals so that there is increased performance
farther distance) of the outgoing radio signal from the antenna.
Right-of-way" as defined for wireless sites in A.R.S. §9-591(18) means the area on,
below or above a public roadway, highway, street, sidewalk, alley, or utility easement.
Right-of-way does not include a Federal Interstate Highway, a state highway or state
route under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, a private easement,
property that is owned by a special taxing district, or a utility easement that does not
authorize the deployment sought by the wireless provider.
Sight Distance Easements" means the area of land adjacent to an intersection,
driveway or roadway that has restrictive uses in order to preserve the view of
oncoming or crossing vehicular and pedestrian traffic by drivers in vehicles
attempting to merge with traffic or enter a roadway.
Sight Visibility Triangles" means the traffic engineering and safety concept that
requires clear view by the driver of a vehicle to crossing traffic at a stop sign,
driveway or intersection. In order to achieve clear visibility of the cross traffic, the
land areas in the sight visibility triangle has specific maximum heights on
landscaping, cabinets, and other potential view obstructions.
Signal Head" means the "Red, Yellow and Green" light signals at a signal-controlled
intersection.
Signal Head Mast Arm" means the horizontal pole that has the signal heads
mounted to it and attaches to the traffic signal pole.
Small Wireless Facility" as defined in A.R.S. 9-591(19), means a Wireless Facility that
meets both of the following qualifications:
a) All antennas are located inside an enclosure of not more than six (6) cubic feet
in volume or, in the case of an antenna, that has exposed elements, the antenna
and all of the antenna's exposed elements could fit within an imaginary enclosure of
not more than six (6) cubic feet in volume.
b) All other wireless equipment associated with the facility is cumulatively not
more than twenty-eight (28) cubic feet in volume, or fifty (50) cubic feet in volume if
the equipment was ground mounted before the effective date of this section. The
following types of associated ancillary equipment are not included in the calculation
of equipment volume pursuant to this subdivision:
i) An electric meter.
ii) Concealment elements.
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iii)A telecommunications demarcation box.
0 iv)Grounding equipment.
v) A power transfer switch.
vi)A cutoff switch.
vii) Vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services.
Stealth and Concealment Elements" means the use of shrouds, decorative
elements, design concepts and faux elements so that a small wireless facility can be
designed to blend in with the surrounding streetscape with minimal to any visual
impact.
Utility Pole" as defined in A.R.S. §9-591(21) means a pole or similar structure that is
used in whole or in part for communications services, electric distribution, lighting or
traffic signals. Utility pole does not include a monopole.
0
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411. Town of Fountain Hills
Standard Design Requirements
Small Wireless Facility on Existing Streetlight
The following design standards shall apply, in addition to the Common Standards
Design Concepts, Requirements and Details that is included in this document, to a
Small Wireless Facility (SWF) proposed for a location with an existing Town-owned or
third party-owned streetlight in the Town of Fountain Hills Right-of-way (ROW). These
design standards are not exhaustive and the Town, as the owner, keeper and manager
of the ROW retains the right to modify or adjust the requirements on a case-by-case
basis.
A. Pole Criteria:
1. Purpose of Streetlight Pole: The primary purpose of the pole shall remain as
a pole structure supporting a streetlight luminaire and related streetlight
fixtures used to provide lighting to the Town ROW. The attachment of
wireless equipment to an existing streetlight pole or to a replacement pole
that impedes this primary purpose will not be approved.
2. General Requirement:
a) An SWF shall be designed to blend in with the surrounding streetscape with
minimal to any visual impact.
b) A replacement pole shall match the Town of Fountain Hills standard
streetlight pole for the location in which it is installed, as closely as possible,
subject to more specific criteria below.
c) As specified in Section 6.14 of the Town of Fountain Hills's Wireless Facilities
Standard Terms and Conditions, for each individual pole type or style used to
support the wireless equipment, one spare replacement pole shall be
provided by the wireless provider to Town in advance so the pole can be
replaced promptly in case of a knockdown.
d) All plans shall be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in
the State of Arizona.
e) All other details in the Town of Fountain Hills street light design standards
shall apply.
3. Specific Criteria:
a) New or Replacement Pole Height
A new or replacement pole may be installed without zoning review if one of
the two height requirements is met:
1) Up to a ten (10) foot increase, not to exceed fifty (50) feet total (whichever
is less), subject to the additional limitations in A.R.S. §9-592(I); or
2) Up to forty (40) feet above ground level, per A.R.S.§9-592(J).
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b) Overall Height of Replacement Pole
1) The "base" height of an existing streetlight pole shall be the height of the
vertical pole section from the existing grade. The height of the luminaire
mast arm, if higher than the vertical pole section, shall not be used to
determine the new overall height of the replacement pole.
2) If the antennas are the highest vertical element of the site, then the new
overall height of the replacement pole is measured from the existing grade
to the top of the canister, top of the omni-directional antenna, or the top of
the panel antenna.
c) Increase in Outside Diameter (OD) of Pole
The non-tapered replacement pole outside diameter (OD) of the base section
shall be equal to the top section, and the OD shall not exceed eight and five-
eights (8-5/8) inches (the pole manufacturing industry standard OD for an 8
inch diameter pole) or a 100% increase in diameter of the original pole,
whichever is less.
d) Luminaire Mast Arms
1) All luminaire mast arms shall be the same length as the original luminaire
arm, unless the Town requires the mast arm to be different (longer or
shorter) based upon the location of the replacement pole.
2) Unless otherwise approved, all luminaire mast arms shall match the arc (if
applicable) and style of the original luminaire arm.
3) The replacement luminaire mast arm shall be at the same height above
the ground as the existing luminaire.
e) Luminaire Fixtures
1) All replacement poles shall have the Town standard light-emitting diode
LED) light fixture installed.
2) All replacement light fixtures shall have a new Town standard photo-cell or
sensor provided by the wireless provider.
f) Pole Foundation
1) All pole foundations shall conform to the Town's adopted standards and
specifications on streetlight design and shall be modified for wireless
communications equipment and cables.
2) The Town, in its sole discretion, may require the pole foundation design to
be "worst case" for all soil conditions.
3) A separate, one-inch diameter conduit shall be installed in the pole
foundation for the Town's luminaire wire and any additional Town wires or
cables. The Town's conduit shall be trimmed to three (3) inches above
411, the top of the pole foundation.
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4) The height of the pole foundation shall be two (2) inches above finished
410 grade. If the pole foundation encroaches into any portion of the sidewalk,
then the pole foundation shall be flush with the sidewalk.
5) Shrouds for the streetlight pole mounting bolts may be required for the
replacement pole.
g) Painting of Replacement Pole
1) If the replacement pole is an unpainted galvanized pole, the pole shall not
be painted or have a finish unless otherwise specified by the Town.
2) For powder coated type poles, the wireless provider shall replace with
same powder coated color and/or color combination per Town of Fountain
Hills street light design standards or as otherwise required by the Town to
minimize visual impact.
h) Painting Antennas and Mounting Equipment
1) All antenna mounting brackets and hardware, antenna mounting posts,
cables, shrouds and other equipment mounted on a new or replacement
unpainted galvanized pole shall be painted Sherwin Williams "Web Grey"
SW7075) color or equivalent, unless specified otherwise by the Town.
2) All antenna mounting brackets and hardware, antenna mounting posts,
cables, shrouds and all other equipment mounted on a painted new or
0 replacement pole shall be painted a color specified by the Town.
i) Wireless provider shall install pole numbers on each replacement pole (to
match the number on the existing streetlight pole being replaced) per Town of
Fountain Hills street light design standards.
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Town of Fountain Hills
Standard Design Requirements
Small Wireless Facility on Traffic Signal Pole
The following design standards shall apply, in addition to the Common Standards
Design Concepts, Requirements and Details included in this document, to a Small
Wireless Facility (SWF) proposed for a location with an existing Town-owned traffic
signal in the Town of Fountain Hills Right-of-way (ROW). These design standards are
not exhaustive and the Town, as the owner and manager of the ROW retains the right
to modify or adjust the requirements on a case-by-case basis.
A. Pole Criteria:
1. Purpose of Traffic Signal Pole: The primary purpose of the traffic signal pole
shall remain as a pole structure supporting a traffic signal and related
streetlight fixtures used to provide traffic control and lighting to the Town
ROW. The attachment of wireless equipment to a new or replacement traffic
signal pole that impedes this primary purpose will not be approved.
2. General Requirement:
a) An SWF shall be designed to blend in with the surrounding streetscape with
minimal to any visual impact.
b) A replacement pole shall match the Town of Fountain Hills standard traffic
signal pole, as closely as possible, subject to more specific criteria below.
c) As specified in Section 6.14 of the Town of Fountain Hills's Wireless Facilities
Standard Terms and Conditions, for each individual pole type or style used to
support the wireless equipment, one spare replacement pole shall be
provided by Company to Town in advance so the pole can be replaced
promptly in case of a knockdown.
d) All plans shall be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in
the State of Arizona.
e) All other details in the Town of Fountain Hills traffic signal design standards
shall apply.
3. Specific Criteria:
a) New or Replacement Pole Height
A new or replacement pole may be installed without zoning review if one of
the two height requirements is met:
1) Up to a ten (10) foot increase, not to exceed fifty (50) feet total (whichever
is less), per A.R.S. §9-592(I); or
2) Up to forty (40) feet above ground level, per A.R.S. §9-592(J).
b) Overall Height of Replacement Pole
The height of the replacement pole is measured from grade to the top of the
antenna canister or the top of the panel antennas if the antennas are the
highest elements.
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c) Increase in Outside Diameter (OD) of Pole
1) If the replacement pole is a taper design, the diameter of the base section
of the replacement pole OD shall not exceed twelve (12) inches or a 100%
increase in the OD of the base section, whichever is less.
2) If the replacement pole is non-tapered, then the diameter of the base
section shall be equal to the top section and the OD shall not exceed
twelve (12) inches or a 100% increase, whichever is less.
d) Signal Head Mast Arms
1) The traffic signal head mast arms shall be the same length as the
original signal head mast arm unless the Town requires the mast arm to
be different (longer or shorter) based upon the location of the replacement
pole.
2) All signal head mast arms shall match the arc (if applicable) and style of
the original signal head mast arm.
e) Luminaire Mast Arms
1) All luminaire mast arms shall be the same length as the original luminaire
arm unless the Town requires the mast arm to be different (longer or
shorter) based upon the location of the replacement pole.
2) All luminaire mast arms shall match the arc (if applicable) and style of the
original luminaire arm.
f) Signal Heads
1) All existing signal heads shall be replaced, at no cost to Town, with new
light-emitting diode (LED) signal heads, per Town of Fountain Hills traffic
signal design standards.
2) All signal heads shall be procured from a Town approved signal heads
supplier or manufacturer.
g) Luminaire Fixtures
1) All replacement poles shall have the Town standard LED light fixture
installed.
2) All replacement light fixture shall have a new photo-cell or sensor
installed to Town standard.
h) Other Town Elements on Signal Mast Arm or Pole
All existing emergency signal detection units, video detection cameras, video
cameras, cross walk service buttons, cross walk signals, and any other
pedestrian or traffic devices shall be replaced with new units by wireless
provider and installed at no cost to the Town. All equipment shall be procured
from a list of Town approved suppliers.
i) Signs and Other Misc.
All street name plates or signs, directional signs and any other Town
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approved signs shall be replaced with new signs at no cost to the Town. All
40 signs and attachments shall be procured from a list of Town approved
suppliers.
j) Traffic Signal Pole Foundation
1) All pole foundations shall conform to the Town's standards and
specifications on traffic signal pole design and shall be modified for
wireless communications equipment, hand holes and cables.
2) The wireless provider shall install a three (3) inch diameter (OD) conduit in
the pole foundation for the Town's cables and wires for the signal heads,
luminaire and devices on the signal mast arm and luminaire mast arm.
The Town's conduit shall be trimmed to three (3) inches above the top of
the pole foundation.
3) In addition to the conduits for the Town's use inside the pole, the wireless
provider shall install one of the two options for its cables and wires:
a) One, six (6) inch diameter (OD) conduit in the pole foundation; or
b) Two, four (4) inch diameter (OD) conduits in the pole foundation. The
length of the conduit shall extend from the pole foundation to six (6)
inches above the signal head mast arm.
4) Pole Foundation — Height Above Ground Level
a) If the pole foundation is in a landscaped or unimproved area, the
a. height of the caisson shall be two (2) inches above finished grade.
However, if the pole foundation is adjacent to or within a sidewalk or
ramp, the height of the pole foundation shall be flush with the surface
of the immediate area.
b) Shrouds for the traffic signal pole mounting bolts may be required for
the replacement pole.
k) Painting of Pole, Antennas and Mounting Equipment
1) Specifications on paint color and painting process are provided in the
Town of Fountain Hills traffic signal design standards.
2) For powder-coated traffic signal poles, the wireless provider shall replace
with same powder-coated color and/or color combination, or as otherwise
specified by the Town.
I) Construction of Traffic Signal
The installation work of the replacement traffic signal pole, including mast
arms, signal heads and devices, must be performed by a Arizona licensed
Traffic Signal Contractor with a minimum of five (5) years of experience
installing traffic signals.
40
70
0 Town of Fountain Hills
Standard Design Requirements
Small Wireless Facility on Existing Utility Pole
The following design standards shall apply, in addition to the Common Standards
Design Concepts, Requirements and Details that is included in this document, to a
Small Wireless Facility (SWF) proposed for a location with an existing third party-owned
utility pole in the Town of Fountain Hills Right-of-way (ROW). These design standards
are not exhaustive and the Town, as the owner, keeper and manager of the ROW
retains the right to modify or adjust the requirements on a case-by-case basis.
A. Pole Criteria:
1. Purpose of Utility Pole: The primary purpose of the pole shall remain as a pole
structure supporting a cables and wires used to provide communications services
and electric distribution in the Town ROW. The attachment of wireless
equipment to an existing third party-owned utility pole that impedes this primary
purpose will not be approved.
2. General Requirement:
a) An SWF shall be designed to blend in with the surrounding streetscape with
minimal to any visual impact.
b) A SWF mounted on an existing third party-owned utility pole is subject to
more specific criteria below.
c) All plans shall be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in
the State of Arizona.
3. Specific Criteria:
a) Replacement Pole Height
A replacement pole may be installed without zoning review if one of the two
height requirements is met:
1) Up to a ten (10) foot increase, not to exceed fifty (50) feet total (whichever
is less), per A.R.S. §9-592(I); or
2) Up to forty (40) feet above ground level, per A.R.S.§9-592(J).
b) Overall Height of Replacement Utility Pole
1) The "base" height of an existing utility pole shall be the height of the
vertical pole section from the existing grade.
2) If the antennas are the highest vertical element of the site, then the new
overall height of the replacement pole is measured from the existing grade
to the top of the canister or the top of the panel antenna.
c) Use of Existing Pole — Wood
0
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1) An existing wood pole used for a SWF shall have the antennas contained
within an eighteen (18) inch (OD) canister mounted at the top of the pole.
2) Unless otherwise approved, the cables and wires from the base of the
pole to the antennas shall be installed in a conduit or cable chase outside
of the pole, facing away from the street or away from on-coming traffic.
3) If a "dog house" (see Exhibit C) is required as a transition point connecting
the underground cables and wires from the ground mounted equipment to
the pole, the Town shall provide the maximum size, dimension and shape
of the dog house on a case-by-case basis.
d) Use of Existing Pole — Metal
1) An existing metal pole used for a SWF shall have the antennas contained
within an eighteen (18) inch (OD) canister mounted at the top of the pole.
2) Panel antennas on a metal pole shall have the same "RAD center" (center
of radiation) so the antennas will be at the same height on the pole.
3) The cables and wires from the base of the pole to the antennas shall be
installed inside of the pole.
e) Painting of Pole and Dog House
1) If the replacement pole is an unpainted galvanized pole, the pole shall not
be painted or have a finish unless otherwise specified by the Town.
2) If the existing or replacement pole includes a dog house for the transition
of the cables and wires to the pole, the dog house shall be painted the
same color as the pole or a color specified by the Town.
f) Painting Antennas and Mounting Equipment
1) All antenna mounting brackets and hardware, antenna mounting posts,
cables, shrouds and other equipment mounted on a new or replacement
unpainted galvanized pole shall be painted Sherwin Williams "Web Grey"
SW7075) color or equivalent, unless specified otherwise by the Town.
2) All antenna mounting brackets and hardware, antenna mounting posts,
cables, shrouds and all other equipment mounted on a painted new or
replacement pole shall be painted a color specified by the Town.
3) If the antenna is mounted on a wood pole, the color of the antenna,
antenna canister, mounting brackets and posts, shrouds and cable chases
shall be painted a color specified by the Town that will closely match the
color of the wood.
g) Ground Mounted Equipment
The Town may require the ground-mounted wireless equipment to be
screened or concealed to reduce the visual impact to the surrounding area.
The screening or concealment shall take into account the location of the site,
the use of the immediate area, and the existing aesthetic elements
surrounding the site.
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Town of Fountain Hills
Standard Design Requirements
Wireless Facility on New Structures in ROW
The following design standards, in addition to the Common Standards Design
Concepts, Requirements and Details that are included in this document, shall apply to a
Wireless Facility that a wireless provider may install in the ROW that is not: 1) a
replacement pole for an existing streetlight, 2) a replacement pole for an existing traffic
signal or 3) a replacement pole for an existing utility pole.
The new wireless support structure, monopole or utility pole (the "New Structure") shall
incorporate the highest level of stealth and concealment of the antennas and wireless
equipment in order to minimize the visual impact of the site to the public.
A. Pole Criteria:
1. Purpose of the New Structure: The sole purpose of a new vertical element is to
attach antennas for the provision of wireless services by a wireless provider in
the Town's ROW.
2. General Requirement:
a) The New Structure shall be designed to minimize the visual and aesthetic
impact of the new vertical element and associated equipment upon the look,
feel, theme, and use of the surrounding area.
b) A wireless facilityshall be designed to blend in with the surrounding9
streetscape and/or landscape with minimal to no adverse visual impact.
c) The New Structure shall be architecturally integrated and compatible with the
use of the surrounding area.
d) The height of the New Structure cannot exceed the maximum allowed height
of the zoning district that the site is proposed.
e) All plans shall be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in
the State of Arizona.
