HomeMy WebLinkAboutESTABLISHMENT OF WIRELESS BYLAW-ARTICLE 36 1998 ATM OF NORTH qti
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TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
120 MAIN STREET
NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS 01845
Joyce A.Bradshaw,CMMC Telephone(978)688-9501
Town Clerk Fax (978)688-9557
E-mail Bradshaw(dtownofnorthandover.com
This is to certify that the following vote on Article 36 was taken at the
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting for the Town of North Andover held May 12,
1998:
Approved by Attorney General— October 20,1998 as follows:
Article 36. Amend Zoning Bylaw - Add Section 8.9 Wireless Service
Facilities. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to amend Section 8 of the Zoning Bylaw by
adding a new section, Section 8.9 Wireless Service Facilities to read as printed in the
warrant with amendments incorporated into the bylaw to read as follows:
8.9 Wireless Service Facilities
1) Purpose
a) It is the express purpose of this Bylaw to minimize the visual and environmental
impacts as well as any potential deleterious impact on property value, of wireless
service facilities upon properties located within the Town or adjacent thereto. No
wireless service facility shall be placed, constructed or modified within the Town
without first obtaining site plan approval from the Special Permit Granting
Authority (SPGA). The Planning Board shall be the Special Permit Granting
Authority for the issuance of a special permit to allow the placement, construction
and modification of wireless service facilities within the town. This bylaw is
intended to be used in conjunction with other regulations adopted by the Town,
and other zoning and general bylaws designed to encourage appropriate land use,
environmental protection, preservation of North Andover's rural character and the
provision of adequate infrastructure development in North Andover.
b) The regulation of wireless service facilities is consistent with the purpose of the
North Andover Zoning Bylaw and planning efforts at the local government level
to further the conservation and preservation of developed, natural and
undeveloped areas, wildlife, flora and habitats for endangered species; protection
of the natural resources of North Andover, enhancement of open space areas and
respect for North Andover's rural character.
2) Definitions:
a) Above Ground Level (AGL). A measurement of height from the natural grade of
a site to the highest point of the structure.
b) Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL). A uniform point from which height above sea
level (or zero elevation) can be measured.
c) Antenna. The surface from which wireless radio signals are sent and received by
a wireless service facility.
d) Camouflaged. A wireless service facility that is disguised, hidden, part of an
existing or proposed structure or placed within a preexistent or proposed structure
is considered to be "camouflaged."
e) Carrier. A company that provides wireless services.
f) Co-location. The use of a single mount on the ground by more than one carrier
(vertical co-location) and/or several mounts on a preexistent building by more
than one carrier.
g) Cross-polarized (or dual-polarized) antenna. A low mount that has three panels
flush mounted or attached very close to the shaft.
h) Elevation. The measurement of height above mean sea level.
i) Environmental Assessment (EA). An EA is the document required by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) when a wireless service facility is placed in certain designated
areas.
j) Equipment Shelter. An enclosed, structure, cabinet, shed or box at the base of
the mount within which are housed batteries and electrical equipment.
k) Functionally Equivalent Services. Cellular, Personal Communication Services
(PCS), Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio, Specialized Mobile Radio and
Paging.
1) GPS. Ground Positing System by satellite location of antennas. {AMEND TO
POSITIONING]
m) Guyed Tower. A lattice tower that is tied to the ground or other surface by
diagonal cables.
n) Lattice Tower. A type of mount that is self-supporting with multiple legs and
cross bracing of structural steel.
o) Licensed Carrier. A Company authorized by the FCC to construct and operate a
commercial mobile radio service system.
p) Monopole. The type of mount that is self-supporting with a single shaft of wood
steel or concrete and a platform (or racks) for panel antennas arrayed at the top.
q) Mount. The structure or surface upon which antennas are mounted, including the
following four types of mounts:
(1) Roof Mounted: Mounted on the roof of a building.
(2) Side-mounted: Mounted on the side of a building
(3) Ground-mounted: Mounted on the ground.
(4) Structure-mounted: Mounted on a structure other than a building.
r) Omnidirectional (whip) antenna. A thin rod that beams and receives a signal in
all directions.
s) Panel Antenna. A flat surface antenna usually developed in multiples.
t) PCS. Communications Services. These are broadband radio-wave systems that
operate at a radio frequency in the 1850 - 1900 megahertz range.
u) Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer. An engineer specializing in electric or
microwave engineering, especially the study of radio frequencies.
v) Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR). The emissions from wireless service
facilities as defined in the FCC Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental
Effects of Radio Frequency Radiation (FCC Guidelines) or any other applicable
FCC guidelines and regulations.
w) Security Barrier. A locked impenetrable wail, fence or berm that completely
seals an area from unauthorized entry or trespass.
x) Separation. The distances between one array of antennas and another array.
y) Utility. A system of wires or conductors and supporting structures that functions
in the transmission of electrical energy or communication services (both audio
and video) between generating stations, sub-stations, and transmission lines or
other utility services.
z) Wireless Service Facility. Facilities used for the principle purpose of commercial
or public wireless communications uses, such as cellular telephone services,
enhanced specialized mobile radio services, microwave communications, wireless
communications services, paging services and the like, as defined in Section 704
of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, as amended. Such facilities shall
include towers, antennae, antennae support structures, panels, dishes and
accessory structures.
aa)Wireless Services. The three types of services regulated by this Bylaw:
commercial mobile radio services, unlicensed wireless services, and common
carrier wireless exchange access services.
3) District Regulations
a) Use Regulations: A wireless service facility shall require a building permit in all
cases and may be permitted as follows:
i) The carrier must demonstrate that the facility is necessary in order to provide
adequate service to the public.
ii) A wireless service facility may locate as of right on any existing guyed tower,
lattice tower, monopole or electric utility transmission tower for which a
special permit issued under this Section 8.9 is in effect, provided that the new
facility shall first obtain site plan review approval from the Planning Board
and, provided further that any new facility shall not exceed the terms and
conditions of the special permit in effect for the existing facility on which it is
to be located.
iii) No wireless service facility shall be located in the Town except upon issuance
of a special permit in accordance with Section 10.3 of this Bylaw. Such a
facility may be located in any zoning district in the Town, provided that the
proposed facility satisfies all of the requirements set forth in this Bylaw.
b) Location: Applicants seeking approval for wireless service facilities shall comply
with the following:
i) If feasible, wireless service facilities shall be located on preexistent structures,
including but not limited to buildings or structures, preexistent
telecommunications facilities, utility poles and towers, and related facilities,
provided that such installation preserves the character and integrity of those
structures. In particular, applicants are urged to consider use of preexistent
telephone and electric utility structures as sites for one or more wireless
service facilities. The applicant shall have the burden of proving that there are
no feasible preexistent structures upon which to locate.
ii) If the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the SPGA (Special Permit
Granting Authority) that it is not feasible to locate on a preexistent structure,
wireless service facilities shall be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible,
including but not limited to: use of compatible building materials and colors,
screening, landscaping, with natural and/or artificial plantings (as indicated
through site plan review), and placement within trees.
iii) The applicant shall submit documentation of the legal right to install and use
the proposed facility mount at the time of application for a building permit
and/or Special Permit.
c) Dimensional Requirements: Wireless service facilities shall comply with the
following requirements:
i) Height, General Regardless of the type of mount, wireless service facilities
shall be no higher than ten feet above the average height of buildings within
300 feet of the proposed facility. In addition, the height of a wireless service
facility shall not exceed by more than 10 feet the height limitations of the
zoning district in which the facility is proposed to be located, unless the
facility is completely camouflaged such as within a flagpole, steeple,
chimney, or similar structure. Wireless service facilities may locate on a
building that is legally non- conforming with respect to height, provided that
the facilities do not project above the existing building height.
ii) Height, Ground-Mounted Facilities Ground-mounted wireless service
facilities shall not project higher than ten feet above the average building
height or, if there are no buildings within 300 feet, these facilities shall not
project higher than ten feet above the average tree canopy height, measured
from ground level (AGL). If there are no buildings within 300 feet of the
proposed site of the facility, all ground-mounted wireless service facilities
shall be surrounded by dense tree growth to screen views of the facility in all
directions. These trees may be existing on the subject property or planted on
site.
iii) Height, Side-and Roof-Mounted Facilities Side-and roof-mounted wireless
service facilities shall not project more than ten (10) feet above the height of
an existing building or structure nor project more than ten (10) feet above the
height limit of the zoning district within which the facility is located. Wireless
service facilities may locate on a building that is legally non-conforming with
the respect to height, provided that the facilities do not project above the
existing building height.
iv) Height, Preexistent Structures (Utility) New antennas located on any of the
following structures existing on the effective date of this bylaw shall be
exempt from the height restrictions of this bylaw provided that there is no
increase in height of the existing structure as a result of the installation of a
wireless service facility: Water towers, guyed towers, lattice towers, fire
towers and monopoles.
v) Setbacks All wireless service facilities and their equipment shelters shall
comply with the building setback provisions of the zoning district in which the
facility is located. In addition, the following setbacks shall be observed.
