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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVII.B.Telecommunication Facilities.1 Agenda ReportDepartment of Development Services Paula M. Daneluk, AICP, Director Curtis Johnson, Assistant Director 7 County Center Drive T: 530.552.3700 Oroville, California 95965 F: 530.538.7785 Butte County Planning Commission Telecommunication Facility Ordinance Amendments August 11, 2022 buttecounty.net/dds Butte County Planning Commission AGENDA REPORT Butte County Zoning Ordinance County Initiated Amendment to Butte County Zoning Ordinance Article 26 Telecommunication Facilities August 11, 2022 To: Butte County Planning Commission From: Mark Michelena, Senior Planner Subject: County Initiated Amendment to Butte County Code Chapter 24, Zoning Ordinance, Article 26, Telecommunication Facilities I.RECOMMENDATION Recommended Motion: Adopt the Resolution making findings and recommending the amendment of Butte County Code Chapter 24, Zoning Ordinance, Article 26, Telecommunication Facilities to the Board of Supervisors, and find this Zoning Ordinance amendment is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). II.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of the Telecommunication Facilities is to establish standards for the placement and design of wireless telecommunication facilities. These standards are intended to: A.Allow reasonable opportunities for wireless communication providers to provide such services to the community in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. B.Encourage the location of new monopoles, towers, and antennas in non-residential areas, thereby discouraging the need for such facilities in residential areas. C.Minimize the total number of antennas throughout the county. D.Encourage co-location of facilities at appropriate new and existing monopoles, towers, and antenna sites. 1 Butte County Planning Commission Telecommunication Facility Ordinance Amendments August 11, 2022 E. Encourage wireless telecommunication providers to locate new monopoles, towers, and antennas in areas that minimize adverse impact on agriculture and air navigation. F. Require wireless communication providers to design and configure wireless communication facilities in a way that minimizes adverse visual impacts. G. Protect the public’s interest in the safe operation of emergency services such as air ambulance, medical and emergency evacuation, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, vector control, and resource management. Article 26 applies to all commercial wireless telecommunications facilities for the transmission or reception of wireless telephone, radio, television, and other telecommunication signals. The facilities subject to these standards include all equipment and network components such as towers, utility poles, transmitters, base stations, and emergency power systems that are integral to providing wireless telecommunications services. The amendments to Butte County Code Chapter 24, Zoning Ordinance, Article 26, Telecommunication Facilities Ordinance, will include bringing the ordinance into conformance with federal and State law by requirements regarding reasonable time periods for processing applications and which modifications to existing telecommunication facilities constitute a substantial change, additional application submittal information, updates to existing sections and removing particular requirements that are not required by federal or State law. Federal law is supreme and must be followed by Butte County, and the California Legislature, in Government Code section 65964.1, has declared that wireless telecommunications facilities are a matter of statewide concern. This Ordinance does not expand or alter the locations in which a telecommunication facility may be located and does not expand or alter the size of a telecommunication facility except as required by federal law. This is a County-initiated amendment to Butte County Zoning Ordinance (Butte County Code Chapter 24) for Article 26, Telecommunication Facilities. The following amendments are proposed: 1) Modifications to what does not constitutes a substantial change (section 24-179 B.3); 2) Conform to federal and State law by paraphrasing federal and State requirements regarding reasonable time periods for processing applications (section 24-180 E); 3) Removing particular requirements that are not required by State or federal law; 4) Updates and minor clean-up edits. 2 Butte County Planning Commission Telecommunication Facility Ordinance Amendments August 11, 2022 III. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) REVIEW Staff has determined that this Zoning Ordinance amendment is not a project under CEQA. This Ordinance amends the Zoning Ordinance to make it conform to federal and State law by paraphrasing federal and State requirements regarding reasonable time periods for processing applications and which modifications constitute a substantial change. Federal law is supreme and must be followed by Butte County, and the California Legislature, in Government Code section 65964.1, has declared that wireless telecommunications facilities are a matter of statewide concern. This Ordinance does not expand or alter the locations in which a telecommunication facility may be located and does not expand or alter the size of a telecommunication facility except as required by federal law. This Ordinance will not have a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect effect on the environment and is thus not a project. IV. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed amendments will bring the ordinance into compliance with current State and federal laws in regard to what does not constitute substantial change to an existing communication facility and to include defined reasonable timeframes for processing applications. Substantial change occurs when increases in height exceed certain limits: for monopoles or towers, greater than 10% or the height of one additional antenna array separated from the nearest antenna array by not more than 20 feet, whichever is greater, and for other structures, greater than 10% or ten feet, whichever is greater; and when increases in horizontal attachments exceed certain limits: for monopoles or towers, protruding from the edge of the monopole or tower more than twenty feet or the width of the monopole or tower at the attachment, whichever is greater, and for other structures, protruding from the edge of the structure more than six feet; and when more than four equipment cabinets will be installed; and when there is any excavation or deployment outside of the current site; and when the change would defeat the concealment elements of the structure; and when the change does not comply with the conditions of approval for any structure. The applicant has the burden to prove that the proposed change is not a substantial change. Pursuant to Government Code section 65964.1, the State Legislature has declared that wireless telecommunications facilities are a matter of statewide concern. The Legislature has determined that a county may still make decisions regarding placement, construction, and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities. In making such decisions, the County shall approve or disapprove an application within a reasonable period of time as established by applicable FCC rules, i.e., for small wireless facilities as defined in 47 C.F.R. §1.6002, 60 days for colocations and 90 days for new structures, and for other facilities, 90 days for colocations and 150 days for new structures. 