Source: https://ecode360.com/11012298
Timestamp: 2019-03-24 20:10:30
Document Index: 254911052

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 7', 'art 77', '§ 85', '§ 85', '§ 85']

Village of Lake Success, NY Siting of Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
§ 85-3 Special use permit application and other requirements.
§ 85-4 Location of wireless telecommunications facilities.
§ 85-5 Shared use of wireless telecommunications facilities and other structures.
§ 85-6 Height of telecommunications tower(s).
§ 85-7 Appearance and visibility of wireless telecommunications facilities.
§ 85-8 Security of wireless telecommunications facilities.
§ 85-9 Signage.
§ 85-10 Lot size and setbacks.
§ 85-11 Visual mitigation.
§ 85-12 Noise.
§ 85-13 Retention of expert assistance and reimbursement by applicant.
§ 85-14 Exceptions from special use permit requirement.
§ 85-15 Public hearing and notification requirements.
§ 85-16 Action on an application for special use permit.
§ 85-17 Recertification of special use permit.
§ 85-18 Extent and parameters of special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities.
§ 85-19 Application fee.
§ 85-20 Performance security.
§ 85-21 Reservation of authority to inspect wireless telecommunication facilities.
§ 85-22 Annual NIER certification.
§ 85-23 Liability insurance.
§ 85-24 Indemnification.
§ 85-25 Penalties for offenses.
§ 85-26 Default and/or revocation.
§ 85-27 Repair or removal of wireless telecommunications facilities.
§ 85-28 Adherence to state and/or federal rules and regulations.
§ 85-29 Conflict with other laws.
§ 85-30 Waiver or modification.
§ 85-31 Severability.
Chapter 85 Siting of Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lake Success 9-11-2006 by L.L. No. 9-2006. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 affirmed the Village of Lake Success's authority concerning the placement, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities. The Village finds that wireless telecommunications facilities may pose significant concerns to the health, safety, public welfare, historic character, aesthetic qualities and environment of the Village and its inhabitants. In order to ensure that the placement, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities is consistent with the Village's land use policies, the Village hereby adopts a single, comprehensive wireless telecommunications facilities application and permit process. In order to ensure that the placement, construction and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities do not threaten or endanger the health, safety and welfare of the Village's residents and visitors, and to protect the public welfare, environmental features, aesthetic values and the nature and character of the community and neighborhoods and other aspects of the quality of life specifically listed elsewhere in this chapter, the Village hereby adopts an overall policy and requirements with respect to a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities for the express intent and purpose of achieving the following goals:
Implementing an application process for person(s) seeking a special use permit for placement and construction and maintenance of wireless telecommunications facilities;
Establishing a policy for examining an application for and issuing a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities that is both fair and consistent to all licensed wireless telecommunications providers;
Promoting and encouraging the sharing and/or colocation of wireless telecommunications facilities among service providers;
Promoting and encouraging the placement, height and quantity of wireless telecommunications facilities in such a manner, including but not limited to the use of stealth and other innovative technology, to minimize adverse aesthetic and visual impacts on the land, property, buildings, and other facilities adjacent to, surrounding, and in generally the same area as the requested location of such wireless telecommunications facilities;
Promoting and encouraging the implementation of alternative types of wireless telecommunications facilities and technology such as secondary wireless telecommunications service facilities, repeaters, and microcell technology to minimize the adverse visual and physical effects of wireless telecommunications facilities and to protect the natural features, aesthetics and open space character of the Village;
Promoting and encouraging the priority of siting of wireless telecommunications facilities to minimize the adverse visual and physical effects of wireless telecommunications facilities and to protect the natural features, aesthetics and open space character of the Village;
To minimize the impact of such facilities on residential properties;
To encourage the siting of wireless telecommunications services facilities on properties and areas which are not used for residential purposes;
To avoid potential damage to property caused by towers and telecommunications facilities by ensuring such structures are soundly and carefully designed, constructed, modified, maintained, and removed when no longer used or they are determined to be structurally unsound;
To ensure that towers and telecommunications facilities are compatible with surrounding land uses.
