§ 18.66.010 — Purpose and Applicability

A. Purpose. This Chapter establishes locational, developmental, and operational standards and permit requirements consistent with Federal law to: regulate the placement and design of wireless telecommunication facilities so as to preserve the unique visual character of the City, promote the aesthetic appearance of the City, and to ensure public safety and welfare; and to acknowledge and provide the community benefit associated with the provision of advanced wireless telecommunication services within the City. B. Applicability. The requirements of this Chapter shall apply to all wireless telecommunications facilities located within the City, except for the following: 1. Telecommunications facilities placed in the public rights of way, which are governed by Chapter 12.65 (Telecommunications Facilities In Public Rights-of-Way). 2. Handheld devices (i.e., cell phones, business-band mobile radios, walkie-talkies, cordless telephones, garage door openers), and similar devices. 3. A consumer-end antenna described in 47 C.F.R. § 1.4000, including but not limited to a satellite dish that is one meter (39 inches) or less in diameter or diagonal measurement located in a residential or mixed-use zone, subject to the following : i. If mounted on a mast, the antenna is mounted no higher than needed to receive or transmit an acceptable quality signal and in no event higher than 12 feet above roofline; or ii. Consumer-end antennas proposed for properties located on the Historic Resources Inventory or the California Register of Historic Resources shall apply to the Director for a Significant Property Alteration (SPA) permit for small projects. 4. A satellite earth station (SES) antenna of two meters (78 inches) or less in diameter or diagonal measurement, located in a non-residential or mixed-use zone, that is designed to transmit or receive radio communications by satellite or terrestrial communications antenna. These antennas shall require a Building Permit and approval of the placement by the Director to ensure safety, and to avoid tripping hazards and the creation of an attractive nuisance, shall be placed whenever possible, on the top of structures as far from the edge of rooftops towards the rear of the structure to minimize the view from the public rights-of-way. 5. Wireless telecommunication facilities and/or components of these facilities used solely for public safety purposes, installed and operated by authorized public safety agencies (e.g., City 911 emergency services, police, and/or fire department, first responder medical services, hospitals, etc.), are exempt from the provisions of this Chapter.