HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_10_2_Local_Law_No_8 Local Law No. 8- 2023
This local law shall be known as the "Update in the Regulation of Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities" Law.
BE IT ENACTED by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck
Section 1 -Purpose:
This law is being enacted because advances in technology require the Town to update its
law regarding wireless telecommunications facilities.
Section 2-Replacement of a current section of the Mamaroneck Code:
Section 240-19.1 of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby is repealed and the following
substituted in its place:
§240-19.1. Wireless telecommunications facilities.
A. Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for the location and design of wireless
telecommunications facilities that recognize the need to balance the technical requirements of
the wireless telecommunications industry with the Town's desire to minimize the visual and
other adverse effects of such facilities. This section expresses a preference for locations on
Town property, acknowledging the ability of the Town to exert greater controls arising from
ownership rights and a preference for the collocation of new wireless telecommunications
facilities on existing or approved wireless telecommunications support structures that are
located in nonresidential areas.
Such regulations are intended to:
(1) Ensure that the placement, construction or modification of wireless telecommunications
facilities and related equipment are consistent with the Town's land use and zoning code
regulations to the extent permitted by law,
(2) Minimize the negative and adverse visual, acoustic and aesthetic impacts of wireless
telecommunications facilities to the maximum extent practicable, through creative
design, siting, landscaping, screening and innovative camouflaging techniques,
(3) Assure a comprehensive review of environmental impacts of such facilities,
(4) Protect, to the extent the Town is allowed to do so without conflicting with federal law,
the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Town and persons working in or
visiting the Town from potential adverse impacts of wireless telecommunications
facilities,
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(5) Allow for shared use (collocation) of wireless telecommunications facilities when such
use is the more aesthetically sensitive alternative,
(6) Establish fair and efficient processes for review and approval of development
applications,
(7) Preserve the visual character of established communities and the natural beauty of the
landscape,
(8) Protect property values,
(9) Minimize the impact of wireless telecommunications facilities on residential properties,
(10) Encourage the siting of wireless telecommunications facilities on properties and areas,
which are not zoned exclusively for residential purposes, and
(11) Minimize the number of structures placed near to each other in the rights-of-way.
B. Definitions.
ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT — Any equipment serving or being used in conjunction with
wireless telecommunications facilities including, but not limited to, utility or transmission
equipment, power supplies, generators, batteries, cables, equipment buildings, cabinets and
storage sheds, shelters,buildings and similar structures, and,when co-located on a structure,
which is mounted or installed prior to, at the same or at a subsequent time as an antenna.
ANTENNA-An apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting or receiving radio frequency
(RF)radiation,to be operated or operating from a fixed location, for the provision of personal
wireless service (whether on its own or with other types of services). For purposes of this
definition, the term "antenna" does not include a mobile station or device authorized under
Part 15 of Title 47 of the United States Code.
BASE STATION — A structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables FCC licensed or
authorized wireless telecommunications between user equipment and a telecommunications
network.
(1) The term includes, but is not limited to, equipment associated with wireless
telecommunications facilities such as but not limited to private, broadcast and public
safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as
microwave backhaul.
(2) The term includes,but is not limited to,radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic
cable, regular and backup power supplies and comparable equipment, regardless of
technological configuration (including DAS and small or macro cell equipment).
(3) The term includes,but is not limited to any structure that supports or houses equipment
described in paragraphs (1) and (2) above that has been reviewed and approved under
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the applicable zoning code or siting process,even if the structure was not built for the sole
or primary purpose of providing such support.
(4) The term does not include any structure that, at the time the relevant application is filed
with the Town under this section, does not support or house equipment described in
paragraphs (1) and(2) of this definition.
BUILDING INSPECTOR--- The Town's Building Inspector or its Director of Building Code
Enforcement and Land Use Administration
COLLOCATION— The mounting or installation of an antenna on an existing tower,building
or structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for
telecommunications purposes, whether or not there is an existing antenna on the structure.
DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEM(DAS) — A network of spatially separated antenna sites
connected to a common source that provides wireless telecommunications service within a
geographic area or structure.
DECOMMISSIONED --- A wireless telecommunications facility is decommissioned when it
no longer is being used to perform the services which it was built to provide.
EAF-The Environmental Assessment Form promulgated by the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation.
FAA — The Federal Aviation Administration, or its duly designated and authorized
successor agency.
FCC — The Federal Communications Commission, or its duly designated and authorized
successor agency.
HEIGHT — When referring to a structure, the distance measured from the pre-existing grade
to the highest point on the structure, including the antenna(s) and any other appurtenances.
MACRO WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY — Any wireless
telecommunications facility that enables authorized wireless telecommunications between
user equipment and a telecommunications network that is not a Small Wireless
Telecommunications Facility.
MODIFICATION — The improvement, upgrade or expansion of existing wireless
telecommunications facilities or the improvement, upgrade or expansion of the wireless
telecommunications facilities located within an existing equipment compound if the
improvement,upgrade, expansion or replacement does not substantially change the physical
dimensions of the wireless telecommunications facilities.