(1) In order to ensure public safety, the minimum distance from the base of
any ground-mounted wireless service facility to any property line, shall be
2x the height of the facility/mount, including any antennas or other
appurtenances. This set back is considered the "fall zone". In addition, a
minimum setback of 300 feet from any habitable dwelling or business is
required.
(2) In the event that a preexistent structure is proposed as a mount for a
wireless service facility, the setback provisions of the zoning district shall
apply. In the case of the preexistent non-conforming structures, wireless
service facilities and their equipment shelters shall not increase any non-
conformity.
(3) The SPGA may reduce the required setback distance by as much as 50%,
if such set back provides adequate safety, promotes co-location or
improves design, and will not significantly impact the character and
appearance of the neighborhood. In making a request for a reduced
setback, the manufacturer or qualified licensed designer shall certify that
the tower is designed to collapse upon itself in the event of failure. The
SPGA may allow reduced setbacks as necessary to allow for the use of an
existing structure.
4) Design Standards
a) Visibility/Camouflage Wireless service facilities shall be camouflaged as follows
i) Camouflage by Existing Buildings or Structures
(1) When a wireless service facility extends above the roof height of a
building on which it is mounted, every effort shall be made to conceal the
facility within or behind preexistent architectural features to limit its
visibility from public ways. Facilities mounted on a roof shall be stepped
back from the front facade in order to limit their impact on the building's
silhouette.
(2) Wireless service facilities which are side-mounted shall blend with the
preexistent building's architecture and, if over 5 square feet, shall be
shielded with material which is consistent with the design features and
materials of the building.
ii) Camouflage by Vegetation. If wireless service facilities are not camouflaged
from public viewing areas by existing buildings or structures, they shall be
surrounded by buffers of dense tree growth and understory vegetation in all
directions to create an effective year-round visual buffer. Ground-mounted
wireless service facilities shall provide year-round vertical evergreen
vegetated buffer of 50 feet, or 75% of the overall height of the structure, in all
directions. Trees and vegetation may be existing on the subject property or
installed as part of the proposed facility or a combination of both. Vegetation
should be natural in appearance and consistent with surroundings.
iii) Color
(1) Wireless service facilities, which are side-mounted on buildings, shall be
painted or constructed of materials to match the color of the building
material directly behind them.
(2) To the extent that any wireless service facilities extend above the height of
the vegetation immediately surrounding it, they must be painted in a light
gray or light blue hue which blends with sky and clouds
iv) Equipment Shelters Equipment shelters for wireless service facilities shall
be designed consistent with one of the following design standards:
(1) Equipment shelters must be located in underground vaults; or
(2) designed consistent with traditional materials, color and design of the area,
or
(3) camouflaged behind an effective year-round landscape buffer, equal to the
height of the proposed building, and /or wooden fence acceptable to the
permitting authority
b) Lighting and signage
i) Wireless service facilities shall be lit only if required by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). Lighting of equipment structures and any other
facilities on site shall be shielded from abutting properties. There shall be
total cutoff of all light at the property lines of the parcel to be developed, and
foot-candle measurements at the property line shall be 0.0 initial foot-candles
when measured at grade.
ii) Signs shall be limited to those needed to identify the property and the owner
and warn of any danger. No tower or other facility shall contain any signs or
other devices for the purpose of advertisement. All signs shall comply with
the requirements of Section 6: Signs and Sign Lighting Regulations of this
bylaw.
iii) All ground mounted wireless, service facilities shall be surrounded by a
security barrier and shall be protected against unauthorized climbing or other
access by the public.
c) Historic Buildings
i) Any wireless service facilities located on or within a historic structure shall
not alter the character-defining features, distinctive construction methods, or
original historic materials of the building.
ii) Any alteration made to a historic structure to accommodate a wireless service
facility shall be fully reversible.
iii) Wireless service facilities within an historic district shall be concealed within
or behind existing architectural features, or shall be located so that they are
not visible from public roads and viewing areas within the district.
iv) The Historic District Commission must review all appropriate facilities.
d) Scenic Landscapes and Vistas
i) No facility shall be located within 300 feet of a Scenic Road. If the facility is
located farther than 300 feet from the scenic road, the height regulations
described elsewhere in this Bylaw shall apply.
ii) Wireless service facilities shall not be located within open areas that are visible
from public roads, recreational areas or residential development. As required
in the Camouflage section above, all ground mounted wireless service
facilities that are not camouflaged by existing buildings or structures shall be
surrounded by a buffer of dense tree growth.
e) Environmental Standards
i) Wireless services facilities shall not be located in wetland resource areas.
Locating of wireless facilities in wetland buffer areas shall he avoided whenever
possible and disturbance to wetland buffer areas shall be minimized. All
Conservation Commission regulations and procedures must be followed.
ii) No hazardous waste shall be discharged on the site of any personal wireless
service facility. If any hazardous materials are to be used on site, there shall be
provisions for full containment of such materials. An enclosed containment area
shall be provided with a sealed floor, designed to contain at least 110% of the
volume of the hazardous materials stored or used on site. Applicant must comply
with all federal, state and local regulations governing hazardous materials.
iii) Storm water run-off as a result of the wireless facility shall be contained on-site
and comply with the DEP Storm Water Management regulations as applicable.
iv) Ground-mounted equipment for wireless service facilities shall not generate
acoustic noise in excess of 50 dB at the security barrier.
v) Roof-mounted or side-mounted equipment for wireless service facilities shall not
generate noise in excess of 50 dB at ground level at the base of the building
closest to the antenna.
f) Safety Standards
i) Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) Standards. All equipment proposed for
a wireless service facility shall be authorized per the FCC Guidelines for
Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio Frequency Radiation (FCC
Guidelines) or any other applicable FCC guidelines and regulations.
ii) Structural Integrity. The applicant shall provide certification by a structural
engineer that the wireless service facility is structurally sound for the
proposed facility.
5) Application Procedures
a) Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA). The Special Permit Granting
Authority (SPGA) for wireless service facilities shall be the Planning Board.
b) Pre-Application Conference. Prior to the submission of an application for a
Special Permit under this regulation, the applicant is strongly encouraged to meet
with the SPGA at a public meeting to discuss the proposed wireless service
facility in general terms and to clarify the filing requirements.
c) Pre-Application Conference Filing Requirements. The purpose of the
conference is to inform the SPGA as to the preliminary nature of the proposed
wireless service facility. As such, no formal filings are required for the pre-
application conference. However, the applicant is encouraged to prepare sufficient
preliminary architectural and/or engineering drawings to inform the SPGA of the
location of the proposed facility, as well as its scale and overall design.
d) Application Filing Requirements. The following shall be included with an
application for a Special Permit for all wireless service facilities:
i) General Filing Requirements
(1) Name, address and telephone number of applicant and any co-applicants
as well as any agents for the applicant or co-applicants. A 24-hour
emergency telephone contact number shall be included for use during
construction as well as operation of the wireless communication facility.
