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Ordinance - 1991t ORDINANCE NO. 1991 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 26 (ZONING) OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO RECEPTION AND TRANSMISSION ANTENNAS (CODE AMENDMENT NO. 275: WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ORDINANCE). CODE AMENDMENT NO. 275 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES ORDINANCE NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT APPLICANT: City of West Covina LOCATION: City of West Covina - Citywide WHEREAS, Code Amendment No. 275 is a City -initiated project to revise the portions of Chapter 26 (Zoning) of the West Covina Municipal Code that relate to wireless telecommunications facilities; and WHEREAS, the City presently requires the approval of a conditional use permit for wireless telecommunication facilities but lacks a comprehensive ordinance regulating these uses; and WHEREAS, due to evolving technology and changes in federal regulations in the wireless telecommunications industry, the demand for new and modified wireless telecommunication facilities will continue to occur and proliferate within the near future; and WHEREAS, evolving technology and transmitting needs have resulted in continuing changes and adaptations in the design and appearance of wireless communication facilities, and these circumstances have created a need to establish comprehensive development and design standards to protect the public health, safety, and welfare within the limits of current State and Federal laws and regulations; and WHEREAS, on December 17, 1996, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 1983 establishing a moratorium on new and modified wireless telecommunication facilities in order to allow staff time to develop a draft ordinance; and WHEREAS, on January 21, 1997, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1985 extending the provisions of Urgency Ordinance No. 1983 until May 1, 1997; WHEREAS, in the process of developing the ordinance, staff has conducted research and gathered information from other cities, and WHEREAS, the results of these studies were presented to and discussed by the Planning Commission in a study session on January 14, 1997, and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution initiating the process to develop a Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance on January 14, 1997; and 275CC0RD. DOC/Z:/CC/ORDI NSKA Ordinance No. Code Amendment No. 275 Wireless Telecommunication Facilities March 18, 1997 - Page 2 WHEREAS, staff conducted a roundtable discussion with representatives of the wireless telecommunications industry on January 31, 1997 in order to develop an ordinance which can be easily understood and practically implemented; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, upon giving the required notice, did on the 11th day of February 1997, conduct a duly advertised public hearing as prescribed by law and continued the hearing until February 25, 1997 in order to allow staff additional time to finalize the ordinance; and WHEREAS, on February 25, 1997, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2-97-4410 recommending approval of Code Amendment No. 275 by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council considered evidence presented by the Planning Commission, Planning Department, and other interested. parties at a duly advertised public hearing on the 18th day of March, 1997; and WHEREAS, studies and investigations made by the City Council and in its behalf reveal the following facts: 1. It is one of the stated goals of the West Covina General Plan is to "provide and maintain an aesthetically pleasant environment for those who live, work, play and visit in West Covina. " 2. The proposed Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Ordinance will serve to: a. Protect and enhance the positive image of the City and its property values, preserve and advance the quality of life for residents of the City, and provide a pleasing aesthetic setting for those who reside and visit the City. b. Encourage and promote a communications technology which residents rely on for personal and business uses and which is used by emergency service workers such as police, fire, and emergency health care personnel. C. Establish a streamlined approval process and easily understood development and design standards for wireless telecommunication facilities to ensure that the City and its residents will benefit from the technological advances with the industry. d. Establish a comprehensive ordinance which regulates current and future forms of wireless telecommunication facilities. 3. An initial study was prepared for this project and has disclosed that the proposed project could not have a significant effect on the environment. A Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact has been prepared for the proposed project pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended. 40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED b the Planning Commission of the City Y g Y of West Covina as follows: SECTION NO. 1: Based on the evidence presented and the findings set forth, Code Amendment No. 275 is hereby found to be consistent with the West Covina General Plan and the implementation thereof. 