Agenda - Council - 04/14/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.08: Introduce Ordinance #15-07 Amending City Code Section 117-428 Entitled Towers Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to amend City Code Section 117-428, Towers, as requested by Connexus Energy, to increase the maximum height of communication towers to 199 feet for entitles providing Stage 1 and Stage 2 Improvements as required by City Code. Currently, the height limitation for communication towers is 100 feet in all districts. Councilmember Williams asked whether this is talking about cell towers. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the overall ordinance establishes any communication towers such as for emergency providers, cellular providers, or communication providers. This amendment is for Stage 1 utility companies such as Connexus Energy, not cell phone providers. Councilmember Williams asked whether the amendment is for a tower that supported a Stage 1 or 2 improvements. Community Development Director Gladhill stated it would be for the Stage 1 improvement and since Connexus Energy provides electric service, it would be provided that exemption. Mayor Strommen stated there would be a height limitation and location restrictions to commercial and industrial districts. It would not be allowed in a residential district or park. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that is correct. Mayor Strommen asked if there are locations at the edge of a permitted district that would result in conflicts with residential districts. Community Development Director Gladhill stated there are close locations but there are setback distance requirements. He stated there is also an aesthetic consideration that the ordinance does not address but he thinks this change will not create any more conflict than exists with 100 feet. Councilmember Riley noted the Planning Commission suggests reconsidering the 100 feet and asked if the City is missing out on opportunities that would be available if changed. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that came up when the Planning Commission looked at what other cities provide, as it is common to see 150 to 160 feet. He stated the Planning Commission wants to keep it at 100 feet in residential districts. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the City does not get these requests frequently so he does not know that the City is missing out on opportunities. Councilmember Shryock asked staff to explain the process of ordinance adoption and opportunity for public input.