(2) Co-applicants may include the landowner of the subject property, licensed
carriers and tenants for the wireless service facility
(3) Every application for a wireless service facility Special Permit shall
include at least one licensed carrier and the owner of the land as an
applicant or a co-applicant.
(4) Original signatures are required for the applicant and all co-applicants
applying for the Special Permit. If an agent represents the applicant or co-
applicant, an original signature authorizing the agent to represent the
applicant and/or co-applicant is required. Photo reproductions of
signatures will not be accepted. All other filing requirements in the
Zoning Bylaw and the Rules and Regulations as applicable must be
complied with.
ii) Location Filing Requirements
(1) Identify the subject property by including the name of the nearest road or
roads, street address, and Assessors Map and Parcel number of subject
property
(2) Identify the Zoning District designation for the subject parcel. Submit a
copy of Town zoning map with parcel identified.
(3) A locus map at a scale of 1" = 1500' showing the subject property and all
properties within 300 feet and the location of all buildings, including
accessory structures, on all properties shown.
(4) A map showing the other preexistent and approved wireless service
facilities in North Andover and outside North Andover within one mile of
its boundary.
(5) GPS all equivalent system locating by latitude and longitude wireless
service facilities AMEND TO READ "or"
iii)Siting Filing Requirements. A one-inch-equals-40 feet plan prepared by a
Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
showing the following:
(1) Property lines for the subject property.
(2) Property lines of all properties within 300 feet of the proposed location.
(3) Tree cover on the subject property and all properties directly abutting the
subject property, by dominant species and average height.
(4) Outline of all existing buildings, including purpose (e.g. residential
buildings, garages, accessory structures, etc.) on subject property and all
properties adjacent to the subject property.
(5) Proposed location of antenna, mount and equipment shelter(s).
(6) Proposed security barrier, indicating type and extent as well as point of
controlled entry.
(7) Location of all roads, public and private, on the subject property and on all
adjacent properties within 300 feet including driveways proposed to serve
the wireless service facility.
(8) Distances, at grade, from the proposed wireless service facility to each
building on the vicinity plan.
(9) Contours at each 2 feet AMSL for the subject property and adjacent
properties within 300 feet.
(10) All proposed changes to the preexistent property, including grading,
vegetation removal and temporary or permanent roads and driveways.
(11) Representations, dimensioned and to scale, of the proposed mount,
antennas, equipment shelters, cable runs, parking areas and any other
construction or development attendant to the wireless service facility.
(12) Lines representing the sight line showing viewpoint (point from which
view is taken) and visible point (point being viewed) from 'Sight Lines"
subsection below.
(13) Location of all wetlands on the subject property and within 100' of the
proposed facility as approved by the Conservation Commission.
iv) Sight lines and photographs as described below:
(1) Sight line representation. A sight line representation shall be drawn from
any public road within 300 feet and the closest facade of each residential
building (viewpoint) within 300 feet to the highest point (visible point) of
the wireless service facility. Each sight line shall be depicted in profile,
drawn at one-inch equals 40 feet scale. The profiles shall show all
intervening trees and buildings. In the event there is only one (or more)
residential building within 300 feet there shall be at least two sight lines
from the closest habitable structures or public roads, if any.
(2) Preexistent (before condition) photographs. Each sight line shall be
illustrated by one four-inch by six-inch color photograph of what can
currently be seen from any public road and any residential building within
300 feet.
(3) Proposed (after condition) photographs. Each of the preexistent condition
photographs shall have the proposed wireless service facility
superimposed on it to show what will be seen from public roads and
residential buildings if the proposed wireless service facility is built.
(4) Siting elevations or views at-grade from the north, south, east and west for
a 50-foot radius around the proposed wireless service facility plus from all
preexistent public and private roads that serve the subject property.
Elevations shall be at either one-quarter inch equals one foot or one-eight
inch equals one foot scale and show the following:
(a) Antennas, mounts and equipment shelter(s), with total elevation
dimensions and average ground level (AGL) of the highest point. All
future proposed antennas, mounts and equipment shelters if any must
be shown in order to be included in the Special Permit.
(b) Security barrier. If the security barrier will block views of the wireless
service facility, the barrier drawing shall be cut away to show the view
behind the barrier.
(c) Any and all structures on the subject property.
(d) Preexistent trees and shrubs at current height and proposed trees and
shrubs at proposed height at time of installation, with approximate
elevations dimensioned.
(e) Grade changes, or cuts and fills, to be shown as original grade and new
grade line, with two-foot contours AMSL.
v) Design Filing Requirements
(1) Equipment brochures for the proposed wireless service facility such as
manufacturer's specifications or trade journal reprints shall be provided for
the antennas, mounts, equipment shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and
security barrier, if any.
(2) Materials of the proposed wireless service facility specified by generic
type and specific treatment (e.g. anodized aluminum stained wood, painted
fiberglass, alloys, etc.). These shall be provided for the antennas, mounts,
equipment shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and security barrier, if
any.
(3) Colors of the proposed wireless service facility represented by a color
board showing actual colors proposed. Colors shall be provided for the
antenna mounts, equipment shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and
security barrier, if any.
(4) Dimensions of the wireless service facility specified for all three
directions: height, width and breadth. These shall be provided for the
antennas, mounts, equipment shelters and security barrier, if any.
(5) Appearance shown by at least two photographic superimposition's of the
wireless service facility within the subject property. The photographic
superimposition's shall be provided for the antennas, mounts, equipment
shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and security barrier, if any, for the
total height, width and breadth.
(6) Landscape plan including preexistent trees and shrubs and those proposed
to be added, identified by size of specimen at installation and species.
(7) During the public hearing process the applicant shall schedule with the
Planning Board a balloon or crane test at the proposed site, at the expense
of the applicant, to illustrate the height of the proposed facility.
(8) If lighting on the site is required by the FAA, the applicant shall submit a
manufacturers computer generated point-to-point printout, indicating the
horizontal foot-candle levels at grade, within the property to be developed
and twenty-five (25) feet beyond property lines. The printout shall indicate
the locations and types of luminaries proposed.
vi)Noise Filing Requirements
(1) The applicant shall provide a statement listing the preexistent and
maximum future projected measurements of noise from the proposed
wireless service facilities, measured in decibels Ldn (common logarithmic
scale, accounting for greater sensitivity at night), for the following:
(a) Preexistent or ambient: the measures of preexistent noise
(b) Preexistent plus proposed wireless service facilities: maximum
estimate of noise from the proposed wireless service facility plus the
preexistent noise environment.
(c) Such statement shall be certified and signed by an acoustical engineer,
stating that noise measurements are accurate and meet the
requirements of DEP and Section 8.9(4)(e).
vii)Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) Filing Requirements
(1) All telecommunications facilities shall be operated only at Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) designated frequencies, power levels
and standards, including FCC Radio Frequency Emissions standards. The
applicant shall provide certification demonstrating that the maximum
allowable frequencies, power levels will not be exceeded. Certifications
shall include technical specifications, a written explanation of those
specifications, and, if necessary, field verification. The Permit Granting
Authority may condition any Special Permit granted under this section
upon a periodic submittal of certification of compliance with said
standards.
(2) In order to determine compliance with applicable FCC regulations, the
applicant shall provide a statement listing the preexistent and maximum
future projected measurements of RFR from the proposed wireless service
facility, including all co-locators, for the following situations:
(a) Preexistent or ambient: the measurement of preexistent RFR.
(b) Preexistent plus proposed wireless service facilities: maximum
estimate of RFR from the proposed wireless service facility plus the
preexistent RFR environment.
(c) Certification, signed by a engineer, stating that RFR measurements are
accurate and meet FCC Guidelines as specified in the Radio Frequency
Radiation Standards sub-section of this Bylaw.