3 Butte County Planning Commission Telecommunication Facility Ordinance Amendments August 11, 2022 The amendment proposes to remove the requirements of the owner or operator of the communication facility to provide annual written verification that the RF/EMF emitted by the facility conforms to safety standards set by the FCC (section 24-181 R). As part of the application, the applicant provides a RF/EMF report that identifies the amount of emissions that will be generated by the facility to identify that it is in compliance with FCC standards. Also being removed is the requirement for a bond for a one-time test after the facility is in operation and bond for the removal of the facility when it is abandoned (section 24-186 A & B). The one-time test is not recommended based on the fact that the facility would not have been approved if it did not meet FCC RF/EMF emissions. The bond for removal of the facility is not recommended based on the section 24-187 C, which identifies that if the facility is not removed within 60 days of abandonment, the County may remove the facility at the applicant’s or owner’s expense. Section 24-183 C.2 has been edited to remove the existing language and add the following language of “New monopoles or towers shall allow for at least two additional wireless service providers to be located on the monopoles or towers.” Section 24-185 (Terms of Approval) has been amended to remove the language that the permit issued for the facility shall be valid for ten (10) years, unless extended by the Zoning Administrator. This requirement provides undue burden on staff and operators to make sure all facilities continue to be extended after every 10 years. The proposed amendments do not change the type of permit required for a new facility or collocation as identified in section 24-179 A. The amendments will assist in reducing the overall review time for processing applications for telecommunication facilities. They will also allow for staff determine if a modification to the existing facility constitutes a substantial change, and if not, process the modification administratively. V. NEXT STEPS The Planning Commission’s recommendations concerning the proposed amendment will be provided to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration at a future public hearing. ATTACHMENTS: A. Planning Commission Resolution No.____ Exhibit I - Butte County Code Chapter 24, Zoning Ordinance, Article 26 Amendments B. Current Butte County Code Chapter 24, Zoning Ordinance, Article 26 4 Resolution No. PC A RESOLUTION OF THE BUTTE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO BUTTE COUNTY CODE CHAPTER 24, ZONING ORDINANCE, ARTICLE 26, TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES: 1) TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL AND STATE LAW BY PARAPHRASING FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING REASONABLE TIME PERIODS FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS AND WHICH MODIFICATIONS CONSTITUTE A SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE, 2) UPDATES TO EXISTING SECTIONS AND 3) REMOVING PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE NOT REQUIRED BY STATE OR FEDERAL LAW WHEREAS, on September 27, 2012 the Planning Commission made recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, and on November 6, 2012, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Zoning Ordinance Update under Ordinance #4050, and Certified a Supplemental Final EIR under County Resolution 12-123; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance #4062, updating the Butte County Zoning Ordnance at a duly noticed public hearing on September 10, 2013, and, WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors approved Ordinance #4091, updating the Butte County Zoning Ordnance at a duly noticed public hearing on January 27, 2015, and, WHEREAS, further County-initiated Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 to further address updates, corrections, and issues that have arisen; and, WHEREAS, from time-to-time County-initiated Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance are required to address a variety of needed updates including but not limited to corrections, legal compliance, and other issues that arise; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on August 11, 2022 concerning these Amendments; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission hereby recommends to the Board of Supervisors the following findings: 1.Notice of the Planning Commission hearing on the Zoning Ordinance Amendments was given as required by law. 2.It is determined that this Zoning Ordinance amendment is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Attachment A 5 3. The Planning Commission was presented with all of the information described in the recitals and has considered this information in adopting this resolution. 4. The proposed Adoption of the Amendments are consistent and compatible with the General Plan and any applicable community or specific plan as provided by Government Code Section 65860. 5. The proposed Adoption of the Amendments are internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 11th day of August, 2022, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ________________________________ Ruby Roethler, Chair Planning Commission County of Butte, State of California ATTEST: _______________________________ Kao Vang, Secretary Planning Commission County of Butte, State of California 6 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Ordinance No. AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNTY OF BUTTE AMENDING ARTICLE 26, ENTITLED “TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES”, OF CHAPTER 24, ENTITLED “ZONING”, OF THE BUTTE COUNTY CODE The Board of Supervisors of the County of Butte ordains as follows: Section 1. Section 24-178 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-178 - Exemptions. The following facilities are exempt from the standards in this article, and may be permitted if all identified standards are met: A.Two-way radio communications systems operated only as an internal business or household communications system that are not made available to third parties, subject to the maximum height requirements as set forth in Section 24-181.8 (General Requirements) or no greater than fifty (50) feet in height. B.Privately operated noncommercial facilities attendant to a residential, noncommercial use, including amateur radio facilities no greater than sixty-five (65) feet in height. C.Noncommercial television receiving antennas, subject to the maximum height requirements for the zone, as set forth in Section 24-181.B (General Requirements) or no greater than fifty (50) feet in height. D.Satellite dish (television receive only) antennas no greater than two (2) meters in diameter which are used for noncommercial purposes by the user, providing all Attachment B 7 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 such facilities are exempt from demonstrating radio- frequency emission compliance from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulation. This exemption only applies to facilities categorically exempt from FCC regulation, and does not apply to facilities operated, leased to, or used by common carriers, or wireless communications providers, or personal communications systems (PCS) providers, or cellular communications providers or specialized