MONOPOLE — A wireless telecommunications support structure which consists of a single
pole, designed and erected on the ground or on top of a structure to support one or more
wireless telecommunications antennas and associated equipment.
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NIER — Nonionizing electromagnetic radiation. A series of energy waves composed of
oscillating electric and magnetic fields traveling at the speed of light which includes the
spectrum of ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency
(RF), and extremely low frequencies (ELF).
PERMIT-A Wireless Facility Permit.
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY shall have the meaning given to it in the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C.
§332(c)(7)(C), or any statute that may replace it.
PLANNING BOARD-The Town of Mamaroneck Planning Board.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY ("ROW") — Any land over which the public possesses the right to
travel. The term "road" includes state, county and Town highways, roads, streets, squares,
places, courts, boulevards, parkways, sidewalks and other ways, however, designated, over
which the public has access.
RELIABLE SERVICE-The transmission and reception of communications voice and/or data
by a wireless telecommunications facility that meets or exceeds a wireless service provider's
reasonable and generally accepted industry quality metrics, including but not limited to,
received signal strength or signal quality measurements or calibrated predictions of such data
throughput, call or session performance objectives including, but not limited to, key
performance indicators such as lost calls,system blocking or lack of capacity.
REPLACEMENT — The replacement of existing wireless telecommunications antenna on any
existing support structure or on existing associated equipment for maintenance, repair or
technological advancement with equipment composed of the same wind loading and
structural loading which does not substantially increase the physical dimensions of any
existing support structure.
SMALL WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY — Any wireless
telecommunications facility that functions like cells in a mobile wireless network, typically
covering targeted indoor or localized outdoor areas ranging in size from homes and offices to
stadiums, shopping malls, hospitals, and metropolitan outdoor spaces including, but not
limited to, DAS, microcells, picocells, and femtocells or any name employed to identify a
compact, low power base station and its associated equipment that meets each of the
following conditions:
(1) The structure on which antenna facilities are mounted:
(a) is fifty (50) feet or less in height, or
(b) is no more than ten percent(10%) taller than other adjacent structures, or
(b) is not extended to a height of more than ten percent (10%) above its preexisting
height as a result of the collocation of new antenna facilities;
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(2) Each antenna (excluding associated antenna equipment) is no more than six (6) cubic
feet in volume;
(3) In the aggregate, the volume of all antenna equipment associated with the facility
(excluding antennas and back-up power and related back-up power equipment) does
not exceed twenty-eight (28) cubic feet;
(4) The facility does not require antenna structure registration under 47 CFR Part 17; and
(5) The facility does not result in human exposure to radio-frequency radiation in excess of
the applicable safety standards specified in Parts 1 and 2 of the FCC's Rules and
Regulations [47 C.F.R. 1.1307(b), 1.1310, 2.1091, 2.1093] or any FCC rule or regulation
that replaces these regulations or add additional safety standards.
SMALL WIRELESS PERMIT--- The permit issued by the Planning Board approving a small
wireless telecommunications facility.
STEALTH TECHNOLOGY — Camouflaging methods applied to wireless
telecommunications facilities, which render them more visually appealing or which serve to
blend the proposed facility into the existing structure or visual backdrop, in such a manner
as to render it minimally visible to the casual observer. Such methods include, but are not
limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted facilities, building-mounted antennas
painted to match the existing structure, and facilities constructed to resemble trees, shrubs,
light poles and the like.
STRAND — A cable or wire run between two utility poles, or between a utility pole and a
structure, or between two structures.
STRUCTURE — A pole, base station supporting hardware, commercial billboard, street
furniture or other building, whether or not it has an existing antenna facility, that is used or
to be used for the provision of personal wireless service (whether on its own or commingled
with other types of services).
STRUCTURALLY MOUNTED — The attachment of antennas to an existing building or
structure other than a monopole or tower having a location on the ground and comprising a
part of a wireless telecommunications facility. For purposes of this chapter, the term
"structurally mounted"shall include, in addition to the antennas, all other components of the
wireless telecommunications facility.
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE — A modification substantially changes the physical dimensions
if it meets any of the following criteria:
(1) The mounting of the proposed antenna on the wireless structure would increase the
existing height of the tower by more than 10%, or by the height of one additional
antenna array with separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed twenty
feet, whichever is greater;
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(2) The mounting of the proposed antenna or small wireless telecommunications facility
would involve the installation of more than four (4) equipment cabinets or more than
one (1)new equipment shelter;
(3) The mounting of the proposed antenna or small wireless telecommunications facility
would involve adding an appurtenance to the body of an existing wireless
telecommunications support structure that would protrude from the edge of the original
support structure:
(i) more than twenty feet in the case of a macro wireless
telecommunications facility,
(ii) more than three feet in the case of a small wireless
telecommunications facility, and
(iii) in all cases more than the original width of the support
structure at the level of the appurtenance
It will not be considered a"substantial change"if the mounting of the proposed antenna
or small wireless telecommunications facility exceeds the limits herein if it is necessary
or appropriate to do so in order to shelter the antenna from inclement weather or to
provide stealth shielding for the antenna or small wireless telecommunications facility;
(4) The mounting of the proposed antenna would involve excavation outside the current
existing structure site,defined as the current boundaries of the leased or owned property
surrounding the existing structure and any access or utility easements currently related
to the site;
(5) The modification defeats concealment and/or stealth elements of the support structure;
(6) The modification does not comply with prior conditions of the approval for the existing
structure and/or site; provided, however, that this limitation does not apply to any
modification that is noncompliant only in a manner that would not exceed the thresholds
identified above; or
(7) The modification increases the square footage of the existing equipment compound to
an area greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet.
