Title
UPDATE OF WIRELESS FACILITIES CODE
COUNCIL STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ADDRESSED:
Preserve and enhance neighborhoods
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: N/A
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
At the urging of the Washington Cities Insurance Authority, the City decided to undergo an update of the city’s municipal code regarding wireless facilities. The existing wireless facility code (Chapter 16.75 Wireless Communications) is outdated. The Planning Commission held their first workshop on the matter at their September 2015 regular meeting. Several workshops on the update have taken place since then. At their regular April 2016 meeting, the Planning Commission set a public hearing on the two draft chapters. At their May 4 regular meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing. No one spoke. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the code update
The new wireless facilities chapters will be applicable citywide.
Under the proposal, the existing Chapter 16.75 will be repealed and then replaced with a new Chapter 16.75 titled “Wireless Communication Facilities.” This chapter would regulate the siting of new wireless communication facilities. In addition, a new chapter will be created; Chapter 16.80 titled “Eligible Wireless Facilities Modifications.” This chapter will regulate modification to existing facilities such as adding antennas to an existing cell phone tower.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to accept the Planning Commission recommendation and direct the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance for Council review and approval
STAFF CONTACT:
Steve Langdon, Planning Manager