For purposes of this chapter, 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 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.
An accessory facility or structure serving or being used in conjunction with wireless telecommunications facilities and located on the same property or lots as the wireless telecommunications facilities, including, but not limited to, utility or transmission equipment storage sheds or cabinets.
A system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive electromagnetic waves or radio frequency or other wireless signals. Such shall include, but not be limited to, radio, television, cellular, paging, personal telecommunications services (PCS), microwave telecommunications and services not licensed by the FCC, but not expressly exempt from the Village's siting, building and permitting authority.
All the necessary and appropriate documentation that an applicant is required to submit for consideration of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facilities as specifically set forth in this chapter.
The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lake Success, which is hereby authorized to review special use permit applications pursuant to this chapter.
The use of a wireless telecommunications facility or other structure to support antennas for the provision of wireless services without increasing the height of such facility or other structure.
An application that contains all the information and/or data required by this chapter necessary to enable an informed decision to be made with respect to an application.
When referring to a wireless telecommunications facility or other structure, the distance measured from the preexisting grade level to the highest point on such facility or other structure, even if said highest point is an antenna or lightning protection device.
The addition, removal, change or alteration of any of the physical and visually discernable components or aspects of a wireless telecommunications facility, such as antennas, cabling, radios, equipment shelters, landscaping, fencing, utility feeds, changing the color or materials of any visually discernable components, vehicular access, parking and/or an upgrade or changeout of equipment for better or more modern equipment. Adding a new wireless carrier or service provider to a wireless telecommunications facility or telecommunications site for purposes of this chapter shall be deemed as a modification. A modification shall not include the replacement of any components of a wireless telecommunications facility where the replacement is identical to the component being replaced or for any matters that involve the normal repair and maintenance of a wireless telecommunications facility without adding, removing, changing, or altering the wireless telecommunications facility in any respect.
Any structure erected for the purposes of providing a public utility service, including, but not limited to, water towers, electric transmission tower/poles and telephone poles.
A small, supplementary and accessory bidirectional amplifier facility designed and limited in height and transmission power to provide service only where there is a failure of coverage and to minimize visual impacts and the need for the primary base stations which may be attached to a structure or pole.
SECONDARY WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE FACILITY
A small wireless telecommunications service facility that is intended, designed and limited in its implementation to provide service only in and for an area where there is a failure of coverage that does not involve the construction of a new tower or increase the height of any existing structure to which it is attached.
The official document or permit issued by the Board pursuant to which an applicant is permitted to construct, maintain and use a wireless telecommunications facility as granted or issued pursuant to this chapter. The Board is hereby authorized to review and approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove special use permits and site plans consistent with Village Law, §§ 7-725-a and 7-725-b.
The use of innovative design technology to minimize adverse aesthetic and visual impacts on the land, property, buildings, and other facilities located adjacent to, surrounding, and in generally the same area as the requested location of such wireless telecommunications facilities.
The transmission and/or reception of audio, video, data, and other information by wire, radio, frequency, light, and other electronic or electromagnetic systems.
Temporary in relation to all aspects and components of this chapter, something intended to, or that does, exist for less than 90 days.
The Incorporated Village of Lake Success.
Include personal wireless facilities and antennas and associated equipment and/or a structure, tower, facility or location designed or intended to be used as or used to support antennas or other transmitting or receiving devices. This includes, without limitation, all kinds of structures that employ stealth technology, including, but not limited to, structures such as a multistory building, church steeple, silo, water tower, sign or other structures that can be used to mitigate the visual impact of an antenna or the functional equivalent of such, including all related facilities such as cabling, equipment shelters and other structures associated with the site. It includes towers of all types intended to accommodate wireless telecommunications facilities and secondary wireless telecommunications service facilities and repeaters. It is a structure and facility intended for transmitting and/or receiving radio, television, cellular, paging, 911, personal and emergency telecommunications services, commercial satellite services, microwave services and services not licensed by the FCC, but not expressly exempt from the Village's siting, building and permitting authority, excluding those used exclusively for the Village's fire, police or exclusively for private, noncommercial radio and television reception and private citizen's bands, amateur radio and other similar noncommercial telecommunications where the height of the facility is below the height limits set forth in this chapter.
