Source: https://ecode360.com/7713670
Timestamp: 2019-11-22 12:57:28
Document Index: 52642200

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342', '§ 342']

Village of Mamaroneck, NY Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
Ch 342 Art XVII Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
§ 342-113 Purpose and legislative intent.
§ 342-114 Definitions and word usage.
§ 342-115 Overall policy and desired goals for special use permits.
§ 342-116 Special use permit application and other requirements.
§ 342-117 Location.
§ 342-118 Shared use of telecommunications facilities.
§ 342-119 Height of facilities and antennas.
§ 342-120 Visibility.
§ 342-121 Security against unauthorized access.
§ 342-122 Signage.
§ 342-123 Lot size and setbacks.
§ 342-124 Retention of expert assistance; reimbursement by applicant; deposit required.
§ 342-125 Special use permit required; exceptions; continuation of existing facilities.
§ 342-126 Public hearing required.
§ 342-127 Action on permit applications; notification of applicant.
§ 342-128 Right of appeal; variances.
§ 342-129 Recertification of special use permits.
§ 342-130 Extent and parameters of special use permits.
§ 342-131 Application and permit fees.
§ 342-132 Performance security.
§ 342-133 Reservation of authority to inspect facilities.
§ 342-134 Annual NIER certification.
§ 342-135 Liability insurance.
§ 342-136 Indemnification.
§ 342-137 Penalties for offenses.
§ 342-138 Default and/or revocation.
§ 342-139 Removal of facilities; restoration of site.
§ 342-140 Waiver of application requirements and permit conditions.
§ 342-141 Adherence to state and federal rules and regulations.
§ 342-142 Conflict with other laws.
§ 342-143 Severability.
§ 342-144 Legislative authority.
Article XVII Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
[Added 1-28-2002 by L.L. No. 1-2002, effective 2-6-2002]
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 affirmed the Village of Mamaroneck's authority concerning the placement, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities. The Board of Trustees finds that wireless telecommunications facilities and related equipment may pose unique impacts upon the public health, safety and welfare and environment of the Village and its inhabitants and may have other adverse impacts, visual and otherwise, upon the community, its character and thus the quality of life in the Village. The intent of this article is to ensure that the placement, construction or modification of wireless telecommunications facilities and related equipment is consistent with the Village's land use policies and Zoning Code; to minimize the negative and adverse visual impact of wireless telecommunications facilities; to assure a comprehensive review of environmental impacts of such facilities; to protect the health, safety and welfare of the Village of Mamaroneck; and to encourage shared use of wireless telecommunications facilities.
For purposes of this Article XVII, and where not inconsistent with the context of a particular section, the defined terms, phrases, words, abbreviations and their derivations shall have the meaning given in this section. When not inconsistent with the context, words in the present tense include the future tense, words used in the plural number include words in the singular number, and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
A facility or structure serving or being used in conjunction with a telecommunications facility and located on the same property or lot as the telecommunications facility, including, but not limited to, utility or transmission equipment storage sheds or cabinets.
The form approved by the appropriate Board, together with all necessary and appropriate documentation that an applicant submits in order to receive a special use permit for a telecommunications facility.
A system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive electromagnetic waves or radio frequency signals. Such waves shall include, but not be limited to, radio, television, cellular, paging, personal telecommunications services (PCS) and microwave telecommunications.
APPLIED WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
An antenna array that is applied or attached to a building or structure with any accompanying pole or device that attaches the antenna array to the building or structure and connection cables.
The Board of Trustees or the Planning Board of the Village of Mamaroneck, pursuant to Subsection B of § 342-116 of this article, which is the officially designated agency or body of the community to whom applications for a special use permit for a telecommunications facility must be made, and that is authorized to review, analyze, evaluate and make decisions with respect to granting or revoking special use permits for telecommunications facilities. The appropriate Board may, at its discretion, delegate or designate other official agencies and/or officials of the Village to accept, review, analyze, evaluate and make recommendations to the appropriate Board with respect to the granting or not granting, recertifying or not recertifying, or revoking special use permits for telecommunications facilities.
The location on a telecommunications tower which, in the event of a failure of the tower, would result in the tower falling or collapsing within the boundaries of the property on which the tower is placed.
The use of the same structure or telecommunications tower to carry two or more antennas for the provision of wireless services by two or more persons or entities.
Shall have the meaning in this article and any special use permit granted hereunder as is defined and applied under the United States Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
An application that the appropriate Board has found to contain all information and/or data necessary to enable the appropriate Board to evaluate the merits of the application and to make an informed decision with respect to the effect and impact of the wireless telecommunications facility on the Village in the context of the permitted land use for the particular location requested.
Any structure that is specifically designed for the purpose of supporting a wireless telecommunications device. This definition shall include monopoles and self-supporting and guyed towers.
When referring to a tower or structure, the distance measured from the grade level existing prior to construction of a tower or, if an existing structure, the grade level existing prior to application to place a wireless telecommunications antenna to the highest point on the tower or structure, even if said highest point is an antenna.
Any individual, corporation, estate, trust, partnership, joint-stock company, association of two or more persons having a joint common interest, or governmental entity.
See definition for "wireless telecommunications facility."
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICES OR PWS OR PERSONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE OR PCS (OR ANY FUNCTIONALLY EQUIVALENT SERVICE OR TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY BE DEVELOPED IN THE FUTURE)
Shall have the same meaning as defined and used in the 1996 Telecommunications Act.