275CC0RD. DOC/Z:/CC/ORDI NSKA Ordinance No. Code Amendment No. 275 Wireless Telecommunication Facilities March 18. 1997 - Page 3 SECTION NO. 2: Based on the evidence presented and the findings set forth, the City Council of the City of West Covina hereby approves Code Amendment No. 275 to 46 amend Chapter 26 (Zoning) of the West Covina Municipal Code to read as shown on Exhibit "A." SECTION NO. 3: A Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended. SECTION NO. 4: The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required by law. PASSED AND APPROVED on this 1st day -of Apr. i l 1997. ,17.,1_`u►.. Via:._ ATTEST: U City Clerk STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) CITY OF WEST COVINA ) I, JANET BERRY, City Clerk of the City of West Covina, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 1991 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 18th day of March 1997. That, thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 1st day of April , 1997. AYES: Herfert, Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong NOES: None ABSENT: None City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Attorney V 275CC0RD. DOC/Z:/CC/ORDINSKA • EXHIBIT "A" Chapter 26 ZONING* ARTICLE XI. NONRESIDENTIAL USES Amend section 26-597 to read, in part, as follows: Sec. 26-597. Service, trade, cultural; public and private uses (except industrial or manufacturing). No building or improvement or portion thereof shall be erected, constructed, converted, established, altered or enlarged, nor shall any lot or premises be used except for one or more of the following purposes. All such uses shall be within an enclosed building unless specifically stated otherwise. Uses specifically noted as "(Outdoor Display)": Outdoor display and sales uses are allowed providing all functions other than display are at all times conducted within an enclosed building. * Indicates stated use is prohibited in the Civic Center Overlay Zone. x Indicates stated use is allowed by right. c Indicates stated use is allowed by conditional use permit. p Indicates stated use is allowed subject to administrative review and approval by the planning director. s Indicates stated use may be a specialized nonresidential use and may require a conditional use permit approval if it is proposed in an existing, planned, or proposed commercial center and the planning director finds the conditional use permit necessary. a Indicates stated use is allowed by administrative use permit. b Indicates stated use is allowed by adult oriented business permit. M M M M P R R F F F F 0 N C R S C C M I A P O A 1 8 1 2 4 P C C C C 2 3 1 P R B S 5 0 5 Adult -oriented businesses, with or b b b b b without live entertainment Wireless Telecommunication Facilities (WTF) - Building and/or Roof- a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a mounted facilities (see art. XII, div. 16) Monopoles and Alternative Antenna Support Structures(see c c c c c c c c c c c c c c art. XII, div. 16) WIREFNL.DOC/Z:CC/ORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance April 1, 1997 - Page 2 ARTICLE XII. SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR UNIQUE USES Amend division 16 to read as follows: DIVISION 16. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES Sec. 26- 685.980. Purpose. This division sets forth a uniform and comprehensive set of development standards for the placement, design, installation and maintenance of wireless telecommunication facilities within all land -use zones of the city. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that all wireless telecommunication facilities are consistent with the health, safety, and aesthetic objectives of the city, while not unduly restricting the development of needed telecommunications facilities. Sec. 26-685.981.Applicability. Unless otherwise exempt by this division, the regulations set forth herein shall apply to wireless telecommunication facilities within the City. Sec. 26-685.982. Definitions. For the purposes of this division, the following definitions shall apply: (a) "Alternative antenna support structure" shall mean any man-made tree, clock tower, light pole, or similar alternative -design mounting structure that camouflages or conceals the presence of an antenna and/or antenna support structure. (b) "Amateur and/or citizen band antenna" shall mean any antenna used for the operation of amateur and/or citizen band radio stations and which is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. (c) "Antenna" shall mean any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs, or similar devices of various sizes, materials and shapes including but not limited to solid or wire -mesh dish, horn, spherical, or bar configured arrangements, used for the transmission or reception of electromagnetic signals. (d) "Antenna, Building -Mounted" shall mean any antenna, other than an antenna with its supports resting on the ground, that is directly attached or affixed to the fascia or side wall of a building or structure. (e) "Antenna, Ground -Mounted" shall mean any antenna which is attached or affixed to a freestanding antenna support structure with its base placed directly on the ground, specifically including but not limited to, monopoles. (f) "Antenna, Roof -Mounted" shall mean any antenna, other than an antenna with its supports resting on the ground, that is directly attached or affixed to the roof of a building or a mechanical penthouse or parapet enclosure wall which is located on the rooftop of a building. (g) "Antenna height" shall mean, when referring to a monopole or other antenna support structure, the distance measured from ground level to the highest point on the support structure, including antennas measured at their highest point. WIREFNL,DOC21CC/ORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance April 1. 