3. Specific Criteria:
a) New Structure Height. A New Structure may be installed without zoning
review if one of the two height requirements are met, see A.R.S. §9-592(I)
and A.R.S. §9-592(J):
1) A.R.S. §9-592(I) states that the small wireless facility in the ROW is not
subject to zoning review and approval in Section 9-594 if the utility pole
does not exceed the greater of either:
i. Ten feet in height above the tallest existing utility pole, other than
a utility pole supporting only wireless facilities, that is in place on
the effective date of this section, that is located within five
hundred feet of the new, replacement or modified utility pole and
73
that is in the same right-of-way within the jurisdictional boundary
of the authority, but no more than fifty feet above ground level.
ii. Forty feet above ground level.
2) A.R.S. §9-592(J) states that new small wireless facilities collocated on a
utility pole or wireless support structure in the right-of-way are not subject
to zoning review and approval if they do not extend more than ten feet
above the utility pole or wireless support structure and do not exceed fifty
feet above ground level.
b) Setbacks. Any New Structure subject to zoning review shall comply with all
Town fall and setback requirements, including a 100% setback from all
property lines, occupied structures, public roadways and sidewalks.
c) Overall Height of New Structure. The height of the New Structure is
measured from existing grade to the highest point of the New Structure.
d) Stealth and Concealment Elements
1) New Structures shall be located in areas where they can blend into the
existing built and natural environment, where existing landscape elements
may assist with concealing the structure from view, and where the addition
of the structure will least affect the view sheds from neighboring
properties.0 2) Depending upon the location of the New Structure and the character of the
neighboring area, the Town may require additional landscaping to be
installed in connection with the Town's approval of the application. The
additional landscaping may include trees, mature vegetation, natural
features or hardscaping.
3) The Wireless Provider shall conceal all equipment within a faux cactus
structure, similar to the 22' to 40' tall Larsen Camouflage design (see
Exhibit G) or as otherwise approved by the Town.
i. New Structures thus concealed shall comply with standard
details, such as dimensions, colors and materials similar to
existing faux cactus installations in the Town.
4) As part of the stealth and concealment elements of the New Structure, the
Town may require the wireless provider to install street name plates,
directional signs, and other decorative signs or artistic elements on the
structure.
5) The wireless provider is solely responsible for the cost of all stealth and
concealment elements and the installation of other elements required by
the Town.
6) The wireless provider is responsible for the performance of and any costs
incurred for regular upkeep, maintenance and replacement (if necessary)
of these stealth and concealment elements.
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e) Architectural Integration with Surrounding Area
4110 1) The New Structure shall be designed in consultation with various internal
Town stakeholders and may include external stakeholders.
2) The Town may require the New Structure to be constructed of a
specific material or specific design that will enhance the stealth and
concealment of the site.
f) Foundation
1) The foundation for the New Structure, if required, shall conform to civil and
structural engineering standards acceptable to the Town, with design
modifications for wireless communications equipment and cables.
2) Unless otherwise stated herein, the height of the New Structure foundation
shall be two (2) inches above finished grade. However, if the New
Structure foundation is adjacent to or within a sidewalk or ramp, the height
of the pole foundation shall be flush with the surface of the immediate
area.
3) Shrouds for the pole mounting bolts may be required.
4) If the New Structure is concealed as a faux cactus installation, the
structure shall be installed to appear as part of the natural environment,
and shall not be located on existing concrete such as sidewalks or curbs,
nor shall concrete be placed around the base of the facility except as
needed to anchor and support the structural elements of the structure. All
such concrete and anchor devices shall be shielded from view by earth,
rocks, decomposed granite and landscaping as required by the Town.
g) Painting
1) The Town shall identify the paint colors, location of paint and any
decorative work that may be painted onto the New Structure or ground
equipment.
2) If visible, the Town shall identify the paint colors for the antennas, antenna
mounting brackets and posts, antenna shrouds, and cables.
3) The Town may require the New Structure or ground equipment to be
painted using a powder-coat or other process.
h) Ground Mounted Equipment
The Town may require the ground-mounted wireless equipment to be sited
and screened or concealed to reduce the visual impact to the surrounding
area. The screening or concealment shall take into account the location of
the site, the use of the immediate area, and the existing aesthetic elements
surrounding the site.
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Town of Fountain Hills
Small Wireless in the ROW
Common Standard Design Concepts, Requirements and Details
The following standard design requirements shall be applied to all new small wireless
facilities in the Town's ROW, whether for a small wireless facility to be installed on an
existing or replacement streetlight pole, an existing or replacement traffic signal pole, an
existing or replacement utility pole, or on a New Structure.
A. Pole Design & Installation
1. Replacement Pole Clearances — Underground Utilities
All ground-mounted electrical equipment shall maintain minimum horizontal
clearance from underground utilities.
Clearance from water lines shall be at least six (6) feet.
Clearance from sewer lines shall be at least six (6) feet.
Clearance from telecommunications shall be at least one (1) foot.
Clearance from cable television lines shall be at least one (1) foot.
Clearance from all other underground infrastructure shall be at least six (6)
feet.
1110
a) The Town, in its sole discretion, may grant a variance, upon approval by the
Town Engineer, from these horizontal separation distances on a case-by-
case basis. The approval of a variance is dependent factors specific to the
site.
b) In the case where there is an issue with horizontal separation from other
underground utilities, the wireless provider may elect to work with the
impacted utility to have lines, pipes or property moved so that minimum
clearance is achieved. All relocation of Town-owned or a privately-owned
utility shall be at the sole expense of the wireless provider.
2. Calculating the Base Height of an Existing Pole
The base height, from which the calculation of the "increase in pole height" is
referenced for determining the overall pole height, shall be calculated as follows:
a) Streetlight Pole (see Exhibit Al and A2)
1) A streetlight with a separate luminaire mast arm mounted to the vertical
pole shall use the top of the vertical pole as the base height.
2) A streetlight, with the luminaire mast arm integrated (e.g. telescopic style
pole) into the top vertical section of the pole, shall use the point on the
pole where the mast arm is connected plus twenty-four (24) inches as the
base height.
b) Traffic Signal Pole (see Exhibit B)
A traffic signal pole with a luminaire mast arm that is mounted above the
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signal head mast arm to the pole shall use the top of the vertical portion of the
pole as the base height.
3. Replacement Pole Clearance — Original Streetlight Pole or Traffic Signal Pole
The minimum distance of the replacement pole from the original pole location
shall be sixty (60) inches or more so that construction can occur safely. The
Town may change this minimum distance on a case-by-case basis.
4. Replacement Pole Clearances — Sidewalks
The new or replacement pole shall maintain twelve (12) inch minimum clearance
distance from sidewalks. The Town, in its sole discretion, may increase that
minimum clearance on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safe use of the
sidewalk and adjacent area.
5. Sight Distance Easements (SDE) and Sight Visibility Triangles (SVT)
All new and replacement poles shall be installed in a location that does not impair
or interfere with SDE or SVT safety requirements as reasonable determined by
the Town.
6. Cables, Wires and Jumpers
a) All cables for the wireless equipment and antennas — except where such
cables or wires attach to the ports in the antenna — shall be located inside a
conduit, inside the caisson, or inside the pole, as appropriate. There shall not
be any "dog house" or externally visible conduit or entry point of the cables
unless specified by the Town.
b) All cables for the wireless equipment and antennas shall exit the pole or
conduit at a location, behind the antenna shroud, and shielded from view. It
is the intent of the Town that the cables shall not be visible.
1) See Exhibit D1 for examples of appropriately shielded cables.
2) See Exhibit D2 for examples of unacceptable cabling.
c) All electrical wires for the streetlight luminaire, traffic signal heads, and any
Town device on the pole shall be new and connected to the existing power
source.
7. Hand-holes
a) All hand-hole locations shall be called out on the plans.
b) All hand-holes near antennas shall have the top of the hand-hole no lower
than the bottom height of the antennas.
c) The bottom of the hand-hole should not exceed six (6) inches below the
bottom of the antenna.
8. Wireless Facility Identification Information
77
a) A four (4) inch by six (6) inch Radio Frequency Safety notice may be mounted
no less than twenty-four (24) inches from the bottom of the antenna, facing
away from traffic.
b) The wireless provider may place on the pole a discreet site identification or
number. The size, color and location of this identifier shall be determined by
the Town.
c) The Town, as specified in the Wireless Facilities Standard Terms and
Conditions, may require the wireless provider to place on the pole, in a
discreet but accessible location, the telephone number of wireless provider's
network operations center.
d) No wireless provider signs may be placed on a streetlight, traffic signal pole,
wireless support structure, or a new or replacement pole except to the extent
required by local, state or federal law or regulations.
9. Interference with Town Wireless Network
The Town has, or may have in the future, certain wireless devices in a network
that connects traffic signals, community centers, water sites, and other locations
for the Town's proprietary use. The selection of a location for a wireless site
shall consider the potential interference of the Town's wireless network with RF
from a wireless provider's proposed site.
10. Cable Chase and Dog Houses
The Town, in its sole discretion, shall determine if an exterior cable chase and
dog house are aesthetically compatible with the pole and immediate area. The
materials and paint color of the cable chase and dog house shall be determined
on a case-by-case basis.
B. Removal of Original Pole, Equipment and Pole Foundation
1. Removal of Original Signal Pole, Mast Arm, Signal Heads and Luminaire
a) The Town shall determine what original components, (e.g., original pole, mast
arm, signal heads and luminaire, etc.) shall be delivered by the wireless
provider, at no cost to the Town, to a location specified by the Town.
b) If the Town accepts some of the original components, then only those
components shall be delivered by the wireless provider to the Town and the
remaining components shall be discarded by the wireless provider.
2. Removal of Original Streetlight or Traffic Signal Pole Foundation
The concrete pole foundation for the original streetlight or traffic signal pole shall
be removed by the wireless provider as instructed by the Town:
a) Partial Removal
The original pole foundation shall be taken back to a level that is twelve (12)
inches below existing grade and covered with four (4) inches of one-half (1/2")
III inch to three (3/4") quarter inch rock materials. The remaining eight (8)
inches shall be native soil.
78
b) Complete Removal
If the entire original pole foundation must be removed, then all materials
concrete, rebar, metals, bolts, etc.) shall be removed. The Town's Inspector
shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, the type of backfill material and
compaction required — ranging from native soil that is compacted to a half
1/2) sack slurry for the entire depth, or a combination of native soil and
slurry.
C. Antennas, RRH/RRU, Cables and Mounting on Pole:
1. General Requirement: All antennas shall be installed in a manner that minimizes
the visual impact to the general public. In order to minimize the visual impact,
wireless providers should use canister antennas, where possible and appropriate
unless the Town's stealth and concealment requirements indicate otherwise. See
Exhibit F. All work shall be performed in a professional manner that is consistent with
the highest standards of workmanship.
2. Specific Criteria:
a) Antenna Mounting Posts and Brackets
1) All panel antennas shall be mounted directly to the pole or onto a
mounting pole so that the distance from the "face" of the streetlight pole to
the back of the antenna does not exceed nine (9) inches.
2) All mounting posts shall be trimmed so that the poles do not extend higher
than the top of the antenna or protrude lower than the antenna unless
necessary to install the shroud.
3) All pole attached wireless equipment must be a minimum ten (10) feet
from the sidewalk elevation.
b) Panel Antennas
1) All panel antennas for a small cell site shall fit within an imaginary
enclosure of not more than six (6) cubic feet in volume in accordance with
A.R.S. §9-591(19)(a). (NOTE: This volume does not include antenna
cable shrouds when required.)
2) All panel antennas with exposed cables from the bottom of the antenna
shall have a shroud installed on the antenna or antenna mounting posts to
conceal the cables. (see Exhibits D1 and D2)
a. The type of shroud may be a forty-five (45) degree angle (away from
the bottom of the antenna; toward the pole) or a ninety (90) degree
angle (parallel to the bottom of the antenna) depending on the location
of the site.
b. The shroud shall extend from the bottom of the antenna to two (2)
inches below the bottom of the nearest hand-hole.
c) Canister Antennas
11110
79
1) All canister antennas shall fit within an imaginary enclosure of not more
0 than six (6) cubic feet in volume. (Note: This volume does not include the
canister as it is a stealth device and not the antenna.)
2) The canister shall be no larger than eighteen (18) inches in diameter (OD).
3) All canister antennas shall be located in a canister that is mounted to a
base plate at the top of the vertical section of the replacement pole.
4) All cables protruding from the canister shall be concealed within the
canister or by a shroud at the point where the canister is mounted to the
base plate.
d) Remote Radio Heads (RRH) / Remote Radio Units (RRU)
Under State Law §9-591(19)(a), the RRH/RRU is not considered part of the
antenna. If allowed, the RRH/RRU shall be calculated as part of "All other
wireless equipment associated with this facility..." in A.R.S. §9-591(19)(b) that
is subject to the twenty-eight (28) cubic feet maximum size for small cell sites.
1) On a case-by-case basis, the Town in its sole discretion and — upon
reviewing the landscape in the immediate surrounding area, the location of
the pole, and stealth options, may allow a site to have an RRH/RRU
installed on the pole.
D. Ground-mounted Equipment:
General requirement: All ground-mounted equipment shall be installed in a mannerLi.that minimizes the visual and ingress/egress impact to the general public. All work
shall be performed in a professional manner that is consistent with the highest
standards of workmanship.
2. Specific criteria:
a) Sight Distance Easements (SDE) and Sight Visibility Triangles (SVT)
All ground-based wireless equipment shall be installed in a location that does
not impair or interfere with SDE or SVT safety requirements. To ensure
proper sight distance, all Town of Fountain Hills Traffic Engineering Standard
Details shall apply.
b) Ground Equipment Location — Generally
All ground-based wireless equipment, including but not limited to equipment
cabinets or power pedestals, shall be placed as far as practical to the back of
the ROW while maintaining at least three (3) feet of ingress/egress in the
ROW or public utility easement (PUE) around the equipment.
c) Ground Equipment Clearances—Underground Utilities
1) All ground-mounted electrical equipment shall maintain minimum
horizontal clearance from below-ground utilities:
Clearance from water lines shall be at least six (6) feet.
Clearance from sewer lines shall be at least six (6) feet.
80
Clearance from telecommunications shall be at least one (1) foot.
0 Clearance from cable television lines shall be at least one (1) foot.
Clearance from all other underground infrastructure shall be at least six
6) feet.
2) The Town, in its sole discretion, may grant a variance upon approval from
the Town Engineer, from these horizontal separation distances on a case-
by-case basis. The approval of a variance is dependent on factors
specific to the site.
i 3) In the case where there is an issue with horizontal separation from other
underground utilities, the wireless provider may elect to work with the
impacted utility to have its lines, pipes or property moved so that minimum
clearance is achieved. All relocation work of Town-owned or a privately-
owned utility shall be at the sole expense of the wireless provider.
d) Ground Equipment Clearance — Sidewalks
The ground equipment shall maintain a minimum twelve (12) inch clearance
distance from sidewalks. The Town, in its sole discretion, may increase the
minimum clearance on a case-by-case basis to ensure the safe use of the
sidewalk and adjacent area.
11, e) Compliance with Height Requirements
Evidence or documentation that, where the above-ground structure is over
thirty-six (36) inches in height, given its proposed location, the structure will
comply or be in compliance with applicable Town of Fountain Hills planning
and zoning ordinances.
f) Screening of Ground Equipment
The Town requires that ground-mounted equipment be screened; the type of
screening materials and design will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
See Exhibit E2 for general screening examples that the Town may consider
on a case by case basis.
1) In cases when screening is not possible, the Town may specify the
location, orientation or paint color of the ground-mounted equipment.
2) Town may require ground-mounted equipment to be located underground
except for the electricity meters, kill switches, etc.).
g) Decals and Labels
1) All equipment manufacturers' decals, logos and other identification
information shall be removed unless required for warranty purposes.
2) The wireless provider of the site may place an "Emergency Contact" or
Network Operations Center" decal or emblem to the ground equipment.
0 3) The ground-mounted equipment shall not have any flashing lights, sirens
81
or regular noise other than a cooling fan that may run intermittently.
h) Equipment Cabinets on Residential Property
1) Residential Single-Family Lot
The Wireless Equipment and Ancillary Equipment listed in A.R.S. §9-
591(19)(b) shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height in the front yard
of a residential single-family zoned property.
2) Air-conditioning Units
Unless otherwise specified by Town, a wireless equipment cabinet with
air-conditioning (not a fan only) shall be enclosed by walls and setback a
minimum of fifteen (15) feet from lots where the existing or planned
primary use is a residential single-family dwelling.
i)Electric Company Meter
1) All electric company meters shall be installed in the ROW or PUE. The
location of the meter equipment shall have minimum ingress and egress
clearance from private property lines and driveways.
2) All electric company meters shall maintain minimum clearance from
above-ground utility cabinets and below-ground utilities.
3) All electric company meters shall be installed in a location that does
not impair or interfere with the SDE or SVT safety requirements of the
Town.
4) The electric company meters shall be screened or contained within a
Myers-type" or "Milbank-type" pedestal cabinet that is painted to match
the ground equipment or as specified by the Town. (see Exhibit E)
5) In the case where screening is not required, the Town may specify the
paint color of the electric company meter cabinet on a case-by-case basis.
82
Town of Fountain Hills Contacts
For questions regarding the 2018 Town of Fountain Hills Design Standards,
Concepts & Requirements for Wireless Facilities in the Right-of-Way, contact:
Town of Fountain Hills Development Services Director:
Robert Rodgers
480-816-5138
1
1
ill
83
0
Exhibit Al
Calculation Points for Height of an Existing Streetlight with Separate Luminaire Mast Arm
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141
The purple line next to the streetlight
depicts the section of the existing1 i 1
ri
streetlight pole that shall be used to
calculate the height of the existing
q pole. The lines are not to scale and
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are solely used for illustrative
purposes.
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84
Exhibit A2
Calculation Points for Height of an Existing Streetlight with Integrated Luminaire Mast Arm
The"Connection Point"on an
Existing Telescopic Style
Streetlight Pole with an Integrated
as;.o-aror.& r<mv«Wimae.; r,14.a,.-' k,.rMv
Luminaire Mast Arm
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The top and Bottom Points on
a telescopic Streetlight Pole to •""
Calculate the Verticle Height
of the Existing Streetlight
Pole
Plus
Twenty-four(24) inches
85
0
Exhibit B
Calculation Points for Height of Existing Traffic Signal Pole
The Top and Bottom
Points on a Traffic Signal
i Pole to Calculate the
Base Vertical Height of
the Existing Pole
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10
86
Exhibit C
0 Dog House—Cable Transition from Underground to Electric Utility Pole
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the cables and
wires are mounted
underneath the
chase. Algite
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base of a pole to cover the s '
a
cables and wires when they ,,#ee''
cannot be installed inside
the utility pole.
