Zoning Ordinance

Utility Pole: A structure used for the support of telephone, cable television or other video services, street lighting, or other similar cables and located within the public right of way or utility easements owned by the City of Athens. A Small Cell Support Structure may be incorporated onto a utility pole provided such pole does not extend, with the application of Small Cell Support Structures, to a height greater than three (3) feet above the predominant height of the shortest utility poles within five-hundred (500) feet.

Utility, Underground: Utility infrastructure that is located primarily underground as determined by Staff. For purposes of this Ordinance, underground utilities include but are not limited to water lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewer lines, culverts, natural gas lines, power lines, certain Small Cell Support System/DAS structures, and communications lines.

Wireless Communications Facility: The set of equipment and network components including antennas, transmitters, receivers, Base Stations, cabling, and Antenna or Related Equipment, used to provide wireless data and telecommunication services.

B. Small Cell Support Structures and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).

The following provisions shall apply to Small Cell Support Structures and DAS, as defined in this Ordinance.

1. Application Requirements

Pre-Application Filing Meeting. Prior to filing an application for a Small Cell Support Structure or DAS, a pre-application meeting with the Staff is required. At this meeting the applicable provisions associated with the request can be reviewed and discussed. An Application will not be accepted if the required pre-application meeting has not been completed.

This meeting will allow for early coordination by identifying existing structures that might be suitable for co-location or that might qualify as Non-Tower Wireless Communication Facilities. This will also help identify any other issues which may relate to (i) the use of Right of Way or Utility Poles and/or (ii) the application to the proposed request of any other local zoning, subdivision regulations, or other rules, regulations or adopted plans, including, but not limited to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Architectural Design Standards. The meeting will provide an opportunity for an initial discussion regarding proposed structure locations, design, and the Application submittal and approval process. Coordination with utilities for possible use of pre-existing structures will be required. Applicants shall supply the provider's preferred locations, structure design, style, and structure height at least one week prior to the pre-application meeting or upon request for such meeting.

Unless provided for otherwise, all proposed Small Cell Support Structures/DAS shall be subject to Staff review and approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Certain Non-Tower Wireless Communication Facilities Applications, including co-locations, may be reviewed and approved by the Staff provided the Staff determines that a more formal review with

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