City Attorney
Roger Baker
Tooele City Attorney
90 North Main Street
Tooele, UT 84074
Phone: 435.843.2120
Fax: 435.843.2129
Title 5. Chapter 27. Wireless Communication Services
Article I. Declaration of Findings and Intent—Scope of Ordinance.
5-27-1. Findings regarding right-of-way.
(a) are critical to the travel and transport of persons and property in the business and social life of the City;
(b) are intended for public uses and must be managed and controlled consistent with that intent;
(c) can be partially occupied by the facilities of utilities and other public service entities delivering utility and public services rendered for profit to the enhancement of the health, welfare, and general economic well-being of the City and its citizens; and,
(d) are a unique and physically limited resource requiring proper management to maximize the efficiency and to minimize the costs to the taxpayers of the allowed uses and to minimize the inconvenience to and negative effects upon the public from such facilities construction, placement, relocation, and maintenance in the right-of-way.
(2) Finding Regarding Compensation. The City finds the right to occupy portions of the right-of-way for limited times for the business of providing personal wireless services is a valuable use of a unique public resource that has been acquired and is maintained at great expense to the City and its taxpayers, and, therefore, the taxpayers of the City should receive fair and reasonable compensation for use of the rights-of-way.
(3) Finding Regarding Local Concern. The City finds that while wireless communication facilities are in part an extension of interstate commerce, their operations also involve and affect the rights-of-way, municipal franchising, and vital business and community services, which are of local concern.
(4) Finding Regarding Promotion of Wireless Communication Services. The City finds that it is in the best interests of its taxpayers and citizens to promote the rapid and orderly development of wireless communication services, on a nondiscriminatory basis, responsive to community and public interests, and to assure availability for municipal, educational, and community purposes.
(5) Findings Regarding Franchise Standards. The City finds that it is in the best interests of the public to franchise and to establish standards for franchising providers in a manner that:
(a) compensates the City fairly and reasonably on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, as provided herein;
(b) encourages competition by establishing terms and conditions under which providers may use the rights-of-way to serve the public;
(c) protects fully the public interests and the City from any harm that may flow from such commercial use of rights-of-way;
(d) protects the police powers and right-of-way management authority of the City, in a manner consistent with federal and state law;
(e) otherwise protects the public interests in the development and use of the City’s infrastructure;
(f) protects the public’s investment in improvements in the rights-of-way; and,
(g) ensures that no barriers to entry by wireless communication service providers are created and that such franchising is accomplished in a manner that does not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting personal wireless services, within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (“Act”) (P.L. No. 96-104).
(6) Power to Manage Rights-of-Way. The City adopts the wireless communication services ordinance codified in this Chapter pursuant to its power to manage the public rights-of-way, pursuant to common law, the Utah Constitution and statutory authority, and the City Charter, and to receive fair and reasonable compensation for the use of rights-of-way by providers as expressly set forth by Section 253 of the Act.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-2. Scope of ordinance.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-3. Excluded activity.
(2) Wireline Services. This Chapter shall not apply to wireline service facilities.
(3) Provisions Applicable. All of the requirements imposed by this Chapter through the exercise of the City’s police power and not preempted by other law shall be applicable.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article II. Defined Terms.
5-27-4. Definitions.
“Antenna” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(1), as amended.
“Applicable codes” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(2), as amended.
“Applicable standards” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(3), as amended.
“Applicant” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(4), as amended.
“Application” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(5), as amended.
“Backhaul network” means the lines that connect a provider’s WCFs to one or more cellular telephone switching offices or long distance providers, or the public switched telephone network.
“City” means Tooele City Corporation and Tooele City, Utah.
“Collocate” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(11), as amended. Except as otherwise allowed by this Chapter, the cumulative impact of colocation at a site is limited to no more than 6 cubic feet in volume for antennas and antenna arrays, and no more than 28 cubic feet in volume of associated equipment, whether deployed on the ground or on the structure itself.
“Construction costs” means all costs of constructing a system, including make ready costs, other than engineering fees, attorney’s or accountant’s fees, or other consulting fees.
“Control” or “controlling interest” means actual working control in whatever manner exercised, including working control through ownership, management, debt instruments, or negative control, as the case may be, of the system or of a provider. A rebuttable presumption of the existence of control or a controlling interest shall arise from the beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, by any person, or group of persons acting in concert, of more than 35% of any provider (which person or group of persons is hereinafter referred to as “controlling person”). “Control” or “controlling interest” as used herein may be held simultaneously by more than one person or group of persons.
“Distributed antenna system” or “DAS” means a network consisting of transceiver equipment at a central hub site to support multiple antenna locations throughout the desired coverage area.
“FAA” means the Federal Aviation Administration, or any successor thereto.
“FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission, or any successor thereto.
“Franchise” means the rights and obligations extended by the City to a provider to own, lease, construct, maintain, use, or operate a wireless communication system in a right-of-way within the boundaries of the City. Any such authorization, in whatever form granted, shall not mean or include the following: (1) any other permit or authorization required for the privilege of transacting and carrying on a business within the City required by the ordinances and laws of the City; or, (2) any other permit, agreement, or authorization required in connection with operations on right-of-way or public property, including permits and agreements for placing devices on or in poles, conduits, or other structures, whether owned by the City or a private entity, or for excavating or performing other work in or along the right-of-way.
