§ 18.66.030 — Exemptions from Discretionary Permits

The following wireless telecommunication facilities are exempt from the discretionary permit requirements of this Chapter. However, each wireless telecommunication facility shall comply with all applicable requirements of State and Federal law, the remaining requirements of this Chapter, and the issuance of a nondiscretionary Zoning Clearance. A. Replacement or modification of a previously allowed facility or equipment, or collocation of new transmission equipment, that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing facility or equipment and qualifies as an “eligible facilities request” under 47 CFR § 1.6100, as may be amended. B. Temporary mobile wireless facilities intended or used to provide wireless services on a temporary or emergency basis, such as a large-scale special event in which more users than usual gather in a confined location or when a disaster requires additional service capabilities. Temporary wireless telecommunications facilities include, without limitation, cells on wheels (COW), sites on wheels (SOW), cells on light trucks (COLTs), or other similar wireless telecommunications facilities: (1) that will be in place for less than two weeks in duration (or such other longer time as the City may allow in light of the event or emergency); (2) for which any required notice is provided to the FAA; (3) that do not require marking or lighting under FAA regulations; (4) that will be less than 100 feet in height; and (5) that will either involve no excavation or involve excavation only as required to safely anchor the facility, where the depth of previous disturbance exceeds the proposed construction depth (excluding footings and other anchoring mechanisms) by at least two feet. Applicants may seek an extension for any such installation, which extension shall be subject to the discretion of the Director, based upon a review of the ongoing need for the temporary facility, as well as any relevant impact assessments, and provided that any such extension requests are accompanied by detailed justification and other documentation deemed necessary by the Director. C. Any modification or maintenance activities carried out as part of the routine operation of wireless telecommunication facilities that do not result in substantial change. D. Any other facilities that are exempt from City approval by State or Federal statute.