The official document or permit by which an applicant is allowed to construct and use a wireless telecommunications facility as granted or issued by the Village.
Any structure used in, associated with or necessary for the provision of wireless services and as described in the definition of "wireless telecommunications facility."
In relation to all aspects and components of this article, fewer than 90 days.
The Village of Mamaroneck, New York.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY OR TOWER OR SITE OR PERSONAL WIRELESS FACILITY (OR ANY FUNCTIONALLY EQUIVALENT SERVICE OR TECHNOLOGY THAT MAY BE DEVELOPED IN THE FUTURE)
A structure or location designed or intended to be used or used to support antennas. It includes, without limit, antennas applied to the facade of a building or roof-mounted antennas, freestanding towers, guyed towers, monopoles and similar structures that employ camouflage technology, and including, but not limited to, structures such as a church steeple, water tower, flagpole, sign or other similar structures intended to mitigate the visual impact of an antenna or the functional equivalent of such. It is a facility or structure intended for transmitting and/or receiving radio, television, cellular, paging or personal telecommunications services or microwave telecommunications, but excluding those used exclusively for fire, police and other dispatch telecommunications or exclusively for private radio and television reception and private citizens bands, amateur radios and other similar telecommunications.
In order to ensure that the placement, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities conform to the Village's purpose and intent of this article, the Board of Trustees creates a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility. It shall be a violation of this article to erect, construct, replace or modify a wireless telecommunications facility within the Village of Mamaroneck without first obtaining a special use permit from the appropriate Board of the Village.
Any special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility issued shall, to the greatest extent possible, conform to the following goals:
Implementing an application process for a person seeking a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility.
Establishing a policy for examining an application for and issuing a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility that is both fair and consistent.
Establishing reasonable time frames for granting or not granting a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility or recertifying or revoking the special use permit granted under this article.
Promoting and encouraging, wherever possible, the sharing and/or colocation of a wireless telecommunications facility among service providers.
Promoting and encouraging, wherever possible, the placement of a wireless telecommunications facility in such a manner as to cause minimal disruption to the land, property, buildings and other facilities adjacent to, surrounding and in generally the same area as the requested location of such a wireless telecommunications facility and to minimize adverse aesthetic impacts to the community.
All applicants for a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility or any modification of such facility shall comply with the requirements set forth in this section.
All applicants for a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility shall submit an application to the Building Department on forms prepared by the Village of Mamaroneck. An application for a wireless telecommunications facility on a freestanding tower, as defined in § 342-114 of this article, shall be directed by the Building Department to the Board of Trustees for review and approval. All other applications for wireless telecommunications facilities shall be submitted to the Planning Board for review and approval.
An application for a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility shall be made by the person or entity which will own the wireless telecommunications facility and shall be signed on behalf of the applicant by the person preparing the same and with knowledge of the contents and representations made therein and attesting to the truth and completeness of the information. The landowner, if different from the applicant, shall also sign the application. At the discretion of the appropriate Board, any false or misleading statement in the application may subject the applicant to denial of the application without further consideration or opportunity for correction.
Applications not meeting the requirements stated herein, or which are otherwise incomplete, shall be rejected by the appropriate Board.
That the applicant's proposed wireless telecommunications facility will be maintained in a safe manner and in compliance with all conditions of the special use permit, without exception, unless specifically granted relief by the appropriate Board, in writing, as well as all applicable and permissible local codes, rules and regulations, including any and all applicable county, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
That the construction of the wireless telecommunications facility is legally permissible, including, but not limited to, the fact that the applicant is authorized to do business in New York State.
No wireless telecommunications facility or tower or other structure shall be installed or constructed for the purpose of providing wireless telecommunications service until a plan of the site, including elevation, is reviewed and approved by the appropriate Board, and, in situations involving freestanding towers, as a part of the special permit approval required by this article, a site plan shall be reviewed by the Planning Board, after referral by the Village Board. The review by the Planning Board shall be conducted within 60 days of referral by the Village Board and a report submitted to the Village Board with the Planning Board's recommendation within that time period. In the event the Planning Board fails to report to the Village Board as required, the Village Board shall proceed with its review of the special permit application.
All applications for the construction or installation of a new wireless telecommunications facility shall be accompanied by a report containing the information hereinafter set forth. The report shall be signed by a licensed professional engineer registered in New York State and shall contain the following information. Where this section calls for certification, such certification shall be by a qualified New York State licensed professional engineer, unless otherwise noted. The application shall include, in addition to the other requirements for the special use permit, the following information:
Name and address of person preparing the report.
Name and address of the property owner, operator and applicant, to include the legal form of the applicant.
Postal address and tax map designation of the property.
Zoning district in which the property is situated.
Size of the property, stated both in square feet and lot line dimensions, and a diagram showing the location of all lot lines.
Location of all residential structures within 750 feet in the case of a freestanding tower and within 250 feet in the case of all other wireless telecommunications facility applications.
Location of all schools and habitable structures within 750 feet in the case of a freestanding tower and within 250 feet in the case of all other wireless telecommunications facility applications.
Location of all structures on the property which is the subject of the application.
Location, size and height of all proposed and existing antennas and all appurtenant structures.
