Subject:
Title
Public Hearing, Re: Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance (First Reading)
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Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
Planning and Development
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners conduct a public hearing to consider code revisions to Chapter 62, Article VI, Division 7, addressing emerging wireless technology.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The Board of County Commissioners, in regular session on July 6, 2021, unanimously approved legislative intent and permission to advertise revisions to Chapter 62, Article VI, Division 7, in order to address emerging wireless technology, specifically incorporating small wireless facilities. The proposed changes include defining small wireless facilities, establishing setback requirements for the placement of certain wireless telecommunication facilities, and restricting the placement of commercial small wireless facilities in residential zoning classifications.
The current definition of wireless telecommunications facilities contained in Section 62-2403 does not address certain new technologies, such as small wireless facilities. The proposed legislation amends the current definition of wireless telecommunications facilities to incorporate the definition of small wireless facilities as delineated in State law. Furthermore, the proposal amends Section 62-2422 in order to provide setback requirements for the placement of wireless telecommunications facilities as they relate to residential structures, child care facilities, and public and non-public schools. Finally, the amendment creates a new section of Code, Section 62-2425, which prohibits commercial wireless providers from installing wireless telecommunication facilities in residential zoning classifications.
On March 9, 2022, the Building Construction Advisory Committee heard the item and unanimously recommended approval.
On March 14, 2022, the Local Planning Agency heard the request and voted 7:1 to recommend denial, due to health concerns of 5G technology, as well as future technologies not limited by the ordinance.
The second and final public hearing by the Board of County Commissioners will be held during the April 19, 2022, meeting beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None