(3) Applicant must submit a copy of the letter from the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health approving the site for this facility as required
by 105 CMR 122.000 requires that the Department of Public Health
approve all sites for wireless facilities with respect to emissions.
viii) Federal Environmental Filing Requirements
(1) At the time of application filing, an Environmental Assessment (EA)that
meets FCC requirements shall be submitted to the Town for each wireless
service facility site that requires such an EA to be submitted to the FCC
(2) The applicant shall list location, type and amount (including radiation
trace elements) of any materials proposed for use within the wireless
service facility that are considered hazardous by the federal, state or local
government.
ix) Waiver. The SPGA may waive one or more of the application filing
requirements of this section if it finds that such information is not needed for a
thorough review of a proposed personal wireless service facility.
6) Co-location
a) Licensed carriers shall share wireless service facilities and sites where feasible
and appropriate, thereby reducing the number of wireless service facilities that are
stand-alone facilities. All applicants for a Special Permit for a wireless service
facility shall demonstrate a good faith effort to co-locate with other carriers. Such
good faith effort includes:
i) A survey of all preexistent structures that may be feasible sites for co-locating
wireless service facilities;
ii) Contact, with all other licensed carriers for commercial mobile radio services
operating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
iii) Sharing information necessary to determine if co-location is feasible under the
design configuration most accommodating to co-location.
b) An Applicant shall demonstrate to the Planning Board that it has made a good
faith effort to co-locate its facility upon an existing facility. The Town may retain
a technical expert in the field of RF engineering and/or a structural engineer to
verify if co-location at the site is not feasible or is feasible given the design
configuration most accommodating to co-location. The cost for such a technical
expert will be at the expense of the applicant. The Town may deny a Special
Permit to an applicant who has not demonstrated a good faith effort to provide for
co-location,
c) If the applicant does intend to co-locate or to permit co-location, the Town shall
request drawings and studies that show the final appearance and operation of the
wireless service facility at full build-out.
d) If the SPGA approves co-location for a wireless service facility site, the Special
Permit shall indicate how many facilities of what type shall be permitted on that
site. Pursuant to Section 8.9(3)Regulations facilities specified in the Special
Permit approval shall require no further zoning approval. However, the addition
of any facilities not specified in the approved Special Permit shall require a new
Special Permit. This allows a carrier to "pre-permit" a site for additional facilities
so that they will not have to apply for another Special Permit later.
e) In order to determine compliance with all applicable FCC Regulations, estimates
of RFR emissions will be required for all facilities, including proposed and future
facilities both for the applicant and all co-locators.
7) Modifications
a) A modification of a wireless service facility may be considered equivalent to an
application for a new wireless service facility and will require a Special Permit
when the following events apply:
i) The applicant and/or co-applicant want to add any equipment or additional
height not specified in the original design filing.
ii) The applicant and/or co-applicant want to alter the terms of the Special Permit
by changing the wireless service facility in one or more of the following ways:
(1) Change in the number of facilities permitted on the site;
(2) Change in technology used for the wireless service facility.
8) Monitoring and Maintenance
a) After the facility is in operation, the applicant shall submit to the SPGA, within 90
days of beginning operations and at annual intervals from the date of issuance of
the Special Permit, preexistent and current RFR measurements. Such
measurements shall be signed and certified by an RF engineer, stating that RER
measurements are accurate and are in compliance or why the measurements fail to
comply with all applicable FCC Guidelines as specified in Section 8.9(4)(c)(1)
RFR Filing Requirements of this Bylaw. The measurements shall be submitted
for both the applicant and all co-locators.
b) After the wireless service facility is in operation the applicant shall submit to the
SPGA; within 90 days of the issuance of the Special Permit, and at annual
intervals from the date of issuance of the Special Permit, preexistent and current
measurements of acoustic noise from the wireless service facility Such
measurements shall be certified and signed by an acoustical engineer, stating that
noise measurements are accurate and meet the Noise Standards sub-section
6.13.14.5 of this Bylaw
c) The applicant and co-applicant or their successor in interest shall maintain the
wireless service facility in good condition. Such maintenance shall include, but
shall not be limited to, painting, structural integrity of the mount and security
barrier and maintenance of the buffer and landscaping.
d) Failure to obtain the information required in this subsection 8.9(8) of the Bylaw
shall result in a fine of not more than $300 dollars for each offense. Each day that
such violation continues shall constitute a separate, offense.
9) Abandonment or Discontinuation of Use
a) At such time that a licensed carrier plans to abandon or discontinue operation of a
wireless service facility, such carrier will notify the Town by certified US mail of
the proposed date of abandonment or discontinuation of operations. Such notice
shall be given no less than 30 days prior to abandonment or discontinuation of
operations. In the event that a licensed carrier fails to give such notice, the
wireless service facility shall be considered abandoned upon discontinuation of
operations.
b) Upon abandonment or discontinuation of use, the carrier shall physically remove
the wireless service facility within 90 days from the date of abandonment or
discontinuation of use. "Physically remove" shall include, but not be limited to:
i) Removal of antennas, mount, equipment shelters and security barriers from
the subject property.
ii) Proper disposal of the waste materials from the site in accordance with local
and state solid waste disposal regulations.
iii) Restoring the location of the wireless service facility to its natural condition,
except that any landscaping and grading shall remain the after-condition.
c) As a condition of any special permit for the placement, construction or
modification of a wireless service facility, a carrier shall place into escrow a sum
of money to cover the costs of removing the facility from the subject property.
Said amount shall be certified by an engineer, architect or other qualified
professional registered to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Said
funds shall be held by an independent escrow agent to be appointed by the carrier
and the SPGA. The carrier shall authorize and, as necessary, shall obtain the
authorization of the owner of the property to allow the escrow agent to enter upon
the subject property to remove the facility when the facility has been abandoned
or discontinued. In the event the posted amount does not cover the cost of
demolition and/or removal the Town may place a lien upon the property covering
the difference in cost.
d) A facility shall be deemed to be abandoned or discontinued if it has not been used
for the purpose for which it was originally constructed for a period of six (6)
months or more. Once abandonment or discontinuance has occurred, the carrier
shall remove the facility from the subject property within ninety days. In the event
that the carrier fails to remove the facility, the town shall give notice to the carrier
and the independent escrow agent that the facility shall be removed by the escrow
agent forthwith and the escrow agent, after affording written notice seven days in
advance to the carrier, shall remove the facility.
e) Failure to follow the provisions of this subsection 8.9(9) shall result in a fine of
not more than $300 dollars for each offense. Each day that such violation
continues shall constitute a separate offense.
10)Reconstruction or Replacement of Existing Towers and Monopoles
a) Guyed towers, lattice towers, utility towers and monopoles in existence at the
time of adoption of Section 8.9 this Bylaw may be reconstructed, altered,
extended or replaced on the same site by Special Permit, provided that the SPGA
finds that such reconstruction, alteration, extension or replacement will not be
substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood and/or the Town than the
preexistent non-conforming structure. In making such a determination, the SPGA
shall consider whether the proposed reconstruction, alteration, extension or
replacement will create public benefits such as opportunities for co-location,
improvements in public safety, and/or reduction in visual and environmental
impacts.
11)Performance Guarantees
a) Insurance in a reasonable amount determined and approved by the SPGA after
consultation at the expense of the applicant with one (1) or more insurance
companies shall be in force to cover damage from the structure, damage from
transmissions and other site liabilities. Annual proof of said insurance must be
filed with the SPGA.
b) Funds, sufficient in the opinion of the SPGA to cover annual maintenance of the
facility, shall be placed into escrow and shall be held by the independent escrow
agent who shall be authorized to expend the funds for the maintenance of the
facility on terms to be agreed upon by the carrier and the SPGA as a condition of
approval of the special permit.
c) Annual certification demonstrating continuing compliance with the standards of
the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Aviation Administration and
the American National Standards Institute shall be filed with the SPGA by the
Special Permit holder.
12)Term of Special Permit.
a) A Special Permit issued for any wireless service facility shall be valid for three
(3) years. The special permit may be renewed under the same criteria as the
original special permit, provided that the application for renewal of the special
permit is made prior to the expiration date of the original or any renewed special
permit. Additional measures governing the administration of the special permit
are found in Section 10.3 of this Zoning Bylaw.