“Franchise agreement” means a contract entered into in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter between the City and a provider that sets forth, subject to this Chapter, the terms and conditions under which a wireless franchise will be exercised.
“In-strand antenna” means an antenna that is suspended by or along a wireline between utility poles and is not physically supported by any attachments to a base station, utility support structure, or tower. An in-strand antenna may not exceed 3 cubic feet in volume. For each in-strand antenna, its associated equipment, whether deployed on the ground or on the structure itself, may not be larger than 17 cubic feet in volume. In calculating equipment volume, the volume of power meters and vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services shall be excluded. In-strand antennas in the rights-of-way are exempt from the requirements of Chapter 7-27 (Personal Wireless Telecommunications Facilities), but shall comply with the provisions of this Chapter.
“Infrastructure provider” means a person providing to another, for the purpose of providing personal wireless services to customers, all or part of the necessary system which uses the right-of-way.
“Macrocell” means a wireless communication facility that provides radio frequency coverage served by a high power cell site (tower, antenna, or mast). Generally, macro cell antennas are mounted on ground-based towers, rooftops, and other existing structures, at a height that provides a clear view over the surrounding buildings and terrain. Macro cell facilities are typically greater than 3 cubic feet per antenna and typically cover large geographic areas with relatively high capacity and are capable of hosting multiple wireless service providers. For purposes of this Chapter, a macrocell is anything other than a small wireless facility or in-strand antenna. In addition to the requirements of this Chapter, a macrocell must comply with the applicable zoning and land use requirements as Personal Wireless Services Facilities under Chapter 7-27 (Personal Wireless Telecommunications Facilities).
“Micro wireless facility” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(21), as amended.
“Ordinance” or “wireless ordinance” means the ordinance concerning the granting of wireless franchises in and by the City for the construction, ownership, operation, use, or maintenance of a wireless communication system.
“Person” includes any individual, corporation, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, or any other legal entity, but not the City.
“Personal wireless services facilities” has the same meaning as provided in Section 704 of the Act (47 U.S.C. Section 332(c)(7)(c)), which includes what is commonly known as cellular services.
“PSC” means the Public Service Commission, or any successor thereto.
“Right-of-way” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(24), as amended.
“Site” means the location in the right-of-way of a wireless communication facility, a utility pole, or their associated equipment.
“Small wireless facility” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(35), as amended. Small wireless facilities in the rights-of-way are exempt from the requirements of Chapter 7-27 (Personal Wireless Telecommunication Facilities).
“Stealth design” means technology or installation methods that minimize the visual impact of wireless communication facilities by camouflaging, disguising, screening, or blending into the surrounding environment. Examples of stealth design include facilities disguised as trees (e.g., monopines), utility and light poles, and street furniture.
“Substantial modification” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(26), as amended.
“Telecommunications” means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing (e.g., data, video, voice), without change in the form or content of the information sent and received.
“Telecommunications services” or “services” means any telecommunications or communications services provided by a provider within the City that the provider is authorized to provide under federal, state, and local law, and any equipment and/or facilities required for and integrated with the services provided within the City, except that these terms do not include “cable service” as defined in the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (47 U.S.C. Section 521, et seq.), and the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
“Telecommunications system” or “system” means all conduits, manholes, poles, antennas, transceivers, amplifiers, and all other electronic devices, equipment, wire, and appurtenances owned, leased, or used by a provider, located in the right-of-way and utilized in the provision of services, including fully digital or analog, voice, data, and video imaging and other enhanced telecommunications services.
“Utility pole” or “pole” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(28), as amended.
“Transmission equipment” means equipment that facilitates transmission for any FCC-licensed or authorized wireless communication service, including radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, and regular and backup power supply. The term includes equipment associated with wireless communications services, including private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services, such as, microwave backhaul.
“Wire” means fiber optic telecommunications cable, wire, coaxial cable, or other transmission medium that may be used in lieu thereof for similar purposes.
“Wireless facility,” “wireless communication facility,” or “WCF” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(29), as amended.
“Wireless provider” or “provider” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(31), as amended.
“Wireless service” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(32), as amended.
“Wireless support structure” is defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-2-101(34), as amended.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article III. Wireless Franchise Required.
5-27-5. Nonexclusive wireless franchise.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-6. Every provider must obtain.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-7. Nature of grant.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-8. Current providers.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-9. Nature of wireless franchise.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-10. Regulatory approval needed.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-11. Term.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article IV. Compensation and Other Payments.
5-27-12. Compensation.
(1) Application Fees. A provider shall pay the following application fees for the respective applications in accordance with Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-503, as amended:
(a) $100 for each small wireless facility;
(b) $250 for each utility pole associated with a small wireless facility; and, (c) $1000 for each utility pole or WCF that is not permitted under Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-204, as amended.