mobile radio (SMR) communications providers, or television and radio broadcast facilities. E. Temporary wireless telecommunication facilities providing public information coverage of a news event. Mobile facilities providing public information coverage of news events may be set up on public or private property for a duration of up to seventy-two (72) hours. F. Government-owned communications facilities utilized for a public purpose. G. Facilities exempted under federal or State law. H. Facilities erected and operated for emergency situations which are approved in writing in advance of installation by the Zoning Administrator. Uses of such facilities shall not exceed two (2) weeks, unless an extension is granted in writing by the Zoning Administrator. I. Personal wireless Internet equipment, such as a wireless router, that complies with all applicable FCC 8 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 regulations. J. Personal handheld and portable wireless devices, such as mobile phones, smart phones, computer tablets and readers, cordless phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and wireless headphones that comply with all applicable FCC regulations. K. Repair or replacement of a lawfully established existing facility, so long as the repair or replacement does not involve modifications to the facility which add height, change the appearance in a visually or physically obtrusive manner, or increase its effective radiated power. Other modifications which exceed this exemption but which do not constitute a substantial change are not exempt and shall be processed pursuant to Subsection 24-179 B 3. Section 2. Subsection 24-179 B of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-179 - Permits required. B. Special Permit Requirements. 1. Excluding collocated facilities that comply with the standards in Section 24-184 (Co-Location Facilities), a Conditional Use Permit shall be required for telecommunication facilities located within a residential zone, within one thousand (1,000) feet of a residential zone, or within the Airport (AIR) zone. To approve the Conditional Use Permit, the Planning Commission shall make the following findings in addition to the 9 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 findings in Article V, Division 5 (Conditional Use and Minor Use Permits) to approve the permit: a. No feasible alternative site exists; and b. A denial would constitute a prohibition on the provision of the affected wireless communications service in violation of federal or State law. 2. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to establish the findings in Subsection 1 above. 3. A modification of an existing facility that exceeds what is exempt pursuant to Subsection 24- 178 K but does not constitute a substantial change to the facility pursuant to 47 C.F.R. §1.6100 does not require a permit, but does require that the applicant submit an application pursuant to Section 24-180 (Application submittal and review) [Subsections A 11, 12, 13, 15, and 17 are not required] along with supporting documentation that demonstrates that the proposed modification does not constitute a substantial change in the physical dimensions of the facility. To qualify as an existing facility, the facility must have been reviewed and approved pursuant to Article 26 (Telecommunication Facilities) of the Zoning Ordinance or have been lawfully established pursuant to previous zoning regulations or lawfully established prior to any requirements in the Zoning Ordinance governing 10 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 such facilities. If the application and documentation demonstrate that the facility is an existing facility and the modification does not constitute a substantial change, the application shall be approved within 60 days. If not, a letter specifying why the application is incomplete shall be sent within 30 days of receipt of the application. The applicant and the County may mutually toll the 60-day period to allow the applicant to provide the information required. When the applicant provides the information, the 60-day review period starts again. If previously identified required information was not provided, an additional letter specifying why the application remains incomplete shall be sent within 10 days. When the applicant provides the information, the 60-day review period starts again. If the application is not approved or denied within the required timelines, this inaction shall constitute a deemed approval of the application after the applicant has informed the County that the review period has expired. Substantial change, as defined in 47 C.F.R. §1.6100(B)(7), occurs when increases in height exceed certain limits: for monopoles or towers, greater than 10% or the height of one additional antenna array separated from the nearest antenna 11 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 array by not more than 20 feet, whichever is greater, and for other structures, greater than 10% or ten feet, whichever is greater; and when increases in horizontal attachments exceed certain limits: for monopoles or towers, protruding from the edge of the monopole or tower more than twenty feet or the width of the monopole or tower at the attachment, whichever is greater, and for other structures, protruding from the edge of the structure more than six feet; and when more than four equipment cabinets will be installed; and when there is any excavation or deployment outside of the current site; and when the change would defeat the concealment elements of the structure; and when the change does not comply with the conditions of approval for any structure. The applicant has the burden to prove that the proposed change is not a substantial change. Section 3. Section 24-180 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-180 Application submittal and review. A. Applications for approval of a telecommunication facility shall specify which reasonable time period discussed in Subsection E below applies and include all materials and information required for the permit (e.g., Conditional Use Permit) plus the following information: 12 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1. A narrative description of the proposed facility, including the type of facility being requested. 2. A description of the type of technology and consumer services the provider will provide to its customers. 3. A description of the number, size, material, and color of antennas. 3.4. A description of the number of arrays by elevation at which antennas may be located; which arrays the applicant’s antennas will occupy; and the remaining arrays for colocation. 4.5. A statement specifying facility height from natural grade to the top of the proposed facility. 5.6. A description of any proposed support equipment, including towers or other structures necessary to support or house the facility. 6.7. A description of the types, quantities, and locations of hazardous materials to be handled on-site. 7.8. Landscaping and painting plans for the proposed facility. 8.9. A site location map, including horizontal and vertical location coordinates, that shows the area on the property that will be occupied, screened, and secured. 9.10. Elevations of the facility and any accessory buildings, including building height and other 13 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 physical dimensions, drawn to graphic scale. 