Type, size and location of all proposed and existing landscaping.
The number, type and design of the wireless telecommunications facility's antenna(s) proposed and the basis for the calculations of the wireless telecommunications facility's capacity to accommodate multiple users.
The make, model and manufacturer of the wireless facility and antenna(s).
A description of the proposed wireless facility and antenna(s) and all related fixtures, structures, appurtenances and apparatus, including height above preexisting grade, materials, color and lighting.
Transmission and maximum effective radiated power of the antenna(s).
Direction of maximum lobes and associated radiation of the antenna(s).
Certification that NIER levels at the proposed site are within the threshold levels adopted by the FCC.
Certification that the proposed antenna(s) will not cause interference with existing telecommunications devices.
The applicant shall disclose, in writing, any agreement in existence prior to submission of the application that would limit or preclude the ability of the applicant to share any new wireless telecommunications facility that it constructs.
In the case of a new wireless telecommunications facility, the applicant shall be required to submit a report demonstrating its efforts to secure shared use of existing wireless telecommunications facilities. Copies of written requests and responses for shared use shall be provided to the appropriate Board.
Certification that the wireless telecommunications facility, accessory facilities and structures, and attachments are designed and constructed (as built) to meet all county, state and federal structural requirements for loads, including wind and ice loads.
After construction and prior to receiving a certificate of compliance, certification that the wireless telecommunications facility and related facilities are grounded and bonded so as to protect persons and property and installed with appropriate surge protectors.
The applicant shall submit a completed long-form EAF and a completed visual EAF addendum. The appropriate Board may require submission of a more-detailed visual analysis based on the results of the visual EAF addendum. Applicants are encouraged to seek preapplication meetings with the appropriate Board to address the scope of the required visual assessment.
A visual impact assessment which shall, at the appropriate Board's request, include:
Pictorial representations of "before" and "after" views from key viewpoints to be determined by the appropriate Board, including, but not limited to, state highways and other major roads, state and local parks, other public lands, historic districts, preserves and historic sites normally open to the public, and from any other location where the site is visible to a large number of visitors or travelers. The appropriate Board will provide guidance concerning the appropriate key sites at a preapplication meeting.
An assessment of the visual impact of the facility base, guy wires and accessory structures from abutting and adjacent properties and streets.
The applicant shall, in a manner approved by the appropriate Board, demonstrate and provide, in writing and/or by drawing, how it shall effectively screen from view its proposed wireless telecommunications facility base and all accessory facilities and structures, subject to approval by the appropriate Board.
All utilities serving any wireless telecommunications facility site shall be installed underground and in compliance with all laws, rules and regulations of the Village, including, specifically, but not limited to, the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code where appropriate. The appropriate Board may waive or vary the requirements of underground installation of utilities whenever, in the opinion of the appropriate Board, such waiver or variance shall not be detrimental to the health, safety, general welfare or environment, including the visual and scenic characteristics of the area.
All applicants for wireless telecommunications facilities and accessory facilities and structures shall demonstrate that the facility be sited so as to have the least possible adverse visual effect on the environment and its character and on the residences in the area of the wireless telecommunications facility site.
Both the wireless telecommunications facility and any and all accessory or associated facilities and structures shall maximize the use of building materials, colors and textures designed to blend with the structure to which it may be affixed and with the natural surroundings.
An access road and parking to assure adequate emergency and service access shall be provided, should such be deemed necessary by the appropriate Board. Maximum use of existing roads, whether public or private, shall be made to the extent practicable. Road construction shall at all times minimize ground disturbance and vegetation-cutting. Road grades shall closely follow natural contours to assure minimal visual disturbance and reduce soil erosion potential.
A person who holds a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility shall construct, operate, maintain, repair, modify or restore the permitted wireless telecommunications facility in strict compliance with all current technical, safety and safety-related codes and regulations adopted by the Village, county, state or United States, including, but not limited to, the most recent editions of the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code (or substitute codes), as well as accepted and responsibly workmanlike industry practices and recommended practices of the National Association of Tower Erectors. The codes referred to are codes that include, but are not limited to, construction, building, electrical, fire, safety, health and land use codes. In the event of a conflict between or among any of the preceding, the more stringent shall apply.
A holder of a special use permit granted under this article shall obtain, at its own expense, all permits and licenses required by applicable law, rule or regulation and must maintain the same, in full force and effect, for as long as required by the Village or other governmental entity or agency having jurisdiction over the applicant.
In the case of freestanding towers, the Board of Trustees shall be the lead agency, pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). In the case of all other wireless telecommunications facilities, the Planning Board shall be the lead agency. The appropriate Board shall conduct a review of the proposed project in combination with its review of the application under this article.
An applicant shall submit to the Director of Building, Code Enforcement and Land Use Administration the number of completed applications determined to be required at the preapplication meeting. A copy of the notification of application shall be provided to the legislative body of all adjacent municipalities and to the Westchester County Planning Board. The responsibility of providing such notification shall be borne by the applicant, who shall file an affidavit of compliance with said lead agency.