87
Exhibit D1
10 Antenna Shrouds—45 Degrees
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Exhibit D2
Antenna Shrouds—90 Degrees
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Exhibit D3
Unacceptable -Visible Cables
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0 Exhibit E 1
Examples of Electrical Meter Pedestals—"Myers"or"Milbank" Style
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91
Exhibit E2
Ground Equipment Screening Examples
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Exhibit E2
Ground Equipment Screening Examples (continued)
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93
Exhibit F
Canister Antenna
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94
Exhibit G
L7117t5ON
4110 A oe, 4 A.
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A.AotIrAt;
Saguaros
The need for concealed sites is also prevalent in the desert southwest region. To servemp bthisseil,
w
need
we have developed a Saguaro Cactu .Utilizingan RF-friendly, naturalistic looking
al,le to position antenna panels not only in the hollow shell of the upper main trunk.butalsoeintheindividualarms. This offers grenter flexibility in terms ofmultiple panels per sector,
horizontal separation,and centerline height.
OurSaguaros range from 10-40 feet tall,housing one to two antenna arrays. Scars,woodpecker
holes thousands ofpainted needles enhance the realism.
Even the birds can't tell the diff41411100
PHOENIX 77018-1 429462v3
95
EXHIBIT B
0 LETTER OF CREDIT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS]
See following pages
IP
0
96
Wireless Facility Irrevocable Letter of Credit Template
iiiw
Instructions:
The following four (4) pages contain the template for an irrevocable letter of
credit relating to wireless facilities to be located within Town rights-of-way.
Throughout the document there are blank spaces into which should be
inserted the wireless facility provider name, bank name and letter of credit
document name. Please insert this information where requested.
The irrevocable letter of credit number may not be available when the initial
submission of the draft language for review is made. This can be inserted
later when the letter is actually issued by the named financial institution.
Submit the draft irrevocable letter of credit, together with to
the Town's Development Services Director.
The issuer of the irrevocable letter of credit shall be a federally-insured
financial institution, a member of the New York Clearing House Association or
another commercial bank or trust company satisfactory to the Town, having a
net worth and financial wherewithal also satisfactory to the Town.
As a reminder, any assurance submitted in a format other than the approved
letter of credit template is subject to review by the Town Attorney and Town
Development Services Director and may not be accepted.
0
97
FORM OF WIRELESS FACILITY LETTER OF CREDIT
INSERT BANK NAME]
INSERT LETTER OF CREDIT DOCUMENT NAME]
20
Letter of Credit No. Initial Expiration Date:
Town of Fountain Hills
16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Attn: Small Cell Administrator
At the request and for the account of our customer, [Insert Wireless Facility
Provider name], a(n) Provider"), [Insert
Bank Name] ("us", "we" or "Bank"), hereby establishes, in favor of Town of
Fountain Hills, an Arizona municipal corporation ("Town"), this clean,
irrevocable and unconditional [Insert Letter of Credit Document Name]
Letter of Credit"). This Letter of Credit authorizes you to draw on us in
amounts which in the aggregate shall not exceed the Stated Amount (herein
so called) of Dollars
We hereby engage with you that draft(s) drawn and
presented in compliance with the terms contained in this Letter of Credit will
be duly honored upon presentation as stated above, on or before the
expiration date hereof.
You may obtain the funds available under this Letter of Credit by presentment
to us of your sight draft or drafts drawn on us in the form set forth as Exhibit
A" hereto, accompanied by copies of the original of this Letter of Credit and
amendment(s) thereto, if any. Within ten (10) days after we honor your draft,
you must make the original of this Letter of Credit available to us in Maricopa
County, Arizona upon which we may endorse our payment.
Drafts may be presented by any of the following means:
By telefax to (
By email to
By hand or overnight courier service delivery to:
This address must be in
Maricopa County, Arizona.]
Cor By hand or overnight courier service delivery to:
98
This address need not be in
41, Maricopa County, Arizona]
This Letter of Credit is valid until 201_ and shall
thereafter be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year periods,
unless, at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to expiration, we notify
you in writing, by either registered or certified mail, that we elect not to renew
the Letter of Credit for such additional period. In the event of such notification,
any then unused portion of the Letter of Credit shall be available upon your
presenting to us your draft on or before the then- current expiration date.
If cancellation of this Letter of Credit is required before the expiry date stated
herein (which may be extended from time to time either automatically as
stated in Item 4 immediately above or by written amendment by us and
acceptance by you), the original of this Letter of Credit and amendment(s)
thereto, if any, must be returned to us accompanied by your letter requesting
cancellation in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B". This letter of credit
may also be reduced upon our receipt of a reduction certificate, the form of
Exhibit "B".
You may draw the full amount of this Letter of Credit or only part of it from
time to time, in your discretion; provided, that the total of all drafts honored by
us under this Letter of Credit shall not exceed the Stated Amount available to
you under this Letter of Credit.
Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, this Letter of Credit is subject to the
Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (2007 Revision),
International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600.
Very truly yours,
Insert Bank Name]
By:
Name:
Its:
99
EXHIBIT A
Drawn Under [Insert Bank Name]
Insert Letter of Credit Document Name] No.
U.S.) 20_
To: [Insert Bank Name]
Drawn under [Insert Bank Name] [Insert Letter of Credit Document Name] No.
I am the Development Services Director, and a duly authorized representative, of Town of
Fountain Hills, an Arizona municipal corporation(the"Town"),the beneficiary of[Insert
Bank Name] [Insert Letter of Credit Document Name] No. and
hereby certify that the amount drawn hereunder represents funds currently due the Town
under separate agreement(s)with [Insert Name of Provider].
Accordingly,please pay to the Town Dollars($
Please make payment to the Town in the form of a wire deposit to:
If such deposit cannot be accomplished immediately for any reason, please make your
payment in the form of a cashier's check issued by your institution and delivered to me
at 16705 E Avenue of the Fountains Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, Attn: Development
Services Director.
If there is any imperfection or defect in this draft or its presentation, please inform me
immediately at (480) 816-5122 so that I may correct it. Also, please immediately notify
the Town Attorney.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
By:
Name:
Its: Development Services Director
tor
100
EXHIBIT B
Date:
and
Ref: Letter of Credit No.
As parties to the above referenced Letter of Credit, we request that the following action(s)be taken as
evidenced by our initials and signatures below:
Please initial:
Reduce the amount from U.S. $ to
U.S. $
Extend the expiration date from
to
Cancel this Letter of Credit effective immediately.
Enclosed herewith are the original Letter of Credit documents, including the
amendment(s), if any,thereto.
1111 Note: If any of these documents are not included with this letter,you must specify
each missing document and explain the reason why it is not being returned.)
Town of Fountain Hills, an
Arizona municipal corporation
By:
Name:
Title:
a(n)
By:
Name:
Title:
41111
100
EXHIBIT C
0
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT]
See following pages
1111
101
Assumption Of Wireless Facility License Agreement
This assumption is made pursuant to Paragraph 19 of the Town of Fountain Hills Wireless Facilities
Standard Terms and Conditions ("Terms"), incorporated by reference into that certain Wireless
Facility License Agreement (the "License Agreement") between Town of Fountain Hills, an Arizona
municipal corporation ("Town") and a
Wireless Provider") dated 20
a Assignee"), having acquired the
rights of the Wireless Provider under the License Agreement, hereby assumes the License
Agreement, agrees to be bound thereby, and obligates itself to fully perform the terms and
conditions of the License Agreement, all in favor of Town.
ASSIGNEE WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT ASSIGNEE HAS READ AND AGREES TO THE
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS WIRELESS FACILITIES STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
After the Date of this assumption, notices to Assignee shall be addressed as follows:
Assignee's network operations center phone number as required by the Terms is
1
Assignee's address for notices as required by the Terms shall be:
i
Assignee's billing address for routine billing invoices as required by the Terms shall be:
102
Assignee understands that nothing in this Assumption serves to modify any provision (except for
the Notice addresses, as provided above) or extend the Term of the License Agreement. The
person signing this document on behalf of Assignee warrants to Town his authority to do so.
111116,
Dated: 20
ASSIGNEE:
a
By:
Its:
STATE OF
ss.
COUNTY OF
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of 20 ,by
of a
40
Notary Public
My Commission Expires:
Date
103
EXHIBIT D
TO
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-18
Amendments to Town Comprehensive Fee Schedule]
See following pages.
Sir
ftny
142
Description Fee FY17-18
ENCROACI-[ME TT,Ir''C,INF,FRI'K PERMITS
Small Wireless Facilities:
ROW Use Fee 50/year x number of small wireless facilities
Authority utility pole attachement 50/year
Small Wireless Facilities collocation 100 per SWF up to five
Small Wireless Facilities collocation 50 for SWF over five
100 per SWF up to five (at $100 each) ($500
Batched applications for up to 25 SWF's maximum fee)
50 per SWF 6 - 20 sites ($1000 maximum
Batched applications for up to 25 SWF's fee)
Applications for new, replacement or modified
utility poles NOT subject to zoning review Not to Exceed $750
Applications for new, replacement or modified
utility poles and collocation of wireless facilities
subject to zoning review Not to Exceed $1000
PHOENIX 77018-1 430871v7
4
I
I
4
I
4
4
Iall143
I
1
INDEX
§17 Personal Wireless Service Facilities
§17-1 Purpose and Legislative Intent
§17-2 Definitions; Word Usage
§17-3 Application Types
§17-4 Shot Clock Periods
§17-5 Shot Clock Tolls, Extensions
& Reasonable Delay Periods
§17-6 Application Requirements
§17-7 Design Standards
§17-8 Town Council Initial Review
§17-9 Hearings and Public Notices
§17-10 Factual Determinations to be Rendered by the Town Council
§17-11 Retention of Consultants
§17-12 Setback Requirements
§17-13 Height Restrictions
§17-14 Use Restrictions and Variances
§17-15 Environmental Impacts
§17-16 Historic Site Impacts
§17-17 Force Majeure
§17-18 Eleventh Hour Submissions
§17-19 Prohibition Against Illegally Excessive Emissions & RF Radiation Testing
§17-20 Bond Requirements & Removal of Abandoned Facilities and Reclamation
§17-21 ADA Accommodations
§17-22 General Provisions
§17 Personal Wireless Service Facilities
This Chapter 17 is intended to repeal and replace all previous versions of, and amendments to,
Chapter 17 (“Wireless Telecommunications Towers and Antennas”) and Article 16-2 (“Small
Wireless Facilities”) of the Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills (“Town Code”), all of
2
which are hereby repealed and replaced in their entirety by this Chapter 17 et. seq., as of the
effective date hereof.
No Personal Wireless Service Facility (“PWSF”) shall be sited, constructed, reconstructed,
installed, materially changed or altered, expanded, or used unless in conformity with this
Chapter.
For the installation, construction, erection, relocation, substantial expansion, or material alteration
of any PWSF that is not classified as a Small Wireless Facility as hereinafter defined and discussed,
the Town shall require a special use permit and site plan approval pursuant to the provisions of this
Chapter, which shall be applied for in accord with the procedure set forth in Chapter 2, §2.02,
unless otherwise provided herein below.
The performance of maintenance, routine maintenance, in-kind replacement of components, and/or
repairs (as defined herein) to an existing PWSF and/or existing personal wireless service
equipment shall not require a special use permit.
Each application for a special use permit under this Chapter and each individual PWSF for which
an application for a special use permit is submitted shall be considered based on the individual
characteristics of each respective installation at each proposed location as an individual case. In
other words, each installation at each proposed location shall be reviewed and considered
independently for its own characteristics and potential impacts, irrespective of whether the
proposed facility is designed and intended to operate independently or whether the installation is
designed and/or intended to operate jointly as part of a Distributed Antenna System.
§17-1 Purpose and Legislative Intent
The purpose of this section is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of
the Town of Fountain Hills and to preserve the scenic, historical, natural, and man-made character
and appearance of the Town while simultaneously providing standards for the safe provision,
monitoring, and removal of cell towers and other personal wireless service facilities consistent
with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Consistent with the balancing of interests which the United States Congress intended to embed
with the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (hereinafter “the TCA”), Chapter 17 is intended
to serve as a Smart Planning Provision, designed to achieve the four (4) simultaneous objectives
of: (a) enabling personal wireless service providers to provide adequate personal wireless services
throughout the Town so that Town residents can enjoy the benefits of same, from any FCC licensed
wireless carrier from which they choose to obtain such services, while (b) minimizing the number
of cell towers and/or other personal wireless service facilities needed to provide such coverage, (c)
preventing, to the greatest extent reasonably practical, any unnecessary adverse impacts upon the
Town’s communities, residential areas, and individual homes, and (d) complying with all of the
legal requirements which the TCA imposes upon the Town, when the Town receives, processes
Commented [JW1]: Similar language in heading of
adopting ordinance
Commented [JW2]: See adopted ordinance Section 17.01
B. 1.
Commented [JW3]: Similar to Sec. 7.01 A
Commented [JW4]: Used in adopted ordinance Section
17.01 B. 2. a. - d.
3
and determines applications seeking approvals for the siting, construction and operation of cell
towers and/or other personal wireless service facilities.
The Town seeks to minimize, to the greatest extent possible, any unnecessary adverse impacts
caused by the siting, placement, physical size, and/or unnecessary proliferation of personal
wireless service facilities, including, but not limited to, adverse aesthetic impacts, adverse impacts
upon property values, adverse impacts upon the character of any surrounding properties and
communities, adverse impacts upon historical and/or scenic properties and districts, and the
exposure of persons and property to potential dangers such as structural failures, ice fall, debris
fall, and fire.
The Town also seeks to ensure that, in applying this section, the Town Council (“Council”) is
vested with sufficient authority to require applicants to provide sufficient, accurate, and truthful
probative evidence to enable the Council to render factual determinations consistent with both the
provisions set forth herein below and the requirements of the TCA when rendering decisions upon
such applications.
To achieve the objectives stated herein, the Town seeks to employ the “General Authority”
preserved to it under Section 47 U.S.C.A. §332(c)(7)(A) of the TCA, to the greatest extent which
the United States Congress intended to preserve those powers to the Town, while simultaneously
complying with each of the substantive and procedural requirements set forth within subsection 47
U.S.C.A. §332(c)(7)(B) of the TCA.
§17-2 Definitions; Word Usage
For the purposes of this article, and where not inconsistent with the context of a particular section,
the defined terms, phrases, words, abbreviations, and their derivations shall have the meanings
provided in this section. When not inconsistent with the context, words in the present tense include
the future tense, words used in the plural number include words in the singular number, and words
in the singular number include the plural number. The word “shall” is always mandatory and not
merely directory. The definitions set forth herein shall supersede any definitions set forth within
the Town Code, and the definitions set forth herein below shall control and apply to Chapter 17
and all subparagraphs herein.
ACCESSORY FACILITY OR ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A facility or structure serving or being used in conjunction with a personal wireless services facility
or complex and located on the same property or lot as the personal wireless services facility or
complex or an immediately adjacent lot, including, but not limited to utility or transmission
equipment storage sheds or cabinets.
ACHP
The Federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
4
ADEQ
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
ADEQUATE COVERAGE
As determined by the Town Council, adequate coverage means that a specific wireless carrier’s
personal wireless service coverage is such that the vast majority of its customers can successfully
use the carrier’s personal wireless service the vast majority of the time, in the vast majority of the
geographic locations within the Town, that the success rate of using their devices exceeds 97%,
and that any geographic gaps in a carrier’s gaps in personal wireless services are not significant
gaps, based upon such factors including, but not limited to, lack of significant physical size of the
gap, whether the gap is located upon a lightly traveled or lightly occupied area, whether only a
small number of customers are affected by the gap, and/or whether or not the carrier’s customers
are affected for only limited periods of time. A wireless carrier’s coverage shall not be deemed
inadequate simply because the frequency or frequencies at which its customers are using its
services are not the most preferred frequency of the wireless carrier.
ANTENNA
An apparatus designed for emitting radiofrequency (RF) radiation to be operated or operating
from a fixed location for personal wireless service.
APPLICANT
Any individual, corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership,
estate, trust, joint-stock company, association of two or more persons having a joint common
interest, or any other entity submitting an application for a special use permit, site plan approval,
variance, building permit, and/or any other related approval, for the installation, operation and/or
maintaining of one or more personal wireless service facilities.
APPLICATION
Refers to all necessary and required documentation and evidence that an applicant must submit to
receive a special use permit, building permit, or other approval for personal wireless service
facilities from the Town.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
The Board of Adjustment of the Town of Fountain Hills, established pursuant to §1.06 of the
Zoning Ordinance with membership, powers, duties, and responsibilities as set forth in Article 28
of the Town Code.
COUNCIL OR TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council of the Town of Fountain Hills.
CELL TOWER
A free-standing, guy-wired, or otherwise supported pole, tower, or other structure designed to
support or employed to support equipment and/or antennas used to provide personal wireless
Commented [JW5]: Similar definition in Section 17.02
5
services, including, but not limited to, a pole, monopole, monopine, slim stick, lattice tower or
other types of standing structures.
CEQ
The Council on Environmental Quality, as established under NEPA.
COLOCATION, CO-LOCATION, and/or CO-LOCATE
To install, mount or add new or additional equipment to be used for the provision of personal
wireless services to a pre-existing structure, facility, or complex which is already built and is
currently being used to provide personal wireless services by a different provider of such services,
wireless carrier or site developer.
COMPLETE APPLICATION, COMPLETED APPLICATION
An application that contains all the necessary and required information, records, evidence, reports,
and/or data necessary to enable an informed decision to be made with respect to an application.
Where any information is provided pursuant to the terms of this Chapter and the Community
Development Director, Engineer or the Town’s expert or consultant or the Council determines,
based upon information provided, that any additional, further, or clarifying information is needed
as to one or more aspects, then the application will be deemed incomplete until that further or
clarifying information is provided to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director,
Engineer, Town Council or the Town’s expert or consultant of the Council.
COMPLEX
The entire site or facility, including all structures and equipment, located at the site.
DBM (dBm)
DBM stands for decibel milliwatts, which is a concrete measurement of the wireless signal strength
of wireless networks. Signal strengths are recorded in negative numbers and can range from
approximately -30 dBm to -110 dBm. The closer the number is to 0, the stronger the cell signal.
DEPLOYMENT
The placement, construction, or substantial modification of a personal wireless service facility.
DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM, DAS
A network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source via a transport
medium that provides personal wireless service within a geographic area.