(2) Right-of-Way Rate. A provider shall pay a right-of-way rate of the greater of 3.5% of all gross revenues related to the provider’s use of the City’s right-of-way for small wireless facilities or $250 annually for each small wireless facility in accordance with Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-502(2). A provider does not have to the pay this rate if it is subject to the municipal telecommunications license tax under Title 10, Part 4, Municipal Telecommunications License Tax Act.
(3) Permit Fees. The provider shall also pay fees required for any permit necessary to install and maintain the proposed WCF or utility pole.
(4) Authority Pole Collocation Rate. The City adopts the authority pole collocation rate as established in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-504, as amended.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-13. Timing.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-14. Fee statement and certification.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-15. Future costs.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-16. Taxes and assessments.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-17. Interest on late payments.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-18. No accord and satisfaction.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-19. Not in lieu of other taxes or fees.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-20. Continuing obligation and holdover.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-21. Costs of publication.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article V. Wireless Franchise Applications.
5-27-22. Wireless franchise application.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-23. Application criteria.
(1) A copy of the order from the PSC granting a certificate of convenience and necessity, if any is necessary for provider’s offering of wireless communication services within the state of Utah.
(2) An annually renewed performance bond or letter of credit from a Utah-licensed financial institution in the amount of $25,000 to compensate the City for any damage caused by the provider to the City’s rights-of-way or property during the term of the franchise agreement or the provider’s abandonment of WCFs within a year after the expiration or termination of the franchise agreement.
(3) A copy of the provider’s FCC license or registration, if applicable.
(4) An insurance certificate for the provider that lists the City as an additional insured and complies with the requirements of the franchise agreement.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-24. Wireless franchise determination.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-25. Incomplete application.
(1) The application is incomplete.
(2) The City provided notice to the applicant that the application was incomplete and provided, with reasonable specificity, the information needed to complete the application.
(3) The provider did not provide the requested information within 30 days of the notice.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article VI. Site Applications.
5-27-26. Franchise necessary.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-27. Site preference.
(1) To install in-strand antennas.
(2) To collocate on existing poles.
(3) To collocate on replacement poles in the same or nearly the same location and with such heights as provided in this Chapter or in the franchise.
(4) Lastly, to collocate on new poles.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-28. Poles adjacent to residential properties.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-29. Height and size restrictions.
(2) For a utility pole existing on or before September 1, 2018, an antenna of a WCF may not extend more than 10 feet above the top of the utility pole.
(3) A small wireless facility and its associated equipment may not exceed the dimensions set forth in Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-101(25), as amended.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-30. Safety.
(1) Interfere materially with the safe operation of traffic control equipment.
(2) Interfere materially with a sight line or clear zone for vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(3) Interfere materially with compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq., or a similar federal or state standard regarding pedestrian access or movement.
(4) Create a public health or safety hazard.
(5) Obstruct or hinder the usual travel or public safety of the right-of-way.
(6) Violate any applicable law or legal obligation.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-31. Equipment.
(a) Existing utility poles. If a WCF is collocated on an existing utility pole, the WCF’s associated equipment may be installed in one of the following methods.
(i) Within a pole. Any equipment installed within a pole may not protrude from the pole except to the extent reasonably necessary to connect to power or to a wireline.
(ii) On a pole. Any equipment enclosure installed on a pole must:
(A) be flush with the pole;
(B) be painted to reasonably match the color of the pole;
(C) not exceed in width the diameter of the pole by more than 3 inches on either side;
(D) not allow the furthest point of the enclosure to extend more than 18 inches from the pole; and,
(E) be installed flush with the grade or, alternatively, the lowest point may not be lower than 8 feet from the grade directly below the equipment enclosure.
(iii) Underground. Any equipment installed underground shall be located in a park strip within the City’s rights-of-way and shall be installed and maintained level with the surrounding grade.
(iv) Private property. For any equipment installed on private property, the applicant must provide written permission from the property owner allowing the applicant to locate facilities on the property. If equipment is placed in an enclosure, the enclosure shall be designed to blend in with existing surroundings, using architecturally compatible construction, colors, and landscaping, and shall be located as unobtrusively as possible consistent with the proper functioning of the WCF. Equipment placed on private property may be subject to zoning and land use provisions of Title 7 (Uniform Zoning Title of Tooele City).
(b) Replacement utility poles. If a WCF is collocated on a replacement utility pole, the WCF’s associated equipment may be installed in the following manner.
(i) To the extent technologically and economically feasible, a provider must install the WCF’s associated equipment within the replacement utility pole in accordance with Subsection (1)(a)(i). (ii) If the installation of the WCF’s equipment within the replacement utility pole is not technologically or economically feasible, a provider may install the WCF’s associated equipment in accordance with any of the methods established in Subsection (1)(a)(ii)-(iv).
(c) New utility poles. If a WCF is collocated on a new utility pole, a provider must install the WCF’s associated equipment within the pole in accordance with Subsection (1)(a)(i) or (iv).
(2) As required for the operation of a WCF or its equipment, an electric meter may be installed in accordance with requirements from the electric provider; provided, however, that the electric meter must be installed in the location that (1) minimizes its interference with other users of the City’s rights-of-way, including pedestrians, motorists, and other entities with equipment in the right-of-way, and (2) minimizes any negative aesthetic impact.