This is to certify that the following vote was taken at the Adjourned Annual Town
Meeting for the Town of North Andover held May 12, 1998:
Article 36. Amend Zoning Bylaw - Add Section 8.9 Wireless Service
Facilities. UNANIMOUSLY VOTED to amend Section 8 of the Zoning Bylaw by
adding a new section, Section 8.9 Wireless Service Facilities to read as printed in the
warrant with amendments incorporated into the bylaw to read as follows:
8.9 Wireless Service Facilities
1) Purpose
a) It is the express purpose of this Bylaw to minimize the visual and environmental
impacts as well as any potential deleterious impact on property value, of wireless
service facilities upon properties located within the Town or adjacent thereto. No
wireless service facility shall be placed, constructed or modified within the Town
without first obtaining site plan approval from the Special Permit Granting
Authority (SPGA). The Planning Board shall be the Special Permit Granting
Authority for the issuance of a special permit to allow the placement, construction
and modification of wireless service facilities within the town. This bylaw is
intended to be used in conjunction with other regulations adopted by the Town,
and other zoning and general bylaws designed to encourage appropriate land use,
environmental protection, preservation of North Andover's rural character and the
provision of adequate infrastructure development in North Andover.
b) The regulation of wireless service facilities is consistent with the purpose of the
North Andover Zoning Bylaw and planning efforts at the local government level
to further the conservation and preservation of developed, natural and
undeveloped areas, wildlife, flora and habitats for endangered species; protection
of the natural resources of North Andover, enhancement of open space areas and
respect for North Andover's rural character.
2) Definitions:
a) Above Ground Level (AGL). A measurement of height from the natural grade of
a site to the highest point of the structure.
b) Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL). A uniform point from which height above sea
level (or zero elevation) can be measured.
c) Antenna. The surface from which wireless radio signals are sent and received by
a wireless service facility.
d) Camouflaged. A wireless service facility that is disguised, hidden, part of an
existing or proposed structure or placed within a preexistent or proposed structure
is considered to be "camouflaged."
e) Carrier. A company that provides wireless services.
f) Co-location. The use of a single mount on the ground by more than one carrier
(vertical co-location) and/or several mounts on a preexistent building by more
than one carrier.
g) Cross-polarized (or dual-polarized) antenna. A low mount that has three panels
flush mounted or attached very close to the shaft.
h) Elevation. The measurement of height above mean sea level.
i) Environmental Assessment (EA). An EA is the document required by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) when a wireless service facility is placed in certain designated
areas.
j) Equipment Shelter. An enclosed, structure, cabinet, shed or box at the base of
the mount within which are housed batteries and electrical equipment.
1) Functionally Equivalent Services. Cellular, Personal Communication Services
(PCS), Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio, Specialized Mobile Radio and
Paging.
o) GPS. Ground Positing System by satellite location of antennas. {AMEND TO
POSITIONING]
p) Guyed Tower. A lattice tower that is tied to the ground or other surface by
diagonal cables.
q) Lattice Tower. A type of mount that is self-supporting with multiple legs and
cross bracing of structural steel.
o) Licensed Carrier. A Company authorized by the FCC to construct and operate a
commercial mobile radio service system.
p) Monopole. The type of mount that is self-supporting with a single shaft of wood
steel or concrete and a platform (or racks) for panel antennas arrayed at the top.
q) Mount. The structure or surface upon which antennas are mounted, including the
following four types of mounts:
(1) Roof Mounted: Mounted on the roof of a building.
(2) Side-mounted: Mounted on the side of a building
(3) Ground-mounted: Mounted on the ground.
(4) Structure-mounted: Mounted on a structure other than a building.
r) Omnidirectional (whip) antenna. A thin rod that beams and receives a signal in
all directions.
s) Panel Antenna. A flat surface antenna usually developed in multiples.
t) PCS. Communications Services. These are broadband radio-wave systems that
operate at a radio frequency in the 1850 - 1900 megahertz range.
u) Radio Frequency (RF) Engineer. An engineer specializing in electric or
microwave engineering, especially the study of radio frequencies.
v) Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR). The emissions from wireless service
facilities as defined in the FCC Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental
Effects of Radio Frequency Radiation (FCC Guidelines) or any other applicable
FCC guidelines and regulations.
w) Security Barrier. A locked impenetrable wail, fence or berm that completely
seals an area from unauthorized entry or trespass.
x) Separation. The distances between one array of antennas and another array.
y) Utility. A system of wires or conductors and supporting structures that functions
in the transmission of electrical energy or communication services (both audio
and video) between generating stations, sub-stations, and transmission lines or
other utility services.
z) Wireless Service Facility. Facilities used for the principle purpose of commercial
or public wireless communications uses, such as cellular telephone services,
enhanced specialized mobile radio services, microwave communications, wireless
communications services, paging services and the like, as defined in Section 704
of the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, as amended. Such facilities shall
include towers, antennae, antennae support structures, panels, dishes and
accessory structures.
aa)Wireless Services. The three types of services regulated by this Bylaw:
commercial mobile radio services, unlicensed wireless services, and common
carrier wireless exchange access services.
3) District Regulations
a) Use Regulations: A wireless service facility shall require a building permit in all
cases and may be permitted as follows:
i) The carrier must demonstrate that the facility is necessary in order to provide
adequate service to the public.
ii) A wireless service facility may locate as of right on any existing guyed tower,
lattice tower, monopole or electric utility transmission tower for which a
special permit issued under this Section 8.9 is in effect, provided that the new
facility shall first obtain site plan review approval from the Planning Board
and, provided further that any new facility shall not exceed the terms and
conditions of the special permit in effect for the existing facility on which it is
to be located.
iii) No wireless service facility shall be located in the Town except upon issuance
of a special permit in accordance with Section 10.3 of this Bylaw. Such a
facility may be located in any zoning district in the Town, provided that the
proposed facility satisfies all of the requirements set forth in this Bylaw.
b) Location: Applicants seeking approval for wireless service facilities shall comply
with the following:
i) If feasible, wireless service facilities shall be located on preexistent structures,
including but not limited to buildings or structures, preexistent
telecommunications facilities, utility poles and towers, and related facilities,
provided that such installation preserves the character and integrity of those
structures. In particular, applicants are urged to consider use of preexistent
telephone and electric utility structures as sites for one or more wireless
service facilities. The applicant shall have the burden of proving that there are
no feasible preexistent structures upon which to locate.
ii) If the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the SPGA (Special Permit
Granting Authority) that it is not feasible to locate on a preexistent structure,
wireless service facilities shall be camouflaged to the greatest extent possible,
including but not limited to: use of compatible building materials and colors,
screening, landscaping, with natural and/or artificial plantings (as indicated
through site plan review), and placement within trees.
iii) The applicant shall submit documentation of the legal right to install and use
the proposed facility mount at the time of application for a building permit
and/or Special Permit.
c) Dimensional Requirements: Wireless service facilities shall comply with the
following requirements:
i) Height, General Regardless of the type of mount, wireless service facilities
shall be no higher than ten feet above the average height of buildings within
300 feet of the proposed facility. In addition, the height of a wireless service
facility shall not exceed by more than 10 feet the height limitations of the
zoning district in which the facility is proposed to be located, unless the
facility is completely camouflaged such as within a flagpole, steeple,
chimney, or similar structure. Wireless service facilities may locate on a
building that is legally non- conforming with respect to height, provided that
the facilities do not project above the existing building height.
ii) Height, Ground-Mounted Facilities Ground-mounted wireless service
facilities shall not project higher than ten feet above the average building
height or, if there are no buildings within 300 feet, these facilities shall not
project higher than ten feet above the average tree canopy height, measured
from ground level (AGL). If there are no buildings within 300 feet of the
proposed site of the facility, all ground-mounted wireless service facilities
shall be surrounded by dense tree growth to screen views of the facility in all
directions. These trees may be existing on the subject property or planted on
site.
iii) Height, Side-and Roof-Mounted Facilities Side-and roof-mounted wireless
service facilities shall not project more than ten (10) feet above the height of
an existing building or structure nor project more than ten (10) feet above the
height limit of the zoning district within which the facility is located. Wireless
service facilities may locate on a building that is legally non-conforming with
the respect to height, provided that the facilities do not project above the
existing building height.
iv) Height, Preexistent Structures (Utility) New antennas located on any of the
following structures existing on the effective date of this bylaw shall be
exempt from the height restrictions of this bylaw provided that there is no
increase in height of the existing structure as a result of the installation of a
wireless service facility: Water towers, guyed towers, lattice towers, fire
towers and monopoles.
v) Setbacks All wireless service facilities and their equipment shelters shall
comply with the building setback provisions of the zoning district in which the
facility is located. In addition, the following setbacks shall be observed.