TOWER — Any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting FCC licensed
or authorized antennas, including the on-site fencing, equipment, switches, wiring, cabling,
power sources, shelters, or cabinets associated with that tower but not installed as part of an
antenna as defined herein.
TRANSMISSION OR WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT — Equipment
that facilitates transmission and reception for any FCC licensed or authorized wireless
telecommunications service, including, but not limited to, radio transceivers, antennas,
coaxial or fiber-optic cable and regular and back-up power supply. The term includes
equipment associated with wireless telecommunications services, including, but not limited
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to, private, broadcast and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and
fixed wireless services, such as microwave backhaul.
UTILITY POLE — A pole or similar structure that is used in whole or in part for the purpose
of carrying electric distribution lines or cables or wires for telecommunications, cable or
electric service or for lighting, traffic control, signage, or a similar function, regardless of
ownership, including Town-owned poles or poles owned by utility companies. Any utility
pole in excess of fifty (50)feet in height shall be deemed a tower and not eligible as a location
for small wireless telecommunications facilities.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT---Any equipment used in connection
with the commercial operation of wireless telecommunications services, as defined herein,
and as the term "personal wireless service facility" is defined in the Communications Act of
1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(C), or any
statute that may replace it, to transmit and/or receive frequencies, including but not limited
to antennas,monopoles, towers and related appurtenances.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY — A structure, facility or location
designed or intended to be used as or used to support antennas, along with any antennas
located on such structure, facility or location and any associated equipment. It includes but is
not limited to, monopoles, lattice towers, DAS, microcell or small wireless facilities on utility
poles or strand mounted in the public right-of-way or property of the Town or within the
Town and similar structures that employ stealth technology, including, but not limited to,
structures such as a multistory building, church steeple, silo, water tower, sign or other
similar structures intended to mitigate the visual impact of an antenna or the functional
equivalent of such. It includes any structure, antennas and associated equipment intended
for transmitting and/or receiving radio, television, cellular, paging, 911, personal
telecommunications services, commercial satellite services, microwave telecommunications
or other cellular telecommunications technologies, but excluding those used exclusively for
the Town's fire, police, ambulance, and other dispatch telecommunications or exclusively for
private radio and television reception and private citizen's bands, amateur radio and other
similar telecommunications.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER —An FCC licensed service provider
offering wireless telecommunications to deliver such telecommunications services. These
services may include, but are not limited to, voice, data, or video in either licensed or un-
licensed spectrum. An enterprise business offering to host licensed or unlicensed service
providers by deploying small cell technology such as, but not limited to, DAS and similar
small cells.
Any term contained in this section that is not defined above but is defined by the FCC shall have
the meaning ascribed to it by the FCC.
C. Permissible locations for wireless telecommunications facilities.
Provided it complies with the requirements of this section:
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(A) (1) A macro wireless telecommunications facility may be located only in the following
zoning districts of the Town:
B-R
LI
UR
SBR
B-MUB and
R
but not(i)on a property designated by the Town as historic, or (ii)on a property listed on
the New York State Register or the National Register of Historic Places or in a
neighborhood that has been designated as historic by the Town, the State of New York,
the County of Westchester or the federal government or (iii) on those properties that are
owned or leased by the Town but are not listed in section 240-19.1 (H).
(2) A small wireless telecommunications facility may be located only in any of the districts
that a macro wireless telecommunications facility may be located and in the ROWs of the
Town.
(3) In addition to the areas specified in section 240-19.1 C (A) (1) and C (A) (2), a macro
wireless telecommunications facility or a small wireless telecommunications facility may be
located on the Town-owned properties listed in section 240-19.1 (H) if permission therefor is
granted by the Town Board.
(B) Neither type of wireless telecommunications facility shall be permitted in any area
within the unincorporated area of the Town other than the areas specified in section 240-19.1
(A) (1), (2) or (3).
D. Requirements for the installation, alteration, expansion or replacement of a wireless
telecommunications facility whether on private property or Town-owned property.