10.11. A visual impact assessment, photomontages, or mock-ups as required by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission. The assessment shall identify any proposed trimming of vegetation that will be required for the normal operation of the facility. 11.12. For facilities within a residential zone, within one thousand (1,000) feet of a residential zone, or within the AIR zone, the applicant shall identify all antennas listed on antennasearch.com within two (2) miles of the proposed facility and evaluate these properties as alternative sites. In addition, the applicant shall prepare a discussion of and supporting information regarding the alternative site selection of at least three (3) additional alternative sites, if available, including co-location opportunities, and a statement as to why these alternative sites or co-location opportunities were rejected. 12.13. A complete service area map showing the entire wireless communications network of the providers twenty (20) miles in all directions from the proposed site for the time period from the filing of the application to twelve (12) months from the filing of the application, for the purpose of visually aiding cumulative environmental analysis, with and without the 14 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 proposed facility or facilities, showing all hand-off sites within the specified area. 13.14. RFR/EMF and wattage output data, including the number of channels. 14.15. A graphic depiction of the search ring and all other technical criteria used in determining the proposed facility location. 15.16. Documentation which identifies failure characteristics of the facility structure or tower and demonstrates that the site and setbacks are of adequate size to contain falling debris. 16.17. Written evidence demonstrating that the selected facility structure or tower design is as visually unobtrusive as possible, given technical and engineering considerations. Submitted evidence shall indicate what type of facility is required to provide reasonably effective service and also the best technology and construction available to maximally achieve visual unobtrusiveness. 17.18. Applicants which operate common carrier facilities (specifically, but not limited to cellular, PCS, SMR, and paging service licensees of the FCC) shall provide written evidence that the applicant has provided notice to all FCC licensed wireless communications service carriers operating within the County of Butte of the plans to develop the site. 15 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 18.19. Evidence of a valid, current operating license or construction permit from the FCC or, if the applicant is not a wireless communications service provider, a user operating agreement for each and every such provider to which the applicant intends to rent space on the proposed facility. 20. A report, signed by a qualified radio frequency engineer licensed by the FCC, prepared pursuant to FCC OET 65, stating whether the maximum radio frequency radiation/electromagnetic frequency radiation (RF/EMF) to be emitted by the proposed facility, taking into account all other facilities, both existing and known future facilities, at the proposed site and adjacent properties, conforms to safety standards adopted by the FCC, if applicable. The reports prepared for facilities shall conform to the reporting requirements set by the County and FCC OET 65 human exposure standards. The report shall also analyze the evidence provided in support of the proposed facility location, height and radiated power, frequency, the number of channels, and all other related data and present alternatives for the location, height, and radiated power, pursuant to the requirements of this section. If the proposed facility exceeds FCC OET 65 human exposure standards, the applicant shall also 16 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 provide additional comprehensive technical and planning information regarding how the applicant shall protect all persons from excessive exposure consistent with all federal and State requirements, and any additional County requirements. 21. A narrative describing the anticipated maintenance and monitoring program for the structure, antennas, equipment, shelters and cabinets, landscaping, and security features. 22. A narrative describing manufacturer’s specifications for all equipment such as air conditioners and generators that identifies the equipment’s noise rating, as well as a depiction of how close the equipment will be to adjoining properties. The narrative shall demonstrate that noise shall not exceed the limits set forth in the Zoning Ordinance. 19.23. A letter from both the applicant and the property owner stating their willingness to allow other carriers to co-locate on the facility, as well as how many co-locations will be allowed on the facility. B. Projects in agriculture zones shall, prior to submitting an application for a proposed facility, submit a site plan of the proposed facility to the Butte County Agricultural Commissioner for comment and send a notification letter to all aerial agricultural 17 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 applicators registered in the county informing them of the proposed site location and tower height. No hearing on an application for a proposed facility in any agriculture zone will be scheduled, nor shall any permit for any such facility be issued without proof that the Butte County Agricultural Commissioner and all aerial agricultural applicators registered in the county have been notified, as specified above. C. All applications for facilities that are proposed to be located within the boundaries of any comprehensive airport land use plan or airport area of influence, as adopted or designated by the Butte County Airport Land Use Commission, shall be submitted to the Department of Development Services, and a copy submitted to the Butte County Airport Land Use Commission for review regarding consistency with adopted comprehensive airport land use plans and for recommendations addressing potential impacts to air navigation within the airport area of influence. D. The County may, at its sole discretion and at the applicant's sole expense, retain an independent consultant to review either individual elements of or the entire application and advise the County. D.E. Pursuant to Government Code section 65964.1, the State Legislature has declared that wireless telecommunications facilities are a matter of statewide concern. The Legislature has determined that 18 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 a county may still make decisions regarding placement, construction, and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities. In making such decisions, the County shall approve or disapprove an application within a reasonable period of time as established by applicable FCC rules (47 C.F.R. §1.6003), i.e., for small wireless facilities as defined in 47 C.F.R. §1.6002, 60 days for colocations and 90 days for new structures, and for other facilities, 90 days for colocations and 150 days for new structures. The time periods may be tolled when an applicant is timely informed the application is materially incomplete by specifically identifying the missing documents or information and the specific rule or regulation requiring them to be submitted. Timely informed means within 10 days for an initial application for a small wireless facility, within 30 days for other facilities, and within 10 days for subsequent notices after a resubmittal for all facilities. When the required materials are initially resubmitted for a small wireless facility, the reasonable time period restarts at zero; for other facilities and subsequent resubmittals for all facilities, the days between the date after the notification is sent and the date the required materials are resubmitted are not counted, i.e., if the notification is sent on day 9, the day the required materials are resubmitted is 19 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 day 10. The failure to make a timely decision may be a deemed approval of the application if the applicant has provided all required public notices and the applicant has provided notice that the reasonable time period has lapsed and the application is deemed approved. The reasonable time period begins to run when the applicant makes the first required submission. This subsection does not apply to modifications which do not constitute a substantial change which shall be processed pursuant to Subsection 24-179 B 3. Section 4. Section 24-181 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-181 General requirements. A. Setbacks. 