If the applicant is proposing the construction of a freestanding tower, the applicant shall examine the feasibility of designing a tower to accommodate future demand for at least two additional commercial applications, e.g., future colocations. The scope of this examination shall be determined by the Board of Trustees. The wireless telecommunications facility shall be structurally designed to accommodate at least two additional antenna arrays equal to those of the applicant and located as close to the applicant's antenna as possible without causing interference. This requirement may be waived, provided that the applicant, in writing, demonstrates that the provisions of future shared usage of the wireless telecommunications facility is not technologically feasible or is commercially impracticable and creates an unnecessary and unreasonable burden, based upon:
The number of foreseeable FCC licenses available for the area.
Available space on existing and approved telecommunications towers.
Unless waived by the appropriate Board, there shall be a preapplication meeting. The purpose of the preapplication meeting will be to address issues which will help to expedite the review and permitting process. Where the application is for the shared use of an existing telecommunications tower or other high structure, the applicant can seek to waive any application requirements that may not be applicable. At the preapplication meeting, the waiver requests, if appropriate, will be decided by the Village. Costs of the Village's attorneys, engineers, planners and other consultants to prepare for and attend the preapplication meeting will be borne by the applicant.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Zoning Code or any other local law, wireless telecommunications facilities may be, subject to the provisions of this article, located in any zoning district. Applicants for wireless telecommunications facilities shall locate, site and erect said wireless telecommunications facilities, including towers or other tall structures, in accordance with the following priorities, No. 1 being the highest priority and No. 7 being the lowest priority:
[Amended 12-8-2003 by L.L. No. 7-2003, effective 12-26-2003]
Colocation on a site with existing telecommunications towers or structures containing existing telecommunications facilities in nonresidential districts and on nonresidential buildings
Existing nonresidential tall structures
Industrial or commercial areas
Other nonresidential areas
Colocation on a site with existing telecommunications towers or structures containing existing telecommunications facilities in residential districts
Existing residential structures over five stories in height
On other property in the Village
If the proposed property site is not the highest priority listed above, then a detailed explanation must be provided as to why a site of a higher priority was not selected. The person seeking such an exception must satisfactorily demonstrate the reason or reasons why such a permit should be granted for the proposed site and the hardship that would be incurred by the applicant if the permit were not granted for the proposed site.
An applicant may not bypass sites of higher priority by stating that the site presented is the only site leased or selected. An application shall address colocation as an option and, if such option is not proposed, the applicant must explain why colocation is commercially or otherwise impractical. Agreements between providers limiting or prohibiting colocation shall not be a valid basis for any claim of commercial impracticability or hardship.
Notwithstanding the above, the appropriate Board may approve any site located within an area in the above list of priorities, provided that the appropriate Board finds that the proposed site is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the Village and its inhabitants.
The applicant shall, in writing, identify and disclose the number and locations of any additional sites that the applicant has, is or will be considering, reviewing or planning for wireless telecommunications facilities in the Village, and all municipalities adjoining the Village, for a two-year period following the date of the application.
Notwithstanding that a potential site may be situated in an area of highest priority or highest available priority, the appropriate Board may disapprove an application for any of the following reasons:
The location of a wireless telecommunications facility will be in such proximity to residences or other noncommercial uses so as to create an unacceptable impact upon any adjoining property by virtue of visual or aesthetic impacts and/or by virtue of the impact of the placement of such a facility upon adjoining property values.
The placement and location of a wireless telecommunications facility which would create an unacceptable risk, or the probability of such, to residents, the public, employees and agents of the Village, or employees of the service provider or other service providers.
Placement of a wireless telecommunications facility, which, by virtue of its location, would be in conflict with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code, Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan or Master Plan of the Village of Mamaroneck.
Location of antennas on preexisting wireless telecommunications facilities shall be considered and preferred. Shared use of existing telecommunications towers or other existing structures shall be preferred by the Village, as opposed to the proposed construction of new telecommunications towers or facilities. Where such shared use is unavailable, the applicant shall submit a comprehensive report which lists an inventory of existing wireless telecommunications facilities and other appropriate structures which could be used to support antennas within four miles of any proposed new wireless telecommunications facility site, unless the applicant can show that some other distance is more reasonable, and outlining opportunities for shared use of existing facilities and the use of other preexisting structures as a preferred alternative to new construction.
An applicant intending to share use of an existing telecommunications tower or other tall structure shall be required to document the intent of the existing owner to share use.
In the event that an application to share the use of an existing freestanding telecommunications tower does not increase the height of the freestanding telecommunications tower, the appropriate Board may waive such requirements of the application required by this article as may be unnecessary to the review of the application.
Such shared use shall consist only of the minimum antenna array technologically required to provide service within the Village unless it is demonstrated that a more extensive antenna array is necessary to fill a service gap which cannot be filled without erecting additional freestanding towers or telecommunications structures within the Village. In no event shall an antenna be installed which does not principally provide service in a manner which fills an existing gap in service within the Village.
The applicant must submit documentation demonstrating that the total height of any wireless telecommunications facility and/or antenna is necessary to provide service within the Village or to otherwise fill a service gap which cannot be filled in any other reasonable fashion.
Wireless telecommunications facilities shall be no higher than the minimum height necessary. Unless waived by the appropriate Board upon good cause shown, the maximum height shall be 100 feet, based on three colocated antenna arrays and ambient tree height of 70 feet.
The maximum height of any wireless telecommunications facility and attached antennas constructed after the effective date of this article shall not exceed that which shall permit operation without artificial lighting of any kind in accordance with municipal, county, state and/or federal laws and/or regulations.