(1) In order to ensure public safety, the minimum distance from the base of
any ground-mounted wireless service facility to any property line, shall be
2x the height of the facility/mount, including any antennas or other
appurtenances. This set back is considered the "fall zone". In addition, a
minimum setback of 300 feet from any habitable dwelling or business is
required.
(2) In the event that a preexistent structure is proposed as a mount for a
wireless service facility, the setback provisions of the zoning district shall
apply. In the case of the preexistent non-conforming structures, wireless
service facilities and their equipment shelters shall not increase any non-
conformity.
(3) The SPGA may reduce the required setback distance by as much as 50%,
if such set back provides adequate safety, promotes co-location or
improves design, and will not significantly impact the character and
appearance of the neighborhood. In making a request for a reduced
setback, the manufacturer or qualified licensed designer shall certify that
the tower is designed to collapse upon itself in the event of failure. The
SPGA may allow reduced setbacks as necessary to allow for the use of an
existing structure.
4) Design Standards
a) Visibility/Camouflage Wireless service facilities shall be camouflaged as follows
i) Camouflage by Existing Buildings or Structures
(1) When a wireless service facility extends above the roof height of a
building on which it is mounted, every effort shall be made to conceal the
facility within or behind preexistent architectural features to limit its
visibility from public ways. Facilities mounted on a roof shall be stepped
back from the front facade in order to limit their impact on the building's
silhouette.
(2) Wireless service facilities which are side-mounted shall blend with the
preexistent building's architecture and, if over 5 square feet, shall be
shielded with material which is consistent with the design features and
materials of the building.
ii) Camouflage by Vegetation. If wireless service facilities are not camouflaged
from public viewing areas by existing buildings or structures, they shall be
surrounded by buffers of dense tree growth and understory vegetation in all
directions to create an effective year-round visual buffer. Ground-mounted
wireless service facilities shall provide year-round vertical evergreen
vegetated buffer of 50 feet, or 75% of the overall height of the structure, in all
directions. Trees and vegetation may be existing on the subject property or
installed as part of the proposed facility or a combination of both. Vegetation
should be natural in appearance and consistent with surroundings.
iii) Color
(1) Wireless service facilities, which are side-mounted on buildings, shall be
painted or constructed of materials to match the color of the building
material directly behind them.
(2) To the extent that any wireless service facilities extend above the height of
the vegetation immediately surrounding it, they must be painted in a light
gray or light blue hue which blends with sky and clouds
iv) Equipment Shelters Equipment shelters for wireless service facilities shall
be designed consistent with one of the following design standards:
(1) Equipment shelters must be located in underground vaults; or
(2) designed consistent with traditional materials, color and design of the area,
or
(3) camouflaged behind an effective year-round landscape buffer, equal to the
height of the proposed building, and /or wooden fence acceptable to the
permitting authority
b) Lighting and signage
i) Wireless service facilities shall be lit only if required by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). Lighting of equipment structures and any other
facilities on site shall be shielded from abutting properties. There shall be
total cutoff of all light at the property lines of the parcel to be developed, and
foot-candle measurements at the property line shall be 0.0 initial foot-candles
when measured at grade.
ii) Signs shall be limited to those needed to identify the property and the owner
and warn of any danger. No tower or other facility shall contain any signs or
other devices for the purpose of advertisement. All signs shall comply with
the requirements of Section 6: Signs and Sign Lighting Regulations of this
bylaw.
iii) All ground mounted wireless, service facilities shall be surrounded by a
security barrier and shall be protected against unauthorized climbing or other
access by the public.
c) Historic Buildings
i) Any wireless service facilities located on or within a historic structure shall
not alter the character-defining features, distinctive construction methods, or
original historic materials of the building.
ii) Any alteration made to a historic structure to accommodate a wireless service
facility shall be fully reversible.
iii) Wireless service facilities within an historic district shall be concealed within
or behind existing architectural features, or shall be located so that they are
not visible from public roads and viewing areas within the district.
iv) The Historic District Commission must review all appropriate facilities.
d) Scenic Landscapes and Vistas
i) No facility shall be located within 300 feet of a Scenic Road. If the facility is
located farther than 300 feet from the scenic road, the height regulations
described elsewhere in this Bylaw shall apply.
ii) Wireless service facilities shall not be located within open areas that are visible
from public roads, recreational areas or residential development. As required
in the Camouflage section above, all ground mounted wireless service
facilities that are not camouflaged by existing buildings or structures shall be
surrounded by a buffer of dense tree growth.
e) Environmental Standards
i) Wireless services facilities shall not be located in wetland resource areas.
Locating of wireless facilities in wetland buffer areas shall he avoided whenever
possible and disturbance to wetland buffer areas shall be minimized. All
Conservation Commission regulations and procedures must be followed.
ii) No hazardous waste shall be discharged on the site of any personal wireless
service facility. If any hazardous materials are to be used on site, there shall be
provisions for full containment of such materials. An enclosed containment area
shall be provided with a sealed floor, designed to contain at least 110% of the
volume of the hazardous materials stored or used on site. Applicant must comply
with all federal, state and local regulations governing hazardous materials.
iii) Storm water run-off as a result of the wireless facility shall be contained on-site
and comply with the DEP Storm Water Management regulations as applicable.
iv) Ground-mounted equipment for wireless service facilities shall not generate
acoustic noise in excess of 50 dB at the security barrier.
v) Roof-mounted or side-mounted equipment for wireless service facilities shall not
generate noise in excess of 50 dB at ground level at the base of the building
closest to the antenna.
f) Safety Standards
i) Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) Standards. All equipment proposed for
a wireless service facility shall be authorized per the FCC Guidelines for
Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio Frequency Radiation (FCC
Guidelines) or any other applicable FCC guidelines and regulations.
ii) Structural Integrity. The applicant shall provide certification by a structural
engineer that the wireless service facility is structurally sound for the
proposed facility.
5) Application Procedures
a) Special Permit Granting Authority (SPGA). The Special Permit Granting
Authority (SPGA) for wireless service facilities shall be the Planning Board.
b) Pre-Application Conference. Prior to the submission of an application for a
Special Permit under this regulation, the applicant is strongly encouraged to meet
with the SPGA at a public meeting to discuss the proposed wireless service
facility in general terms and to clarify the filing requirements.
c) Pre-Application Conference Filing Requirements. The purpose of the
conference is to inform the SPGA as to the preliminary nature of the proposed
wireless service facility. As such, no formal filings are required for the pre-
application conference. However, the applicant is encouraged to prepare sufficient
preliminary architectural and/or engineering drawings to inform the SPGA of the
location of the proposed facility, as well as its scale and overall design.
d) Application Filing Requirements. The following shall be included with an
application for a Special Permit for all wireless service facilities:
i) General Filing Requirements
(1) Name, address and telephone number of applicant and any co-applicants
as well as any agents for the applicant or co-applicants. A 24-hour
emergency telephone contact number shall be included for use during
construction as well as operation of the wireless communication facility.
(2) Co-applicants may include the landowner of the subject property, licensed
carriers and tenants for the wireless service facility
(3) Every application for a wireless service facility Special Permit shall
include at least one licensed carrier and the owner of the land as an
applicant or a co-applicant.