1. Except when specifically allowed below, all new telecommunication facilities shall be located on a parcel so that the distance from the base of the facility to the parcel boundary is equal to or greater than the height of the facility. 2. In the agriculture zones (AG, AS), the Zoning Administrator (for Administrative and Minor Use Permits), and the Planning Commission (for Conditional Use Permits, and appeals) may approve a reduced setback requirement if: a. The facility is located adjacent to an existing structure such as a barn, rice dryer, or other existing facility such that 20 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 the facility will blend with the surrounding area; or b. Adjacent property owners consent in writing to a reduced distance, no less than the minimum setback required by the applicable zone. Additional setback modifications may be permitted, as described in Subsection 3 below. 3. Minimum setbacks for telecommunication facilities that are within a non-residential zone and located more than one thousand (1,000) feet from any residential zone or existing legally established residential dwellings may be reduced with approval of a Minor Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit in the case of the Airport (AIR) zoneas part of the permit for the facility. To approve the reduced setback, the review authority shall find that: a. Setback distances for the facility are greater than or equal to setbacks for primary structures in the applicable district, or a minimum of twenty (20) feet, whichever is greater; b. The facility is not located within the Scenic Highway (-SH) overlay zone; c. The facility is not located within five hundred (500) feet of any building or feature located on a local or State historic 21 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 or cultural significance list; d. The facility is compatible and consistent with any applicable adopted airport land use plan, and the facility would not interfere with agricultural aircraft operations; e. The facility does not create a hazardous condition to the general health, safety, or welfare; and f. Modifications of setback standards would not interfere with other standards or requirements addressed within the Zoning Ordinance. 4. Minimum setbacks for telecommunication facilities that are within a non-residential zone and located between three hundred (300) and one thousand (1,000) feet from any residential zone or existing legally established residential dwellings may be reduced with approval of a Minor Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit in the case of the Airport (AIR) zone. To approve the reduced setback, the review authority shaft find that: a. All findings specified in Subsection 3 above can be made; b. All lighting on the proposed facility, including identification or warning lights required by the FAA or other public agency. is oriented so as to not directly illuminate any residential use on the ground, providing 22 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 that such orientation/shielding complies with FAA or other federal or state agency requirements; c. The facility is aesthetically and architecturally compatible with the surrounding environment. The new pole facility shall incorporate slim-line technology, stealth camouflaging features, or neutral colors; d. Associated support buildings are designed to architecturally match the exterior of buildings in the surrounding area. B. Height. 1. The maximum height for telecommunication facilities in all zones shall be one hundred (100) feet, except in Commercial and Industrial zones where it shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet. The review authority may approve additional height based upon justifiable need. The height of a telecommunication facility shall be measured from the natural, undisturbed ground surface below the center of the base of the monopole or tower to the top of the monopole or tower itself or, if higher, the tip of the highest antenna or piece of equipment attached thereto. 2. Facilities shall use the best available technology and construction to achieve maximal visual unobtrusiveness. 23 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 3. Telecommunication facilities may exceed the allowed height for the applicable zone in accordance with Subsection I B 1 above. 4. A roof-mounted wireless telecommunication facility shall be no more than fifteen (15) feet taller than the roof of the structure on which it is mounted. C. Building and Electrical Codes. 1. Telecommunication facilities shall comply with all applicable building and electrical codes. 2. All facility operators shall submit certification from a registered structural engineer to the building division that all associated monopoles and towers in excess of thirty (30) feet in height will withstand sustained winds as required by the California Building Code. D. Utility Pole Mounted or Power Transmission Tower Mounted Facilities. 1. Facilities mounted on an existing utility pole or transmission tower are not subject to setbacks. 2. Facilities mounted on an existing utility pole or transmission tower may increase overall height pursuant to Subsection 24-179 B 3 or by up to twenty (20) percent of the existing facility's total height through the approval of a Minor Use Permit. E. Advertising. No advertising or commercial display is permitted on any telecommunication facility. 24 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 F. Sewage Disposal. The placement of any antenna shall not adversely affect any on-site sewage disposal system or its repair area without written approval from the Division of Environmental Health. G. Deed Restrictions. The installation of a facility shall not violate any existing deed restrictions. H. Vehicle Access. All facilities shall have a twelve (12) foot-wide all-weather access to a publicly maintained road capable of supporting a forty thousand (40,000) pound fire apparatus with fifteen (15) feet of vertical clearance. I. Outdoor Storage. There shall be no outdoor vehicle or equipment storage except for emergency purposes. J. Federal and State Regulations. 1. All facilities shall fall within current regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other State and federal agency with the authority to regulate such facilities. 