Telecommunications towers and facilities shall be of a galvanized finish or painted with a rust-preventive paint of an appropriate color to harmonize with the surroundings, as approved by the appropriate Board, and shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of this article.
If lighting is required, the applicant shall provide a detailed plan for sufficient lighting of as unobtrusive and inoffensive an effect as is permissible under state and federal regulations, and an artist's rendering or other visual representation showing the effect of light emanating from the site on neighboring habitable structures within 1,500 feet of all property lines of the parcel on which the wireless telecommunications facility is located.
All antennas, towers and other supporting structures, including guy wires, shall be made inaccessible to individuals and constructed or shielded in such a manner that they cannot be climbed or run into.
Transmitters and telecommunications control points must be installed such that they are readily accessible only to persons authorized to operate or service them.
Wireless telecommunications facilities shall contain a sign no larger than four square feet to provide adequate notification to persons in the immediate area of the presence of an antenna that has transmission capabilities. The sign shall contain the name(s) of the owner(s) and operator(s) of the antenna(s) as well as emergency telephone number(s). The sign shall be located so as to be visible from the access point of the site. No other signage, including advertising, shall be permitted on any wireless telecommunications facilities, antennas, antenna supporting structures or antenna towers, unless required by law. Signs shall be approved by the Board of Architectural Review.
All proposed telecommunications towers and associated equipment shall be set back from abutting parcels, recorded rights-of-way and road and street lines a distance sufficient to substantially contain on site all icefall or debris from a tower or tower failure and to preserve light, air and privacy of any adjoining properties.
Wireless telecommunications facilities shall be located with a minimum setback from any property line a distance equal to the height of the facility, plus 10 feet, or the existing setback requirement of the underlying zoning district, whichever is greater. Further, any accessory structure shall be located so as to comply with the minimum setback requirements for the property on which it is situated.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if a wireless telecommunications facility is placed on an existing building, the Board granting approval may vary the setbacks, provided the Board requires that the wireless telecommunications facility be set back to the maximum extent permitted under the circumstances.
The appropriate Board may hire any consultant and/or expert necessary to assist the Board in reviewing and evaluating the application and any requests for recertification.
An applicant shall deposit with the Village funds sufficient to reimburse the Village for all reasonable costs of consultant and expert evaluation and consultation to the appropriate Board in connection with the review of any application. The initial deposit shall be $7,500 for a facility application and $5,000 in the case of colocation. These funds shall accompany the filing of an application, and the Village will maintain a separate escrow account for all such funds. The Village's consultants/experts shall bill or invoice the Village no less frequently than monthly for its services in reviewing the application and performing its duties. If at any time during the review process the balance of this account falls below $2,500, additional funds must be submitted to the Village to bring the balance of the account to $7,500, or in the case of colocation, $5,000, or upon request from the applicant, a lesser amount to be set by the appropriate Board, before any further action or consideration is taken on the application. In the event that the amount held in escrow by the Village is more than the amount of the actual billing or invoicing, the difference shall be promptly refunded to the applicant.
The total amount of the funds set forth in Subsection B of this section may vary with the scope and complexity of the project, the completeness of the application and other information as may be needed by the appropriate Board or its consultant/expert to complete the necessary review and analysis. Additional funds, as required, shall be paid by the applicant. The initial amount of the escrow deposit shall be established at a preapplication meeting with the Village.
No person, corporation or other entity shall be permitted to site, place, build, construct or modify, or prepare any site for the placement or use of, a wireless telecommunications facility as of the effective date of this article without having first obtained a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, no special use permit shall be required for those exceptions noted in the definition of wireless telecommunications facility, such as those used exclusively for fire, police and other dispatch telecommunications or exclusively for private radio and television reception and private citizens bands, amateur radio and other similar telecommunications.
After the date of adoption of this article all construction, including routine maintenance on an existing wireless telecommunications facility, shall comply with the requirements of this article.
All wireless telecommunications facilities existing on or before the effective date of this article shall be allowed to continue as they presently exist; provided, however, that any modification to existing facilities must comply with this article.
Public hearing and public notification by applicant. Before the Board of Trustees or Planning Board acts on any application, it shall hold a public hearing thereon. To facilitate notification of the public, a public notification list shall be prepared by the applicant, using the most current Village of Mamaroneck tax maps and tax assessment roll, showing the Tax Map sheet number, the section, block and lot numbers, the owner's name and the owner's mailing address for each property located wholly or partially within 750 feet of the perimeter of the property that is the subject of the application in the case of a freestanding tower and within 250 feet of the perimeter of the property in the case of all other wireless telecommunications facility applications. If a property on the public notification list is also listed as a cooperative or an apartment on a list maintained by the Village Assessor's office, the address of each of the dwelling units in the building shall also be listed under the named occupant and each occupant shall be considered a property owner for the purposes of the list. When the public hearing is required by the appropriate Board, the applicant shall deliver a copy of the public notice provided by the Village Clerk to all of the property owners contained on the public notification list, either personally or by first-class mail, posted within Westchester County at a post office or official depository of the Postal Services, and shall post a sign on the property in accordance with the following requirements:
The delivery or mailing shall be limited solely to the public notice provided to the applicant by the Village Clerk.
In the case of personal delivery, the public notice shall be delivered to all of the property owners and/or their spouse contained on the public notification list at least 14 days prior to the date of the public hearing.
