Definitions

Santa Clara City Code § 18.66.020

in effect

The following definitions shall apply to this Chapter. Antennas. An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting or receiving radiofrequency (RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location pursuant to Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) authorization, for the transmission or reception of writing, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, and sounds of all kinds. For purposes of this definition, the term “antenna” does not include an unintentional radiator, mobile station, or device authorized under 47 CFR Subpart G, as may be amended. Base Station. The term “base station” shall have the same meaning as in 47 C.F.R. Section 1.6100, as may be amended. Co-location or Co-Located Facility. The mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an existing wireless tower or base station for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communication purposes. Concealed Facility. A wireless telecommunications facility that is integrated as an architectural feature of an existing supporting structure or any new wireless telecommunications facility that is camouflaged or concealed so that the presence of the facility is either: (1) virtually imperceptible to the casual observer, such as an antenna behind louvers on a building, or inside a steeple or similar structure; or (2) camouflaged so as to blend in with its surroundings to such an extent that, to a casual observer, it does not appear to be a wireless telecommunications facility. To qualify as a concealed facility, the facility in question must match the character of its surroundings and the type of item that it is mimicking in size, scale, shape, dimensions, color, materials, function, and other attributes as closely as possible. The elements that make a facility a concealed facility are concealment elements. Concealment Element. Any design feature, including but not limited to painting, landscaping, shielding requirements and restrictions on location, proportions, or physical dimensions in relation to the surrounding area or supporting structures that are intended to and do make a wireless telecommunications facility or its supporting structure less visible or obtrusive to the casual observer. Consumer-end antennas. Antennas which are either: subject to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Over-the-Air-Receiving Devices Rule (47 C.F.R. § 1.4000) placed at an end user’s premises used solely for the purpose of the provision of services to that end user; or solely for amateur radio communications. DAS. Distributed Antenna System . Dish Antenna. Any device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or bar configured that is shallow dish, cone, horn, or cornucopia-shaped and is used to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals. Eligible Facilities Request. As defined in 47 C.F.R. § 1.6100(b)(3), as may be amended. FCC. Federal Communications Commission, or the Federal successor agency, responsible for regulating telecommunications in the United States. Monopole. A single unguyed pole-structure erected on the ground (e.g., bare ground, concrete slab or footing), to support one or more wireless telecommunication antennas and connecting appurtenances.) Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation. Radiation from the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies between 3 kilohertz (3 kHz) and 300 gigahertz (GHz), including microwaves, television VHF and UHF signals, radio signals, and low to ultra-low frequencies. Radome. A dome or other structure protecting radar equipment. Repeater. Small receiver/relay transmitter of relatively low power output designed to provide service to areas that are not able to receive adequate coverage directly from a base or primary station. “Repeater” as used in this ordinance does not include Wi-Fi range extenders and boosters intended for in-home use. Slimline Monopole. A monopole with a maximum allowable height of 75 feet, including the antenna, that uses antennas shielded by a radome projecting less than three feet from the center of the pole. Stealth Technology/Techniques. Camouflaging methods applied to wireless telecommunication towers, antennas and/or other facilities, which result in the facilities appearing to be something else (for example, a clock tower). Substantial Change. A modification to an eligible support structure meeting the criteria of 47 C.F.R. § 1.6100(b)(7), as may be amended. Transmission Equipment. Equipment that facilitates transmission of any FCC-licensed or authorized wireless service, as described in more detail in 47 C.F.R. § 1.6100(b)(8), as may be amended. Visual Impact. An adverse effect on the visual and/or aesthetic environment. This may derive from blocking of a view, or introduction of elements that are incompatible with the scale, texture, form or color of the existing natural or human-made landscape, including the existing character surrounding the proposed wireless telecommunication facility site. Wireless Telecommunication (or Telecommunications) Facility. A facility at a fixed location, including all associated equipment, which supports the FCC-licensed transmission and/or receipt of electromagnetic/radio signals. Wireless telecommunication facilities include cellular radiotelephone service facilities, personal communications service facilities (including wireless Internet), specialized mobile radio service facilities, and commercial paging service facilities. Components of these types of facilities can consist of the following: antennas, repeaters, microwave dishes, horns, and other types of equipment for the transmission or receipt of signals, telecommunication towers or similar structures supporting the equipment, equipment structures, parking area, and other accessory development. Wireless Telecommunication Tower (Cell Tower/Tower). Any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting any FCC-licensed or authorized antennas and their associated facilities. It includes, but is not limited to, masts, poles, monopoles, guyed towers, lattice towers, and freestanding towers.

Source: City of Santa Clara Zoning Code (santaclaraca.gov PDF)URL: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-a-f/community-development/planning-division/zoningFetched: 10/24/2026