(3) The City shall not provide an exemption to these requirements when there is insufficient room in the right-of-way to place facilities at ground-level and comply with ADA requirements, public safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, or other articulable public safety concerns.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-32. Undergrounding.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-33. Visual impact.
(2) Integration. WCFs and equipment shall be integrated through location and design to blend in with the existing characteristics of the site. Such WCFs shall be designed to be compatible with the built environment through matching and complimentary existing structures and specific design considerations, such as, architectural designs, height, scale, color, and texture, or be consistent with other uses and improvements permitted in the relevant vicinity, e.g., city block.
(3) Decorative poles. If a provider must displace a decorative pole to collocate a small wireless facility, the replacement pole must reasonably conform to the design aesthetic of the displaced decorative pole.
(4) Downtown Overlay. Subject to Utah Code Ann. § 54-21208, as amended, a provider’s design and location must be approved prior to collocating a new small wireless facility or installing a new utility pole in the Downtown Overlay zoning district (DO) and any neighboring area within a ¼ mile.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-34. Stealth design/technology.
(2) Stealth design requires screening WCFs in order to reduce visual impact. The provider must screen all substantial portions of the facility from view. Such screening should match the color and finish of the attached support structure.
(3) All WCFs shall be fully encased and enclosed with no exposed wiring.
(4) WCFs and their associated equipment must be installed flush with any pole or support structure (including antennas mounted directly above the top of an existing pole or support structure), and the furthest point of an antenna or equipment may not extend beyond 18 inches from the pole or support structure except if the pole owner requires use of a standoff to comply with federal, state, or local rules, regulations, or laws. Any required standoff may not defeat stealth design and concealment requirements.
(5) Stealth and concealment techniques do not include incorporating faux-tree designs of a kind that are not native to the state.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-35. Lighting.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-36. Signage.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-37. Site design flexibility.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-38. General requirements.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-39. Application review process.
(2) Incomplete application. If the City determines the application is incomplete:
(a) the City will specifically identify the missing information in the written notification to the applicant; and,
(b) the review deadline in Subsection (1) is tolled from the day that the City sends the applicant written notice of the missing information or as the applicant and the City agree in writing.
(3) Shot clocks. The City must approve or deny a complete application within:
(a) 30 days, for the installation of an in-strand antenna;
(b) 60 days, for the collocation of a small wireless facility; or,
(c) 105 days, for a new, modified, or replacement utility pole.
(4) Extension. The City may extend the shot clock deadlines in this Section for an additional 10 business days if the City notifies the applicant before the day in which the deadline expires.
(5) Deemed approved. If the City fails to approve or deny an application before its deadline or extended deadline, the application is deemed approved.
(6) Denial. The City may deny an application that fails to meet the requirements of this Chapter. If the City denies an application, the City will notify the applicant of the denial and document the basis for the denial, including any specific laws on which the denial is based.
(7) Cure. Within 30 days of the City’s denial, the applicant may cure any deficiency identified in the City’s denial and resubmit its application without paying an additional application fee. The resubmitted application shall highlight the additional and revised information and materials. The City must approve or deny the resubmitted application within 30 days of its receipt. The City may only review the portions of the application that were missing, deficient, or revised.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-40. Application consolidation and submission limit.
(a) the collocation of up to 25 small wireless facilities, if all the small wireless facilities in the application are substantially the same type and are proposed for collocation on substantially the same types of structures; or,
(b) the installation, modification, or replacement of up to 25 utility poles.
(2) A consolidated application may not combine the collocation of small wireless facilities and the installation, modification, or replacement of utility poles.
(3) Submission limit. Within a 30-day period, an applicant may not file more than one consolidated application or multiple applications that collectively seek for a combined total of more than 25 small wireless facilities and utility poles.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-41. Expired application.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-42. Site permit approval.
(1) must complete the work approved within the scope of the permit and must make the small wireless facility operational within 270 days after the day on which the City issues the permit, unless the lack of commercial power or communications facilities at the site delays completion, in which case the 270 days begins to run on the date commercial power or communications facilities are accessible at the site;
(2) is authorized to operate and maintain any small wireless facility or utility pole covered by the permit for a period of 10 years from the date of approval; and,
(3) is not authorized to provide communications service within the rights-of-way or to install, place, or operate any other facility or structure in the rights-of-way.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-43. Site permit renewal.
(a) the location of the permitted site;
(b) the type of site permit; and,
(c) sufficient evidence that the WCF or utility pole meets or exceeds the requirements of this Chapter at the time of renewal.
(2) A site permit renewal may not be approved unless the covered WCF or utility pole is in compliance with this Chapter at the time the site permit renewal application is submitted.
(3) A site permit renewal application will have the same application fee and review process as a collocation application.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-44. Exemptions.
(a) routine maintenance;
(b) the replacement of a small wireless facility with a small wireless facility that is:
(i) substantially similar; or,
(ii) smaller in size; or;
(c) the installation, placement, maintenance, operation, or replacement of a micro wireless facility that is strung on a cable between existing utility poles in compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code.