2. If federal or State regulations are changed, the property owner or responsible party shall bring such facilities into compliance with revised regulations within ninety (90) days of the effective date of such regulations, unless a more stringent compliance schedule is mandated by the controlling agency. K. Emissions. No facility or combination of facilities shall generate, at any time, electromagnetic frequency radiation (EMF) or radio frequency radiation (RF) in 25 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 excess of the FCC adopted standards for human exposure. L. Hazardous Facilities. 1. Any facility determined by the County to be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of persons working or residing near such facility, shall be removed, adjusted or replaced by the property owner or service provider. 2. In no case shall a facility remain in operation if it is found to create a hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare. 3. A facility shall not be found to create a hazard to health, safety, or welfare as a result of EMF or RF emissions from the facility so long as it meets all current standards established by the FCC, pursuant to FCC OET 65. M. Abandoned Facilities. Facilities that are not in use for a period of six (6) months shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed. All operators who intend to abandon the use of any facility shall notify the County of such intention no less than 60 days prior to the final day of use. Abandoned facilities shall be designated as unlawful and as public nuisances, requiring no amortization period. The abandoned facility shall be removed pursuant to Section 24-187 (Facility removal). N. Distance Between Facilities. 1. A facility shall not be located within one 26 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 thousand (1,000) feet of any other existing facility. 2. The minimum required distance between facilities may be reduced with approval of a Minor Use Permitby making specific findings. To approve the reduced separation, the review authority shall find that one (1) or more of the following apply: a. Visual impacts are negligible; or b. The applicant can demonstrate that the site is a technical necessity to meet the demands of the geographic service area and the applicant's network. O. Impacts on Cultural Resources. 1. Locating facilities in areas of historical, cultural or aesthetic importance to the County is prohibited, except when: a. No feasible alternative site exists; and b. A denial would prohibit wireless communications service in violation of federal or State law. 2. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to establish both conditions above. 3. The County shall submit all applications for facilities in areas of historical, cultural, or aesthetic importance to the Northeast Information Center, CSU Chico, and the Butte County Historical Society for review and comment prior to acting upon the application. 27 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 P. Ground Level Support Facilities. 1. All ground level support facilities shall be painted or screened from view with adequate landscaping appropriate to the surrounding environment. 2. All aesthetic treatments, including landscaping, shall be maintained as approved for the life of the facility. Q. Encroachment Permit Required. Facilities may not encroach into, under, over, above, or upon any public street in the unincorporated area of the county in the absence of a valid encroachment permit from the County. R. Annual Emissions Verification. The owner or operator of a facility shall annually submit written verification that the radio frequency radiation/electromagnetic frequency radiation (RF/EMF) emitted by a facility conforms to safety standards in FCC OET 65. The reports prepared for facilities shall conform to reporting requirements set by the FCC and the County. SR. Development Schedule. Applicants may be required to submit a development schedule if the Zoning Administrator determines that nearby property owners may be inconvenienced during the construction of a telecommunication facility. TS. Security. Facilities shall be secured at all times to prevent access by the public. 28 23 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Section 5. Section 24-182 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-182 Standards for zones. A. Agriculture Zones. All facilities in AG and AS zones shall comply with the following standards. 1. The review authority may require that tower or pole facilities be painted from a height of ten (10) feet above the ground to the top of the facility with alternating aviation orange and white stripes and have a flashing or steady burning light installed on the top that is shielded from the ground to prevent visual impacts, unless the applicant can demonstrate that such measures are not required to ensure compatibility with established air navigation practices in the immediate area. 2. All obstruction lighting shall be visually inspected on a regular basis to ensure proper operation. Any lighting failure or malfunction that affects a top light or flashing light regardless of its position on the tower shall be reported immediately to the Department of Development Services and remedied in a timely manner. 3. Facilities are encouraged to be located to ensure compatibility with established or anticipated future air navigation practices in the immediate area, as well as to minimize the disruption of 29 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 agricultural land, provided all other applicable site development standards are met. B. Residential Zones. All facilities in residential zones shall comply with the following standards. 1. All lighting on a facility, including identification or warning tights required by the FAA or other public agency, shall be oriented not to directly illuminate any area on the ground within a radius of five hundred (500) feet of the tower or monopole horizontally beyond the facility site, providing that such orientation/shielding complies with FAA or other federal or state agency requirements. 2. All facilities shall be aesthetically and architecturally compatible with the surrounding environment. Residentially compatible materials and veneers such as wood, brick, or stucco shall be used for associated support buildings, which shall be designed to architecturally match the exterior of residential structures in the area. 3. Only one (1) monopole or tower is permitted per parcel. Multiple facilities may be placed on the single monopole or tower to facilitate co- location in zones where permitted. 4. The approval of mMonopoles or towers in agriculture or residential zones shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height except whenrequire the following findings: 30 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 a. No feasible alternative site exists; and b. A denial would constitute a prohibition on the provision of the affected wireless communications service in violation of federal or State law. 5. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to establish both conditions described in Subsection B 24 above. C. Commercial and Industrial Zones. All facilities located within an existing office or business park shall be constructed to be architecturally compatible with existing nearby structures or architectural styles including color schemes, textures, and ornamentation. Section 6. Section 24-183 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-183 Standards for types of facilities. A. Building Facade Mounted Facilities. 