(4) Original signatures are required for the applicant and all co-applicants
applying for the Special Permit. If an agent represents the applicant or co-
applicant, an original signature authorizing the agent to represent the
applicant and/or co-applicant is required. Photo reproductions of
signatures will not be accepted. All other filing requirements in the
Zoning Bylaw and the Rules and Regulations as applicable must be
complied with.
ii) Location Filing Requirements
(1) Identify the subject property by including the name of the nearest road or
roads, street address, and Assessors Map and Parcel number of subject
property
(2) Identify the Zoning District designation for the subject parcel. Submit a
copy of Town zoning map with parcel identified.
(3) A locus map at a scale of 1" = 1500' showing the subject property and all
properties within 300 feet and the location of all buildings, including
accessory structures, on all properties shown.
(5) A map showing the other preexistent and approved wireless service
facilities in North Andover and outside North Andover within one mile of
its boundary.
(5) GPS all equivalent system locating by latitude and longitude wireless
service facilities AMEND TO READ "or"
iii)Siting Filing Requirements. A one-inch-equals-40 feet plan prepared by a
Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
showing the following:
(1) Property lines for the subject property.
(2) Property lines of all properties within 300 feet of the proposed location.
(3) Tree cover on the subject property and all properties directly abutting the
subject property, by dominant species and average height.
(4) Outline of all existing buildings, including purpose (e.g. residential
buildings, garages, accessory structures, etc.) on subject property and all
properties adjacent to the subject property.
(5) Proposed location of antenna, mount and equipment shelter(s).
(6) Proposed security barrier, indicating type and extent as well as point of
controlled entry.
(7) Location of all roads, public and private, on the subject property and on all
adjacent properties within 300 feet including driveways proposed to serve
the wireless service facility.
(8) Distances, at grade, from the proposed wireless service facility to each
building on the vicinity plan.
(9) Contours at each 2 feet AMSL for the subject property and adjacent
properties within 300 feet.
(10) All proposed changes to the preexistent property, including grading,
vegetation removal and temporary or permanent roads and driveways.
(11) Representations, dimensioned and to scale, of the proposed mount,
antennas, equipment shelters, cable runs, parking areas and any other
construction or development attendant to the wireless service facility.
(12) Lines representing the sight line showing viewpoint (point from which
view is taken) and visible point (point being viewed) from 'Sight Lines"
subsection below.
(13) Location of all wetlands on the subject property and within 100' of the
proposed facility as approved by the Conservation Commission.
iv) Sight lines and photographs as described below:
(1) Sight line representation. A sight line representation shall be drawn from
any public road within 300 feet and the closest facade of each residential
building (viewpoint) within 300 feet to the highest point (visible point) of
the wireless service facility. Each sight line shall be depicted in profile,
drawn at one-inch equals 40 feet scale. The profiles shall show all
intervening trees and buildings. In the event there is only one (or more)
residential building within 300 feet there shall be at least two sight lines
from the closest habitable structures or public roads, if any.
(2) Preexistent (before condition) photographs. Each sight line shall be
illustrated by one four-inch by six-inch color photograph of what can
currently be seen from any public road and any residential building within
300 feet.
(3) Proposed (after condition) photographs. Each of the preexistent condition
photographs shall have the proposed wireless service facility
superimposed on it to show what will be seen from public roads and
residential buildings if the proposed wireless service facility is built.
(4) Siting elevations or views at-grade from the north, south, east and west for
a 50-foot radius around the proposed wireless service facility plus from all
preexistent public and private roads that serve the subject property.
Elevations shall be at either one-quarter inch equals one foot or one-eight
inch equals one foot scale and show the following:
(a) Antennas, mounts and equipment shelter(s), with total elevation
dimensions and average ground level (AGL) of the highest point. All
future proposed antennas, mounts and equipment shelters if any must
be shown in order to be included in the Special Permit.
(b) Security barrier. If the security barrier will block views of the wireless
service facility, the barrier drawing shall be cut away to show the view
behind the barrier.
(c) Any and all structures on the subject property.
(d) Preexistent trees and shrubs at current height and proposed trees and
shrubs at proposed height at time of installation, with approximate
elevations dimensioned.
(e) Grade changes, or cuts and fills, to be shown as original grade and new
grade line, with two-foot contours AMSL.
v) Design Filing Requirements
(1) Equipment brochures for the proposed wireless service facility such as
manufacturer's specifications or trade journal reprints shall be provided for
the antennas, mounts, equipment shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and
security barrier, if any.
(2) Materials of the proposed wireless service facility specified by generic
type and specific treatment (e.g. anodized aluminum stained wood, painted
fiberglass, alloys, etc.). These shall be provided for the antennas, mounts,
equipment shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and security barrier, if
any.
(3) Colors of the proposed wireless service facility represented by a color
board showing actual colors proposed. Colors shall be provided for the
antenna mounts, equipment shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and
security barrier, if any.
(4) Dimensions of the wireless service facility specified for all three
directions: height, width and breadth. These shall be provided for the
antennas, mounts, equipment shelters and security barrier, if any.
(5) Appearance shown by at least two photographic superimposition's of the
wireless service facility within the subject property. The photographic
superimposition's shall be provided for the antennas, mounts, equipment
shelters, cables as well as cable runs, and security barrier, if any, for the
total height, width and breadth.
(6) Landscape plan including preexistent trees and shrubs and those proposed
to be added, identified by size of specimen at installation and species.
(7) During the public hearing process the applicant shall schedule with the
Planning Board a balloon or crane test at the proposed site, at the expense
of the applicant, to illustrate the height of the proposed facility.
(8) If lighting on the site is required by the FAA, the applicant shall submit a
manufacturers computer generated point-to-point printout, indicating the
horizontal foot-candle levels at grade, within the property to be developed
and twenty-five (25) feet beyond property lines. The printout shall indicate
the locations and types of luminaries proposed.
vi)Noise Filing Requirements
(1) The applicant shall provide a statement listing the preexistent and
maximum future projected measurements of noise from the proposed
wireless service facilities, measured in decibels Ldn (common logarithmic
scale, accounting for greater sensitivity at night), for the following:
(a) Preexistent or ambient: the measures of preexistent noise
(b) Preexistent plus proposed wireless service facilities: maximum
estimate of noise from the proposed wireless service facility plus the
preexistent noise environment.
(c) Such statement shall be certified and signed by an acoustical engineer,
stating that noise measurements are accurate and meet the
requirements of DEP and Section 8.9(4)(e).
vii)Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) Filing Requirements
(1) All telecommunications facilities shall be operated only at Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) designated frequencies, power levels
and standards, including FCC Radio Frequency Emissions standards. The
applicant shall provide certification demonstrating that the maximum
allowable frequencies, power levels will not be exceeded. Certifications
shall include technical specifications, a written explanation of those
specifications, and, if necessary, field verification. The Permit Granting
Authority may condition any Special Permit granted under this section
upon a periodic submittal of certification of compliance with said
standards.
(2) In order to determine compliance with applicable FCC regulations, the
applicant shall provide a statement listing the preexistent and maximum
future projected measurements of RFR from the proposed wireless service
facility, including all co-locators, for the following situations:
(a) Preexistent or ambient: the measurement of preexistent RFR.
(b) Preexistent plus proposed wireless service facilities: maximum
estimate of RFR from the proposed wireless service facility plus the
preexistent RFR environment.
(c) Certification, signed by a engineer, stating that RFR measurements are
accurate and meet FCC Guidelines as specified in the Radio Frequency
Radiation Standards sub-section of this Bylaw.
