Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.355A Wireless Communication Facilities

Section 17C.355A.020 Definitions

1. “Antenna” means one or more rods, panels, discs or similar devices used for wireless communication, which may include, but is not limited to, omni-directional antenna (whip), directional antenna (panel), and parabolic antenna (dish).

2. “Antenna Array” means a single or group of antenna elements and associated mounting hardware, transmission lines, or other appurtenances which share a common attachment device such as a mounting frame or mounting support structure for the sole purpose of transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves.

3. “Base Station” means a structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables Commission-licensed or authorized wireless communications between user equipment and a communications network. The term does not encompass a tower as defined in this chapter or any equipment associated with a tower.

1. 1. The term includes, but is not limited to, equipment associated with wireless communications services such as private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.

1. 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 Distributed Antenna Systems and small cell networks).

1. 3. The term includes any structure other than a tower that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the City under this section, supports or houses equipment described in this section that has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, or under Washington or local regulatory review process, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing such support.

1. 4. The term does not include any structure that, at the time the relevant application is filed with Washington or the City under this section, does not support or house equipment described in this section.

4. “Collocation” means the mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communications purposes.

5. “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”).

6. “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.

7. “Small Cells” mean compact wireless base stations containing their own transceiver equipment and function like cells in a mobile network but provide a smaller coverage area than traditional macrocells. Small cells will meet the two parameters in subsections (1) and (2). For purposes of these definitions, volume is a measure of the exterior displacement, not the interior volume of the enclosures.  Antennas or equipment concealed from public view in or behind an otherwise approved structure or concealment are not included in calculating volume.

1. 1. Small Cell Antenna: Each antenna shall be no more than three (3) cubic feet in volume.

1. 2. Small Cell Equipment: Each equipment enclosure shall be no larger than seventeen (17) cubic feet in volume. Associated conduit, mounting bracket or extension arm, electric meter, concealment, telecommunications demarcation box, ground-based enclosures, battery back-up power systems, grounding equipment, power transfer switch, and cut-off switch may be located outside the primary equipment enclosure(s) and are not included in the calculation of equipment volume.

8. “Stealth design” means technology that minimizes the visual impact of wireless communications facilities by camouflaging, disguising, screening, and/or blending into the surrounding environment.  Examples of stealth design include but are not limited to facilities disguised as trees, flagpoles, bell towers, and architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas.

1. “Tower” means any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting any Commission-licensed or authorized antennas and their associated facilities, including structures that are constructed for wireless communications services including, but not limited to, private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul, and the associated site.

10. “Tower Height” means the vertical distance measured from the base of the tower structure at grade to the highest point of the structure including the antenna.

11. “Transmission Equipment” means equipment that facilitates transmission for any Commission-licensed or authorized wireless communication service, including, but not limited to, radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, and regular and backup power supply. The term includes equipment associated with wireless communications services including, but not limited to, private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.

12. “Utility Support Structure” means utility poles or utility towers supporting electrical, telephone, cable or other similar facilities; street light standards; pedestrian light standards; traffic light structures; traffic sign structures; or water towers.

13. “Wireless Communication Facilities” or “WCF” means a staffed or unstaffed facility or location for the transmission and/or reception of radio frequency (RF) signals or other wireless communications or other signals for commercial communications purposes, typically consisting of one or more antennas or group of antennas, a tower or attachment support structure, transmission cables and other transmission equipment, and an equipment enclosure or cabinets.

Date Passed: Monday, November 2, 2015

Effective Date: Monday, November 2, 2015

ORD C35312 Section 2