EFFECTIVE PROHIBITION
A finding by the Town Council that if an application seeking approval for a specific new Personal
Wireless Service Facility at a specific location, and a specific height, were to be denied, such denial
would either: (a) prevent an identified Wireless Carrier from providing personal wireless services
within a specific geographic area, or areas, within the Town, or (b) would prevent a specific
6
Wireless Carrier from constructing a sufficient number of such facilities necessary to enable it to
provide Personal Wireless Services within the Town.
An effective prohibition shall not be found to exist if a Wireless Carrier has Adequate Coverage in
a specified geographic area, such that its end-use customers can use their cellular telephones to
connect to landlines using the Carrier’s Personal Wireless Services; however, the frequencies are
not the “most preferred” frequencies of the Carrier.
An effective prohibition shall also not be found to exist if an applicant fails to establish before the
Town Council that any existing geographic gap or capacity deficiency in the specific Wireless
Carrier’s coverage cannot be remedied through a less intrusive means than what is being proposed,
including, but not limited to, potential installations on alternative less intrusive sites, a shorter
tower or facility, the incorporation of a more stealthy design, etc.
A finding of Effective Prohibition, or lack thereof, shall be based upon an applicant’s submission
of sufficient probative, relevant, and sufficiently reliable evidence and the appropriate weight the
Town Council deems appropriate to afford.
ELEVENTH HOUR SUBMISSIONS
An applicant’s submission of new and/or additional materials in support of an application less than
five (5) business days before the expiration of an applicable shot clock or at an otherwise
unreasonably short period of time before the expiration of the shot clock, making it impracticable
for the Town Council to adequately review and consider such submissions due to their complexity,
volume, or other factors, before the expiration of the shot clock.
ENURE
To operate or take effect. To serve to a person or party's use, benefit, or advantage.
EPA
The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration or its duly designated and authorized successor agency.
FACILITY
A set of wireless transmitting and/or receiving equipment, including any associated electronics
and electronics shelter or cabinet and generator.
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission.
GENERAL POPULATION/UNCONTROLLED EXPOSURE LIMITS
The applicable radiofrequency radiation exposure limits set forth within 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(1),
Table 1 Section (ii), made applicable pursuant to 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(3).
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HEIGHT
When referring to a tower, personal wireless service facility, or personal wireless service facility
structure, the height shall mean the distance measured from the pre-existing grade level to the
highest point on the tower, facility, or structure, including, but not limited to, any accessory, fitting,
fitment, extension, addition, add-on, antenna, whip antenna, lightning rod or other types of
lightning-protection devices attached to the top of the structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is either on the National Register of Historic Places or is eligible for inclusion
in the national register, irrespective of whether or not an application for inclusion onto the national
register has been filed or not filed.
ILLEGALLY EXCESSIVE RF RADIATION or ILLEGALLY EXCESSIVE RADIATION
RF radiation emissions at levels that exceed the legally permissible limits set forth within 47 CFR
§1.1310(e)(1), Table 1 Sections (i) and (ii), as made applicable pursuant to 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(3).
IN-KIND REPLACEMENT
The replacement of a malfunctioning component(s) with a properly functioning component of
substantially the same weight, dimensions, and outward appearance.
MACROCELL
A cellular base station that typically sends and receives radio signals from large towers and
antennas. These include traditionally recognized cell towers, typically ranging from 50 to 199 feet
in height.
MAINTENANCE or ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Plumbing, electrical or mechanical work that may require a building permit but that does not
constitute a modification to the personal wireless service facility. It is work necessary to assure
that a wireless facility and/or telecommunications structure exists and operates reliably and in a
safe manner, presents no threat to persons or property, and remains compliant with the provisions
of this chapter and FCC requirements.
NECESSARY or NECESSITY or NEED
What is technologically required for the equipment to function as designed by the manufacturer
and anything less will result in prohibiting the provision of service as intended and described in
the narrative of the application. “Necessary” or “need” does not mean what may be desired,
preferred, or the most cost-efficient approach and is not related to an applicant’s specific chosen
design standards or unspecified “coverage objectives.” Any situation involving a choice between
or among alternatives or options is not a need or a necessity.
NEPA
The National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. §4321, et seq.
8
NHPA
The National Historic Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq, and 36 CFR Part 800, et seq.
NODE, DAS NODE
A fixed antenna and related equipment installation that operates as part of a system of spatially
separated antennas, all of which are connected through a medium through which they work
collectively to provide personal wireless services, as opposed to other types of personal wireless
facilities, such as macrocells, which operate independently.
NOTICE ADDRESS
An address, which is required to be provided by an applicant at the time it submits an application
for a special use permit, at which the Town, Town Council, and/or Community Development
Director or Engineer can mail notice, and the mailing of any notice to such address by first-class
mail shall constitute sufficient notice to any and all applicants, co-applicants, and/or their attorneys,
to satisfy any notice requirements under this Chapter, as well as any notice requirements of any
other local, state and/or federal law.
NOTICE OF INCOMPLETENESS, NOTICE OF INCOMPLETE APPLICATION
A written notice, mailed by first class mail, to an applicant seeking approval for the installation of
a PWSF, wherein the sender advises the applicant that its application is either incomplete, the
wrong type of application, or is otherwise defective, and setting for the reason or reasons why the
application is incomplete and/or defective.
NOTICE OF EFFECTIVE PROHIBITION CONDITIONS
A written notice, which is required to be provided to the Town at the time of the filing of any
application by all applicants seeking any approval, of any type, for the siting, installation, and/or
construction of a PWSF, wherein the respective applicant asserts, claims or intends to assert or
claim, that a denial of their respective application, by any agent, employee, board or body of the
Town, would constitute an “effective prohibition” within the meaning of the TCA, and
concomitantly, that a denial of their respective application or request would violate Section 47
U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(B)(i)(II) of the TCA.
OCCUPATIONAL/CONTROLLED EXPOSURE LIMITS
The applicable radiofrequency radiation exposure limits set forth within 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(1),
Table 1 Section (i), made applicable pursuant to 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(2).
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE/PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICES
Commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless
exchange access services, within the meaning of 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(c)(i), and as defined
therein.
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PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY, PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICES
FACILITY or PWSF
A facility or facilities used for the provision of personal wireless services, within the meaning of
47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(c)(ii). It means a specific location at which a structure that is designed or
intended to be used to house or accommodate antennas or other transmitting or receiving
equipment is located. This includes, without limitation, towers of all types and all kinds of support
structures, including but not limited to buildings, church steeples, silos, water towers, signs, utility
poles, or any other structure that is used or is proposed to be used as a telecommunications structure
for the placement, installation and/or attachment of antennas or the functional equivalent of such.
It expressly includes all related facilities and equipment such as cabling, radios and other electronic
equipment, equipment shelters and enclosures, cabinets, and other structures enabling the complex
to provide personal wireless services.
PROBATIVE EVIDENCE
Evidence which tends to prove facts, and the more a piece of evidence or testimony proves a fact,
the greater its probative value, as shall be determined by the Town Council, as the finder-of-fact in
determining whether to grant or deny applications for special permits under this provision of the
Town Code.
REPAIRS
The replacement or repair of any components of a wireless facility or complex where the
replacement is substantially identical to the component or components being replaced, or for any
matters that involve the normal repair and maintenance of a wireless facility or complex without
the addition, removal, or change of any of the physical or visually discernible components or
aspects of a wireless facility or complex that will impose new visible intrusions of the facility or
complex as originally permitted.
RF
Radiofrequency.
RF RADIATION
Radiofrequency radiation. That being electromagnetic radiation, which is a combination of electric
and magnetic fields that move through space as waves, and can include both Non-Ionizing
radiation and Ionizing radiation.
SECTION 106 REVIEW
A review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
SETBACK
For purposes of special use permit applications, a setback shall mean the distance between (a) any
portion of a personal wireless facility and/or complex, including but not limited to any and all
accessory facilities and/or structures, and (b) the exterior line of any parcel of real property or part
thereof which is owned by, or leased by, an applicant seeking a special use permit to construct or
install a personal wireless facility upon such real property or portion thereof. In the event that an
10
applicant leases only a portion of real property owned by a landlord, the setback shall be measured
from the facility to the line of that portion of the real property that is actually leased by the
applicant, as opposed to the exterior lot line of the non-leased portion of the property owned by
the landlord.
SHOT CLOCK
The applicable period, which is presumed to be a reasonable period within which the Town is
generally required to issue a final decision upon an application seeking special use permit approval
for the installation or substantial modification of a personal wireless services facility or structure
to comply with Section 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(B)(ii) of the TCA.
SHPO
The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office
SITE DEVELOPER or SITE DEVELOPERS
Individuals and/or entities engaged in the business of constructing wireless facilities and wireless
facility infrastructure and leasing space and/or capacity upon, or use of, their facilities and/or
infrastructure to wireless carriers. Unlike wireless carriers, site developers generally do not
provide personal wireless services to end-use consumers.
SMALL CELL
A fixed cellular base station that sends and receives radio signals and is typically mounted upon
poles or support structures at substantially lower elevations than macrocell facilities.
SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY
A personal wireless service facility that meets all of the following criteria
(a) The facility does not extend the height of an existing structure to a total
cumulative height of more than fifty (50) feet from ground level to
the top of the structure, and any equipment affixed thereto;
(b) Each antenna associated with the deployment is no more than three (3) cubic feet
in volume;
(c) All wireless equipment associated with the facility, including any pre-existing
equipment and any proposed new equipment, cumulatively total no more than
twenty-eight (28) cubic feet in volume;
(d) The facility is not located on tribal land; and
(e) The facility will not result in human exposure to radiofrequency radiation in
excess of the applicable FCC safety standards set forth within Table 1 of 47
CFR §1.1310(E)(1).
SPECIAL USE PERMIT
The official document or permit granted by the Town Council pursuant to which an applicant is
allowed to file for and obtain a building permit to construct and use a personal wireless services
facility, personal wireless service equipment, and/or any associated structures and/or equipment
11
which are used to house, or be a part of, any such facility or complex, or to be used to provide
personal wireless services.
STATE
The State of Arizona.
STEALTH or STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
A design or treatment that minimizes adverse aesthetic and visual impacts on the land, property,
buildings, and other facilities adjacent to, surrounding, and generally in the same area as the
requested location of such personal wireless service facilities. This shall mean building the least
visually and physically intrusive facility and complex under the facts and circumstances.
STRUCTURE
A pole, tower, base station, or other building, physical support of any form used for, or to be used
for, the provision of personal wireless service.
SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
Substantial Evidence means such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as
adequate to support a conclusion. It means less than a preponderance but more than a scintilla of
evidence.
TCA
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. §332(c)
TOLLING or TOLLED
The pausing of the running of the time period permitted under the applicable shot clock for the
respective type of application for a personal wireless services facility. Where a shot clock is tolled
because an application has been deemed incomplete and timely notice of incompleteness was
mailed to the applicant, the submission of additional materials by the applicant to complete the
application will end the tolling, thus causing the shot clock period to resume running, as opposed
to causing the shot clock to begin running anew.
TOWER, TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER
Any structure designed primarily to support one or more antennas and/or equipment used or
designed for receiving and/or transmitting a wireless signal.
TOWN
The Town of Fountain Hills.
TOWN CODE
The Zoning Code of the Town of Fountain Hills.
Commented [JW6]: Similar, longer definition in Section
17.02
12
UNDERTAKING
Any application for a special use permit seeking Council approval for the installation of a personal
wireless services facility licensed under the authority of the FCC shall constitute an undertaking
within the meaning of NEPA, in accord with 42 CFR §137.289 and 36 CFR §800.16.
WIRELESS CARRIERS or CARRIER
Companies that provide Personal Wireless Services to end-use consumers.
ZONING ORDINANCE
The Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Fountain Hills, as codified in Chapter 1, §1.01 of the
Town Code.
§17-3 Application Types
There shall be four (4) specific types of applications for special use permits under this section,
which shall include Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV applications. It shall be the obligation
of any applicant to explicitly and correctly identify which type of application they are filing.
1. Type I Applications Colocations of Small Wireless Facilities
Type I applications shall be limited to applications wherein an applicant seeks to co-locate a new
small wireless facility, as defined in this Chapter, by installing new personal wireless service
equipment upon an already existing small personal wireless services facility structure.
If the completed facility would still meet the physical limits and requirements to meet the definition
of a small wireless facility after the installation of the new equipment, then the application to install
such new equipment is a Type I application.
Type I applications for co-location of a small wireless facility in a public right of way as set forth
in A.R.S. §9-592(J) and A.R.S. §9-593(C) shall be a permitted use with a building permit.
Type I applications for co-location of a small wireless facility in all other areas or zones shall
require an applicant to obtain a special use permit from the Town Council.
2. Type II Applications Co-locations that do not meet the definition of a Small Wireless
Facility.
Type II applications shall be limited to applications wherein an applicant is seeking to co-locate
new personal wireless service equipment by installing such new wireless equipment upon an
already existing personal wireless services facility structure, tower, or complex which does not
meet the definition of a small wireless facility or which will not meet the definition of a small
wireless facility if and when the proposed new personal wireless service equipment is installed
upon the existing facility and/or structure. Type II applications for co-location of personal wireless
Commented [JW7]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.04
covers application types.
13
service facility equipment shall either be a permitted use with a building permit or a special use
permit, as set forth below.
The co-location of personal wireless service facility equipment on an approved PWSF tower or
PWSF structure on property within C-O Commercial Office Zoning District; C-C Common
Commercial Zoning District; C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Professional District; C-2
Intermediate Commercial Zoning District; C-3 General Commercial Zoning District; IND-1
Planned Industrial Zoning District; IND-2 Light Industrial Zoning District; and UT Utility Zoning
District is a permitted use subject to the issuance of a building permit, provided that the Town
Engineer determines that the proposed co-location will not:
(a) Increase the approved height of the supporting structure by more than 15%;
(b) Cause the original approved number of antennas to be exceeded by more than
50%;
(c) Increase the original approved square footage of accessory buildings by more than
200 square feet;
(d) Add new or additional microwave antenna dishes;
(e) expand the footprint of said support structure; or
(f) potentially cause significant adverse impacts on the existing support structure or the
surrounding area.
If the Town Engineer cannot make the findings above, special use permit and site plan approvals
will be required in accord with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Town Engineer
shall refer the application to the Town Council, where it will be subject to the terms and
conditions specified in the requirements and standards in this Chapter as part of the special use
permit and site plan review process.
The co-location of personal wireless service facility equipment on an approved PWSF tower or
PWSF structure on property within all other zoning districts shall require a special permit and
site plan approvals as provided in this Chapter.
3. Type III Applications New Small Wireless Facilities
Type III applications shall be limited to applications seeking to install and/or construct a new small
wireless facility, as defined in Section §17-2 hereinabove, which is not collocated in a public right
of way.
Type III applications shall require applicants to obtain a special use permit and site plan
approvals from the Town Council in all zoning districts.
4. Type IV Applications New Towers and All Other Wireless Facilities
Commented [JW8]: Adopted ordinance allows co-location
in any district provided it meets the criteria below and is
consistent with the adopted SUP if one was required.
Commented [JW9]: Modified to 10% or 20 feet in
adopted ordinance based on established FCC critera
Commented [JW10]: Used in adopted ordinance Sections
17.04 A. 2. and 4.
Commented [JW11]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.04 B.
1. conveys the same requirement that the request does not
meet the listed standards then it must receive public review.
Commented [JW12]: In the adopted code new small cell wireless not in the ROW are treated the same as any other wireless facility.
Commented [JW13]: This section is basically the same as
adopted ordinance Section 17.04 B. Any application that
does not meet the criteria in A for administrative review
requires public review.
14
Type IV applications shall include applications for the installation of a new telecommunications
tower, personal wireless service facility, complex, structure, or equipment that does not meet the
criteria for Type I, Type II, or Type III applications.
Type IV applications shall require applicants to obtain a special use permit and site plan
approvals from the Town Council in all zoning districts.
§17-4 Shot Clock Periods
To comply with the requirements of Section 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(B)(ii) of the TCA, the
following shot clock periods set forth herein below shall be presumed to be reasonable periods
within which the Town Council shall render determinations upon special use permit applications
for personal wireless service facilities.
The Town Council shall render determinations upon such applications within the periods set
forth hereinbelow, unless the applicable shot clock period listed below is tolled, extended by
agreement or the processing of the application is delayed due to circumstances beyond the
Council and/or Town’s controls, as addressed within subsections §17-15, §17-16, §17-17 and
§17-18 herein below.
1. Type I Applications Colocations of Small Wireless Facilities
Sixty (60) Days
Unless extended by agreement, tolled, or subject to reasonable delays, the Town Council shall
issue a written decision upon a Type I application within sixty (60) days from the date when the
Town receives a Type I application.
Upon receipt of a Type I application, the Town Engineer shall review the application for
completeness. If the Town Engineer determines the application is: (a) incomplete, (b) missing
required application materials, (c) is the wrong type of application, or (d) is otherwise defective,
then, within ten (10) days of the Town’s receipt of the application, the Town Engineer, or their
designee, shall mail the applicant a Notice of Incompleteness by first class mail, to the Notice
Address provided by the applicant.
Within such Notice of Incompleteness, the Town Engineer shall advise the applicant, with
reasonable clarity, of the defects within its application, including a description of such matters as
what items are missing from the application and/or why the application is incomplete and/or
defective.
The mailing of a Notice of Incomplete Application by the Town Engineer shall toll the sixty (60)
day shot clock, which shall not thereafter resume running unless and until the applicant tenders an
additional submission to the Town Engineer to remedy the issues the Town Engineer identified in
the Notice of Incomplete Application, which they had mailed to the applicant. The submission of
Commented [JW14]: Shot clocks in adopted ordinance
are addressed in Section 17.05 B.
Because of the different structure did not use the exact
wording but included the same time frames.
15
any responsive materials by the applicant shall automatically cause the shot clock period to resume
running.
If upon receipt of any additional materials from the applicant, the Town Engineer determines that
the application is still incomplete and/or defective, then the Town Engineer shall, once again, mail
a Notice of Incompleteness within ten (10) days of the applicant having filed its supplemental or
corrected materials to the Town and the shot clock shall once again be tolled, and the same
procedure provided for hereinabove shall be repeated.
2. Type II Applications Colocations on existing Towers, Structures, or other Facilities which do
not meet the definition of a Small Wireless Facility. Ninety (90) Days
Unless extended by agreement, tolled, or subject to reasonable delays, the Town Council shall
issue a written decision upon a Type II application within ninety (90) days from the date when
the Town receives a Type II application.
