HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.04.2002• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 4, 2002
4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Berry, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty, Greenwood.
Members absent: Welper.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Hurley that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Absent: Welper, Greenwood. Motion carried.
Noel Anderson, Assistant City Planner, stated that the Planning, Programming and Zoning
Commission reviewed two drafts of a proposed ordinance amendment regarding wireless
communication facilities. The council enacted a moratorium on new freestanding wireless
communication towers to allow staff time to prepare proposed amendments. The amendments
were brought forth as a response to concerns shown by residents of the city regarding the
setbacks of towers from their homes. The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission
recommended Draft #2. City staff believes these changes are within the standards allowed under
the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and work towards the purpose of the Zoning Ordinance.
Staff contacted many telecommunications companies that have towers within the Waterloo
corporate limits to gain their input. They have not shown opposition to Draft #2.
Greenwood now present at 4:07 p.m.
The proposed changes included in Draft #2 are as follows: Any freestanding towers in
residential areas would need to be placed at least 500 feet from the nearest property line of any
one or two family lot. Such towers could go through the minor approval process. Any towers
which could not meet the 500 feet setback would need to go through the Planning Commission
and Board of Adjustment and require 250 feet notification of property owners. Such towers
would need to show that such a setback could not be met in the immediate vicinity, in which
such a setback could be reduced to a minimum of twice the tower height.
The current ordinance requires 60 feet setback or one-half the height of the tower. The city will
work with companies to co -locate and to camouflage the towers. There are no limits to the
number of towers that can be located in an area.
The council will hold a hearing on March 11, 2002 to consider the proposed ordinance
amendment.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Jordan, seconded by Clark that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:12 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Welper. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk