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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Aesthetic Standards to the Placement of Wireless Infrastructgure within the Right-of-Way RESOLUTION NO. 19-147 RESOLUTION TO APPLY AESTHETIC STANDARDS TO THE PLACEMENT OF WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR THE CITY OF AMES WHEREAS, the operation of wireless communication facilities are licensed and regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); and, WHEREAS, the principal law regarding regulation of personal wireless services is the Telecommunications Act of 1996,which among the other things,sets forth the policy of the federal government to promote deployment of personal wireless services; and, WHEREAS,the State of Iowa has adopted state regulations related to the installation of new facilities and co-location of facilities that limit local permitting discretion; and, WHEREAS,in response to the State changes,the City of Ames adopted new wireless facility zoning standards in the Spring of 2018 and Public Works established a new application procedure for right-of-way review in January 2019; and, WHEREAS, additional action is needed to address the recent decision by the FCC related to the review and approval process for"Small Cell" installations; and, WHEREAS, the most direct concern of these FCC actions is the restriction of City review of new Small Cell facility permits to be in accordance with standards that must be in place before the application is filed with the City and these standards must be reasonable and objective,including standards for aesthetics; and, WHEREAS, staff is recommending the creation of basic expectations for wireless facilities that they are placed or attached to infrastructure in the right-of-way in a manner consistent with the desire to have uniform and compatible appearance of infrastructure; and, WHEREAS, staff recommends the Council adopt a policy for Public Works to apply design standards to the review of wireless facilities that will augment the current authority provided for management of the right-of-way found in Chapter 22A of the Ames Municipal Code; and, WHEREAS, Public Works would then be authorized to define standards related to the following design issues and other issues necessary to maintain aesthetic consistency with the City standards and specifications as follows: 1. Limit the color of the wireless facilities to match existing facility colors/materials or be painted muted colors. Specifically prohibit use of colors or logos to distinguish or brand the equipment to a specific wireless provider/carrier. 2. A small wireless facility shall reasonably match the aesthetics of an existing utility pole or wireless support structure in the area that incorporates decorative elements. 3. Require concealment of wire/fiber/cable connections to the ground and to other wireless facilities. 4. Protection of street trees during the construction and long term operation of the facilities. 5. Include requirements to contain small cell facilities within a compatibly designed shroud in residential and commercial areas. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the policy of the City of Ames to apply aesthetic standards to the placement of wireless infrastructure within the right-of-way and to authorize the Public Works Director to prepare and update specific design standards or guidelines for the review and approval of right-of-way permits authorized by Chapter 22A of the Ames Municipal Code, is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 9`' day of April, 2019. Uj-a& Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John . Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Beatty-Hansen Seconded by: Corrieri Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Martin,Nelson Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 9"day of April, 2019.