Except as otherwise provided in this section,no person shall be permitted to construct,install,
or prepare a site for the installation of a wireless telecommunications facility or alter, expand
or replace an existing wireless telecommunications facility without first obtaining:
(i) site plan approval and a special permit from the Planning Board,
followed by a Building Permit issued by the Building Inspector, or
(ii) in the case of a macro wireless telecommunications facility to be located
on a Town-owned property, approval of the application by the Town Board,
followed by a Building Permit issued by the Building Inspector.
Special permits issued by the Planning Board for any wireless telecommunications facility shall
not be subject to the limits on duration contained in section 240-64 of the Code.
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E.Application for all types of wireless telecommunications facilities.
(1) An application for the construction or installation of a new wireless telecommunications
facility or a substantial change to an existing wireless telecommunications facility,
whether a small wireless telecommunications facility or a macro wireless
telecommunications facility, shall contain the following information:
(a) A descriptive statement of the applicant's or operator's objectives, and whether the
applicant seeks to satisfy a need, such as improved coverage and/or capacity
requirements,
(b) Documentation that demonstrates the need for the wireless telecommunications
facility to provide service primarily and essentially within the Town. Such
documentation shall include,but not be limited to:(i)information relating to all other
wireless telecommunications facilities and antennas associated with such wireless
telecommunications facilities that are to be deployed in the Town in conjunction with
the proposed wireless facility; and (ii) propagation and/or capacity studies of the
proposed site including,but not limited to,both drive test and calibrated predictive
coverage plots, and all adjoining planned, proposed, in-service or existing sites that
demonstrate a significant area of less than reliable service in coverage and/or
capacity, including an analysis of current and projected usage and a copy of the
search ring within which a new wireless telecommunications facility is proposed to
be located,
(c) The name,postal address, email address and phone number of the person preparing
the report,
(d) The name, postal address, email address and phone number of the property owner,
operator and applicant,
(e) The postal address and Tax Map Section, Block and Lot of the property, or the
postal address and Tax Map Section, Block and Lot of the closest property if the
wireless telecommunication facility is proposed to be located in a right of way,
(e) The zoning district in which the property is situated,
(f) The size of the property, stated both in square feet and lot line dimensions and a
survey prepared by a licensed professional surveyor showing the location of all lot
lines (an application to use a ROW does not have to supply this information),
(g) The lot line of the nearest residential structure if such lot line is 1,200 feet or less from
the property which is the subject of the application,
(h) The location, size and height of all existing and proposed structures on the property
which is the subject of the application,
(i) The type, locations and dimensions of all proposed and existing landscaping and
fencing,
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(j) The number, type and model of the antenna(s) and if the proposed wireless
telecommunications facility is a small cell installation, the small cell equipment
proposed,
(k) A description of the utility pole, monopole or other structure on which any antenna
or associated equipment for a wireless telecommunications facility is to be located
and a design plan stating the structure's capacity to accommodate multiple users,
(1) A site plan describing any new proposed structure and antenna(s) and all related
fixtures, associated equipment, appurtenances and apparatus, including, but not
limited to,height above pre-existing grade,materials, color and lighting,
(m)The frequency band, modulation and class of service of radio or other transmitting
equipment,
(n) The actual intended transmission power stated as the maximum effective radiated
power (ERP) in watts of the antenna(s),
(o) Direction of maximum lobes and associated radiation of the antenna(s),
(p) Documentation justifying the total height of any proposed antenna and structure and
the basis therefor. Such justification shall be to provide service within the Town, to
the extent practicable, unless good cause is shown,
(q) Certification that NIER levels at the proposed site will be and remain within the
threshold levels adopted by the FCC and the State of New York,
(r) A statement signed by an engineer licensed by the State of New York that the analysis
of site RF compliance for the proposed installation is consistent with applicable FCC
regulations, additional guidelines issued by the FCC and industry practice and in
clear compliance with FCC regulations concerning RF exposure,
(s) A copy of the FCC license applicable for the intended use of the wireless
telecommunications facility,
(t) Certification that a topographic and geomorphologic study and analysis has been
conducted and that the proposed drainage plan is adequate to assure the stability of
the proposed wireless telecommunications facility on the property which is the
subject of the application,
(u) Certification that if the proposed wireless telecommunications facility will be a small
cell or DAS that each unit/installation will not exceed fifty-five (55) dBA of acoustic
noise, measured five (5) feet from the unit in any direction, or violate any applicable
noise regulation,
(v) Visual EAF with visual addendum,
(w)Written certification by an engineer licensed by the State of New York that the
wireless telecommunications facility and support structures and attachments are
designed and will be constructed to meet all local,county,state and federal structural
requirements for loads, including wind and ice loads,
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(x) Proof that the wireless telecommunications facility or expansion of an existing facility
is not proposed to be located within the front yard setback area or closer to the front
property line than the setback of the existing principal building, whichever is more
restrictive,
(y) A statement by the applicant with supporting citation of law or regulation indicating
the time within which the applicant maintains that its application must be decided.
While the time periods established by federal regulations or statute may be
considered a reasonable period of time for determining an application and the
Planning Board and the Town Board, as the case may be,will use their best efforts to
decide applications within such periods, circumstances may make it necessary to
extend the date for a determination beyond the relevant time period.