Upon receipt of a Type II application, the Town Engineer shall review the application for
completeness. If the Town Engineer determines the application is: (a) incomplete, (b) missing
required application materials, (c) is the wrong type of application, or (d) is otherwise
defective, then, within thirty (30) days of the Town’s receipt of the application, the Town
Engineer, or their designee, shall mail the applicant a Notice of Incompleteness by first class
mail to the Notice Address provided by the applicant.
Within such Notice of Incompleteness, the Town Engineer shall advise the applicant, with
reasonable clarity of the defects within its application, including a description of such matters as
what items are missing from the application and/or why the application is incomplete and/or
defective.
The mailing of a Notice of Incomplete Application by the Town Engineer shall toll the ninety
(90) day shot clock, which shall not thereafter resume running unless and until the applicant
tenders an additional submission to the Town Engineer to remedy the issues the
Town Engineer identified in the Notice of Incomplete Application, which they had mailed to the
applicant.
The submission of any responsive materials by the applicant shall automatically cause the shot
clock period to resume running.
If upon receipt of any additional materials from the applicant, the Town Engineer determines that
the application is still incomplete and/or defective, then the Town Engineer shall, once again,
mail a Notice of Incompleteness within ten (10) days of the applicant having filed its
supplemental or corrected materials to the Town. The shot clock shall be tolled again, and the
same procedure provided hereinabove shall be repeated.
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3. Type III Applications New Small Wireless Facilities
Sixty (60) Days
Unless extended by agreement, tolled, or subject to reasonable delays, the Town Council shall
issue a written decision upon a Type III application within sixty (60) days from the date when the
Town receives a Type III application.
Upon receipt of a Type III application, the Town Engineer shall review the application for
completeness. If the Town Engineer determines the application is: (a) incomplete, (b)
missing required application materials, (c) is the wrong type of application, or (d) is otherwise
defective, then, within ten (10) days of the Town’s receipt of the application, the Town
Engineer, or their designee, shall mail the applicant a Notice of Incompleteness by first class
mail to the Notice Address that the applicant has provided.
Within such Notice of Incompleteness, the Town Engineer shall advise the applicant, with
reasonable clarity, the defects within its application, including a description of such matters as
what items are missing from the application, and/or why the application is incomplete and/or
defective.
The mailing of a Notice of Incomplete Application by the Town Engineer shall toll the sixty
(60) day shot clock, which shall not thereafter run unless and until the applicant tenders
an additional submission to the Town Engineer to remedy the issues the
Town Engineer identified in the Notice of Incomplete Application, which they had mailed to the
applicant.
The submission of any responsive materials by the applicant shall automatically cause the shot
clock period to start running anew, consistent the 47 CFR §1.6003(d).
If upon receipt of any additional materials from the applicant, the Town Engineer determines
that the application is still incomplete and/or defective, then the Town Engineer shall, once
again, mail a Notice of Incompleteness within ten (10) days of the applicant having filed its
supplemental or corrected materials to the Town and the shot clock shall once again be tolled,
and the same procedure provided for hereinabove shall be repeated.
4. Type IV Applications New Towers and All Other Wireless Facilities
One Hundred Fifty (150) Days
Unless extended by agreement, tolled, or subject to reasonable delays, the Town Council shall
issue a written decision upon a Type IV application within one hundred fifty (150) days from the
date when the Town receives a Type IV application.
Upon receipt of a Type IV application, the Town Engineer shall review the application for
completeness. If the Town Engineer determines the application is: (a) incomplete, (b) missing
required application materials, (c) is the wrong type of application, or (d) is otherwise
17
defective, then, within thirty (30) days of the Town’s receipt of the application, the Town
Engineer, or their designee, shall mail the applicant a Notice of Incompleteness by first class
mail to the Notice Address provided by the applicant.
Within such Notice of Incompleteness, the Town Engineer shall advise the applicant, with
reasonable clarity, the defects within its application, including a description of such matters as
what items are missing from the application, and/or why the application is incomplete and/or
defective.
The mailing of a Notice of Incomplete Application by the Town Engineer shall toll the one hundred
fifty (150) day shot clock, which shall not thereafter resume running unless and until the applicant
tenders an additional submission to the Town Engineer to remedy the issues the Town Engineer
identified in the Notice of Incomplete Application, which they had mailed to the applicant.
The submission of any responsive materials by the applicant shall automatically cause the shot
clock period to resume running.
If, upon receipt of any additional materials from the applicant, the Town Engineer determines
that the application is still incomplete and/or defective, then the Town Engineer shall, once
again, mail a Notice of Incompleteness within ten (10) days of the applicant having filed its
supplemental or corrected materials to the town, and the shot clock shall once again be tolled,
and the same procedure provided hereinabove shall be repeated.
§17-5 Shot Clock Tolls, Extensions & Reasonable Delay Periods
Consistent with the letter and intent of Section 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(B)(ii) of the TCA, each of
the shot clock periods set forth within Section §17-4 hereinabove shall generally be presumed
to be sufficient periods within which the Town Council shall render decisions upon special
permit applications.
Notwithstanding same, the applicable shot clock periods may be tolled, extended by mutual
agreement between any applicant and/or its representative and the Town Council, and the Town
Council shall not be required to render its determination within the shot clock period presumed
to be reasonable for each type of application, where the processing of such application is
reasonably delayed, as described hereinbelow.
1. Tolling of the Applicable Shot Clock Due
to Incompleteness and/or Applicant Error
As provided for within Section §17-4 hereinabove, in the event that the Town Engineer deems an
application incomplete, the Town Engineer shall send a Notice of Incompleteness to the
applicant to notify the applicant that its application is incomplete and/or contains material errors,
and shall reasonably identify the missing information and/or documents and/or the error(s) in the
application.
Commented [JW15]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.05 B. 2.
18
If the Town Engineer mails a Notice of Incompleteness as described hereinabove, the applicable
shot clock shall automatically be tolled, meaning that the applicable shot clock period within
which the Town Council is required to render a final decision upon the application shall
immediately cease running, and shall not resume running, unless and until the Town receives a
responsive submission from the applicant.
If and when the applicant thereafter submits additional information in an effort to complete its
application, or cure any identified defect(s), then the shot clock shall automatically resume
running, but shall not be deemed to start running anew.
The applicable shot clock period shall, once again, be tolled if the Town Engineer thereafter
provides a second notice that the application is still incomplete or defective, despite any
additional submissions which have been received by the Town, from the applicant, up to that
point.
2. Shot Clock Extension by Mutual Agreement
The Town Council, in its sole discretion, shall be free to extend any applicable shot clock period
by mutual agreement with any respective applicant. This discretion on the part of the Council
shall include the Council’s authority to request, at any time, and for any period of time the
Council may deem reasonable or appropriate under the circumstances, consent from a respective
applicant to extend the applicable shot clock period to enable the Council, the applicant, or any
relevant third party, to complete any type of Undertaking or task related to the review, analysis,
processing, and determination of the particular application, which is then pending before the
Council, to the extent that any such Undertaking, task, or review is consistent with, or
reasonably related to, compliance with any federal, state, or local law and/or the requirements of
any provision of the Town Code, including but not limited to this Chapter.
In response to any request by the Council, the applicant, by its principal, agent, attorney, site
acquisition agent, or other authorized representative, can consent to any extension of any
applicable shot clock by affirmatively indicating its consent either in writing or by affirmatively
indicating its consent on the record at any public hearing or public meeting. The Town Council
shall be permitted to reasonably rely upon a representative of the applicant indicating that they
are authorized to grant such consent on behalf of the respective applicant, on whose behalf they
have been addressing the Council within the hearing process.
3. Reasonable Delay Extensions of Shot Clock Periods
The Town recognizes that there may be situations wherein, due to circumstances beyond the
control of the Town and/or the Town Council, the review and issuance of a final decision upon a
special permit application for a personal wireless facility cannot reasonably be completed within
the application shot clock periods delineated within Section §17-4 hereinabove.
19
If, despite the exercise of due diligence by the Town and the Town Council, the determination
regarding a specific application cannot reasonably be completed within the applicable shot clock
period, the Council shall be permitted to continue and complete its review and issue its
determination at a date beyond the expiration of the applicable period, if the delay of such final
decision is due to circumstances including, but not limited to, those enumerated hereinbelow, each
of which shall serve as a reasonable basis for a reasonable delay of the applicable shot clock period.
Reasonable delays that may constitute proper grounds for extending the presumed sufficient
periods for rendering determinations under the applicable shot clock periods may include but are
not necessarily limited to, those set forth within Sections §17-15, §17-16, §17-17, and §17-18
herein below.
§17-6 Application Requirements
Applications for special use permits under this section shall be made to the Town Engineer, who
shall initially determine whether or not the application is complete and/or free of defects upon
receipt of the same.
If the Town Engineer determines that the application is defective or incomplete, they shall
promptly mail a Notice of Incompleteness to the applicant, in accord with §17-4 to toll the
applicable shot clock, to ensure that the Town and the Town Council are afforded sufficient time
to review and determine each respective application.
Each application shall include the following materials, the absence of any one of which listed
hereinbelow shall render the respective application incomplete:
1. Special Use Permit and Site Plan Applications
Completed applications for a special use permit and site plan that shall identify all
applicants, co-applicants, site developer(s), and wireless carrier(s) on whose behalf the
application is being submitted, as well as the property owner of the proposed site.
2. Filing Fees
The appropriate filing fees then being charged by the Town for applications for special
use permit applications, site plan applications, and other related applications.
3. A “Notice Address”
A “Notice Address,” that being a specific address to which the Town, Town Council,
and/or Town Engineer may mail any type of notice, and that the mailing of same to such
address shall constitute sufficient notice to any applicant, co-applicant, and/or their
Commented [JW16]: Note: In adopted ordinance there are
three additional provision stated in Section 17.05 B. 2. c.
regarding the tolling of shot clocks.
Commented [JW17]: Direct wording from this section
was not used in the adopted ordinance, but most of the same
requirements are included, differences are noted below.
See adopted ordinance Section 17.05 A for application
requirements.
Commented [JW18]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.05 C.
3. states requirement to follow Section 2.02 for public review
applications, includes site plan submittal.
Commented [JW19]: Requirement to pay a fee is in
adopted ordinance Section 17.05 A. 7.
Commented [JW20]: Contact information is a standard
part of an application submittal, did not include this level of
detail in the adopted ordinance.
20
attorney, to comply with any requirement under this section as well as any local, state
and/or federal law
4. Proof of Authorization for Site Occupancy
Where an applicant is not the owner of the real property upon which it seeks to install its
equipment or facility, it shall submit proof of authorization to occupy the site at issue. If
the applicant is leasing all or a portion of real property upon which it intends to install
its new facility or equipment, then the applicant shall provide a written copy of its lease
with the owner of such property. The applicant may redact any financial terms contained
within the lease, but it shall not redact any portion of the lease which details the amount
of area leased nor the specific portion of the real property to which the applicant has
obtained the right to occupy, access, or preclude others from entering.
Where an applicant seeks to Co-Locate new equipment into an existing facility, it shall
provide a copy of its written co-location agreement with the owner of such pre-existing
facility, from which it may redact any financial terms.
5. A Drawn-To-Scale Depiction
The applicant shall submit drawn-to-scale depictions of its proposed wireless support
structure and all associated equipment to be mounted thereon or to be installed as part of
such facility, which shall clearly and concisely depict all equipment and the
measurements of same to enable the Town Engineer to ascertain whether the proposed
facility would qualify as a small wireless facility as defined under this Chapter.
If the applicant claims that its proposed installation qualifies as a small wireless facility
within this Chapter, the drawn-to-scale depiction shall include complete calculations for
all of the antennas and equipment of which the facility will be comprised, depicting that,
when completed, the installation and equipment will meet the physical size limitations
which enable the facility to qualify as a small wireless facility.
6. Site plan
The applicant shall submit a site plan and site plan application in accordance with §2.04
of the Zoning Ordinance. The site plan shall show all existing and proposed structures
and improvements, including antennas, roads, buildings, guy wires and anchors, parking,
and landscaping. It shall include grading plans for new facilities and roads. Any methods
used to conceal the modification of the existing facility shall be indicated on the site plan.
7. Engineer’s Report
To the extent that an application proposes the co-location of new equipment onto an
existing tower or facility, the applicant shall provide an engineer's report certifying that
Commented [JW21]: Authorization by the property owner
is a standard application requirement, did not include a
specific requirement in the adopted ordinance.
Commented [JW22]: Required in adopted ordinance
Section 17.05 A. 5 and 6. a and 17.05 C. 3. a.
Commented [JW23]: Required in adopted ordinance
Section 17.05 A. 5 and 6. a and 17.05 C. 3. a.
Commented [JW24]: See adopted ordinance Section
17.03 A. 12 and 13.
21
the proposed shared use will not diminish the structural integrity and safety of the
existing structure and explaining what modifications, if any, will be required in order to
certify to the above.
8. Environmental Assessment Form
A completed environmental assessment form (EAF) and a completed visual EAF
addendum if required by ADEQ.
9. Visual Impact Analysis
A completed visual impact analysis, which, at a minimum, shall include the following:
(a) Small Wireless Facilities
For applications seeking approval for the installation of a small wireless facility, the
applicant shall provide a visual impact analysis which shall include photographic images
taken from the perspectives of the properties situated in closest proximity to the location
being proposed for the siting of the facility, as well as those properties which would
reasonably be expected to sustain the most significant adverse aesthetic impacts due to
such factors as their close proximity to the site, their elevation relative to the site, the
existence or absence of a “clear line of sight” between the tower location and their
location.
(b) Telecommunications Towers and Personal Wireless Service Facilities which do not
meet the definition of a Small Wireless Facility
For applications seeking approval for the installation of a telecommunications tower or a
personal wireless service facility that does not meet the definition of a small wireless
facility, the applicant shall provide:
(i) A “Zone of Visibility Map” to determine locations from where the new facility
will be seen.
(ii) A visual impact analysis which shall include photographic images taken
from the perspectives of the properties situated in closest proximity to the
location being proposed for the siting of the facility, as well as those
properties which would reasonably be expected to sustain the most
significant adverse aesthetic impacts due to such factors as their close
proximity to the site, their elevation relative to the site, the existence or
absence of a “clear line of sight” between the tower location and their
location.
Commented [JW25]: Not in adopted ordinance.
Commented [JW26]: See provisions in adopted ordinance
Sections 17.03 A. 3. f., and 17.05 A. 6. a.
22
The photographic images shall depict the height at which the proposed
facility shall stand when completed, including all portions and proposed
attachments to the facility, including, but not limited to, the main support
structure, all antennas, transmitters, whip antennas, lightning rods, t-bars,
crossbars, and cantilever attachments which shall, in whole or in part, be
affixed to it, any and all surrounding equipment compound(s), fencing,
cellular equipment cabinets, transformers, transformer vaults and/or
cabinets, sector distribution boxes, ice bridges, backup generators, switch
boxes etc., to the extent that any of such compound and/or equipment will
be visible from properties other than the property upon which the
proposed tower and compound are to be installed.
The visual impact analysis shall include an assessment of alternative designs and
color schemes, as well as an assessment of the visual impact of the proposed
facility, taking into consideration any supporting structure which is to be
constructed, as well as its base, guy wires, accessory structures, buildings, and
overhead utility lines from abutting properties and streets.
10. Alternative Site Analysis
A completed alternative site analysis of all potential less intrusive alternative sites which
the applicant has considered, setting forth their respective locations, elevations, and
suitability or unsuitability for remedying whatever specific wireless coverage needs the
respective applicant or a specific Wireless Carrier is seeking to remedy by the installation
of the new facility which is the subject of the respective application for a special use
permit.
If, and to the extent that an applicant claims that a particular alternative site is
unavailable, in that the owner of an alternative site is unwilling or unable to
accommodate a wireless facility upon such potential alternative site, the applicant shall
provide probative evidence of such unavailability, whether in the form of
communications or such other form of evidence that reasonably establishes same.
The alternative site analysis shall contain:
(a) an inventory of all existing tall structures and existing or approved
communications towers within a two-mile radius of the proposed site.
(b) a map showing the exact location of each site inventoried, including latitude and
longitude (degrees, minutes, seconds), ground elevation above sea level, the
height of the structure and/or tower, and accessory buildings on the site of the
inventoried location.
(c) an outline of opportunities for shared use of an existing wireless facility as
opposed to the installation of an entirely new facility.
Commented [JW27]: See adopted ordinance Section
17.05 A. 6 h. and 17.05 C. 3. c.
23
(d) a demonstration of good-faith efforts to secure shared use from the owner of each
potential existing tall structure and existing or approved communications tower,
as well as documentation of the physical, technical, and/or financial reasons why
shared usage is impractical in each case.
11. FCC Compliance Report
An FCC compliance report, prepared by a licensed engineer, and certified under penalties
of perjury, that the content thereof is true and accurate, wherein the licensed engineer
shall certify that the proposed facility will be FCC compliant as of the time of its
installation, meaning that the facility will not expose members of the general public to
radiation levels that exceed the permissible radiation limits which the FCC has set.
If it is anticipated that more than one carrier and/or user is to install transmitters into the
facility, the FCC compliance report shall take into account anticipated exposure from all
users on the facility and shall indicate whether or not the combined exposure levels will
or will not exceed the permissible General Population Exposure Limits, or alternatively,
the occupational Exposure Limits, where applicable.
Such FCC Compliance Report shall provide the calculation or calculations with which
the engineer determined the levels of RF radiation and/or emissions to which the facility
will expose members of the general public.
On the cover page of the report, the report shall explicitly specify: (a) Whether the
applicant and their engineer are claiming that the applicable FCC limits based upon
which they are claiming FCC compliance are the General Population Exposure Limits or
the Occupational Exposure Limits. If the applicant and/or their engineer are asserting that
the Occupational Exposure Limits apply to the proposed installation, they shall detail a
factual basis as to why they claim that the higher set of limits is applicable, (b) The exact
minimum distance factor, measured in feet, which the applicant’s engineer used to
calculate the level of radiation emissions to which the proposed facility will expose
members of the general public. The minimum distance factor is the closest distance (i.e.,
the minimum distance) to which a member of the general public shall be able to gain
access to the transmitting antennas mounted upon, or which shall be a part of, the
proposed facility.
12. FCC License
A copy of any applicable Federal Communications Commission license possessed by any
carrier named as an applicant, co-applicant, or whose equipment is proposed for
installation as of the time the application is being filed with the Town.
Commented [JW28]: See adopted ordinance Section
17.05 A. 6. j.
Commented [JW29]: Not in adopted ordinance.
