CLEARLAKE, Calif. – An ordinance to regulate telecommunication facilities in the city of Clearlake moves forward on action taken by the Clearlake City Council last week.
A public hearing to hold a second reading of the proposed ordinance will be held prior to final adoption.
It is tentatively scheduled to take place during the Clearlake City Council's regular meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
The proposed ordinance would add a new chapter to the city's zoning ordinance for the purpose of authorizing, to the extent authorized by federal and state law, the regulation of telecommunication services and systems within the city, allowing the city to discharge its public trust to balance the significant benefits of such services and systems to residents and the business community with the protection of public health, safety and welfare of the community.
According to Gary Price, Clearlake's contracted planner, the city has received several applications for the development of telecommunication facilities, consisting primarily of proposals to install large cellular transmission towers.
The city currently does not have any regulations that specifically address these types of applications.
The proposed ordinance, which staff modeled after the county's, contains provisions addressing the following specifics:
– Provides regulations for all wireless communications facilities citywide.
– Encourages latest technology, including "stealth" facilities, to reduce visual impact.
– Requires periodic reporting regarding compliance with federal, state and local laws.
– Requires providers to consolidate, co-locate their facilities.
– Requires information regarding location need and alternative sites analysis.
Additionally, the proposed ordinance addresses road conditions and the potential impact construction and maintenance vehicles could have on city streets, particularly dirt streets that have limited improvements and poor drainage.
The process to establish the regulations has been ongoing since August and has included multiple opportunities for public comment.
The process was slightly delayed recently to address concerns submitted on behalf of Verizon Wireless.
Recent amendments to the proposed ordinance, which Price said alleviate Verizon's concerns, include:
– Revisions of language to be consistent with federal regulations.
– Revisions to height restrictions to allow the Planning Commission to grant an exception to the base zoning district requirements, but consider increased setback requirements to improve neighborhood aesthetics and compatibility.
– Changes to procedures to address new “shot clock” project review requirements to allow the community development director to approve co-location and modifications to existing facilities, but provides for the director to provide notice to affected property owners and to consider aesthetic issues when approving these types of minor projects on both private properties and within public-right-of-ways.
– Provisions that allow the city to hire, at the expense of the applicant, technical experts to assist in the review of wireless communication projects.
Email reporter Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Clearlake City Council holds first reading of ordinance to govern telecommunications facilities
- Denise Rockenstein
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