(2) A provider must obtain a street excavation permit as required under Chapter 4-9 for any activities that require excavation or closing of sidewalks or vehicular lanes in a right-of-way.
(3) A provider must provide the City with 14 days prior written notice, with sufficient supporting documentation, of any of the activities described in this Section. For example, the notice of the replacement of a small wireless facility that is substantially similar to an existing small wireless facility must include documentation that demonstrates that the replacement small wireless facility meets the requirements of being substantially similar.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-45. Exceptions to standards.
(2) A WCF’s exception is subject to approval by the City.
(3) An application for a WCF exception shall include the following.
(a) A written statement demonstrating how the exception would meet the standards established in this Chapter.
(b) A site plan that includes the following:
(i) a description of the proposed facility’s design and dimensions, as it would appear with and without the exception;
(ii) elevations showing all components of the WCF, as it would appear with and without the exception;
(iii) color simulations of the WCF after construction demonstrating compatibility with the vicinity, as it would appear with and without the exception; and,
(iv) an explanation that demonstrates the following:
(A) for macrocells, a significant gap in the coverage, capacity, or technologies of the service network exists such that users are frequently unable to connect to the service network, are regularly unable to maintain a connection, or are unable to achieve reliable wireless coverage within a building;
(B) the gap can only be filled through an exception to one or more of the standards herein;
(C) the exception is narrowly tailored to fill the service gap such that the WCF conforms to the standards established in this Chapter to the greatest extent possible; and,
(D) the manner in which the applicant proposes to fill the significant gap in coverage, capacity, or technologies of the service network is the least intrusive means on the values that these regulations seek to protect; and,
(v) any other information requested by the City in order to review the exception.
(4) An application for a WCF exception shall be granted if the exception is consistent with the purpose of the standard for which the exception is sought.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-46. Application to install macrocell or unpermitted utility pole.
(2) Macrocells and utility poles that are not permitted under Utah Code Ann. § 54-21-204, as amended, are not subject to the application approval process established in Section 5-27-39 (Application review process). As such, this Section implements, in part, 47 U.S.C. Section 332(c)(7) of the Federal Communications Act of 1934, as amended, as interpreted by the FCC in its Report and Order No. 14-153.
(3) Application review for nonpermitted macrocells and utility poles.
(a) The City shall prepare and make publicly available an application form, the requirements of which shall be limited to the information necessary for the City to consider whether an application is a request to install a nonpermitted macrocell or utility pole.
(b) Upon receipt of an application for a nonpermitted macrocell or utility pole pursuant to this Section, the City shall review the application, make a final decision to approve or disapprove the application, and advise the applicant in writing of the City’s final decision.
(c) Within 150 days of the date on which an applicant submits an application seeking approval of a nonpermitted macrocell or utility pole under this Section, the City shall review and act upon the application, subject to the tolling provisions below.
(d) The 150-day review period begins to run when the application is filed and may be tolled only by mutual written agreement between the City and the applicant, or in cases where the City determines that the application is incomplete.
(i) To toll the time frame for reason of incompleteness, the City must provide written notice to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application, specifically delineating all missing documents or information required in the application.
(ii) The time frame for review begins running again when the applicant makes a supplemental submission in response to the City’s notice of incompleteness.
(iii) Following a supplemental submission, the City will notify the applicant within 10 days that the supplemental submission did not provide the information identified in the original notice delineating missing information. The time frame is tolled in the case of second or subsequent notices pursuant to the procedures identified in this Section. Second or subsequent notices of incompleteness need not specify missing documents or information that were delineated in the original notice of incompleteness.
(e) Failure to Act. In the event the City fails to approve or deny a complete application under this Section within the time frame for review (accounting for any tolling), the applicant shall be entitled to pursue all remedies under applicable law.
(4) In addition to the information required in Section 5-27-38 (General requirements), a nonpermitted macrocell or utility pole application must also include the following information.
(a) The manufacturer’s recommended installation, if any.
(b) A written affirmation for the applicant that the macrocell or utility pole meets or exceeds all applicable codes, applicable standards, and federal, state, and local requirements, laws, regulations, and polices.
(c) A map that indicates the type and separation distance of other WCFs owned or operated by the same wireless provider from the proposed WCF.
(d) A visual analysis including to-scale photo and visual simulations that show unobstructed before-and-after construction daytime and clear-weather views from at least two angles, together with a map that shows the location of each view including all equipment and ground wires. Such visual analysis must include a description, drawing, and elevations with the finished color, method of camouflage, and any illumination.
(e) A detailed explanation justifying why the WCF is required in the right-of-way. The applicant must demonstrate in a clear and complete written alternative sites analysis that multiple alternatives in the geographic range of the service coverage objectives of the applicant were considered. This includes, but is not limited to, explaining why the installation of permitted small wireless facilities and the installation of a macrocell on non-right-of-way property, the latter pursuant to Chapter 7-27 (Personal Wireless Telecommunications Facilities), are insufficient. This analysis must include a factually detailed and meaningful comparative analysis between each alternative candidate and the proposed site that explains the substantive reasons why the applicant rejected the alternative candidate.