In the case of delivery by mail, the public notice shall be mailed to all of the property owners contained on the public notification list, by first-class mail, posted within Westchester County at a post office or official depository of the Postal Service, at least 19 days prior to the date of the public hearing.
Within two business days after the personal delivery or mailing of the public notice, the applicant shall file an affidavit with the Village Clerk stating that the public notification list was prepared in accordance with required procedures, that the list includes all properties located wholly or partially within 750 feet (in the case of a freestanding tower) or within 250 feet (in the case of all other wireless telecommunications facility applications) of the perimeter of the property that is the subject of the application, and all municipalities within 500 feet of the perimeter of the subject property and that the public notice was personally delivered or mailed to all of the property owners and municipalities on the list and the date on which the public notice was delivered or mailed, which affidavit shall contain a copy of the list and the public notice.
In the event that a mailed public notice is returned by the Postal Service because it could not be delivered, the envelope indicating the reason for the return shall be filed with the Village Clerk no later than the day before the day of the public hearing.
At least one week preceding the date of the public hearing, at least one sign, a minimum of two feet by three feet in size and carrying a legend prescribed by the appropriate Board announcing the public hearing, shall be posted on the property. The height of the lettering on the sign shall be no less than two inches, except that the words "Public Notice" appearing at the top of the sign shall have lettering no less than five inches high. The sign shall be in full public view from the street and not more than 30 feet therefrom. No later than the day before the day of the public hearing, applicant shall file an affidavit with the Village Clerk stating that the sign was posted on the property in accordance with these requirements. The sign shall be removed from the property within two days after the close of the public hearing.
The appropriate Board shall schedule the public hearing referred to in Subsection A of this section once it finds that the application is complete. The appropriate Board, at any stage prior to issuing a special use permit, may require such additional information as it deems necessary.
The appropriate Board will undertake a review of an application pursuant to this article in a timely fashion and shall act within a reasonable period of time given the relative complexity of the application and the circumstances, with due regard for the public's interest and need to be involved and the applicant's desire for a timely resolution.
Except for necessary building permits, and subsequent certificates of compliance, no additional permits or approvals from the Village, other than the special use permit granted under this article, shall be required for telecommunications facilities and telecommunications structures covered by this article.
After the public hearing and after formally considering the application, the appropriate Board may approve and issue, approve with conditions, or deny, a special use permit. Its decision shall be in writing and shall be based on the record. The burden of proof for the grant of the permit shall always be upon the applicant.
If the appropriate Board approves the special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility, then the applicant shall be notified of such approval, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the Board's action, and the special use permit shall be issued within 30 days after such approval.
If the appropriate Board denies the special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility, then the applicant shall be notified of such denial in writing within 10 calendar days of the Board's action.
The decision on the application shall also be filed in the office of the Village Clerk within ten days after it is rendered.
Upon receipt of the special use permit, the applicant shall thereafter apply for and obtain a building permit from the Building Department.
Any person aggrieved by the granting or denial of an application for a wireless telecommunications facility may take an appeal therefrom to the Supreme Court of the State of New York within 30 days from the date of filing of the decision of the Board on the application.
At least six months prior to the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the special permit and every five years thereafter, the holder of a special use permit for such facility shall submit a written request for recertification. In the written request for recertification, the holder of such special use permit shall note the following:
The name of the holder of the special use permit for the wireless telecommunications facility.
If applicable, the number or title of the special use permit.
The date of the original granting of the special use permit.
Whether the wireless telecommunications facility has been moved, relocated, rebuilt, repaired or otherwise modified since the issuance of the special use permit.
If the wireless telecommunications facility has been moved, relocated, rebuilt, repaired or otherwise modified, then whether the appropriate Board approved such action, the terms and conditions of such approval and a certification that the holder of the special permit is in compliance with all terms and conditions of the approval.
Any requests for waivers or relief of any kind whatsoever from the requirements of this article and any requirements for a special use permit.
That the wireless telecommunications facility is in compliance with the special use permit and in compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules and regulations.
If, after such review, the appropriate Board determines that the permitted wireless telecommunications facility is in compliance with the special use permit and all applicable codes, laws, rules and regulations, then the Board shall issue a recertification special use permit for the wireless telecommunications facility, which may include any new provisions or conditions that are mutually agreed upon or required by codes, laws, rules or regulations.
If the appropriate Board does not complete its review, as noted in Subsection B of this section, prior to the five-year anniversary date of the special use permit, or subsequent fifth anniversaries, then the applicant for the permitted wireless telecommunications facility shall receive an extension of the special use permit, for up to six months, in order for the Board to complete its review.
If the holder of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility does not submit a request for recertification of such special use permit within the time frame noted in Subsection A of this section, or if the appropriate Board finds that the wireless telecommunications facility has been moved, relocated, rebuilt or otherwise modified without approval of such having been granted by the Board under this article, then such special use permit and any authorizations granted thereunder shall cease to exist on the date of the fifth anniversary of the original granting of the special use permit, or subsequent fifth anniversaries, unless the holder of the special use permit adequately demonstrates to the appropriate Board that extenuating circumstances prevented a timely recertification request. If the appropriate Board agrees that there were legitimate extenuating circumstances, then the holder of the special use permit may submit a late recertification request.