No person shall build, erect, or construct a wireless telecommunications facility upon any parcel of land within any zoning district within the Village unless a special use permit shall have been issued in accordance with this Chapter 85. The Village Board of Trustees is hereby authorized to review special use permit applications submitted pursuant to this section as set forth herein.
All applicants for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities or any modification of such facility shall comply with the requirements set forth in this section. Applications for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities shall be made to the Board of Trustees. Said Board is the officially designated agency that is authorized to review, analyze, evaluate and make decisions with respect to granting or not granting, recertifying or not recertifying, or revoking special use permits for wireless telecommunications facilities. The Village may, at its discretion, delegate or designate other official agencies of the Village to accept, review, analyze, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the granting or not granting, recertifying or not recertifying or revoking special use permits for wireless telecommunications facilities.
The applicant shall include with the application a written certification:
That the applicant's proposed wireless telecommunications facilities will be maintained in a safe manner, and in compliance with all conditions of the special use permit, without exception, as well as with all applicable and permissible local codes, ordinances, and regulations, including any and all applicable Village, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
That the applicant is authorized to do business in the State of New York and duly licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.
That the facility will be completed and will provide service within 180 days of the date of the grant of the special use permit.
All applications for the construction or installation of new wireless telecommunications facilities shall contain the information hereinafter set forth. The application shall be signed by an authorized individual on behalf of the applicant. Where a certification is called for, such certification shall bear the signature and seal of a professional engineer licensed in this State. The application shall include, as a minimum, the following information:
Documentation that demonstrates the public necessity of the wireless telecommunications facility at the location proposed to provide service primarily and essentially within the Village. Such documentation shall include, without limitation, propagation studies, in sufficient detail as determined by the Board, of the proposed site and all adjoining planned, proposed, in-service or existing sites and any alternative site proposed by the Village;
The name, address and phone number of the property owner, operator and applicant, and including documentation of the legal formation of the applicant;
The postal address and tax map designation of the property;
The number, type and design of the wireless telecommunications facility and antenna(s) proposed and the basis for the calculations of the facility's capacity to accommodate multiple users;
The make, model and manufacturer of the wireless telecommunications facility and antenna(s);
A description of the proposed wireless telecommunications facility and antenna(s) and all related fixtures, structures, appurtenances and apparatus, including height above preexisting grade, materials, color and lighting;
Certification that the NIER levels at the proposed site are within the permissible threshold levels adopted by the FCC;
Certification that a topographic and geomorphologic study and analysis has been conducted, and that, taking into account the subsurface and substrata, and the proposed drainage plan, that the site is adequate to assure the stability of the proposed wireless telecommunications facilities on the proposed site;
A radius map, certified by its preparer, showing the name, address, section, block and lot number on all property located within 500 feet of any property line of the lot or parcel on which the new wireless telecommunications facilities are proposed to be located.
Site plan. An applicant shall be required to submit a site plan as follows: The site plan shall show all existing and proposed structures and improvements, including roads, and shall include grading plans for new facilities and roads. The site plan shall also include documentation on the proposed intent and capacity of use as well as a justification for the height of any tower or antennas and justification for any land or vegetation clearing required. Additionally, the Board of Trustees shall require that the site plan include a completed visual environmental assessment form (visual EAF) and landscaping plan addressing other standards listed within this section, with particular attention to visibility from key viewpoints within and outside of the municipality as identified in the visual EAF. The Board may require submittal of a more detailed visual analysis based on the results of the visual EAF.
In the case of a new wireless telecommunications facility, the applicant shall be required to submit a written report demonstrating its meaningful efforts to secure shared use of existing wireless telecommunications facilities, or the use of alternative buildings or other structures within or adjoining the Village. Copies of written requests and responses for shared use shall be provided to the Board as part of the application, along with any letters of rejection stating the reason for rejection. A written technical report from an engineer, that the proposed tower or telecommunications facilities cannot be installed or colocated on another existing tower or usable antenna support structures, owned by others, located within a one-half-mile radius of the proposed tower site, shall be provided.