(i) A complete alternative sites analysis provided under this subsection may not include less than 5 alternative sites unless the applicant provides a factually detailed rationale for why it could not identify at least 5 potentially available sites.
(ii) For purposes of disqualifying potential alternative sites for the failure to meet the applicant’s service coverage objectives the applicant must provide the following:
(A) a description of its objective, whether it be to close a gap or address a deficiency in coverage, capacity, frequency, or technology;
(B) detailed technical maps or other exhibits with clear and concise RF data to illustrate that the objective is not met using the alternative; and,
(C) a description of why the alternative does not meet the objective.
(f) An explanation that demonstrates the following.
(i) A significant gap in the coverage, capacity, or technologies of the service network exists such that users are frequently unable to connect to the service network, are regularly unable to maintain a connection, or are unable to achieve reliable wireless coverage within a building.
(ii) The gap can only be filled through an exception to one or more of the standards contained in this Chapter.
(iii) The exception is narrowly tailored to fill the service gap such that WCF conforms to the standards contained in this Chapter to the greatest extent possible.
(iv) The manner in which the applicant proposes to fill the significant gap in coverage, capacity, or technologies of the service network is the least intrusive means on the values that these regulations seek to protect.
(g) A noise study for the proposed WCF and all associated equipment. The application shall provide manufacturer’s specifications for all noise-generating equipment, such as air conditioning units and back-up generators, and a depiction of the equipment location in relation to adjoining properties. The applicant shall provide a noise study prepared and sealed by a qualified Utah-license Professional Engineer that demonstrates that the WCF will comply with the intent and goals of this Chapter.
(h) The proposed WCF may not be closer than the average distance between existing poles that are within 1 mile of the proposed site. If no poles exist within 1 mile of proposed pole site, then all subsequently placed poles must be at least 250 feet from each other.
(i) The design of a new pole must comply with the requirements of this Chapter and be approved by the City.
(j) An affidavit certifying that the applicant has posted or mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet of the proposed WCF site.
(i) This requirement is not necessary to have been completed at the time the application is submitted, but is required to be completed prior to approval of a permit.
(ii) The notice shall provide the following information:
(A) the applicant’s name and contact information;
(B) a phone number for the provider by which an individual could request additional information;
(C) a scaled site plan clearly indicating the location, type, height, and width of the proposed tower, separation distances, adjacent roadways, photo simulations, a depiction of all proposed transmission equipment, setbacks from property lines and the nearest buildings, and elevation drawings or renderings of the proposed tower and any other structures; and,
(D) language that states “If you have any public safety concerns or comments regarding the aesthetics or placement of this wireless communication facility, please submit your written comments within 14 days to:
Tooele City Corporation ATTN: Community Development Director 90 North Main Street Tooele, Utah 84074
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article VII. Construction and Technical Requirements.
5-27-47. General requirement.
(2) No antenna, small wireless facility, or other equipment may be added to City poles without a pole attachment agreement with the City or where the City poles are not able to structurally accommodate the antenna, small wireless facility, or other equipment.
(3) WCFs that lawfully existed prior to the adoption of this Chapter shall be allowed to continue their use as they presently exist. This Chapter does not make lawful any WCF that is not fully approved on the date the ordinance codified in this Chapter is adopted, and those pending WCFs will be required to meet the requirements of this Chapter.
(4) The applicant must comply with all federal (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act), state, and local laws and requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, participating in Blue Stakes of Utah as required by Utah Code 54-8a-2 through 54-8a-13, as amended.
(5) In the installation of any WCF within the rights-of-way, care must be taken to install in such a way that does not damage, interfere with, or disturb any other utility or entity that may already be located in the right-of-way or vicinity. Any damage done to another utility’s or entity’s property must be immediately reported to both the City and the owner of the damaged property, and must be promptly repaired by the provider, with the provider being responsible for all costs of repair, including any extra charges that may be assessed for emergency repairs. Failure to notify the City and the owner of the damaged property shall constitute cause for revocation of the franchise agreement. When approving the location for a WCF, the location of utilities’ or other entities’ property, or the need for the location of other utilities, within the rights-of-way must be considered before approval to locate the WCF will be given in order to ensure those other services to the public are not disrupted.
(6) All WCFs and utility poles must meet or exceed current standards and regulations of the FAA, the FCC, and any other agency of the state or federal government with the authority to regulate WCFs and utility poles including RF emissions. If such standards and regulations are changed, and if WCF equipment is added either through colocation or replacement, then the owners of the WCFs and utility poles governed by this Chapter shall bring such WCFs and utility poles into compliance with such revised standards and regulations within 6 months of the effective date of such standards and regulations, unless a different compliance schedule is mandated by the controlling state or federal agency. Failure to bring WCFs and utility poles into compliance with such revised standards and regulations shall constitute grounds for the removal of the WCF or utility pole at the owner’s expense.
(7) A WCF or utility pole must comply with all applicable codes and standards.
(8) All structures shall be constructed and installed to manufacturer’s specifications, and constructed to withstand a minimum 100-mile per hour (mph) wind, or the minimum wind speed as required by the City’s currently adopted uniform building code.
