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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-1679ORDINANCE NO. 1679 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT REGULATIONS FOR SMALL CELL TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES IN THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of Fairhope, Alabama seeks to facilitate the availability of reliable, personal wireless communication services for its citizens and the public by permitting the placement of Small Cell Technology Facilities and associated Support Structures along the Rights-Of-Way and on private properties in the City; and WHEREAS, the installation, expansion, and maintenance of Small Cell Technology Facilities and associated Structures on or along the Rights-Of-Way and on private properties might have significant impact upon; (1) the aesthetic values and historical character of the City; (2) safe use and passage on or along the Rights- of-Way by the public; and (3) properties and property values in the City in areas where such Structures are placed; and WHEREAS, the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Act") and regulations promulgated with respect to the Act by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC) authorize local governments to enact responsible regulations for the placement, expansion, height, and maintenance of Small Cell Technologies Facilities and associated Support Structures; and WHEREAS, as provided in this Ordinance, the City seeks to mandate, where feasible, the colocation of Small Cell Technology Facilities on existing poles and other Support Structures as opposed to installation of new Structures; and WHEREAS, the above-noted colocation and other provisions of this Ordinance are intended to be consistent with the Act and its associated regulation; and WHEREAS, the adoption of the regulations, procedures, and requirements in this Ordinance will permit Applicants and Providers to enhance the provision of personal wireless service and protect the public welfare, health, safety and interests of the City's citizens. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA AS FOLLOWS: Chapter 21 of the Fairhope Code of Ordinances entitled "Telecommunications" is hereby amended as Ordinance Number 1679: and is hereby adopted and shall be inserted in the Fairhope Municipal Code as follows: ARTICLE III. SMALL CELL TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES Section 1. Definitions. The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation of this Ordinance: A. Abandonment or Abandons means that, following the placement of Small Cell Technologies Facilities (and associated Accessory Equipment) or Support Structures in the City pursuant to a permit issued to a Provider or Ordinance No. 1679 Page-14- Section 6. Non-Appiicabilitv. The placement of an antenna(s), Facilities or equipment related to the following types of wireless communication services are exempt from regulation under this ordinance: A. Amateur radio service that is licensed by the FCC if the Facilities related thereto are not used or licensed for any commercial purpose; and B. Facilities used by any federal, state or local government or agency to provide safety or emergency services. Section 7. Repealer, All Ordinances or parts of ordinances heretofore adopted by the City Council of the City of Fairhope, Alabama that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby expressly repealed. Section 8. Severabilitv, If any part, section or subdivision of this Ordinance shall be held unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such holding shall not be construed to invalidate or impair the remainder of this Ordinance, which shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding such holding. Section 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption and publication as provided by Alabama law. DONE, ORDERED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this theJ^M day of April. 2020. Karin Wilson, Mayor ATTESTED BY: X O- ^ s, MMC City Clerk