The applicant shall certify that the wireless telecommunications facility, foundation and attachments are designated and will be constructed to meet all local, Village, state and federal structural requirements for loads, including wind and ice loads.
The applicant shall certify that the wireless telecommunications facilities will be effectively grounded and bonded so as to protect persons and property, and installed with appropriate surge protectors.
A Zone of Visibility Map which shall be provided in order to determine locations from which the wireless telecommunications facility may be seen.
Pictorial representations of "before" and "after" views from key viewpoints both inside and outside of the Village as may be appropriate, 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, travelers or residents; residential properties from which the site is visible. The Board shall have the authority to determine the appropriate key sites at a preapplication meeting.
An assessment of the visual impact of the wireless telecommunications facility base and accessory buildings from abutting and adjacent properties and streets which will demonstrate the need or appropriateness of screening of said structures.
Any and all representations made by the applicant or its counsel to the Board, on the record or otherwise, during the application process, whether written or verbal, shall be deemed a part of the application and may be relied upon in good faith by the Board.
All utilities at a wireless telecommunications facilities site shall be installed underground and in compliance with all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the Village, including specifically, but not limited to, the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code where appropriate.
All applications for wireless telecommunications facilities shall demonstrate that the facility has been sited to minimize the adverse visual and physical impacts and effect on the environment, the adjacent neighborhood, and the Village and its character.
Both the wireless telecommunications facility and any and all accessory or associated facilities shall maximize the use of building materials, colors and textures designed to blend with the structure to which they may be affixed, and/or to harmonize with the natural surroundings, which shall include the utilization of stealth or concealment technology as may be required by the Board.
Telecommunications sites shall provide an access road, turnaround space, and parking to assure adequate emergency and service access. Existing roads, whether public or private, shall be used to the maximum extent possible. Road construction shall at all times minimize ground disturbance and the cutting of vegetation. Road grades shall closely follow natural contours to assure minimal visual disturbance and reduce soil erosion.
A person who holds a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities shall construct, operate, maintain, repair, provide for removal of, modify or restore the permitted wireless telecommunications facilities in strict compliance with all then-current applicable technical, safety and safety-related codes adopted by the Village, state, or United States, including but not limited to the most recent editions of the National Electrical Safety Code, the National Electrical Code, FAA, and FCC, as well as accepted and responsible workmanlike industry practices and recommended practices of the National Association of Tower Erectors as modified and updated from time to time. The codes referred to are codes that include, but are not limited to, use, 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 chapter shall obtain, at its own expense, all permits and licenses required by applicable law, rule, regulation or code, 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 permittee.
With respect to the application process, the Board will seek lead agency status pursuant to SEQRA. The Board shall conduct an environmental review of the proposed project pursuant to SEQRA in combination with its review of the application pursuant to this chapter.
An applicant shall submit to the Village the number of completed applications determined to be needed at the preapplication meeting.
The applicant shall examine the feasibility of designing a proposed wireless telecommunications facility to accommodate future demand for at least five additional commercial applications, for future colocations. As determined by the Board, the wireless telecommunications facility shall be structurally designed to accommodate at least five additional antenna arrays equal to those of the applicant, and located as close to the applicant's antenna as possible without causing interference.
Shared use of facility.
The owner of the proposed new wireless telecommunications facility, and his/her successors in interest, shall negotiate in good faith for the shared use of the proposed wireless telecommunications facility by other Wireless service providers in the future, and shall:
Respond within 60 days to request for information from a potential shared-use applicant;
Negotiate in good faith concerning future requests for shared use of the new wireless telecommunications facility by other telecommunications providers;
Allow shared use of the new wireless telecommunications facility if another Telecommunications provider agrees in writing to pay reasonable charges. The charges may include, but are not limited to, a pro rata share of the cost of site selection, planning, project administration, land costs, site design, construction and maintenance financing, return on equity, less depreciation, and all of the costs of adapting the wireless telecommunications facility or equipment to accommodate a shared user without causing electromagnetic interference.