Such special use permit shall not be assignable or transferable without the express written consent of the appropriate Board, and such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
Such special use permit may be revoked, cancelled or terminated for a violation of the conditions and provisions of the special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility or for a material violation of this article.
At the time that a person submits an application for a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility or recertification of a wireless facility such person shall pay an application fee to the Village of Mamaroneck as set forth in Chapter A347, Fees.
Upon approval of any wireless telecommunications facility application, a special use permit shall be issued upon payment of a permit fee as set forth in Chapter A347, Fees.
The applicant and the owner of record of any property on which there is a proposal to site a wireless telecommunications facility shall be jointly required to execute and file with the Village a bond, or other form of security acceptable to the Village, in an amount deemed sufficient by the appropriate Board to assure the faithful performance of the terms and conditions of this article and the conditions of any special use permit issued pursuant to this article. The full amount of the bond or security shall remain in full force and effect throughout the term of the special use permit and/or until the wireless telecommunications facility is removed and any necessary site restoration is completed. The failure to pay any annual premium for the renewal of any such security shall be a violation of the provisions of the special use permit and shall entitle the appropriate Board to revoke the special use permit after prior written notice to, and an opportunity to be heard by, the holder of the permit.
In order to verify that the holder of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility and any and all lessees, renters and/or licensees of a wireless telecommunications facility place and construct such facilities, including towers and antennas, in accordance with all applicable technical, safety, fire, building and zoning codes, laws, rules and regulations and other applicable requirements, the Village may inspect all facets of said permit holder's, renter's, lessee's or licensee's placement, construction, modification and maintenance of such facilities, including, but not limited to, towers, antennas and buildings or other structures constructed or located on the permitted site.
The Village shall pay for costs associated with such an inspection, except for those circumstances occasioned by said holder's, lessee's or licensee's refusal to provide necessary information or necessary access to such facilities, including towers, antennas and appurtenant or associated facilities, or refusal to otherwise cooperate with the Village with respect to an inspection, or if violations of this article are found to exist, in which case the holder, lessee or licensee shall reimburse the Village for the cost of the inspection.
Payment of such costs shall be made to the Village within 30 days from the date of the invoice or other demand for reimbursement. In the event that the finding(s) of violation is/are appealed in accordance with the procedures set forth in this article, said reimbursement payment must still be paid to the Village and the reimbursement shall be placed in an escrow account established by the Village specifically for this purpose, pending the final decision on appeal. In the event the appeal is successful, the funds held in escrow shall be returned to the permit holder.
The holder of the special use permit shall, annually, cause an engineer with at least five years of experience in the field to certify to the Village that NIER levels at the site are within the threshold levels adopted by the FCC. The certifying engineer need not be approved in advance by the Village but must submit evidence of experience along with the required certification.
A holder of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility shall secure, and at all times maintain, public liability insurance, property damage insurance and umbrella insurance coverage for the duration of the special use permit in the following amounts:
Per occurrence: $1,000,000.
Aggregate: $2,000,000.
The commercial general liability insurance policy shall specifically include the Village and its officials, employees and agents as additional insureds.
The insurance policies shall be issued by an agent or representative of an insurance company licensed to do business in New York State.
The insurance policies shall contain an endorsement obligating the insurance company to furnish the Village with at least 30 days' written notice in advance of the cancellation of the insurance.
Before construction of a permitted wireless telecommunications facility is initiated, the holder of the special use permit shall deliver to the Village a copy of each of the policies or certificates representing the insurance in the required amounts.
Any special use permit issued pursuant to this article shall contain a provision with respect to indemnification. Such provision shall require the holder of the special use permit, to the extent permitted by the law, to at all times defend, indemnify, protect, save, hold harmless and exempt the Village, officials of the Village and its officers, agents, servants and employees from any and all penalties, damages or charges arising out of any and all claims, suits, demands, causes of action or awards of damage, whether compensatory or punitive, or expenses arising therefrom, either at law or in equity, which might arise out of, or are caused by, the construction, erection, modification, location, product performance, operation, maintenance, repair, installation, replacement, removal or restoration of a wireless telecommunications facility within the Village. With respect to the penalties, damages or charges referenced herein, reasonable fees of attorneys, consultants and expert witnesses are included in those costs that are recoverable by the Village.
Civil sanctions. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this article shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than $3,000 for every such violation. Each consecutive day of violation will be considered a separate offense. Such civil penalty may be released or compromised by the appropriate Board. In addition, the appropriate Board shall have power, following a hearing, to direct the violator to comply with the provisions of this article.
Criminal sanctions. Any person, firm or corporation who willfully violates any of the provisions of this article or permits promulgated thereunder, excluding provisions set forth in the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, upon conviction thereof of the first offense shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 and, for a second offense and each subsequent offense, shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,000, or a term of imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or both. Each consecutive day of violation will be considered a separate offense.
Notwithstanding anything in this article, the holder of the special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility may not use the payment of fines, liquidated damages or other penalties, to evade or avoid compliance with this article or any section of this article. An attempt to do so shall subject the holder of the special use permit to termination and revocation of the special use permit.
The provisions for civil and criminal penalties contained herein shall not be exclusive, and the Village may seek such other relief as may be available, including injunctive relief to prevent the threatened or continued violation of this article.