1997 - Pane 3 (h) "Antenna support structure" shall mean a freestanding mast, monopole, tripod or tower utilized for the purpose of supporting an antenna(s) as defined above. (i) "Co -location" shall mean the placement of antennas, dishes, or similar devices owned or used by two or more telecommunication providers on one antenna support structure, building, or structure. �) Direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) shall mean a system in which signals are transmitted directly from a satellite to a small (not exceeding 21 inches in diameter) receiving dish antenna. (k ) "FCC' shall mean an abbreviation which refers to the "Federal Communications Commission." (1) "Radiofrequency emissions (RF)" shall mean the electromagnetic signals transmitted and received using wireless telecommunication antennas. (m) "Reception window" shall mean the area within the direct line between a land -based antenna and an orbiting satellite. (n) "Obstruction -free reception window" shall mean the absence of man-made or natural physical barriers that would block the signal between a satellite and an antenna. (o) "Wireless telecommunication facility" shall mean a mechanical device, land and/or structure that is used to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, including but not limited to antennas, microwave dishes, horn, and other types of equipment for the transmission or receipt of such signals, antenna support structures, equipment buildings or cabinets, parking areas, and other accessory development. (p) "Wireless telecommunications facilities master plan" shall mean a narrative and graphic representation of all existing and future wireless telecommunication facilities within the City for one wireless communication provider or applicant. Sec. 26-686.983. Exemptions. The regulations of this division do not apply to the following: (a) Single ground -mounted, building -mounted, or roof -mounted receive -only AM/FM radio or television antennas, DBS dish antennas, amateur and/or citizens band radio antennas, for the sole use of the occupant of the parcel on which the antenna is located. (b) Wireless telecommunications facilities owned and operated by the City or other public agency when used for emergency response services, public utilities, operations, and maintenance. (c) This exemption does not apply to freestanding or roof -mounted satellite 0 dish antennas greater than twenty-one (21) inches in diameter. Sec. 26-685.984. Prohibited wireless telecommunication facilities in residential zones. (a) No wireless telecommunication facilities are permitted in residential zones except for the following: WIREML.DOUZIMORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance April 1. 1997 - Page 4 (1) Wireless telecommunication facilities listed under section 26-685.983(a) and (b). (2) Wireless telecommunication facilities attached to light poles, utility poles, traffic signals, and similar structures. (3),,,.-Wireless telecommunication facilities located in residential zones that are developed with permitted non-residential uses. (4) Wireless telecommunication facilities consisting of roof -mounted antennas located on multiple -family residential buildings. (b) Antennas with a solid or wire -mesh surface with a diameter or maximum width greater than twelve (12) feet are prohibited in residential zones. Sec. 26-685.986. Administrative use permit required. (a) The following types of wireless telecommunications facilities shall be permitted subject to approval of an administrative use permit pursuant to division 5, article VI of this chapter: (1) New building= and roof -mounted antenna facilities. (2) Other forms of wireless telecommunication facilities not specifically addressed within this division which are designed to integrate with the supporting building or structure and pose minimal visual impacts similar to building- and roof -mounted antenna facilities, as determined by the planning director. (b) Review by planning commission. The planning director may elect to not rule on a request for an administrative use permit and transfer the matter to the planning commission, to be heard within 30 days from the date this election by the planning director is provided in writing to the applicant. Sec. 26-685.986. Conditional use permits required. Wireless telecommunication facilities consisting of antenna support structures and alternative antenna support structures shall be permitted subject to approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to division 3, article VI of this chapter. Sec. 26-685.987. Minor modification