Failure to abide by the conditions outlined above shall be grounds for revocation of the special use permit for the wireless telecommunications facility.
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. A preapplication meeting shall also include a site visit, if there has not yet been a prior site visit for the requested site. Costs of the Village's consultants to prepare for and attend the preapplication meeting will be borne by the applicant. Any and all representations made by the applicant or its counsel during the preapplication meeting and site visit shall be deemed a part of the application and may be relied upon in good faith by the Village of Lake Success.
The holder of a special use permit shall notify the Village of any intended modification of a wireless telecommunications facility and shall apply to the Board to modify, relocate or rebuild a wireless telecommunications facility.
In order to better inform the public of the potential visual impact of a new wireless telecommunications facility, the applicant shall, at the discretion of the Board, conduct a balloon test prior to the public hearing on the application. The applicant shall arrange to fly, or raise upon a temporary mast, a brightly colored balloon a minimum of three feet in diameter, at the maximum height of the proposed new wireless telecommunications facility. The dates (including a second date, in case of poor visibility on the initial date), times and location of this balloon test shall be published in the official newspaper of the Village. The applicant shall inform the Village, in writing, of the dates and times of the test, at least 14 days in advance. The balloon shall be flown for at least three consecutive hours some time between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the initial date. The secondary date may be on a weekday.
The applicant shall provide a written copy of an analysis, completed by a qualified individual or entity, to determine if the wireless telecommunications facility or existing structure intended to support wireless facilities requires lighting under Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 77. This requirement shall be for any new wireless telecommunications facility or for an existing structure or building where the application increases the height of the structure or building. If this analysis determines that the FAA must be contacted, then all filings with the FAA, all responses from the FAA and any related correspondence shall be provided to the Village in a timely manner.
Applicants for wireless telecommunications facilities shall locate, site and erect said wireless telecommunications facilities in accordance with the following priorities, one being the highest priority and seven being the lowest priority. The applicant shall demonstrate to the Board its attempts to locate on the highest priority sites available.
On Village-owned properties or facilities;
On electric, telephone and any other utility poles;
On existing nonresidential structures such as water towers, multistory buildings, church steeples, silos and existing telecommunications towers or other similar nonresidential structures when placement of wireless facilities, including but not limited to antennas, does not increase the height of the structure;
On nonresidential properties such as schools, churches, universities, clubs, similar type nonresidential properties, and commercial property;
Sites in excess of 100 acres;
On other properties in the Village. No existing structure shall be modified to serve as a transmission tower unless in conformity with the regulations established herein;
Other locations not meeting with the above priority criteria shall only be permitted by the Board when the applicant demonstrates to the Board's satisfaction that a priority site is not available and the alternative site, to the maximum extent practicable, protects and preserves the aesthetic qualities, open space characteristics of the Village, the property values of the community and the health, safety, and welfare of Village residents.
Towers shall be permitted only as a last alternative after all other transmission alternatives have been proven not to be effective to eliminate substantial gaps in service within the Village. Guyed wire towers shall not be permitted.
If the need for a new tower is proven, the tower shall be no taller than the minimum height necessary to eliminate substantial gaps in service or portions thereof within the Village.
If the proposed site is not the highest priority listed in Subsection A of this section, then a detailed explanation must be provided as to why any individual site(s) of any higher priority type was not selected or available. The applicant 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 proposed is the only site leased or selected. An application shall always address colocation as the first preference of the Village. If such option is not proposed, the applicant must explain to the reasonable satisfaction of the Board why colocation is not feasible.
Notwithstanding the above, the Village may approve any site located within an area in the above list of priorities, provided that the Village finds that the proposed site is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the Village and its inhabitants and will not have a deleterious effect on the aesthetic nature and character of the community, the neighborhood and on nearby property values. Notwithstanding the above, the Village may disapprove any site located within an area in the above list of priorities, provided that the Village finds that the proposed site is not in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the Village and its inhabitants and will have a deleterious effect on the aesthetic nature and character of the community, the neighborhood and on nearby property values.