(2) In addition to the requirements of section 240-19.1 (E), an application for collocation
whether for a small wireless facility or a macro wireless facility, shall contain the following
proof:
(a) The existing wireless telecommunications support structure has been granted all
necessary approvals by the appropriate approving authorities;
(b) The proposed collocation shall not substantially increase the existing wireless support
structure; and
(c) The proposed collocation complies with the final approval of the wireless
telecommunications support structure and all conditions attached thereto and either does not
create a condition for which a variance would be required or for which relief would be
required pursuant to any other applicable law, rule or regulation or that a variance or other
required relief has been obtained.
(3) For the purpose of starting the time period within which a decision on the application
must be made, the application shall be deemed submitted when the Town Engineer
determines that the application is complete. The Town Engineer shall notify the applicant of
his/her determination of completeness within 10 business days after(i)the application is filed
with the Building Department or (ii) any additional documentation or information is filed in
response to the Town Engineer's determination that the application is not complete.
(4) The Planning Board, the Town Board and if a variance is required, the Board of Appeals
may refer the application before it to any of the Town's other departments, officials, boards
or commissions.
(5) (a)Before a building permit is issued,the applicant shall post a bond or a letter of credit
that will remain in effect until cancelled, in favor of the Town in an amount sufficient to
secure the removal of the wireless telecommunications facility when it is
decommissioned. The amount of such bond shall be determined by the Planning Board
in the case of parcels situated in the B-R, SBR, UR and R zoning districts or the Town
Board in the case of a wireless telecommunications facility located on Town-owned
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property.The bond or letter of credit shall be issued by a surety or institution with assets
sufficient to assure that it will be capable of satisfying its obligation and be in a form
approved by the attorney for the Town.
(b) Upon notice to the applicant or the person in control of the wireless
telecommunications facility, the Planning Board in the case of parcels situated in the B-
R, SBR, UR and R zoning districts or by the Town Board in the case of a wireless
telecommunications facility located on Town-owned property may require that the
surety or institution be changed or may increase the amount of the bond or letter of
credit if it is determined that the surety or institution no longer has assets sufficient to
assure that it will be capable of satisfying its obligation or that the amount of the existing
bond or letter of credit is inadequate to secure the removal of the wireless
telecommunications facility when it is decommissioned.
(c) If the bond lapses or the letter of credit is canceled, the Planning Board in the case of
parcels situated in the B-R,SBR,UR and R zoning districts or the Town Board in the case
of a wireless telecommunications facility located on Town-owned property, after
conducting a hearing done on notice to the applicant or the person in control of the
wireless telecommunications facility, will have the right to revoke permission for the
wireless telecommunications facility. Revocation of permission shall be deemed a
decommissioning of the wireless telecommunications facility.
(6) (a) The Planning Board or the Town Board, upon advice from the Town of
Mamaroneck's insurance carrier, shall determine the amount of insurance coverage
against liability for personal injury, death or property damage that must be maintained
while the wireless telecommunications facility is being constructed, after it is installed
and until it is removed. Such insurance shall be issued by an insurance company with
an AM Best Rating of A+, shall name the Town as an additional insured and must
provide that the underwriter notify the Town if the policy expires. Such liability
insurance must be maintained throughout the existence of the wireless
telecommunications facility. Before a building permit is issued, a copy of such policy
must be delivered to the Building Department.
(b) When such policy is renewed or replaced, a copy of the renewed or replacement
policy shall be delivered to the Building Department within thirty (30) days of its
issuance. If the insurance policy lapses or does not provide the required coverage, the
Planning Board in the case of parcels situated in the B-R, SBR,UR and R zoning districts
or the Town Board in the case of a wireless telecommunications facility located on Town-
owned property,after conducting a hearing done on notice to the applicant or the person
in control of the wireless telecommunications facility, will have the right to revoke
permission for the wireless telecommunications facility. Revocation of permission shall
be deemed a decommissioning of the wireless telecommunications facility.
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F. Provisions applicable to macro wireless telecommunications facilities only.
In addition to complying with the other requirements of this section, a macro
wireless telecommunications facility shall meet the following standards and contain the
following submissions:
(1) Ground-mounted equipment associated with macro wireless telecommunications
facilities shall be limited to a height of twelve(12)feet above the existing grade and shall
be no closer to side or rear property lines than the minimum setbacks applicable to
accessory structures within the zone or one (1) foot in those districts where there are no
minimum setbacks.
(2) Support structures for macro wireless telecommunications facilities other than existing
buildings or structures shall be set back from the closest property line a distance equal
to at least one hundred and twenty percent(120%)of the height of the composite support
structure and attached antennas measured from the highest point of the composite
facility to the existing ground level at the base of the facility.
(3) No signs shall be permitted, except for signs two square feet or less in area that display
the name, address and telephone number of the owner of the facility, safety warnings or
instructions,and information regarding the equipment on site.Height shall be measured
from ground level, to the highest point on the wireless telecommunications facility, or if
higher, the highest point on any extension to an existing supporting structure required
to support the wireless telecommunications facility.