If a wireless telecommunications facility is repaired, rebuilt, placed, moved, relocated, modified or maintained in a way that is inconsistent or not in compliance with the provisions of this article or of the special use permit, then the Building Department shall notify the holder of the special use permit, in writing, of such violation. Such notice shall specify the nature of the violation or noncompliance and that the violations must be corrected within seven days of the date of the postmark of the notice, or of the date of personal service of the notice, whichever is earlier. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection or any other section of this article, if the violation causes, creates or presents an imminent danger or threat to the health or safety of lives or property, the Building Department may, at its sole discretion, order the violation remedied within 24 hours.
If, within the period set forth in Subsection A above, the wireless telecommunications facility is not brought into compliance with the provisions of this article or of the special use permit, or substantial steps are not taken in order to bring the affected wireless telecommunications facility into compliance, then the appropriate Board may revoke such special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility and shall notify the holder of the special use permit within 48 hours of such action.
Under the following circumstances, the appropriate Board may determine that the health, safety and welfare interests of the Village warrant and require the removal of a wireless telecommunications facility:
A wireless telecommunications facility with a permit has been abandoned (i.e., not used as a wireless telecommunications facility) for a period exceeding 90 consecutive days or a total of 180 days in any three-hundred-sixty-five-day period, except for periods caused by force majeure or acts of God.
A permitted wireless telecommunications facility falls into such a state of disrepair that it creates a health or safety hazard.
A wireless telecommunications facility has been located, constructed or modified without first obtaining the required special use permit, or any other necessary authorization.
A wireless telecommunications facility, which does not meet the current FCC standards, shall be removed within six months of the implementation of such new standards, unless the facility is made compliant.
If the appropriate Board makes such a determination as noted in Subsection A of this section, then the Board shall notify the holder of the special use permit for the wireless telecommunications facility within 48 hours that said wireless telecommunications facility is to be removed. The appropriate Board may approve an interim temporary use permit, such as to enable the sale of the wireless telecommunications facility.
Upon a determination by the appropriate Board that a wireless telecommunications facility should be removed, the holder of the special use permit or the owner of the site shall dismantle and remove such wireless telecommunications facility and all associated structures and facilities from the site and restore the site to as close to its original condition as is possible, such restoration being limited only by physical or commercial impracticability, within 90 days of receipt of written notice from the appropriate Board.
If a wireless telecommunications facility is not removed or substantial progress has not been made to remove the wireless telecommunications facility within 90 days after the permit holder or owner of the site has received notice, then the Village may remove the wireless telecommunications facility at the sole expense of the owner and/or permit holder.
If the Village removes or causes to be removed a wireless telecommunications facility and the owner of the wireless telecommunications facility does not claim the property and remove the facility from the site to a lawful location within 10 days, then the Village may take steps to declare the facility abandoned and sell it and its components.
Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the appropriate Board may approve a temporary use permit for the wireless telecommunications facility for no more than 90 days, during which time a suitable plan for removal, conversion or relocation of the affected wireless telecommunications facility shall be developed by the holder of the permit, subject to the approval of the Board, and an agreement to such plan shall be executed by the holder of the permit and the Village. If such a plan is not developed, approved and executed within the ninety-day time period, then the Village may take possession of and dispose of the affected wireless telecommunications facility in the manner provided in this section.
Any applicant can request a waiver of application requirements that are inapplicable to its permit application. Such request shall be in writing. Requests should be discussed at the preapplication meeting. The applicant shall have the burden of supporting such requests. Determinations as to applicability of application requirements shall be made by the appropriate Board.
In determining permit conditions, the appropriate Board can waive inapplicable permit requirements, consistent with the policy goals and priorities of this article. The applicant shall have the burden of supporting such requests. Determinations as to applicability of permit condition requirements shall be made by the appropriate Board.
To the extent that the holder of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility has not received relief or is not otherwise exempt from appropriate state and/or federal agency rules or regulations, then the holder of such a special use permit shall adhere to and comply with all applicable rules, regulations, standards arid provisions of any state or federal agency, including but not limited to the FAA and the FCC. Specifically included in this requirement are any rules and regulations regarding height, lighting, security, electrical and RF emission standards.
To the extent that applicable rules, regulations, standards and provisions of any state or federal agency, including but not limited to the FAA and the FCC, and specifically including any rules and regulations regarding height, lighting and security, are changed and/or are modified during the duration of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility, then the holder of such a special use permit shall conform the wireless telecommunications facility to the applicable changed and/or modified rule, regulation, standard or provision within a maximum of 24 months of the effective date of the applicable changed and/or modified rule, regulation, standard or provision, or sooner as may be required by such rule, regulation, standard or provision.
Where this article differs or conflicts with other laws, rules and regulations, unless the right to do so is preempted or prohibited by the county, state or federal government, the more restrictive or protective of the Village and the public shall apply.
If any word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection or other portion of this article or any application thereof to any person or circumstance is declared void, unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, then such word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection or other portion, or the proscribed application thereof, shall be severable and the remaining provisions of this article, and all applications thereof, not having been declared void, unconstitutional or invalid shall remain in full force and effect.
This article is enacted by local law pursuant to the Municipal Home Rule Law. This article shall supersede the provisions of Village law or other statute to the extent that it is inconsistent with the same and to the extent permitted by the New York State Constitution, the Municipal Home Rule Law or any other applicable statute.