The applicant shall submit a written report demonstrating the applicant's review of the above categories of locations in order of priority, demonstrating the reason for the site selection. If appropriate, based on selecting a site of lower priority, a detailed written explanation shall be included with the application, explaining why categories of sites of a higher priority were not selected or available.
Notwithstanding that a potential site may be situated in an area of highest priority or highest available priority, the Village may disapprove an application for any of the following reasons:
Conflict with the historic nature or aesthetic character of a neighborhood or historical district;
The use or construction of wireless telecommunications facilities which is contrary to an already stated purpose of a master plan or specific zoning or land use designation; or
The placement and location of wireless telecommunications facilities which would create an unacceptable risk, or the reasonable probability of such, to residents, the public, employees and agents of the Village, or employees of the service provider or other service providers;
Colocating on existing wireless telecommunications facilities or other structures without increasing the height, as opposed to the construction of a new wireless telecommunications facility or increasing the height of the existing facility, shall be preferred by the Village. The applicant shall submit a comprehensive report inventorying existing wireless telecommunications facilities and other suitable alternative structures within a two-mile radius of the location of any proposed new site or wireless telecommunications facilities, and demonstrate conclusively why an existing wireless telecommunications facility or other suitable structure cannot be used.
An applicant intending to locate on an existing wireless telecommunications facility or other suitable structure shall be required to document the consent of the existing owner to permit its use by the applicant.
Such shared use shall consist only of the minimum antenna array necessary to provide service primarily and essentially within the Village.
The applicant shall submit documentation justifying the total height of any wireless telecommunications facility and/or antenna and the basis therefor. Such documentation will be analyzed in the context of the justification of the height needed to provide service primarily and essentially within the Village.
If the need for a new wireless telecommunications facility can be proven, the maximum permitted height of a wireless telecommunications facility shall be no higher than the minimum height necessary to eliminate substantial gaps in service within the Village, whether in whole or in part.
All wireless telecommunications facilities shall employ stealth design technology as determined by the Board.
Wireless telecommunications facilities shall be galvanized or, if deemed necessary, painted with a rust-preventive paint of an appropriate color to harmonize with the surroundings and shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
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 applicable regulations.
Wireless telecommunications facilities and all related cabling that are colocated on a structure other than a wireless telecommunications facility shall be of a color that matches the color of the structure to which the facilities are attached. Whenever possible, wireless telecommunications facilities shall employ stealth technology to minimize the visual impact of such facilities and equipment.
In all cases, structures offering slender silhouettes (i.e., monopoles) shall be preferable to freestanding structures, except where such freestanding structures offer capacity for future colocation. Towers should be designed and sited so as to avoid, whenever possible, application of FAA lighting and painting requirements.
All wireless telecommunications facilities and antennas shall be located, fenced or otherwise secured in a manner that prevents unauthorized access. Specifically, all antennas, towers and other supporting structures shall be made reasonably inaccessible to unauthorized individuals and constructed or shielded in such a manner that they cannot be climbed or collided with, and shall be installed in such a manner that they are readily accessible only to persons authorized to operate or service them.
Wireless telecommunications facilities shall contain a sign no larger than is required to provide adequate notification to persons in the immediate area of the presence of an antenna that has transmission capabilities and shall contain the name(s) of the owner(s) and operator(s) of the antenna(s) as well as emergency phone number(s). The sign shall be placed on the equipment shelter or cabinet located on premises and be visibly able to be read from the access point of the site. The sign shall not be lighted, unless lighting is required by applicable law, rule or regulation. No other signage, including advertising, shall be permitted.
All proposed structures associated with a wireless telecommunications facility shall be set back so as to comply with applicable minimum setback requirements for the zoning district in which the property is situated. On poles or other public utility structures on public utility rights-of-way, the setback shall be as required by the utility or any existing or future governing law or regulation. Proposed towers and their associated equipment shall be set back a minimum of 110% of the height of the tower above finished grade, from all property lines and existing structures. Additional setbacks may be required by the Board to contain, on-site, substantially all ice-fall or debris from tower failure, and/or to preserve privacy of adjoining residential and public property. Setbacks shall apply to all tower parts and to any accessory facilities.