24
13. Effective Prohibition Claims
The Town is aware that applicants seeking approvals for the installation of new wireless
Facilities often assert that federal law, and more specifically the TCA, prohibits the local
government from denying their respective applications.
In doing so, they assert that their desired facility is “necessary” to remedy one or more
significant gaps in a carrier’s personal wireless service, and they proffer computer
generated propagation maps to establish the existence of such purported gaps.
The Town is additionally aware that, in August 2020, driven by a concern that
propagation maps created and submitted to the FCC by wireless carriers were inaccurate,
the FCC caused its staff to perform actual drive tests, wherein the FCC staff performed
24,649 tests, driving nearly ten thousand (10,000) miles through nine (9) states, with an
additional 5,916 stationary tests conducted at 42 locations situated in nine (9) states.
At the conclusion of such testing, the FCC Staff determined that the accuracy of the
propagation maps submitted to the FCC by the wireless carriers had ranged from as little
as 16.2% accuracy to a maximum of 64.3% accuracy.
As a result, the FCC Staff recommended that the FCC no longer accept propagation maps
from wireless carriers without supporting drive test data to establish their accuracy. A
copy of the FCC Staff’s 66-page report is made a part of this Chapter as Appendix 1. The
Town considers it of critical import that applicants provide truthful, accurate, complete,
and sufficiently reliable data to enable the Town Council to render determinations upon
applications for new wireless facilities consistent with this Chapter's requirements and
the TCA's statutory requirements.
Consistent with same, if, at the time of filing an application under this Chapter, an
applicant intends to assert before the Town Council or the Town that: (a) an identified
wireless carrier suffers from a significant gap in its personal wireless services within the
Town, (b) that the applicant’s proposed installation is the least intrusive means of
remedying such gap in services, and/or (c) that under the circumstances pertaining to the
application, a denial of the application by the Town Council would constitute an
“effective prohibition” under Section 47 U.S.C. §332 the TCA, then, at the time of filing
such application, the applicant shall be required to file a written statement which shall be
entitled:
“Notice of Effective Prohibition Conditions”
If an applicant files a Notice of Effective Prohibition Conditions, then the applicant shall
be required to submit Probative Evidence to enable the Town Council to reasonably
determine: (a) whether or not the conditions alleged by the respective applicant exist, (b)
whether there exists a significant gap or gaps in an identified wireless carrier’s personal
wireless services within the Town, (c) the geographic locations of any such gaps, and (d)
Commented [JW30]: Not in adopted ordinance.
25
the geographic boundaries of such gaps, to enable the Town Council to determine
whether granting the respective application would be consistent with the requirements of
this Chapter and the legislative intent behind same, and whether or not Federal law would
require the Town Council to grant the respective application, even if it would otherwise
violate the Town Code, including, but not limited to, this Chapter.
The additional materials which the applicant shall then be required to provide shall
include the following:
(a) Drive Test Data and Maps
If, and to the extent that an applicant claims that a specific wireless carrier suffers from a
significant gap in its personal wireless services within the Town, the applicant shall
conduct or cause to be conducted a drive test within the specific geographic areas within
which the applicant is claiming such gap or gaps exist, for each frequency at which the
carrier provides personal wireless services. The applicant shall provide the Town and the
Town Council with the actual drive test data recorded during such drive test, in a simple
format which shall include, in table format:
(i) the date and time for the test or tests,
(ii) the location, in longitude and latitude, of each point at which signal strength was recorded
and
(iii) each signal strength recorded, measured in DBM, for each frequency.
Such data is to be provided in a separate table for each frequency at which the respective
carrier provides personal wireless services to any of its end-use customers.
(iv) The applicant shall also submit drive test maps depicting the actual signal strengths
recorded during the actual drive test for each frequency at which the carrier provides
personal wireless services to its end-use customers.
If an applicant claims that it needs a “minimum” signal strength (measured
in DBM) to remedy its gap or gaps in service, then for each frequency, the
applicant shall provide three (3) signal strength coverage maps reflecting
actual signal strengths in three (3) DBM bins, the first being at the alleged
minimum signal strength, and two (2) additional three (3) DBM bin maps
depicting signal strengths immediately below the alleged minimum signal
strength claimed to be required.
By way of example, if the applicant claims that it needs a minimum signal
strength of – 95 DBM to remedy its alleged gap in service, then the
applicant shall provide maps depicting the geographic area where the gap
is alleged to exist, showing the carrier’s coverage at – 95 to -98 DBM, -99
26
to -101 DBM, and -102 to -104 DBM, for each frequency at which the
carrier provides personal wireless services to its end-use customers.
(b) Denial of Service and/or Dropped Call Records
If and to the extent that an applicant claims that a specific wireless carrier suffers from a
capacity deficiency or a gap in service that renders the carrier incapable of providing
adequate coverage of its personal wireless services within the Town, then the applicant
shall provide dropped call records and denial of service records evidencing the number
and percentage of calls within which the carrier’s customers were unable to initiate,
maintain and conclude the use of the carrier’s personal wireless services without actual
loss of service, or interruption of service.
14. Estimate for Cost of Removal of Facility
A written estimate for the cost of the decommissioning, and removal of the facility,
including all equipment that comprises any portion or part of the facility, compound, and/or
complex, as well as any accessory facility or structure, including the cost of the full
restoration and reclamation of the site, to the extent practicable, to its condition before
development in accord with the decommissioning and reclamation plan required herein
15. Property Owner Consent & Liability Acknowledgement
A signed written consent from each owner of the subject real property upon which the
respective applicant is seeking installation of its proposed personal wireless service
facility, wherein the owner or owners both authorize the applicant to file and pursue its
special use permit application and acknowledge the potential landowner’s responsibility,
under section §17-11 for engineering, legal and other consulting fees incurred by the
Town.
§17-7 Design Standards
The following design standards shall apply to all applications for the siting, construction,
maintenance, use, erection, movement, reconstruction, expansion, material change, or
structural alteration of a personal wireless service facility.
1. Small Wireless Facilities
Small Wireless Facilities (SWF) shall be sited to inflict the minimum adverse impacts
upon individual residential properties and, specifically, to minimize, to the greatest extent
reasonably feasible, adverse aesthetic impacts upon residential homes or reductions in the
property values of same.
Commented [JW31]: Not in adopted ordinance.
Commented [JW32]: Not in adopted ordinance.
Commented [JW33]: Design standards for SWF in ROW
covered in separate document. SWF not in ROW must meet
the same design standards as other cell towers. See adopted
ordinance Section 17.03 A. 3.
27
SWFs attached to pre-existing wooden and non-wooden poles shall conform to the
following criteria:
(a) Proposed antenna and related equipment shall meet:
(i) design standards which the Town may maintain and update as
needed, provided that the Town makes its designed standards publicly
available for review by any potential applicant seeking approval for the
installation of an SWF within the Town, and
(ii) National Electric Safety Code (NESC) standards, and
(iii) National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
(b) Antennas and antenna equipment, including but not limited to radios, cables,
associated shrouding, disconnect boxes, meters, microwaves, and conduit, which
are mounted on poles, shall be mounted as close to the pole as technically
feasible. They shall not be illuminated except as required by municipal, federal, or
state authority, provided this shall not preclude deployment on a new or
replacement streetlight.
(c) Antennas and associated equipment enclosures must be camouflaged to appear as
an integral part of the pole or be mounted as close to the pole as feasible.
Conduits and cabinets shall cover all cables and wiring to the extent that it is
technically feasible, if allowed by the pole owner. The number of conduits shall
be minimized to the extent technically feasible. To the extent it is technically
feasible, antennas, equipment enclosures, and all ancillary equipment, boxes, and
conduits shall match the approximate material and design of the surface of the
pole or existing equipment to which they are attached.
SWFs attached to replacement poles and new poles shall conform to the criteria set
forth herein above for SWFs attached to pre-existing wooden and non-wooden poles but shall
additionally conform to the following criteria:
(a) The Town prefers that wireless providers and site developers install SWFs on
existing or replacement poles instead of installing new poles, and accordingly, to obtain
approval for the installation of a new pole, the provider shall be required to document
that installation on an existing or replacement pole is not technically feasible.
(b) To the extent technically feasible, all replacement poles and new poles and pole-
mounted antennas and equipment shall substantially conform to the material and design
of the pole being replaced, or in the case of a new pole, it shall conform to the nearest
adjacent pole or poles.
(c) The height of replacement poles and new poles shall conform with the height
limitations applicable to the district within which the applicant seeks to install their
28
proposed SWF unless the applicant obtains a variance to obtain relief from any such
limitation(s).
2. Telecommunications Towers and Personal Wireless Service Facilities which do not meet
the definition of a Small Wireless Facility
The design of a proposed new telecommunications tower or personal wireless service
facility shall comply with the following:
(a) The choice of design for installing a new personal wireless service facility or the
substantial modification of an existing personal wireless service facility shall be
chosen to minimize the potential adverse impacts that the new or expanded facility
may, or is likely to, inflict upon nearby properties.
(b) Any new telecommunications tower shall be designed to accommodate future
shared use by other communications providers.
(c) Unless specifically required by other regulations, a telecommunications tower shall
have a finish (either painted or unpainted) that minimizes its degree of visual
impact.
(d) Notwithstanding the height restrictions listed elsewhere in this chapter, the
maximum height of any new telecommunications tower shall not exceed that which
shall permit operation without artificial lighting of any kind or nature in
accordance with municipal, state, and/or federal law and/or regulation. (e)
Accessory Structures
(i) Accessory structures shall maximize the use of building materials, colors,
and textures designed to blend with the natural surroundings. The use of
camouflage communications towers may be required by the Council to
blend the communications tower and/or its accessory structures further
into the natural surroundings. "Camouflage" is defined as the use of
materials incorporated into the communications tower design that give
communications towers the appearance of tree branches and bark coatings,
church steeples and crosses, sign structures, lighting structures, or other
similar structures.
(ii) Accessory structures shall be designed to be architecturally similar,
compatible with each other, and shall be no more than 12 feet high. The
buildings shall be used only for housing equipment related to the
particular site. Whenever possible, the buildings shall be joined or
clustered so as to appear as one building.
(iii) No portion of any telecommunications tower or accessory structure shall
be used for a sign or other advertising purpose, including but not limited
to the company name, phone numbers, banners, and streamers, except the
following. A sign of no greater than two square feet indicating the name of
the facility owner(s) and a twenty-four-hour emergency telephone shall be
Commented [JW34]: Similar to provisions in adopted
ordinance Section 17.03 A. 3.
Commented [JW35]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.03 A.
3. e.
29
posted adjacent to any entry gate. In addition, "no trespassing" or other
warning signs may be posted on the fence. All signs shall conform to the
sign requirements of the Town.
(f) Towers must be placed to minimize visual impacts. Applicants shall place towers
on the side slope of the terrain so that, as much as possible, the top of the tower
does not protrude over the ridgeline, as seen from public ways.
(g) Existing vegetation. Existing on-site vegetation shall be preserved to the
maximum extent possible. No cutting of trees shall take place on a site connected
with an application made under this article prior to the approval of the special use
permit use.
(h) Screening.
(i) Deciduous or evergreen tree plantings may be required to screen portions of
the telecommunications tower and accessory structures from nearby
residential property as well as from public sites known to include important
views or vistas.
(ii) Where a site adjoins a residential property or public property, including
streets, screening suitable in type, size and quantity shall be required by the
Town Council.
(iii) The applicant shall demonstrate to the approving board that adequate
measures have been taken to screen and abate site noises, such as heating
and ventilating units, air conditioners, and emergency power generators.
Telecommunications towers shall comply with all applicable sections of this
chapter as it pertains to noise control and abatement.
(i) Lighting. Telecommunications towers shall not be lighted except where
FAA/FCC required lighting of the telecommunications towers necessary.
No exterior lighting shall spill from the site in an unnecessary manner.
(j) Access.
(a) Adequate emergency and service access shall be provided and maintained.
Maximum use of existing roads, public or private, shall be made. Road
construction shall always minimize ground disturbance and vegetation cutting
to the top of fill, the top of cuts, or no more than 10 feet beyond the edge of
any pavement. Road grades shall closely follow natural contours to assure
minimal visual disturbance and reduce soil erosion potential.
(b) To the extent feasible, all network interconnections to and from the
telecommunications site and all power to the site shall be installed
underground. At the initial construction of the access road to the site,
sufficient conduit shall be laid to accommodate the maximum possible
number of telecommunications providers that might use the facility.
Commented [JW36]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.03 A.
3. f.
Commented [JW37]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.03 A.
3. g.
Commented [JW38]: Similar to adopted ordinance
Section 17.03 A. 3. h.
Commented [JW39]: Similar to adopted ordinance
Section 17.03 A. 4.
30
(k) Parking. Parking shall be provided to assure adequate emergency and service
access. The Town Council shall determine the number of required spaces, but in
no case shall the number of parking spaces be less than two spaces.
(l) Fencing. A fence shall adequately enclose the telecommunications tower and any
accessory structures, the design of which shall be approved by the Town Council.
The Town Council may waive this requirement if the applicant demonstrates that
such measures are unnecessary to ensure the security of the facility.
§17-8 Town Council Initial Review
1. Initial Review
Upon the acceptance of an application that appears to be complete, the Town Engineer
shall transmit the application to the Town Council for initial review.
The Town Council shall then conduct an initial review to consider whether or not to
establish itself as Lead Agency pursuant to ADEQ and/or NEPA and whether or not a use
or area variance is required for the proposed application such that a referral for an
application to the Board of Adjustment will be required to be made after the Town
Council has declared itself to serve as Lead Agency and during the process of the Town
Council considering an ADEQ determination of environmental significance. That
consideration of granting any required variances by the Board of Adjustment is done
concurrently with the Town Council’s review and consideration of special permit and site
plan approval.
The Town Council shall then conduct a public hearing upon each application and render
its determinations in accord with Sections §17-9 and §17-10 herein below and shall
ultimately determine whether or not to grant each applicant a special use permit and/or
site plan approval.
§17-9 Hearings and Public Notices
1. Public Hearings
The Town Council shall conduct a public hearing upon each special permit application,
except the Town Council shall have the authority to schedule such additional or more
frequent public hearings as may be necessary to comply with the applicable shot clocks
imposed upon the Town and the Town Council under the requirements of the TCA.
2. Required Public Notices
The Town Council shall ensure that both the public and property owners whose
properties might be adversely impacted by the installation of a wireless facility receive
Notice of any public hearing pertaining to same and shall ensure that they are afforded an
opportunity to be heard concerning same.
Commented [JW40]: Similar to adopted ordinance
Section 17.03 A. 10.
Commented [JW41]: Not included in the adopted
ordinance.
Commented [JW42]: Adopted ordinance just references the requirements in the ordinance for SUP, does not repeat
the notice requirements.
31
Before the date scheduled for the public hearing, the Town Council shall cause to be
published a
“NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR NEW WIRELESS FACILITY”
Each “Notice of Public Hearing for New Wireless Facility” shall state the name or names
of the respective applicant or co-applicants, provide a brief description of the personal
wireless facility for which the applicant seeks a special permit and the date, time, and
location of the hearing.
Each “Notice of Public Hearing for New Wireless Facility” shall be published both: (a)
once per week for two successive weeks in the official newspaper of the Town of
Fountain Hills and (b) by mailing copies of such notice to property owners, as provided
for herein below.
The face of each envelope containing the notices of the public hearing shall state, in all
bold typeface, in all capital letters, in a font size no smaller than 12 point, the words:
“NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR NEW WIRELESS FACILITY”
For Type I and Type III applications, notices of public hearing shall be mailed to all
property owners whose real properties are situated within 300 feet of any property line of
the real property upon which the applicant seeks to install its new wireless facility. If the
site for the proposed facility is situated on, or adjacent to, a residential street containing
twelve (12) houses or less, the Town Council shall additionally mail a copy of such
notices to all homeowners on that street, even if their home is situated more than 300 feet
from any property line of the property upon which the applicant proposes to install its
facility.
For Type II and Type IV applications, the applicant shall mail such notices of public
hearing to all property owners whose real properties are situated within 1,500 feet of any
property line of the real property upon which the applicant seeks to install its new
wireless facility.
The applicant shall additionally post a notice upon the proposed site advising the public
of the public hearing.
Prior to the date of the hearing, the respective applicant shall file an Affidavit of Mailing,
attesting to whom the applicant mailed such notices and the content of the notices which
were mailed to such recipients.
§17-10 Factual Determinations to be Rendered by the Town Council
Commented [JW43]: Not used in the adopted ordinance.
32
1. Evidentiary Standards
In determining special use permit applications for personal wireless service facilities, the
Town Council shall have sole discretion to determine what probative evidence it shall
require each applicant to produce in support of its application to enable the Council to
make each of the factual determinations enumerated below.
By way of common examples of the types of evidence that the Council may require an
applicant to produce are the following:
(a) where an applicant is not the owner of the real property upon which it proposes to
install a new wireless facility, the Council can require the applicant to provide a
copy of the applicant’s lease with the property owner (including any schedules,
property descriptions, appendices or other attachments), from which the applicant
may censor or delete any financial terms which would be irrelevant to the factual
issues which the Council is required to determine;
(b) where the Council deems it appropriate, the Council can require the applicant to
perform what is commonly known as a “balloon test” and to require the applicant
to publish a reasonably sufficient advance public notice of same to enable the
Council, property owners, and the community, an opportunity to assess the actual
adverse aesthetic impact which the proposed facility is likely to inflict upon the
nearby properties and surrounding community;
(c) where the applicant asserts a claim that a proposed facility is necessary to remedy
one or more existing significant gaps in an identified wireless carrier’s personal
wireless services, the Council may require the applicant to provide drive-test
generated coverage maps, as opposed to computer-generated coverage maps, for
each frequency at which the carrier provides personal wireless services, to show
signal strengths in bins of three (3) DBM each, to enable the Council to assess the
existence of such significant gaps accurately, and/or whether the carrier possesses
adequate coverage within the geographic area which is the subject of the
respective application.
(d) where the applicant asserts that a potential less intrusive alternative location for a
proposed facility is unavailable because the owner of the potential alternative site
is incapable or unwilling to lease space upon such site to the applicant, the
Council may require the applicant to provide proof of such unwillingness in the
form of communications to and from such property owner, and/or a sworn
affidavit wherein a representative of the applicant affirms, under penalty of
perjury, that they attempted to negotiate a lease with the property owner, what the
material terms of any such offer to the property owner were, when the offer was
tendered, and how, if at all, the property owner responded to such offer.