permitted. (a) Additions or modifications to existing wireless telecommunication facilities which meet all of the following criteria shall be permitted subject to approval by the planning director pursuant to section 26-251(b) and section 26-271: (1) The overall monopole or antenna support structure height is not increased. (2) No ancillary features are added to the monopole other than the antennas, required safety equipment, and accessory equipment enclosures. (3) All conditions of approval for the previous facility have been met. (4) No required parking stalls are eliminated in conjunction with the placement of the additional accessory equipment. WIREFNL. DOC/Z:/CC/ORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance April 1, 1997 - Page 5 (5) The addition or modification is designed to minimize visual impacts, to the extent possible. (b) Additions or modifications to existing wireless telecommunication facilities which do not meet all of the above criteria shall be permitted subject to the approval of conditional use permit pursuant to division 3, article A of this chapter. of Sec. 26-685.986988. De velopment standards. All wireless telecommunication facilities regulated under this division shall comply with the following development standards: (a) Location on property. (1) Freestanding or roof -mounted satellite dishes greater than twenty- one (21) inches in diameter and located in residential zones. a. No antennas and antenna support structures shall be permitted in the required side yard or front yard. b. No antennas and antenna support structures shall be permitted within five (5) feet of the rear property line. C. No antennas consisting of a solid or wire -mesh surface shall be permitted on the roof except as permitted through the approval of a variance application. (2) Nonresidential zones (including wireless telecommunication facilities located in residential zones which are developed with permitted nonresidential uses). a. No antenna support structures or alternative antenna support structures shall be permitted in the required front or street side yards of the underlying zone. b. No antenna support structures or alternative antenna support structures shall be permitted within 100 feet of surrounding single- or multi -family residences. C. No antenna support structures or alternative antenna support structures shall be permitted in a required parking space or driveway. d. Antenna support structures shall be located to the extent feasible to the rear of all existing buildings on the property. (b) Height restrictions. (1) No antenna support structures or alternative antenna support structures shall exceed sixty (60) feet in height measured from the average finished grade of the subject site, except as otherwise approved under section 26-685.990. (2) No roof -mounted antennas and antenna support structures shall exceed twenty (20) feet above the peak of the roof (excluding the height of mechanical penthouses and parapets). WIREFNL.DOC/Z:/CC/ORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance April 1. 1997 - Page 6 (3) In addition to the maximum height limits states above, monopoles and alternative support structures shall be designed at the minimum functional height. Sec. 26-685.989. Design standards. All wireless telecommunication facilities regulated under this division shall comply with the following design standards: (a) All wireless telecommunication facilities. (1) Accessory support facilities, such as electrical cabinets and equipment buildings shall be placed within an interior space of the existing building, within a landscaped planter within the existing parking lot, or on the rooftop of the subject building. Support facilities shall be designed to match the architecture of adjacent buildings and/or screened from public view by walls, fences, parapets, landscaping, and similar treatments. All security fences shall not be less than six (6) feet in height. Chain link fencing and barbed wire may be used only in those cases where accessory support facilities are not easily seen from public view as determined by the planning director. (2) Antenna surfaces and support structures shall not be painted shiny or bright colors and shall be .treated so as not to reflect glare from sunlight. (3) No signage or lighting shall be incorporated into or attached to any antenna or antenna support structure, except to indicate danger. (4) The smallest size antenna panels feasible shall be used at each facility. (5) All wireless telecommunication facilities shall be installed with multi- lingual signage including the RF hazard warning symbol identified within FCC regulations, to notify persons that the facility could cause exposure to RF emissions. (b) Building- and roof -mounted antennas. (1) Building -mounted and roof -mounted antennas shall be screened from view under most circumstances, unless the antennas would not otherwise be visible to adjacent properties and/or public rights - of -way. The screening shall consist of parapets, walls, fencing, existing roof pitch, or similar architectural elements provided that it is painted and textured to integrate with architecture of the existing building. (2) Antennas shall be mounted on the parapet, penthouse wall, or