1. All portions of facilities projecting above the roof parapet or roof line shall be screened or hidden from view. 2. The total area of all facility panels shall not exceed the greater of ten (10) percent of the square footage of the facade of the building or twenty-five (25) square feet per facade, whichever is less. 31 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 3. All equipment shelters, cabinets, or other structures utilized or built in connection with the facility shall be located within the building being utilized for the facility, or on the ground outside of any setback area or required vehicle parking space, or on the roof, if screened. 4. The lowest portion of all facilities shall be located a minimum of twenty (20) feet above grade level. 5. No portion of the facility shall project out in any direction more than eighteen (18) inches from the facade of the building. 6. Facilities shall be constructed or mounted and painted to blend with the predominant architecture of the building or shall appear to be part of the building to which the facility is attached. B. Roof Mounted Facilities. 1. All equipment shelters, cabinets, or structures utilized or built in connection with the facilities shall be located within the building being utilized for the antenna, or on the ground outside of any setback area or required vehicle parking space, or on the roof, if visually screened. 2. Facilities affixed to towers located on the roof of buildings shall be located as close to the center of the roof as feasibly and aesthetically 32 27 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 possible, and the height of the tower shall not exceed twenty (20) feet above the roof top. C. Monopoles or Towers. 1. New monopoles or towers proposed in or within one thousand (1,000) feet of agriculture and residential zones require written notice, in a manner approved by the Zoning Administrator, to be given to owners of parcels located within a minimum radius of one thousand (1,000) feet of the parcel on which the proposed monopole or tower will be located. 2 Monopoles or towers in agriculture or residential zones shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height except when: No feasible alternative site exists; and A denial would constitute a prohibition on the provision of the affected wireless communications service in violation of federal or State law. 2. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant to establish both conditions described in Subsection 2 above.New monopoles or towers shall allow for at least two additional wireless service providers to be located on the monopoles or towers. 3. All equipment shelters, cabinets, or structures utilized or built in connection with the facilities shall be located within a delineated area immediately surrounding the monopole or tower as shown on the site plan, and outside of any setback area or required 33 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 vehicle parking space, and shall be visually screened from public view and secured from public access. The shelters, cabinets, screening, and security, etc., shall be regularly maintained. Section 7. Section 24-184 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-184 Co-location facilities. A. Co-Location Facility. means The the placement or installation of wireless facilities, including antennas, and related equipment, on, or immediately adjacent to, a Wireless Telecommunications Co-location Facility. However, "Co-location Facility" shall not include the placement or installation of any facilities on a Wireless Telecommunications Co- location Facility which would add height to a Wireless Telecommunications Facility which must be applied for pursuant to Subsection 24-179 B 3, the placement or installation of any new monopole or tower immediately adjacent to a Wireless Telecommunications Co-Location Facility, or the placement or installation of any facilities on a Wireless Telecommunications Co- Location Facility in a zone in which such a facility is prohibited bythat does not conform to the requirements of this section. B. A co-location facility is permitted as-of-right with the approval of an Administrative Permit if it complies with the following requirements: 1. The existing wireless telecommunications co-34 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 location facility which the co-location facility is proposed on or immediately adjacent to was subject to a discretionary permit and an environmental impact report was certified, or a negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration was adopted for the wireless telecommunications co-location facility in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13, commencing with Section 21000, of the Public Resources Code), the requirements of Section 21166 do not apply, and the co-location facility incorporates required mitigation measures specified in that environmental impact report, negative declaration, or mitigated negative declaration. 2. The co-location facility is consistent with all requirements, including but not limited to Use Permit conditions, applicable to the existing wireless telecommunications co-location facility for which the colocation facility is proposed on, or immediately adjacent. 3. The co-location facility shall be subject to all of the development and performance standards set forth in this article. C. If a co-location facility is proposed on, or immediately adjacent to an existing co-location facility which has not been subject to a County discretionary permit, the wireless telecommunications 35 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 co-location facility shall require the approval of a Minor Use Permit or a Conditional Use Permit, and shall comply with all of the following: 1. The California Environmental Quality Act through certification of an environmental impact report, or adoption of a negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration. 2. Applicable State and County requirements, including the Butte County General Plan, any applicable community plan or specific plan, and the Zoning Ordinance. 3. County requirements for a wireless telecommunications co-location facility that specifies types of wireless telecommunications facilities that are allowed to include a co- location facility, or types of wireless telecommunications facilities that are allowed to include certain types of co-location facilities; height, location, bulk, and size of the wireless telecommunications co-location facility; percentage of the wireless telecommunications co- location facility that may be occupied by co- location facilities; and aesthetic or design requirements for the wireless telecommunications co-location facility, including but not limited to applicable requirements of this section. 4. County requirements for a proposed co-location facility, including any types of co-location 36 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 facilities that may be allowed on a wireless telecommunications co-location facility; height, location, bulk, and size of allowed co-location facilities; and aesthetic or design requirements for a co-location facility. 5. The County shall hold at least one (1) public hearing on the discretionary permit and notice shall be given pursuant to Article Vt. Division 2 (Public Notice and Hearings). D. Co-location facilities shall be permitted subject to the issuance of an Administrative and building permit and shall comply with the following development and performance standards. 