(3) Applicant must submit a copy of the letter from the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health approving the site for this facility as required
by 105 CMR 122.000 requires that the Department of Public Health
approve all sites for wireless facilities with respect to emissions.
viii) Federal Environmental Filing Requirements
(1) At the time of application filing, an Environmental Assessment (EA)that
meets FCC requirements shall be submitted to the Town for each wireless
service facility site that requires such an EA to be submitted to the FCC
(2) The applicant shall list location, type and amount (including radiation
trace elements) of any materials proposed for use within the wireless
service facility that are considered hazardous by the federal, state or local
government.
ix) Waiver. The SPGA may waive one or more of the application filing
requirements of this section if it finds that such information is not needed for a
thorough review of a proposed personal wireless service facility.
6) Co-location
a) Licensed carriers shall share wireless service facilities and sites where feasible
and appropriate, thereby reducing the number of wireless service facilities that are
stand-alone facilities. All applicants for a Special Permit for a wireless service
facility shall demonstrate a good faith effort to co-locate with other carriers. Such
good faith effort includes:
i) A survey of all preexistent structures that may be feasible sites for co-locating
wireless service facilities;
ii) Contact, with all other licensed carriers for commercial mobile radio services
operating in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
iii) Sharing information necessary to determine if co-location is feasible under the
design configuration most accommodating to co-location.
c) An Applicant shall demonstrate to the Planning Board that it has made a good
faith effort to co-locate its facility upon an existing facility. The Town may retain
a technical expert in the field of RF engineering and/or a structural engineer to
verify if co-location at the site is not feasible or is feasible given the design
configuration most accommodating to co-location. The cost for such a technical
expert will be at the expense of the applicant. The Town may deny a Special
Permit to an applicant who has not demonstrated a good faith effort to provide for
co-location,
c) If the applicant does intend to co-locate or to permit co-location, the Town shall
request drawings and studies that show the final appearance and operation of the
wireless service facility at full build-out.
d) If the SPGA approves co-location for a wireless service facility site, the Special
Permit shall indicate how many facilities of what type shall be permitted on that
site. Pursuant to Section 8.9(3)Regulations facilities specified in the Special
Permit approval shall require no further zoning approval. However, the addition
of any facilities not specified in the approved Special Permit shall require a new
Special Permit. This allows a carrier to "pre-permit" a site for additional facilities
so that they will not have to apply for another Special Permit later.
e) In order to determine compliance with all applicable FCC Regulations, estimates
of RFR emissions will be required for all facilities, including proposed and future
facilities both for the applicant and all co-locators.
7) Modifications
a) A modification of a wireless service facility may be considered equivalent to an
application for a new wireless service facility and will require a Special Permit
when the following events apply:
i) The applicant and/or co-applicant want to add any equipment or additional
height not specified in the original design filing.
ii) The applicant and/or co-applicant want to alter the terms of the Special Permit
by changing the wireless service facility in one or more of the following ways:
(1) Change in the number of facilities permitted on the site;
(2) Change in technology used for the wireless service facility.
8) Monitoring and Maintenance
a) After the facility is in operation, the applicant shall submit to the SPGA, within 90
days of beginning operations and at annual intervals from the date of issuance of
the Special Permit, preexistent and current RFR measurements. Such
measurements shall be signed and certified by an RF engineer, stating that RER
measurements are accurate and are in compliance or why the measurements fail to
comply with all applicable FCC Guidelines as specified in Section 8.9(4)(c)(1)
RFR Filing Requirements of this Bylaw. The measurements shall be submitted
for both the applicant and all co-locators.
b) After the wireless service facility is in operation the applicant shall submit to the
SPGA; within 90 days of the issuance of the Special Permit, and at annual
intervals from the date of issuance of the Special Permit, preexistent and current
measurements of acoustic noise from the wireless service facility Such
measurements shall be certified and signed by an acoustical engineer, stating that
noise measurements are accurate and meet the Noise Standards sub-section
6.13.14.5 of this Bylaw
c) The applicant and co-applicant or their successor in interest shall maintain the
wireless service facility in good condition. Such maintenance shall include, but
shall not be limited to, painting, structural integrity of the mount and security
barrier and maintenance of the buffer and landscaping.
d) Failure to obtain the information required in this subsection 8.9(8) of the Bylaw
shall result in a fine of not more than $300 dollars for each offense. Each day that
such violation continues shall constitute a separate, offense.
9) Abandonment or Discontinuation of Use
a) At such time that a licensed carrier plans to abandon or discontinue operation of a
wireless service facility, such carrier will notify the Town by certified US mail of
the proposed date of abandonment or discontinuation of operations. Such notice
shall be given no less than 30 days prior to abandonment or discontinuation of
operations. In the event that a licensed carrier fails to give such notice, the
wireless service facility shall be considered abandoned upon discontinuation of
operations.
b) Upon abandonment or discontinuation of use, the carrier shall physically remove
the wireless service facility within 90 days from the date of abandonment or
discontinuation of use. "Physically remove" shall include, but not be limited to:
i) Removal of antennas, mount, equipment shelters and security barriers from
the subject property.
ii) Proper disposal of the waste materials from the site in accordance with local
and state solid waste disposal regulations.
iii) Restoring the location of the wireless service facility to its natural condition,
except that any landscaping and grading shall remain the after-condition.
c) As a condition of any special permit for the placement, construction or
modification of a wireless service facility, a carrier shall place into escrow a sum
of money to cover the costs of removing the facility from the subject property.
Said amount shall be certified by an engineer, architect or other qualified
professional registered to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Said
funds shall be held by an independent escrow agent to be appointed by the carrier
and the SPGA. The carrier shall authorize and, as necessary, shall obtain the
authorization of the owner of the property to allow the escrow agent to enter upon
the subject property to remove the facility when the facility has been abandoned
or discontinued. In the event the posted amount does not cover the cost of
demolition and/or removal the Town may place a lien upon the property covering
the difference in cost.
d) A facility shall be deemed to be abandoned or discontinued if it has not been used
for the purpose for which it was originally constructed for a period of six (6)
months or more. Once abandonment or discontinuance has occurred, the carrier
shall remove the facility from the subject property within ninety days. In the event
that the carrier fails to remove the facility, the town shall give notice to the carrier
and the independent escrow agent that the facility shall be removed by the escrow
agent forthwith and the escrow agent, after affording written notice seven days in
advance to the carrier, shall remove the facility.
e) Failure to follow the provisions of this subsection 8.9(9) shall result in a fine of
not more than $300 dollars for each offense. Each day that such violation
continues shall constitute a separate offense.
10)Reconstruction or Replacement of Existing Towers and Monopoles
a) Guyed towers, lattice towers, utility towers and monopoles in existence at the
time of adoption of Section 8.9 this Bylaw may be reconstructed, altered,
extended or replaced on the same site by Special Permit, provided that the SPGA
finds that such reconstruction, alteration, extension or replacement will not be
substantially more detrimental to the neighborhood and/or the Town than the
preexistent non-conforming structure. In making such a determination, the SPGA
shall consider whether the proposed reconstruction, alteration, extension or
replacement will create public benefits such as opportunities for co-location,
improvements in public safety, and/or reduction in visual and environmental
impacts.
11)Performance Guarantees
a) Insurance in a reasonable amount determined and approved by the SPGA after
consultation at the expense of the applicant with one (1) or more insurance
companies shall be in force to cover damage from the structure, damage from
transmissions and other site liabilities. Annual proof of said insurance must be
filed with the SPGA.
b) Funds, sufficient in the opinion of the SPGA to cover annual maintenance of the
facility, shall be placed into escrow and shall be held by the independent escrow
agent who shall be authorized to expend the funds for the maintenance of the
facility on terms to be agreed upon by the carrier and the SPGA as a condition of
approval of the special permit.
c) Annual certification demonstrating continuing compliance with the standards of
the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Aviation Administration and
the American National Standards Institute shall be filed with the SPGA by the
Special Permit holder.
12)Term of Special Permit.
a) A Special Permit issued for any wireless service facility shall be valid for three
(3) years. The special permit may be renewed under the same criteria as the
original special permit, provided that the application for renewal of the special
permit is made prior to the expiration date of the original or any renewed special
permit. Additional measures governing the administration of the special permit
are found in Section 10.3 of this Zoning Bylaw.