(9) The following maintenance requirements apply to WCFs, as applicable.
(a) All landscaping shall be maintained at all times and shall be promptly replaced if not successful.
(b) All WCF sites shall be kept clean, neat, and free of litter and refuse.
(c) A WCF shall be kept clean, painted, and in good condition at all times. Rusting, dirty, or peeling facilities are prohibited.
(d) All equipment cabinets shall display a legible operator’s contact number for reporting maintenance problems.
(e) The applicant shall provide a description of anticipated maintenance needs, including frequency of service, personnel needs, equipment needs, and potential safety impacts of such maintenance.
(10) Inspections.
(a) The City or its agents shall have authority to enter onto the right-of-way upon which a WCF is located to inspect the facility for the purpose of determining whether it complies with the applicable codes and applicable standards.
(b) The City reserves the right to conduct such inspections at any time. In the event such inspection results in a determination that a violation of applicable standards set forth by the City has occurred, the City will notify the provider of the violation.
(c) Upon receipt of a notice of violation, the provider will have 30 days from the date of violation to correct the violation. If the provider fails to correct the violation within the 30-day period, the City may remove the violating WCF or utility pole at the provider’s sole expense.
(d) The City may recover all of its costs incurred in processing and removing the violation.
(e) Appeals. The provider may appeal a notice of violation by following the appeals process found in Chapter 1-28.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-48. Quality.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-49. Licenses and permits.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-50. Relocation of the system.
(2) Emergency. The City may, at any time, in case of fire, disaster, or other emergency, as determined by the City in its reasonable discretion, cut or move any parts of the wireless communication system and appurtenances located on, over, or under the right-of-way of the City, in which event the City shall not be liable therefor to a provider. The City shall notify a provider in writing prior to, if practicable, but in any event as soon as possible and in no case later than the next business day following any action taken under this Section. Notice shall be given as provided in Section 5-27-74 (Notices).
(3) Temporarily Move System for Third Party. A provider shall, upon prior reasonable written notice by the City or by any person holding a permit to move any structure, and within the time that is reasonable under the circumstances, temporarily move any part of its wireless communication system to allow the moving of the structure. A provider may impose a reasonable charge on any person other than the City for any such movement of its systems.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-51. Protect structures.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-52. No obstruction.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-53. Safety precautions.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-54. Damage and repair.
(2) If the provider fails to make a repair required by the City within a reasonable time after written notice, the City may make the required repair and charge the provider the reasonable, documented, actual cost for the repair.
(3) If the provider’s damage causes an urgent safety hazard, the City may immediately make the necessary repair and charge the provider the reasonable, documented, actual cost for the repair.
(4) The provider shall pay to the City the entire amount of the repair within 30 days of receiving of the City’s invoice.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article VIII. Provider Responsibilities.
5-27-55. System maintenance.
(1) Install and maintain all parts of its wireless communication system in a non-dangerous condition throughout the entire period of its wireless franchise.
(2) Install and maintain its system in accordance with standard prudent engineering practices and comply with all applicable codes and standards.
(3) At all reasonable times, permit examination by any duly authorized representative of the City of the system and its effect on the right-of-way.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-56. Trimming of trees.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-57. Inventory of existing sites.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article IX. Wireless Franchise and License Transferability.
5-27-58. Notification of sale.
(2) Transfer of Wireless Franchise. Upon receipt of a request to transfer a wireless franchise, the City designee shall, if it approves such transfer, send notice affirming the transfer of the wireless franchise to the successor entity. If the City has good cause to believe that the successor entity may not comply with this Chapter or the wireless franchise agreement, it may require an application for the transfer. The application shall comply with Article V of this Chapter.
(3) If PSC Approval Is No Longer Required. If the PSC no longer exists, or if its regulations or state law no longer require approval of transactions described in this Section, and the City has good cause to believe that the successor entity may not comply with this Chapter or the wireless franchise agreement, it may require an application to transfer. The application shall comply with Article V of this Chapter.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-59. Events of sale.
(1) The sale, assignment, or other transfer of all or a majority of a provider’s assets to another person.
(2) The sale, assignment, or other transfer of capital stock or partnership, membership, or other equity interests in a provider by one or more of its existing shareholders, partners, members, or other equity owners so as to create a new controlling interest in a provider.
(3) The issuance of additional capital stock or partnership, membership, or other equity interest by a provider so as to create a new controlling interest in such a provider.
(4) The entry by a provider into an agreement with respect to the management or operation of such provider or its system.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article X. Oversight and Regulation.
5-27-60. Insurance, indemnity, and security.
(2) Each permit issued for a WCF or utility pole located within the right-of-way or on City property shall be deemed to have as a condition of the permit a requirement that the applicant defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City and its officials, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, and contractors from any and all liability, damages, or charges (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) arising out of claims, suits, demands, or causes of action as a result of the permit process, a granted permit, construction, erection, location, performance, operation, maintenance, repair, installation, replacement, removal, or restoration of the WCF or utility pole.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-61. Oversight.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-62. Maintain records.
