Bristol, Virginia · General provision

Division 12, Sec. 50-150 through 50-156

Uses

Permitted by right1

  • wireless communications antenna on existing structure (minor utility facility)

Extracted standards

21 individual requirements pulled out of this section’s prose, each with the sentence it came from.

Other

  • Abandonment period24 months

    Any antenna, telecommunications tower or facility that is not operated for a continuous period of 24 months shall be considered abandoned

  • Advertising prohibition

    No advertising of any type may be placed on the wireless communications facility

  • Towers, tower guys, and associated accessory structures shall meet the same setback requirements as is required for accessory structures in the zoning district

  • Any amateur radio tower which, in combination with one or more affixed antennas, does not exceed 75 feet in height above the ground, shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.

  • Co-location requirement

    Owners of new towers shall provide the city with co-location opportunities as a community benefit

  • Color/camouflage requirement

    The appearance of the antenna and associated equipment shall be of a color that is identical to, or closely compatible with, the color of the existing structure or it shall be camouflaged

  • Construction completion period18 months

    If construction of the wireless communication facility is not completed within 18 months of city approval, the applicant shall be required to resubmit site plans and request an extension from the planning commission.

  • Defective facility repair/removal period6 months

    Any antenna, telecommunications tower, or telecommunications facility found to be defective or unsafe shall be repaired to comply with federal, state and local safety standards, or removed within six months at the owner's expense.

  • Any equipment and accessory facilities on site must be located at least 25 feet from all property lines or the required setback for principal structures in the zoning district, whichever is greater.

  • FAA/FCC compliance

    All telecommunications towers and antennas must comply with or exceed current standards and regulations of the FAA, the FCC

  • Annual liability insurance amount1,000,000 dollars

    The user shall annually file a certificate of liability and comprehensive insurance policy in the amount of $1,000,000.00.

  • Lighting restriction

    A wireless communications facility or communications tower shall not be artificially lighted, unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority.

  • Maximum extension above existing structure20 ft

    It does not extend more than 20 feet above the highest part of the structure

  • Maximum tower height shall be 250 feet unless specifically allowed by the special use permit due to topographic conditions located within one mile of the proposed wireless communication facility.

  • It is not located on a residential structure of less than four stories in height

  • Removal period after notice180 days

    the owner of the facility shall remove such telecommunications antenna, tower or facility within 180 days of receipt of notice

  • Telecommunications towers and facilities shall be enclosed by security fencing not less than six feet in height.

  • Communications towers shall be setback a minimum of 110 percent of the height of the telecommunications tower from any residential structures

  • Site plan validity period12 months

    The site plan approved by the city staff shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year.

  • Structural integrity report

    Prior to the use or extension of a wireless communications tower, the owner shall have obtained approval of the structural integrity by a qualified engineer

Signage

From the ordinance

The requirements of this division govern the siting of wireless communication towers and facilities, including small cell facilities, except as specifically excluded herein.
Division 12, Sec. 50-150 through 50-156