building facade unless the antennas are not visible to adjacent properties and/or public rights -of -way. Building -mounted antennas shall be painted or otherwise architecturally integrated to match the existing building. (c) Antenna support structures (monopoles) and alternative antenna support structures. (1) Monopoles and alternative antenna support structures shall be located a minimum of one-half mile from any other monopole or WIREFNL.DOUZ ICUORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance April 1, 1997 - Pape 7 alternative antenna support structure, except as otherwise approved under section 26-685.990. (2) All proposed monopoles shall be of a slim or tapered design with climbing spikes mounted no lower then seven (7) feet from the base of the monopole. Monopoles and alternative antenna support structures shall be painted to match their surroundings. (3) Alternative antenna su pport structures (e.g. man-made trees) shall be used in -lieu of monopoles where the opportunity exists or where visibility impacts are a concern. (For example, if a grove of palm trees exists at a proposed antenna site, then a man-made tree shall be used rather than a monopole.) If antennas are proposed to be located within the City's regional entertainment/shopping districts, antennas shall be concealed within signs, clock towers, or r similar structures that are compatible with the surrounding land uses. (d) Freestanding or roof -mounted satellite dishes consisting of a solid or wire - mesh surface greater than twenty-one (21) inches in diameter and located in residential zones. (1) Satellite dishes shall be seventy-five (75) per cent screened when viewed from ground level from any adjacent public rights -of -way, parks, schools, or residentially -zoned properties. Such screening shall consist of either six (6) foot solid fencing or block walls, including the existing perimeter fence/wall on the site, landscaping or any combination thereof. Required screening around the antenna shall achieve its screening effect of seventy-five (75) percent in height and mass within sixty (60) days of installation. Specimen -size plants may be required to satisfy this requirement. In the case of a roof -mounted installation, such screening may incorporate features of the existing roof (e.g., a parapet, the slope of a pitched roofl, landscaping, or fencing which is compatible with the design and material of the existing development on the site. Sec. 26-685.990. Deviation from certain development and design standards. Deviation from the height requirements and minimum distance between monopoles and alternative antenna support structures by not more than twenty percent may be granted by the planning director or planning commission if one or more of the following findings is made based on evidence submitted by the applicant: (1) None of the permitted locations or height restrictions for antenna support structures and alternative antenna support structures provide for an obstruction -free reception window of said antenna as per blockage by the primary on -site structure or off -site buildings and trees of abutting properties; and/or (2) Existing natural geographic; conditions preclude an obstruction -free. reception window. (3) The relief from the development standards results in a more appropriate design which minimizes the visual impact of the facility. (4) In order to accommodate the establishment of a co -located facility, the antenna height of the facility must be increased. WIREFNL.DOC/Z:/CC/ORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance April 1. 1997 - Page 8 (5) The visual impacts of locating monopoles and alternative antenna support structures closer than one-half mile to one another is negligible because the facility is designed to architecturally integrate with the surrounding environment. Sec. 26-685.991. Installation and operation. • (a) All wireless telecommunication facilities shall be installed and maintained in compliance with the requirements of the City of West Covina Municipal Code Chapter 7 (Buildings and Building Regulations), the Uniform Building Code, National Electric Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Fire Code, and the manufacturer's structural specifications. (b) All antennas shall be permanently and properly grounded for protection against a direct strike of lighting, with an adequate ground wire as specified by the electrical code. (c) All electrical wires (excluding those wires covered in co -axial cables) connected from the electrical cabinets to the antennas or antenna support structure shall be protected in conduit, which shall be undergrounded or fixed to the ground and/or building. (d) Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any wireless telecommunication facility, the project applicant shall .submit a radio frequency radiation (RFR) field measurement study which verifies compliance with FCC emission standards to the planning director. The study shall be accompanied by a report written to be easily understood by a lay person which describes compliance with these standards. (e) Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any building- or roof - mounted wireless telecommunication facility, a disclosure notice approved by the planning director shall be mailed to the manager or property management company of the building on which the facility is installed. (f) All wireless telecommunication facilities shall comply at all times with all FCC regulations, rules, and standards. Sec. 26-685.992. Maintenance of facilities. The wireless telecommunication provider and/or property owner shall be responsible for maintaining the facility in an appropriate manner, which includes, but is not limited to, the following: regular cleaning of the facility, periodic repainting of antennas, antenna support structures, rooftop screen enclosures, accessory equipment walls and fences as needed, keeping debris and other similar items cleared from the antenna area, and regular maintenance of planter landscaping. Sec. 26-685.993. Periodic safety monitoring. (a) As requested by the planning director, all wireless telecommunication providers shall submit a certification attested to by a licensed engineer expert in _the field of RF emissions, that the facilities are and have been operated within the then current applicable FCC standards for RF emissions. (b) Any wireless telecommunication facilities operated and/or maintained in violation of FCC emission standards shall be subject to permit revocation by the planning commission under section 26-253. WIREFNL. DOC/Z1MORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance ` April 1. 1997 - Page 9 Sec. 26-685.994. Abandonment provisions. . The provider and/or property owner shall be required to remove the facility and all associated equipment and restore the property to its original condition within 90 days after the abandonment, expiration, or termination of the conditional use permit or administrative use permit. Sec.26-685.995. Required modifications. Notwithstanding, the City may add conditions after issuance of the conditional use permit or other permit if necessary to advance a legitimate governmental interest related to health, safety, or welfare; provided, however, that no one condition by itself may impose a substantial expense or deprive the applicant or provider of a substantial revenue source. Any condition relating to technological changes.shall comply with applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) standards. Sec. 26-685.996. Application requirements. In addition to the submittal application requirements pursuant to division 1, article VI of this chapter, the following information shall also be provided: (a) All wireless telecommunication providers shall submit a wireless telecommunications master plan for city review and approval. Providers who operate and maintain existing antenna facilities shall submit this master plan for review and approval within one (1) year of the effective date of this division or concurrent with a request to modify or alter an existing facility, or for the placement and installation of a new antenna facility, whichever is sooner. Proprietary information, when so designated, will not be available for public review. (b) . A "justification study" shall be submitted from each wireless telecommunication applicant indicating the rationale for selection of the proposed site in view of the relative merits of any feasible alternative site within the service area. This study shall also include the applicant's approved master plan which indicates the proposed site in relation to the provider's existing and proposed network of sites within the city and surrounding areas. For modifications or alterations to existing facilities, the applicant may be required to submit a "justification study" limited to the need to modify, alter, or expand the facility. (c) All wireless telecommunication applicants shall submit a "co -location study." This study shall examine the potential for co -location at an existing or a new site. A good faith effort in achieving co -location shall be required of all applicants. Applicants which propose facilities which are not co -located with another telecommunication facility shall provide a written explanation why the subject facility is not a candidate for co -location. (d) All wireless telecommunication applicants shall provide a visual analysis, including photographic simulations, to ensure' visual and architectural compatibility with surrounding structures..> (e) Other relevant information requested. by I the planning director or his/her authorized representative. WIREFNL.DOUZIMORDINSKA Ordinance No. 1991 - Wireless Telecommunications Ordinance • April 1. 1997 - Page 10 Sec.26-686.997. Findings. • In addition to the findings for approval required pursuant to section 26-247 (conditional use permits), the following findings shall also be met: (a) The facility structures and equipment are located, designed, and screened to blend with the existing natural environment or built surroundings so as to reduce visual impacts to the extent feasible considering the technological requirements of the proposed telecommunication service and the need to be compatible with neighboring residences and the character of the community. (b) The facility is designed to blend with any existing supporting structures and does not substantially alter the character of the structure or local area. WIREFNL.DOC/Z:/CC/ORDINSKA