(4)A macro wireless telecommunications facility shall be no higher than the minimum height
necessary to achieve its purpose and under all circumstances,no more than one hundred
twenty-five feet in height.
(5) The applicant for a macro wireless telecommunications facility shall submit a list of
eligible locations within the applicant's search area and has ranked the locations in
accordance with the priorities in section 240-19.1 G (7)
(6) Wind and ice. All macro wireless telecommunications facilities structures shall be
designed to withstand the effects of wind gusts and ice to the standard designed by the
American National Standards Institute as prepared by the engineering departments of the
Electronics Industry Association and Telecommunications Industry Association
(ANSI/EIA/TIA-222, as amended).
(7) Aviation safety. All macro wireless telecommunications facilities shall comply with all
federal and state laws and regulations concerning aviation safety, including but not limited
to, the regulations of the FAA.
(8) Public safety communications.All macro wireless telecommunications facilities shall not
interfere with public safety communications or the reception of broadband, television,
radio or other communications services enjoyed by occupants of nearby properties.
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(9) Radio frequency emissions. A macro wireless telecommunications facility shall not, by
itself or in conjunction with other wireless telecommunications facilities, generate radio
frequency emissions in excess of the standards and regulations of the FCC, including,
but not limited to, the FCC Office of Engineering Technology Bulletin 65, entitled
"Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields," as amended.
If such policy lapses, the Planning Board or the Town Board, after conducting a hearing on
notice to the applicant, will have the right to revoke permission for the macro wireless
telecommunications facility.
G. Provisions applicable to small wireless telecommunications facilities only.
(1) Design. All small wireless telecommunications facilities shall be designed, constructed,
operated, maintained, repaired, modified and removed in strict compliance with all
current applicable technical, safety and safety related codes, including, but not limited
to, the most-recent editions of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Code,
National Electrical Safety Code,and National Electrical Code.All small wireless facilities
shall, at all times, be kept and maintained in good condition, order and repair by
qualified maintenance and construction personnel, so that the same shall not endanger
the life of any person or any property.In addition to the provisions listed in this section,
all small wireless telecommunications facilities shall be designed to comply with the
following requirements:
(a) All equipment shall be the smallest and least visibly intrusive equipment feasible.
(b)Small wireless telecommunications facilities and associated equipment shall be treated
to match the supporting structure and may be required to be painted, or otherwise
coated, to be visually compatible with the support structure upon which they are
mounted.
(c) Pole and strand mounted small wireless telecommunications facilities shall be a
minimum of two hundred fifty (250) feet apart radially. They shall be located in line
with trees, existing streetlights,utility poles and other street furniture when possible.
(d) No more than two (2) small wireless telecommunications facilities with associated
antennas shall be mounted to a freestanding pole or structure
(e) Small wireless telecommunications facilities and any associated equipment in the
public right-of-way shall be located so as not to cause any physical or visual
obstruction to pedestrian or vehicular traffic or bicyclists or to otherwise create safety
hazards to pedestrians, motorists,bicyclists or residents or occupants of buildings, or
to otherwise cause inconvenience to the public's use of the public right-of-way.
(f) To the extent feasible, associated equipment shall be placed underground. Mounted
associated equipment that cannot be placed underground shall be screened from
surrounding views, to the fullest extent possible, through the use of landscaping or
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other decorative features. Ground-mounted associated equipment shall be screened,
when possible, by utilizing existing structures. If screening by utilizing existing
structures is not possible, ground mounted associated equipment shall be made
architecturally and aesthetically compatible with the surrounding area through the
use of coatings, landscaping, and/or screening walls, enclosures or other stealth
technology.
(g) Electrical meter cabinets, if required, shall the screened to blend in with the
surrounding area.
(h) Associated equipment attached to a small wireless telecommunications facility
support structure shall have such vertical clearance as the Planning Board or in the
case of a variance, the Board of Appeals may determine and an applicable utility
company may require.
(2) Wind and ice. All small wireless telecommunications facilities structures shall be
designed to withstand the effects of wind gusts and ice to the standard designed by
the American National Standards Institute as prepared by the engineering
departments of the Electronics Industry Association and Telecommunications
Industry Association(ANSI/EIA/TIA-222, as amended).
(3) Aviation safety. Small wireless facilities shall comply with all federal and state laws
and regulations concerning aviation safety, including but not limited to, the
regulations of the FAA.
(4) Public safety communications. Small wireless telecommunications facilities shall not
interfere with public safety communications or the reception of broadband,television,
radio or other communications services enjoyed by occupants of nearby properties.
(5) Radio frequency emissions. A small wireless telecommunications facility shall not,
by itself or in conjunction with other wireless telecommunications facilities, generate
radio frequency emissions in excess of the standards and regulations of the FCC,
including, but not limited to, the FCC Office of Engineering Technology Bulletin 65,
entitled"Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio
Frequency Electromagnetic Fields," as amended.