1. The installation of co-location facilities allowed by this subsection requires the issuance of a building permit from the Building Division. The Building Division, based upon engineered calculations submitted by the applicant, may determine that the wireless telecommunications facility cannot safety physically support the requested co-location facility. If this is the case, the co-location facility allowed on the wireless telecommunications facility shall only be commensurate with what can be safely physically supported by the wireless telecommunications facility, as determined by the Building Division. 2. All equipment shelters, cabinets, or structures 37 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 utilized or built in connection with the facilities shall be located within the building being utilized for the facility, or on the ground outside of any setback area or required vehicle parking space, or on the roof, if visually screened. 3. Additional facilities shall not extend out horizontally from the pole more than the widest existing projection. The use of proximity designs is encouraged. 4. The antennas and pole shall be painted to match the color of the existing antennas and pole or tower, and shall be painted and constructed to blend with the prevalent architecture and natural features existing on the subject site, as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Section 8. Section 24-185 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-185 Terms of approval. A. Permits for telecommunication facilities issued under this article shall be valid ten (10) years, unless this term is changed through the permitting process. B. A permit granted under this article becomes invalid if an operator of a telecommunication facility ceases to operate the facility under the terms of this article or under the specific conditions of approval for the facility. If the facility becomes non-compliant, the owner shall cease to operate the facility and remove 38 33 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 it from its location within ninety (90) days of being informed that the permit has become invalid. c. All permits for telecommunication facilities, regardless of the method by which they were originally issued, may be extended administratively by the Zoning Administrator upon verification of the permit-holder's continued compliance with the findings and conditions of approval under which the application was originally approved. The Zoning Administrator may require a public hearing for renewal of a Conditional Use Permit for a telecommunication facility. D. As part of the permit renewal process, the Zoning Administrator may require submittal of a certification by a licensed professional that the facility is being operated in accordance with all applicable FCC standards for RF emissions. Section 9. Section 24-186 of the Butte County Code is deleted and reserved as follows: 24-186 Performance securities. Emissions Testing. Prior to issuance of the building permit for the installation of a telecommunications facility, the applicant shall post a performance security in an amount and form determined by the Zoning Administrator that is sufficient to cover the cost of a one-time test by a radio frequency consultant selected by the County, sufficient to determine whether the facility's RF/EMF emissions comply with FCC standards 39 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 If the facility's emissions are determined to exceed FCC standards, the applicant shall pay for such other tests and other corrective measures as are necessary to establish compliance with FCC OET 65 and its successors. Continued noncompliance constitutes sufficient grounds to commence a permit revocation hearing which may lead to permit revocation. The applicant shall cooperate in all respects with the County's consultant to assist the consultant to reach a conclusion. B. Facility Removal. Prior to issuance of the building permit for the installation of a facility, the applicant shall post a performance security in an amount and form determined by the Zoning Administrator that is sufficient to cover the cost of removal of the facility in the event that such facility is abandoned or subject to a revoked permit. Section 10. Section 24-187 of the Butte County Code is amended to read as follows: 24-187 Facility removal. A. Within thirty (30) days of the service provider's intention of leaving the sitePrior to the final day of a facility’s use, documentation of the intention to remove the facility shall be provided to the County. The removal requirement set forth in this section shall be included in the terms of lease for facilities on the property. B. Within sixty (60) days of abandonment, or 40 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 discontinuance of use, of a telecommunications facility, the operator shall secure a Demolition Permit from the County and the facility shall be removed and the site restored to its pre-construction condition. C. If an abandoned or discontinued facility is not removed within sixty (60) days, the County may remove the facility at the applicant's or land owner's expense. Section 11. CEQA The Board of Supervisors determines that this Zoning Ordinance amendment is not a project. This Ordinance amends the Zoning Ordinance to make it conform to federal and State law by paraphrasing federal and State requirements regarding reasonable time periods for processing applications and which modifications constitute a substantial change. Federal law is supreme and must be followed by Butte County, and the California Legislature, in Government Code section 65964.1, has declared that wireless telecommunications facilities are a matter of statewide concern. This Ordinance does not expand or alter the locations in which a telecommunication facility may be located and does not expand or alter the size of a telecommunication facility except as required by federal law. This Ordinance will not have a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect effect on the environment and is thus not a project. The Board’s determination is supported by Union of Medical Marijuana Patients, Inc. v. City of San Diego (2019) 7 Cal.5th 1171. Section 12. Severability. 41 36 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is for any reason held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be deemed severable, and the invalidity thereof shall not affect the remaining provisions or other applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application thereof. Section 13. Effective Date and Publication. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of its passage. The Clerk of the Board of Supervisors is authorized and directed to publish this ordinance before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage. This Ordinance shall be published once, with the names of the members of the Board of Supervisors voting for and against it, in a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of Butte, State of California. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Butte, State of California, on the ____ day of ____, 2022 by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: NOT VOTING: _________________________________ BILL CONNELLY, Chair Butte County Board of Supervisors ATTEST: ANDY PICKETT, Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk of the Board 42 37 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 By: ________________________ Deputy 43