Commented [JW44]: See adopted ordinance Section
17.05 C. 3. c. viii.
33
The Council shall have sole discretion to determine, among other things, the relevance of
any evidence presented, the probative value of any evidence presented, the credibility of
any testimony provided, whether expert or otherwise, and the adequacy of any evidence
presented.
The Council shall not be required to accept, at face value, any unsupported factual claims
asserted by an applicant but may require the production of evidence reasonably necessary
to enable the Council to determine the accuracy of any factual allegations asserted by
each respective applicant.
Conclusory factual assertions by an applicant shall not be accepted as evidence by the
Council.
2. Factual Determinations
To decide applications for special use permits under this Section, the Town Council shall
render factual determinations, which shall include two (2) specific types of factual
determinations, as applicable.
First, the Council shall render local zoning determinations according to Section (a)
hereinbelow.
Then, if, and only if, an applicant asserts claims that:
(a) a denial of its application would effectively prohibit an identified Wireless Carrier
from providing Personal Wireless Services within the Town, or
(b) its proposed wireless facility or installation is necessary to remedy a significant gap
in personal wireless services for an explicitly identified Wireless Carrier, and that
its proposed installation is the least intrusive means of remedying a specifically
identified significant gap or gaps.
The Council shall then additionally render TCA determinations in accord with Section (b)
herein below.
The Council shall separately record each factual determination it makes in a written
decision and shall reference, or make note of, the evidence-based upon which it rendered
each of its factual determinations.
Each factual determination made by the Council shall be based upon Substantial
Evidence. For purposes of this provision, “Substantial Evidence” shall mean such
relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.
It means less than a preponderance but more than a scintilla of evidence.
Commented [JW45]: See adopted ordinance Section
17.05 C. for review and approval criteria.
34
Evidence that the Council may consider shall include any evidence submitted in support
of an application and any evidence submitted by anyone opposing a respective
application, whether such evidence is in written or photographic form or whether it is in
the form of testimony by any expert, or any person who has personal knowledge of the
subject of their testimony. The Council may, of course, additionally consider as evidence
any information or knowledge which they, themselves, personally possess and any
documents, records, or other evidence which is a matter of public record, irrespective of
whether such public record is a record of the Town, or is a record of or is maintained by,
another federal, state and/or other governmental entity and/or agency which maintains
records which are available for, or subject to, public review.
The requirements for specific factual determinations set forth below are intended to enure
to the benefit of the Town, its residents, and property owners, and not applicants.
If, and to the extent that the Town Council fails to render one or more of such
determinations, that omission shall not constitute grounds upon which the respective
applicant can seek to annul, reverse or modify any decision of the Town Council.
(a) LOCAL ZONING DETERMINATIONS
The Council shall make the following factual determinations as to whether the
application meets the requirements for granting a special use permit under this Chapter.
(i) Compliance with §2.02
Whether the proposed installation will meet each of the conditions and standards
set forth within §2.02 in the absence of which the Town Council is not authorized
to grant a special use permit.
(ii) Potential Adverse Aesthetic Impacts
Whether the proposed installation will inflict a significant adverse aesthetic
impact upon properties located adjacent to, or in close proximity to, the proposed
site or any other properties situated in a manner that would sustain significant
adverse aesthetic impacts by the installation of the proposed facility.
(iii) Potential Adverse Impacts Upon Real Estate Values
Whether the proposed installation will inflict a significant adverse impact upon
the property values of properties that are located adjacent to, or in close proximity
to, the proposed site or properties that are otherwise situated in a manner that
would cause the proposed installation to inflict a significant adverse impact upon
their value.
(iv) Potential Adverse Impact Upon the Character of the Surrounding Community
35
Whether the proposed installation will be incompatible with the use and/or
character of properties located adjacent to or in close proximity to the proposed
site or other properties situated in a manner that would cause the proposed
installation to be incompatible with their respective use.
(v) Potential Adverse Impacts Upon Historic Properties or Historic Districts
Whether the proposed installation will be incompatible with and/or would have an
adverse impact upon, or detract from the use and enjoyment of, and/or character
of a historic property, historic site, and/or historic district, including, but not
limited to, historic structures, properties and/or districts which are listed on, or are
eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places.
(vi) Potential Adverse Impacts Upon Ridgelines or Other Aesthetic Resources of the
Town
Whether the proposed installation will be incompatible with and/or would have an
adverse aesthetic impact upon or detract from the use and enjoyment of, and/or
character of, recognized aesthetic assets of the Town, including, but not limited
to, scenic areas and/or scenic ridgelines, scenic areas, public parks, and/or any
other traditionally or historically recognized valuable scenic assets of the Town.
(vii) Sufficient Fall Zones
Whether the proposed installation shall have a sufficient fall zone and/or safe
zone around the facility to afford the general public safety against the potential
dangers of structural failure, icefall, debris fall, and fire.
(viii) Mitigation
Whether the applicant has mitigated the potential adverse impacts of the proposed
facility to the greatest extent reasonably feasible. To determine mitigation efforts
on the part of the applicant, the mere fact that a less intrusive site, location, or
design would cause an applicant to incur additional expense is not a reasonable
justification for an application to have failed to propose reasonable mitigation
measures.
If, when applying the evidentiary standards set forth in subparagraph (a) hereinabove, the
Town Council determines that the proposed facility would not meet the standards set
forth within §2.02 or that the proposed facility would inflict one or more of the adverse
impacts described hereinabove to such a substantial extent that granting the respective
application would inflict upon the Town and/or its citizens and/or property owners the
types of adverse impacts which this provision was enacted to prevent, the Town Council
36
shall deny the respective application for a special use permit unless the Council
additionally finds that a denial of the application would constitute an Effective
Prohibition, as provided for in Sections (b) and (c) immediately hereinbelow.
(b) TCA DETERMINATIONS
In cases within which an applicant has filed a “Notice of Effective Prohibition
Conditions,” the Town Council shall determine if a denial of the respective application
would “Effectively Prohibit” a specifically identified Wireless Carrier from providing
Personal Wireless Services within any geographic area or areas in the Town.
More specifically, the Town Council shall determine whether a denial of the specific
application would either: (i) prevent an identified Wireless Carrier from providing
personal wireless services within a specific geographic area or areas within the Town or
(ii) would prevent a specific Wireless Carrier from constructing a sufficient number of
such facilities necessary to enable it to provide Personal Wireless Services within the
Town.
In determining whether a denial of any specific application would constitute an
“Effective Prohibition,” the Town Council shall determine: (1) whether an applicant has
established that an identified Wireless Carrier suffers from one or more significant gaps in
its Personal Wireless Services, and (2) whether its proposed installation is the least
intrusive means of remedying any such gap or gaps.
(1) Significant Gap in Personal Wireless Services of an Identified Carrier
The Town Council shall determine whether the applicant has established, based
upon probative evidence provided by the applicant and/or its representative, that a
specific Wireless Carrier suffers from a significant gap in its personal wireless
services within the Town.
In rendering such determination, the Council shall consider factors including, but
not necessarily limited to:
(a) whether the identified Wireless Carrier, which is alleged to suffer from
any significant gap in their personal wireless services, already provides Adequate
Service in its Personal Wireless Services to its customers at any frequency being
used by the carrier to provide personal wireless services to its end-use customers,
(b) whether any such alleged gap is relatively large or small in geographic
size,
(c) whether the number of the carrier’s customers affected by the gap is
relatively small or large,
(d) whether or not the location of the gap is situated on a lightly traveled road,
or sparsely or densely occupied area, and/or
37
(e) overall, whether the gap is relatively insignificant or otherwise relatively de
minimis.
An Effective Prohibition shall not be found to exist under subparagraph (c)
hereinbelow if a Wireless Carrier has adequate coverage in any specified
geographic area, such that its end-use customers can use their cellular telephones
to connect to landlines using the Carrier’s Personal Wireless Services, but the
frequency at which the customers are using such services is not the frequency
most desired by the Carrier.
(2) Least Intrusive Means of Remedying Gap(s) in Service
The Town Council shall determine whether the applicant has established, based
upon probative evidence provided by the applicant and/or its representative, that
the installation of the proposed facility at the specific site proposed by the
applicant and the specific portion of the site proposed by the applicant, and at the
specific height proposed by the applicant, is the least intrusive means of
remedying whatever significant gap or gaps which the applicant has
contemporaneously proven to exist as determined by the Town Council based
upon any evidence in support of, and/or in opposition to, the subject application.
In rendering such determination, the Council shall consider factors including, but
not necessarily limited to:
(a) whether the proposed site is the least intrusive location at which a facility
to remedy an identified significant gap may be located, and the applicant has
reasonably established a lack of potential alternative less intrusive sites and lack
of sites available for co-location,
(b) whether the specific location on the proposed portion of the selected site is
the least intrusive portion of the site for the proposed installation
(c) whether the height proposed for the facility is the minimum height
actually necessary to remedy an established significant gap in service,
(d) whether or not a pre-existing structure can be used to camouflage the
facility and/or its antennas,
(e) whether or not, as proposed, the installation mitigates adverse impacts to
the greatest extent reasonably feasible through the employ of Stealth design,
screening, use of color, noise mitigation measures, etc., and/or
(f) overall whether or not there is a feasible alternative to remedy the gap
through alternative, less intrusive substitute installations.
An Effective Prohibition shall also not be found to exist in subparagraph (c) hereinbelow
if an applicant fails to establish before the Town Council that any existing geographic gap
or capacity deficiency in the specific Wireless Carrier’s coverage cannot be remedied
38
through a less intrusive means than what is being proposed, including, but not limited to,
potential installations on alternative less intrusive sites, a shorter tower or facility, the
incorporation of a more stealthy design, etc.
(c) Finding of Effective Prohibition or Lack of Effective Prohibition
After considering the evidence presented before it, the Town Council shall determine
whether or not a denial of the respective application would constitute an effective
Prohibition.
If the Town Council affirmatively determines that the applicant has failed to establish
either: (i) that a denial of the application would prevent an identified Wireless Carrier
from providing personal wireless services within a specific geographic area or areas
within the Town or (ii) that a denial of the application would prevent a specific Wireless
Carrier from constructing a sufficient number of such facilities necessary to enable it to
provide Personal Wireless Services within the Town, then the Town Council shall find
that a denial of the application does not constitute an Effective Prohibition.
If the Town Council affirmatively determines that: (i) a denial of the application would
prevent an identified Wireless Carrier from providing personal wireless services within a
specific geographic area or areas within the Town, or (ii) that a denial of the application
would prevent a specific Wireless Carrier from constructing a sufficient number of such
facilities necessary to enable it to provide Personal Wireless Services within the Town,
then the Town Council shall find that a denial of the application would constitute an
Effective Prohibition, and the Town Council shall grant the subject application,
irrespective of whether or not the granting of same would otherwise be inconsistent with
any other provision of this Section §17-10.
§17-11 Retention of Consultants
1. Use of Consultants
Where deemed reasonably necessary by the Town Council and/or the Town, the Town
Council and/or the Town may retain the services of professional consultants to assist the
Town Council in carrying out its duties in deciding special use permit applications for
personal wireless service facilities. Where the Town Council uses the services of private
engineers, attorneys, or other consultants for purposes of engineering, scientific, land use
planning, environmental, legal, or similar professional reviews of the adequacy or
substantive aspects of applications or of issues raised during the course of review of
applications for special use permit approvals of personal wireless service facilities, the
applicant and landowner, if different, shall be jointly and severally responsible for
payment of all the reasonable and necessary costs incurred by the Town for such services.
Commented [JW46]: Not used in adopted ordinance; however, adopted ordinance Sections 17.06 B. 2. a. and b.
allow the Town to hire a consultant.
39
That responsibility shall not exceed the actual cost to the Town of such engineering,
legal, or other consulting services.
2. Advance Deposits for Consultant Costs
The Town and/or Town Council may require advance periodic monetary deposits held by
the Town on account of the applicant or landowner to secure the reimbursement of the
Town's consultant expenses. The Town Council shall establish policies and procedures
for the fixing of escrow deposits and the management of payment from them. After the
audit and approval of itemized vouchers by the Town Clerk as to the reasonableness and
necessity of the consultant charges, the Town may make payments from the deposited
funds for engineering, legal, or consultant services. Upon receiving a request by the
applicant or landowner, the Town shall supply copies of such vouchers to the applicant
and/or landowner reasonably in advance of audit and approval, appropriately redacted
where necessary to shield legally privileged communications between Town officers or
employees and the Town's consultant. When it appears that there may be insufficient
funds in the account established for the applicant or landowner by the Town to pay
current or anticipated vouchers, the Town shall cause the applicant or landowner to
deposit additional sums to meet such expenses or anticipated expenses in accordance
with policies and procedures established by the Town Council. Consultants shall
undertake no review on any matter scheduled before the Town Council until the initial
escrow deposit has been made or requested replenishment of the escrow deposit has been
made. No reviewing agency shall be obligated to proceed unless the applicant complies
with escrow deposit requirements.
3. Reasonable Limit Upon Consultant Expenses
A consultant expense or part thereof is reasonable in amount if it bears a reasonable
relationship to the customary fee charged by engineers, attorneys, or planners within the
region for services performed on behalf of applicants or reviewing boards in connection
with comparable applications for land use or development.
The Town may also take into account any special conditions for consideration as it may
deem relevant, including but not limited to the quality and timeliness of submissions on
behalf of the applicant and the cooperation of the applicant and agents during the review
process.
A consultant expense or part thereof is necessarily incurred if it was charged by the
engineer, attorney or planner, or other consultants for a service that was rendered to assist
the Town Council in: (a) making factual determinations consistent with the goals of
protecting or promoting of the health, safety or welfare of the Town or its residents; (b)
assessing potential adverse environmental impacts such as those identified within an
ADEQ process; (c) accessing potential adverse impacts to historic properties, structures
and/or districts, and/or (d) assessing and determining factual issues relevant to Effective
Prohibition claims, as addressed herein, enabling the Council to best comply with the
letter and intent of the provision of the TCA which is relevant thereto.
40
4. Audits Upon the Request of an Applicant
Upon request of the applicant or landowner, the Town Council shall review and audit all
vouchers and determine whether such engineering, legal, and consulting expenses are
reasonable in amount and necessarily incurred by the Town in connection with the review
and consideration of a special use permit application for personal wireless service
facility. In the event of such a request, the applicant or landowner shall be entitled to be
heard by the Town Council on reasonable advance notice.
5. Liability for Consultant Expenses
For a land-use application to be complete, the applicant shall provide the written consent
of all owners of the subject real property, both authorizing the applicant to file and pursue
land development proposals and acknowledging potential landowner responsibility, under
this section, for engineering, legal, and other consulting fees incurred by the Town. If
different from the applicant, the owner(s) of the subject real property shall be jointly and
severally responsible for reimbursing the Town for funds expended to compensate
services rendered to the Town under this section by private engineers, attorneys, or other
consultants. The applicant and the owner shall remain responsible for reimbursing the
Town for its consulting expenses, notwithstanding that the escrow account may be
insufficient to cover such expenses. No building permit or other permit shall be issued
until reimbursement of costs and expenses determined by the Town to be due. In the
event of failure to reimburse the Town for such fees, the following shall apply:
The Town may seek recovery of unreimbursed engineering, legal, and consulting fees
by court action in an appropriate jurisdiction, and the defendant(s) shall be responsible
for the reasonable and necessary attorney's fees expended by the Town in prosecuting
such action.
Alternatively, and at the sole discretion of the Town, a default in reimbursement of such
engineering, legal, and consulting fees expended by the Town shall be remedied by
charging such sums against the real property that is the subject of the special use permit
application by adding that charge to and making it a part of the next annual real property
tax assessment roll of the Town. Such charges shall be levied and collected
simultaneously and in the same manner as Town-assessed taxes and applied in
reimbursing the fund from which the costs were defrayed for the engineering, legal, and
consulting fees. Prior to charging such assessments, the owners of the real property shall
be provided written notice to their last known address of record by certified mail, return
receipt requested, of an opportunity to be heard and object before the Town Council to
the proposed real property assessment, at a date to be designated in the notice, which
shall be no less than 30 days after its mailing.
§17-12 Setback Requirements
41
1. Small Wireless Facilities
(a) Within C-O Commercial Office Zoning District; C-C Common-Commercial Zoning
District; C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Professional District; C-2 Intermediate
Commercial Zoning District; C-3 General Commercial Zoning District; IND-1 Planned
Industrial Zoning District; IND-2 Light Industrial Zoning District; and UT Utility Zoning
District, the minimum setback shall be fifty (50) feet, unless the facility is being installed
upon a pre-existing utility pole or other utility structure.
(b) Within all residentially-zoned and other districts, all small wireless facilities shall be set
back a minimum of three hundred (300) feet from any residential dwelling or structure
unless the facility is being installed upon a pre-existing utility pole or is being co-located
upon a pre-existing personal wireless service facility.
2. Cell Towers and all Personal Wireless Service Facilities that do not meet the definition of
a Small Wireless Facility
(a) Each proposed wireless personal service facility and personal wireless service
facility structure, compound, and complex shall be located on a single lot and
comply with applicable setback requirements. Adequate measures shall be taken
to contain on-site all icefall or debris from tower failure and preserve the privacy
of any adjoining residential properties.
(b) Each lot containing a wireless personal service facility and personal wireless
service facility structure, compound, and complex shall have the minimum area,
shape, and frontage requirements generally prevailing for the zoning district
where located in the Schedules of Regulations for Nonresidential and Residential
Districts of this chapter, and such additional land if necessary to meet the setback
requirements of this section.
(c) Cell towers and personal wireless service facilities that do not meet the definition
of a small wireless facility shall maintain a minimum setback of a distance equal
to one hundred ten (110%) percent of the height of the facility, for front yard
setbacks, rear yard setbacks, and side yard setbacks, in all zoning districts.
§17-13 Height Restrictions
1. Small Wireless Facilities
Personal Wireless Service Facilities which meet the definition of a small wireless facility
shall not exceed a maximum height of sixty (60) feet above ground elevation in C-O
Commercial Office Zoning District; C-C Common-Commercial Zoning District; C-1
Neighborhood Commercial Professional District; C-2 Intermediate Commercial Zoning
Commented [JW47]: See adopted ordinance Section 17.03 B. for setback requirements.
Commented [JW48]: See adopted ordinance Section 17.03 B. for setback requirements
Commented [JW49]: See adopted ordinance Section
17.04 A. 7. c. for statement that towers in excess of max.
building height for the district cannot be approved
administratively. No max. height set.
42
District; C-3 General Commercial Zoning District; IND-1 Planned Industrial Zoning
District; IND-2 Light Industrial Zoning District; and UT Utility Zoning District and shall
not exceed a maximum height of forty-five (45) feet within all other zoning districts.