(6) Small wireless telecommunications facilities shall be no higher than the minimum
height necessary. The proposed height, which may be in excess of the maximum
height permitted for other structures in the applicable zone, shall address any
additional height necessary to accommodate collocation by additional antenna
arrays or small cells,but under no circumstances is the height to be in excess of what
is permitted for small wireless telecommunications facilities.
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(7)Visibility
(a) A small wireless telecommunications facility shall be sited so as to have the least-
adverse visual effect on the environment and its character, on existing vegetation
and on the residents in the area of the site.
(b) Both the small wireless telecommunications facility and any and all associated
equipment shall maximize the use of building materials, colors and textures
designed that blend with the structure to which it may be affixed and/or harmonize
with the natural surroundings.
(c) Small wireless telecommunications facilities shall not be artificially lit or marked,
except as required by law. If lighting is required, the applicant shall present a
photometric analysis that shows that the applicant will use best practices for
mitigating the impact of lighting.
(d) Where deemed appropriate by the Planning Board, electrical and land-based
telephone or fiber lines extended to serve the small wireless telecommunications
facility sites shall be installed underground.
(e) Stealth technologies shall be employed in an effort to blend into the surrounding
environment and minimize aesthetic impact.
(f) Landscaping shall be provided, where appropriate.
(8) Small wireless telecommunications facilities and any associated equipment in the public
right-of-way shall also comply with the procedures and requirements set forth in chapter
187 of the Town Code relating to construction activities within the public right-of-way.
To the extent any provisions in section 187 are inconsistent with the provisions set forth
in this section, the provisions in this section shall control.
(9) Maintenance. To the extent permitted by law, the following maintenance requirements
shall apply:
(a) Small wireless telecommunications facilities shall be fully automated and not
require in-person attendance on a daily basis and shall be visited only for
maintenance, replacement or emergency repair.
(b) Such maintenance shall be performed to ensure the upkeep of the facility in order to
maintain an acceptable appearance and promote the safety and security of the Town.
(c) All maintenance activities shall utilize the best available technology for preventing
failures and accidents.
(d) Any graffiti on any small wireless telecommunications facility support structure or
any associated equipment shall be removed at the sole expense of the owner within
ten(10) days upon notification by the Town.
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(10) Priorities.
A. The locations listed (a) through (f) below are the locations for small wireless
telecommunications facilities within the Town listed in the order of preferred locations
with (a) being the most desirable location and (f) being the least desirable location.
Applicants for small wireless communication facilities shall categorize the site that they
propose according to the following priorities or shall advise that the proposed site does
not fall into any of the categories.
(a) Collocation on existing utility poles, monopoles, or other small wireless
telecommunications facility support structures on lands owned or controlled by the
Town,
(b) Collocation on a site with existing small wireless telecommunications facilities or
other wireless telecommunications facility structures in the Town,
(c) On the Town-owned properties listed in section 240-19.1 H (1),
(d) On lands owned or controlled by other municipal corporations within the Town, to
the extent permitted by such other municipal corporation,
(e) On nonresidential zoned properties, and
(f) Within public rights of way.
(B) If the proposed site is not in the most preferred category, the applicant must supply a
detailed explanation as to why a site in a more preferred category was not selected. The
applicant also must satisfactorily demonstrate why approval should be granted for the
proposed site and the hardship that would be incurred if the application were not approved.
Stating that the proposed site has already been leased or purchased is not a satisfactory
demonstration of why approval should be granted for the proposed site.
(C) If collocation is not proposed, the applicant must provide a compelling reason why
collocation it is not being proposed.
(D) Notwithstanding the above, the Planning Board may approve a less preferred site if it
finds that the proposed site will further the purposes of this section, is in the best interest of
the safety, public welfare, character and environment of the Town and will not have a
deleterious effect on the nature and character of the community and surrounding properties.
H. Application when a wireless telecommunications facility is proposed for Town
property,
(1) New wireless telecommunications facilities and the collocation of such facilities shall be
permitted only on the following properties owned by the Town:
The Weaver Street firehouse
The Maxwell Avenue site
The Town owned building in Memorial Park
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Town owned parking lots
Public rights-of-way
The Ambulance Building on Weaver Street
The Hommocks Ice Rink
The Town Center
The Senior Center and
The Sheldrake Environmental Center
(2) This section shall not be construed so as to create a right or entitlement to use Town
property for a wireless telecommunications facility.
(3) Applications for a wireless telecommunications facility to be located upon Town-owned
property must satisfy the same requirements and undergo the same type of review as a
wireless telecommunications facility located on privately owned property must satisfy
and undergo.
(4) (a) Before the Building Inspector can issue a small wireless permit for a small wireless
telecommunications facility or pole to be installed within the public right-of-way, a right of
way agreement between the person or entity that will operate the small wireless
telecommunications facility and the Town must be executed by both parties.