(1) On file with the City, a full and complete set of plans, records, and “as-built” hard copy maps and, to the extent the maps are placed in an electronic format, they shall be made in electronic format compatible with the City’s existing GIS system, of all existing and proposed installations and the types of equipment and systems installed or constructed in the rights-of-way, properly identified and described as to the types of equipment and facility by appropriate symbols and marks which shall include annotations of all rights-of-way where work will be undertaken. As used herein, “as-built” maps includes “file construction prints.” Maps shall be drawn to scale. “As-built” maps, including the compatible electronic format, shall be submitted within 30 days of completion of work or within 30 days after completion of modification and repairs. “As-built” maps are not required of a provider who is an incumbent local exchange carrier for the existing system to the extent they do not exist.
(2) Throughout the term of the wireless franchise, a provider shall maintain complete and accurate books of account and records of the business, ownership, and operations of a provider with respect to the system in a manner that allows the City at all times to determine whether a provider is in compliance with the wireless franchise. Should the City reasonably determine that the records are not being maintained in such a manner, a provider shall alter the manner in which the books and/or records are maintained so that a provider comes into compliance with this Section. All financial books and records which are maintained in accordance with the regulations of the FCC and any governmental entity that regulates utilities in the state of Utah, and generally accepted accounting principles, shall be deemed to be acceptable under this Section.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-63. Confidentiality.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-64. Provider’s expense.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-65. Right of inspection.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article XI. Rights of City.
5-27-66. Enforcement and remedies.
(2) In the event that an individual or entity violates this Chapter, the City will notify the violating party of the violation and provide 30 days for the party to cure the violation.
(3) If the violation is not cured within 30 days, the City may:
(a) fine the violating party $500 per day until the violation is cured; and,
(b) terminate or suspend any franchises, permits, or licenses held by the violating party.
(4) If the violation is not cured within 180 days of the City’s notice, the City may remove and impound the violating party’s equipment until the violation has been cured. In no event shall the City be required to keep any equipment in impound for longer than 180 days, and the City may dispose of any impounded equipment after 180 days without penalty.
(5) The violating entity may appeal the City’s notice of violation within 10 days in accordance with Chapter 1-28.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-67. Force majeure.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-68. Extended operation and continuity of services.
(2) Continuation by Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier. If the provider is the incumbent local exchange carrier, it shall be permitted to continue to operate its system and provide services without regard to revocation or expiration, but shall be obligated to negotiate a renewal in good faith.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-69. Removal or abandonment of wireless franchise property.
(2) Removal of abandoned WCF. The City, upon such terms as it may impose, may give a provider written permission to abandon, without removing, any WCF, or portion thereof, directly constructed, operated or maintained under a franchise. Unless such permission is granted or unless otherwise provided in this Chapter, a provider shall remove within a reasonable time the abandoned WCF and shall restore, using prudent construction standards, any affected rights-of-way to their former state at the time the WCF was installed, so as not to impair their usefulness. In removing its WCF, a provider shall refill, at its own expense, any excavation necessarily made by it and shall leave all rights-of-way in as good condition as that prevailing prior to such removal without materially interfering with any electrical or telephone cable or other utility wires, poles, or attachments. The City shall have the right to inspect and approve the condition of the rights-of-way cables, wires, attachments, and poles prior to and after removal. The liability, indemnity, and insurance provisions of this Chapter and of the franchise, and any security fund provided in a franchise, shall continue in full force and effect during the period of removal and until full compliance by a provider with the terms and conditions of this Section.
(3) Transfer of abandoned WCF to City. Upon abandonment of any WCF in place, a provider, if required by the City, shall submit to the City a written instrument, satisfactory in form to the City, transferring to the City the ownership of the abandoned WCF.
(4) Removal of above-ground system. At the expiration of the term for which a franchise is granted, or upon its revocation or earlier expiration, as provided for by this Chapter, in any such case without renewal, extension or transfer, the City shall have the right to require a provider to remove, at its expense, all above-ground portions of a WCF from the rights-of-way, including poles, within a reasonable period of time, which shall not be less than 180 days.
(5) Leaving underground facilities. Notwith-standing anything to the contrary set forth in this Chapter, a provider may abandon any underground facilities in place so long as they do not materially interfere with the use of the rights-of-way or with the use thereof by any public utility, cable operator, or other person.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article XII. Obligation to Notify.
5-27-70. Publicizing work.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article XIII. General Provisions.
5-27-71. Conflicts.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-72. Severability.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-73. New developments.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-74. Notices.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-75. Exercise of police power.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Article XIV. Federal, State and City Jurisdiction.
5-27-76. Construction.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-77. Chapter applicability.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-78. Other applicable ordinances.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-79. City failure to enforce.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
5-27-80. Construed according to Utah law.
(Ord. 2018-16, 12-19-2018)
Click Here for a .pdf copy of Title5 Chapter27
Please Note: Every attempt has been made to keep this online Tooele City Code up-to-date; however, there may be discrepancies between this online code and that which is actually adopted. If you have questions about the Tooele City Code or for the most recent update, please call (435) 843-2120 or email attorney@tooelecity.org.
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