2. Non-Small Wireless Facilities
Personal Wireless Service Facilities which do not meet the definition of a small wireless
facility shall not exceed a maximum height of one hundred fifty (150) feet above ground
elevation in C-O Commercial Office Zoning District; C-C Common-Commercial Zoning
District; C-1 Neighborhood Commercial Professional District; C-2 Intermediate
Commercial Zoning District; C-3 General Commercial Zoning District; IND-1 Planned
Industrial Zoning District; IND-2 Light Industrial Zoning District; and UT Utility Zoning
District, and 100 feet above ground level in all other zoning districts.
§17-14 Use Restrictions and Variances
1. Use Restrictions by Application Type and Zoning District
Type I applications No Use Variance Required
Type I applications for co-location of a small wireless facility in a public right of way as
set forth in A.R.S. §9-592(J) and A.R.S. §9-593(C) shall be a permitted use with a
building permit.
Type I applications for co-location of a small wireless facility in all other areas or zones
shall require an applicant to obtain a special use permit from the Town Council.
Type II applications No Use Variance Required Unless Determined Otherwise
Applications for colocations of a wireless personal services facility, which do not meet
the definition of a small wireless facility, shall be considered a special use permit in all
districts and shall require a special use permit and a building permit but shall not require
a use variance, unless the Town Council, in its sole discretion, determines that the
proposed colocation will increase the overall intrusiveness of the site to a sufficient
extent that its presence would no longer be compatible with the surrounding properties
and/or surrounding community, in which case the Town Council shall issue a decision
determining that the applicant shall be required to obtain a variance from the Board of
Adjustment in accord with §2.07 of the Zoning Ordinance.
In rendering a determination of whether or not a variance shall be required, the Town
Council shall consider, among other things: (a) the physical size, number, and potential
intrusiveness of each new item of equipment to be installed as part of the proposed
colocation, (b) the extent to which the installation of such equipment is to require or
effectuate a significant physical expansion of the size or area of the facility or complex,
(c) the extent to which the addition of such additional equipment will likely increase the
Commented [JW50]: Not used in adopted ordinance. Use
variances are prohibited
43
adverse aesthetic impact of the facility, and/or any other potentially significant adverse
impacts which are likely to cause a significant increase in the overall intrusiveness of the
wireless facility, and/or its compound or complex, such that it will no longer be
reasonably compatible with the use of nearby or surrounding properties and/or that its
presence would be incompatible with the character and use of the nearby properties
and/or surrounding community.
If the Town Council determines that a variance is required for a specific proposed facility,
then the applicant shall be required to file an application for a variance to the Board of
Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment shall thereafter have the authority to (a) determine
that no variance is necessary, (b) grant the application for a variance, or (c) deny the
application for a variance.
Type III Applications No Use Variance Required
Applications for installing new Small Wireless Facilities that meet the criteria for Type III
applications, which are not collocated in a public right of way, shall be considered a
special use permit use in all districts. They shall require a special use permit and building
permit but shall not require a variance unless they do not meet the applicable setback
requirements or height limitation.
Type IV Applications Variance Requirements
Type IV applications seeking approval for the installation of a new cell tower and/or all
other wireless facilities that are not a small wireless facility shall be a permitted use in all
districts, which shall not need a use variance but shall require a special use permit,
building permit, and area variance if the proposed facility does not meet the applicable
height limitation and/or setback requirements.
§17-15 Environmental Impacts
If, and to the extent that, the Town Council determines a proposed installation bears the potential
for a significant adverse impact upon the environment within the meaning of ADEQ and/or the
NEPA, then the Council shall be expected to comply with the requirements of ADEQ in
determining both (a) the extent of adverse impacts upon the environment and/or historic
properties and (b) what mitigation measures the applicant should be required to undertake to
minimize the adverse environmental impacts and/or adverse impacts upon historic sites,
structures and/or districts.
If a respective applicant fails to obtain a review from the ADEQ and/or NEPA and opinion letters
from the ADEQ and the FCC pertaining to its proposed installation prior to a first public hearing
before the Town Council for the respective application, then the Town Council may make direct
Commented [JW51]: Not used in adopted ordinance.
44
requests to the ADEQ and the FCC for their review of the application. The Town Council may
request SHPO and the FCC’s review and input in completing the statutorilyrequired
environmental impact analysis pursuant to ADEQ and NEPA.
In addition, the Town Council shall comply with the statutory requirements of ADEQ to
complete an ADEQ review, make determinations of significance, and, where appropriate, require
the applicant to complete a draft environmental impact statement and, if additionally appropriate,
to thereafter complete a final environmental impact statement and analysis.
So long as the Town Council acts with reasonable diligence in completing its ADEQ and NEPA
review, if compliance with the statutory requirements for environmental review requires a period
of effort that extends beyond the expiration of the applicable shot clock period, the delays
beyond such period shall be deemed reasonable.
§17-16 Historic Site Impacts
The Town Council shall consider the potential adverse impacts of any proposed facility upon any
historic site, district, or structure consistent with the Town’s historic preservation law
requirements and comprehensive plan and ADEQ.
If, and to the extent that, the Town Council determines that a proposed installation bears the
potential for a significant adverse impact on a historic site or a historic district within the
meaning of ADEQ and/or the NHPA (especially if the historic site at issue is listed upon the
National Register of historic places), then the Council shall comply with the requirements of
both ADEQ and Town law in determining both: (a) the extent of adverse impacts upon the
historic properties and (b) what mitigation measure might the applicant be required to undertake
to minimize the adverse environmental impacts and/or adverse impacts upon historic sites,
structures and/or district.
Should a respective applicant fail to obtain a SHPO and/or a Section 106 review under NHPA,
and opinion letters from SHPO and the FCC pertaining to its proposed installation prior to a first
public hearing before the Town Council for the respective application, then the Town Council
shall make direct requests to SHPO and the FCC for their review of the application. They shall
request SHPO and the FCC’s review and input in completing the statutorily-required
environmental/historic impact analysis pursuant to ADEQ and NHPA.
This request shall include, but not be limited to, a request to the FCC for a Section 106 review, as
defined in this Chapter, as the Town recognizes each application for a special use permit for the
installation of a personal wireless services facility shall constitute “an undertaking” for purposes
of compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act.
In addition, the Town Council shall comply with the statutory requirements of ADEQ to
complete a SEQ ADEQ RA review, make determinations of significance, and, where appropriate,
Commented [JW52]: Not used in adopted ordinance.
45
require the applicant to complete a draft environmental impact statement, and if additionally
appropriate, to thereafter complete a final environmental impact statement and analysis.
So long as the Town Council acts with reasonable diligence in completing its ADEQ and NHPA
review, if compliance with the statutory requirements for historic preservation review requires a
period of effort that extends beyond the expiration of the applicable shot clock period, the delays
beyond such period shall be deemed reasonable.
§17-17 Force Majeure
In the event that the rendering of a final decision upon a special use permit application under this
Chapter is delayed due to natural and/or unnatural events and/or forces which are not within the
control of the Town or the Town Council, such as the unavoidable delays experienced in
government processes due to the COVID 19 pandemic, and/or mandatory compliance with any
related federal or state government orders issued in relation thereto, such delays shall constitute
reasonable delays which shall be recognized as acceptable grounds for extending the period for
review and the rendering of final determinations beyond the period allotted under the applicable
shot clock.
§17-18 Eleventh Hour Submissions
In the event that applicant tenders eleventh-hour submissions to the Town, the Council, and/or
the Town Engineer in the form of (a) expert reports, (b) expert materials, and/or (c) materials
which require a significant period for review due either to their complexity or the sheer volume
of materials which an applicant has chosen to provide to the Council at such late point in the
proceedings, the Town Council shall be afforded a reasonable time to review such late-submitted
materials.
If reasonably necessary, the Town Council shall be permitted to retain the services of an expert
consultant to review any late-submitted expert reports which were provided to the Council,
even if such review or services extend beyond the applicable shot clock period, so long as the
Council completes such review and retains and secures such expert services within a reasonable
period of time thereafter and otherwise acts with reasonable diligence in completing its review
and rendering its final decision.
§17-19 Prohibition Against Illegally Excessive Emissions and RF Radiation Testing
As disclosed on the FCC’s public internet website, personal wireless services facilities erected at
any height under 200 feet are not required to be registered with the FCC.
Of even greater potential concern to the Town is the fact that the FCC does not enforce the RF
radiation limits codified within the CFR by either: (a) testing the actual radiation emissions of
wireless Facilities either at the time of their installation or at any time thereafter, or (b) requiring
Commented [JW53]: Not used in adopted ordinance.
Commented [JW54]: Not used in adopted ordinance.
Commented [JW55]: Subsections 1 and 2 used in adopted
ordinance Section 17-06 B. Otherwise, not used in adopted
ordinance.
46
their owners to test them. See relevant excerpts from the FCC’s public internet website annexed
as Appendix 2.
This means that when wireless Facilities are constructed and operated within the Town, the FCC
will have no idea where they are located and no means of determining, much less ensuring, that
they are not exposing residents within the Town and/or the general public to Illegally Excessive
levels of RF Radiation.
The Town deems it to be of critical importance to the health, safety, and welfare of the Town, its
residents, and the public at large that personal wireless service facilities do not expose members
of the general public to levels of RF radiation that exceed the limits which have been deemed
safe by the FCC, and/or are imposed under CFR.
In accord with the same, the Town enacts the following RF Radiation testing requirements and
provisions set forth herein below.
No wireless telecommunications facility shall at any time be permitted to emit illegally excessive
RF Radiation as defined in §17-2 or to produce power densities that exceed the legally
permissible limits for electric and magnetic field strength and power density for transmitters, as
codified within 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(1), Table 1 Sections (i) and (ii), as made applicable pursuant
to 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(3).
To ensure continuing compliance with such limits by all owners and/or operators of personal
wireless service facilities within the Town, all owners, and operators of personal wireless service
facilities shall submit reports as required by this section.
As set forth hereinbelow, the Town may additionally require, at the owner and/or operator’s
expense, independent verification of the results of any analysis set forth within any reports
submitted to the Town by an owner and/or operator.
If an operator of a personal wireless service facility fails to supply the required reports or fails to
correct a violation of the legally permissible limits described hereinabove, following notification
that their respective facility is believed to be exceeding such limits, any special use permit or
other zoning approval granted by the Town Council or any other body or representative of the
Town is subject to modification or revocation by the Town Council following a public hearing.
1. Initial Certification of Compliance with Applicable RF Radiation Limits
Within forty-five (45) days of initial operation or a substantial modification of a personal
wireless service facility, the owner and/or operator of each Telecommunications antenna
shall submit to the Town Engineer a written certification by a licensed professional
engineer, sworn to under penalties of perjury, that the facility’s radio frequency emissions
comply with the limits codified within 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(1), Table 1 Sections (i) and (ii),
as made applicable pursuant to 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(3).
The engineer shall measure the emissions of the approved facility, including the cumulative
impact from other nearby Facilities, and determine if such emissions are within the limits
described hereinabove.
47
A report of these measurements and the engineer’s findings with respect to compliance
with the FCC’s Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits shall be submitted to the
Town Engineer.
If the report shows that the facility does not comply with applicable limits, then the owner
and/or operator shall cease operation of the facility until the facility is brought into
compliance with such limits. Proof of compliance shall be a certification provided by the
engineer who prepared the original report. The Town may require, at the applicant’s
expense, independent verification of the results of the analysis.
2. Random RF Radiofrequency Testing
At the operator’s expense, the Town may retain an engineer to conduct random
unannounced RF Radiation testing of such Facilities to ensure the facility’s compliance
with the limits codified within 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(1) et seq.
The Town may cause such random testing to be conducted as often as the Town may deem
appropriate. However, the Town may not require the owner and/or operator to pay for more
than one test per facility per calendar year unless such testing reveals that one or more of
the owner and/or operator’s facilities are exceeding the limits codified within 47 CFR
§1.1310(e)(1) et seq., in which case the Town shall be permitted to demand that the facility
be brought into compliance with such limits, and to conduct additional tests to determine
if, and when, the owner and/or operator thereafter brings the respective facility and/or
facilities into compliance.
If the Town at any time finds that there is good cause to believe that a personal wireless
service facility and/or one or more of its antennas are emitting RF radiation at levels in
excess of the legal limits permitted under 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(1) et seq., then a hearing
shall be scheduled before the Town Council at which the owner and/or operator of such
facility shall be required to show cause why any and all permits and/or approvals issued by
the Town for such facility and/or facilities should not be revoked, and a fine should not be
assessed against such owner and/or operator.
Such hearing shall be duly noticed to both the public and the owner and/or operator of the
respective facility or facilities at issue. The owner and/or operator shall be afforded not less
than two (2) weeks' written notice by first-class mail to its Notice Address.
At such hearing, the burden shall be on the Town to show that, by a preponderance of the
evidence, the Facilities emissions exceeded the permissible limits under 47 CFR
§1.1310(e)(1) et seq.
In the event that the Town establishes same, the owner and/or operator shall then be
required to establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that a malfunction of equipment
caused their failure to comply with the applicable limits through no fault on the part of the
owner/operator.
48
If the owner and/or operator fails to establish same, the Town Council shall have the power
to and shall revoke any special use permit, variance, building permit, and/or any other form
of zoning-related approval(s) which the Town Council, Board of Adjustment, Town
Engineer and/or any other representative of the Town may have then issued to the owner
and/or operator, for the respective facility.
In addition, the Town Council shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000, nor more than
$5,000 for such violation of subparagraph 1. hereinabove, or, in the case of a second
offense within less than five (5) years, a minimum fine of $5,000, nor more than $25,000.
In the event that an owner or operator of one or more personal wireless service facilities is
found to violate subparagraph 1. hereinabove three or more times within any five (5) year
period, then in addition to revoking any zoning approvals for the facilities which were
violating the limits codified in 47 CFR §1.1310(e)(1) et seq., the Town Council shall
render a determination within which it shall deem the owner/operator prohibited from
filing any applications for any new wireless personal services facilities within the Town for
a period of five (5) years.
§17-20 Bond Requirements, Removal of Abandoned Facilities and Reclamation
1. Bond Requirement
At or prior to the filing of an application for a special use permit for the installation of a
new personal wireless service facility, each respective applicant shall provide a written
estimate for the cost of the decommissioning and removal of the facility, including all
equipment that comprises any portion or part of the facility, compound and/or complex,
as well as any accessory facility or structure, including the cost of the full restoration and
reclamation of the site, to the extent practicable, to its condition before development in
accord with the decommissioning and reclamation plan required herein. The Town
Council’s Engineer shall review this estimate.
Upon receiving a special use permit approval from the Town Council and a building
permit, prior to the commencement of installation and/or construction of such facility or
any part thereof, the applicant shall file with the Town a bond for a length of no less than
three (3) years in an amount equal to or exceeding the estimate of the cost of removal of
the facility and all associated structures, fencing, power supply, and other appurtenances
connected with the facility. The bond must be provided within thirty (30) days of the
approval date and before any installation or construction begins.
Replacement bonds must be provided ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of any
previous bond.
At any time the Town has good cause to question the sufficiency of the bond at the end of
any three-year (3) period, the owner and/or operator of the facility, upon request by the
Town, shall provide an updated estimate and bond in the appropriate amount.
Commented [JW56]: Mostly, not used in adopted
ordinance.
49
Failure to keep the bonds in effect is cause for the removal of the facility at the owner's
expense. Each facility will require a separate bond, regardless of the number of owners or
location.
2. Removal of Abandoned Facilities
Any personal wireless service facility that is not operated or used for a continuous period
of twelve (12) consecutive months shall be considered abandoned. At the owner's
expense, the owner of said facility shall be required to remove the facility and all
associated equipment buildings, power supply, fence, and other items associated with
such facility, compound, and/or complex, and permitted with the facility.
If the facility is not removed within ninety (90) days, the bond secured by the facility
owner shall be used to remove the facility and any accessory equipment and structures.
§17-21 ADA Accommodations
[Reserved]
§17-22 General Provisions
1. Balancing of Interests
The Town formally recognizes that, as has been interpreted by federal courts, when it
enacted the TCA, Congress chose to preserve local zoning authority over decisions
regarding the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless facilities (47
U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(A)) subject only to the limitations set forth in subsection
§332(c)(7)(b), consistent with the holding of the United States Court of Appeals in Sprint
Telephony PCS v. County of San Diego, 543 F.3d 571 (9th Cir. 2008) and its progeny, and
the Town has relied upon such federal courts’ interpretations of the TCA in enacting
Chapter §17 et seq.
The Town similarly embraces the Federal courts’ determinations that the TCA as the
Court additionally articulated in Sprint Telephony PCS v. County of San Diego, 543 F.3d
571 (9th Cir. 2008) This includes preserving to local governments, including the Town of
Fountain Hills, the power to deny applications for the installation of wireless personal
services facilities based upon traditional grounds of zoning denials, including, but not
limited to, the potential adverse aesthetic impacts or a reduction in property values which
the construction of any proposed structure may inflict upon nearby properties or the
surrounding community.
This additionally includes the recognition that, under this balancing of interest test, “once
an area is sufficiently serviced by a wireless service provider, the right to deny
applications (for new wireless facilities) becomes broader” Crown Castle NG East LLC
v. The Town of Hempstead, 2018 WL 6605857.
Commented [JW57]: Adopted ordinance Section 17.06 A.
has similar language.
Commented [JW58]: Not used in adopted ordinance.
50
It is the intent of the Town that this Chapter be applied in a manner consistent with the
balancing of interests codified within the TCA.
Consistent with same, the Town rejects and shall reject any current and/or future FCC
interpretations of any provision of the TCA which are clearly inconsistent with, and/or
are clearly contrary to, both the language of the TCA and binding decisions of the United
States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and United States District Courts within the
Ninth Circuit.
This includes a rejection of any FCC interpretations inconsistent with Sprint and any
claims that the FCA legally prohibits the Town Council from denying a permit
application based solely upon a claim that an applicant desires the installation of its new
facility for “densification” of its existing personal wireless services, or to offer a new
service, irrespective of whether or not the carrier already possesses adequate coverage
within the Town, and irrespective of the potential adverse impact which the installation of
such new facility or facilities would inflict upon the Town, its property owners, citizens
and/or communities.
2. Conflict With Federal or State Laws
To the extent that any provision of this Chapter is found to conflict with any applicable
federal or State law, it is the intent of the Town that the remaining portion of this Chapter,
which has not been found to conflict with such law, be deemed to remain valid and in full
force and effect.