(b) The term of the right of way agreement shall not exceed fifteen (15) years, shall
contain the conditions imposed by the Town Board when it approved the wireless
telecommunications facility and require, among other things, that the operator maintain
liability insurance with coverage for an amount that is reasonable under the circumstances.
A form right of way agreement shall be maintained by the Building Department.
(5) In addition to other fees that may be imposed pursuant to this section every wireless
telecommunications facility located in a right-of-way shall pay an annual fee for the use and
occupancy of the right-of-way.
I. Provisions applicable to applications for both macro wireless telecommunications
facilities and small wireless telecommunications facilities
(1) All proposed wireless telecommunications facilities (a) shall be sited so as to minimize
visual intrusion as much as possible given the facts and circumstances involved with the
proposed site and facility, (b) where appropriate, will employ stealth technologies as
directed by the applicable municipal board (Town Board, Planning Board or Board of
Appeals), and (c) will be designed, engineered and constructed so as to have the least-
adverse visual and sonic effect on the environment, the character of the community and
surrounding properties.
(2) The Town Board, the Planning Board or the Board of Appeals may retain outside
consultants, including,but not limited to, radio frequency engineers and other wireless
telecommunications consultants to assist it in reviewing an application made pursuant
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to this section., The Board may require an applicant to establish, fund and replenish an
escrow account to pay the fees and related costs incurred by the Board for outside
consultants The outside consultant(s) will conduct an independent investigation and
analysis of all applicable data relating to existing and proposed wireless
telecommunications facilities, including whether there exists a considerable area(s) of
less than reliable service in coverage and/or capacity and whether the proposed wireless
telecommunications facility will improve service in the area(s) of less than reliable
service. The outside consultant(s) also shall conduct an independent review and
assessment of alternate sites and other technologies that may improve service in the
area(s) of less reliable service and have a less intrusive impact upon the neighborhood
than the site and/or the technology proposed by the applicant.
(3) A wireless telecommunication facility shall be removed within one hundred (180) days
of being decommissioned by the person in control of that facility when the facility is
decommissioned. The property upon which the facility was constructed must be left in
a safe condition when the removal is completed
J. Exemptions.
(1) The following actions shall not require site plan approval, a special permit or a small wireless
permit:
(a) a change in the dimensions of a wireless telecommunications facility if such change is not
substantial.
(b) a modification to, or the replacement of, an existing wireless telecommunications facility
that does not substantially change the existing wireless telecommunications facility.
(c) the repair and/or maintenance of an existing wireless telecommunications facility.
(d) collocation; provided (a) the existing tower, building or structure to which the proposed
antennae are to be mounted or installed has been granted all necessary approvals by the
appropriate approving authorities, (b) was designed to receive the proposed collocation,
(c)will not substantially increase the existing wireless support structure and(d) complies
with the special permit and site plan approval (in the case of a macro wireless
telecommunications facility) or the small wireless permit (in the case of a small wireless
telecommunications facility) and all conditions attached thereto and would not create a
condition for which a variance would be required or for which relief would be required
pursuant to any other applicable law, rule or regulation.
(e) installation of a personal wireless telecommunications device designed for in-home or in-
office use that either provides telecommunications or to boost an existing signal for
telecommunications; provided that there are no installations outside the walls of the
building in which the device is installed and that such device(s)shall be FCC approved to
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not interfere with public safety communications or the reception of broadband,television,
radio or other communications services enjoyed by occupants of nearby properties .
(2) Chapter 75 of the Code shall not apply to the alteration, expansion, replacement
construction, installation, or the preparation of a site for any of the foregoing activities of
a wireless telecommunications facility.
(3) Chapter 114 of the Code shall not apply to applications for site plan approval or for a
special permit for a wireless telecommunications facility.
Section 3-Amendment of a current section of the Mamaroneck Code:
Section 240-30 of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck is amended to add the following to
paragraph B thereof:
B. Special permit uses, subject to conformance to additional standards as provided herein and in
Article IX (§§240-60 to 240-65)
(9) wireless telecommunications facilities
Section 4-Amendment of a current section of the Mamaroneck Code:
Section 240-31 of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck is amended to add the following to
paragraph B thereof:
B. Special uses.
(10)wireless telecommunications facilities
Section 5-Amendment of a current section of the Mamaroneck Code:
Section 240-21.1 of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck is amended to delete the current
paragraph B (3) and replace it with the following:
B. Special permit uses;requirements.
(3) wireless telecommunications facilities
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Section 6-Amendment of a current section of the Mamaroneck Code:
Section 240-32 (A) of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck is amended to delete paragraph (6)
and section 240-32 (B) of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck is amended toad the following:
B. Special uses
(2)wireless telecommunications facilities
Section 7-Severability:
Should any provision of this Local Law be declared invalid or unconstitutional by any
court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration of unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not
affect any other provisions of this Local Law, which may be implemented without the invalid or
unconstitutional provisions.
Section 8-Effective Date:
This Local Law shall become effective upon filing with the Secretary of State.
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