Landscaping and/or other screening and visual mitigation treatments, including, but not limited to, the use of camouflage, stealth or concealment technologies or treatments, shall be required to minimize the visual and aesthetic impact of such facility.
All ground-based equipment and structures shall either be located underground or placed so as not to be directly or easily visible from any property line.
Existing on-site vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible, and no cutting of trees exceeding four inches in diameter (measured at a height of four feet off the ground) shall take place without prior approval of the Board. Clearcutting of all trees in a single contiguous area exceeding 5,000 square feet shall be prohibited.
Deciduous or evergreen tree plantings may be required to screen portions of the tower from nearby residential property as well as from public sites known to include important viewsheds or vistas. Where the site abuts residential or public property, including streets, the vegetative screening shall be required. Plantings consisting of at least one row of native evergreen shrubs or trees capable of forming a continuous hedge at least 10 feet in height within two years of planting shall be provided to effectively screen the tower base and accessory facilities. In the case of poor soil conditions, planting may be required on soil berms to assure plant survival. Plant height in these cases shall exclude the height of any berm. Required vegetation shall be maintained as a condition of the special use permit.
Noise-producing equipment shall be sited and/or insulated to minimize any increase in noise above ambient levels as measured at the property line.
The Board may retain any attorney, consultant and/or expert necessary to assist it in reviewing and evaluating the application, including the construction, modification and inspection of the site, once permitted, and any requests for recertification.
An applicant shall deposit with the Village funds sufficient to reimburse the Village for all reasonable costs of such attorney, consultant and expert evaluation and consultation to the Board in connection with the review of any application, including the construction and modification of the site, once permitted. The initial deposit shall be $5,000. The placement of the $5,000 with the Village shall precede the site visit and preapplication meeting and any work related to or necessitated by the applicant's contact with the Village. The Village will maintain a separate escrow account for all such funds. In reviewing the application the Village's consultants/experts shall invoice the Village for their services at the consultant's/expert's standard rates, including the construction and modification of the site, once permitted. If at any time during the process this escrow account has a balance less than $2,500, the applicant shall immediately, upon notification by the Village, replenish said escrow account so that it has a balance of at least $5,000 as determined by the Village. Such additional escrow funds shall be deposited with the Village 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 invoicing at the conclusion of the project, the remaining balance shall be promptly refunded to the applicant. In the event the amount deposited by the applicant is insufficient to pay the actual cost of the Village consultants, the applicant shall pay any additional amount due prior to the issuance or denial of the special use permit.
The applicant shall also reimburse the Village for the actual and necessary charges for legal fees which have been incurred by the Village in connection with the application.
Any application submission shall be simultaneously submitted to the Board's consultants by the applicant.
No person shall be permitted to site, place, build, construct, modify or prepare any site for the placement or use of wireless telecommunications facilities as of the effective date of this chapter without having first obtained a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities. 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 facilities."
All wireless telecommunications facilities legally existing on or before the effective date of this chapter shall be allowed to continue as they presently exist; provided, however, that any modifications of an existing wireless telecommunications facility must comply with the provisions of this chapter.
Prior to the approval of any application for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities, a public hearing shall be held by the Board, notice of which shall be published in the official newspaper of the Village no less than 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the public hearing. The applicant shall notify all landowners, in writing, whose property is located within 500 feet of any property line of the lot or parcel on which the new wireless telecommunications facilities are proposed to be located, and any property owner or organization directly impacted by the proposed facility as determined by the Board, by certified mail, return receipt requested, no less than 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the public hearing.
There shall be no public hearing required for an application to colocate on an existing wireless telecommunications facility or other structure, provided that there is no proposed increase in the height of the wireless telecommunications facility or other structure, including attachments thereto.
The Board shall schedule the public hearing referred to in Subsection A of this section once it determines that the application is complete. The Village, at any stage prior to issuing a special use permit, may require such additional information as it deems necessary. The Board may waive any part or item to be contained in the application upon written request of the applicant for good cause shown, as determined by the Board.
The Board will undertake a review of an application pursuant to this chapter in a timely manner, consistent with its responsibilities with SEQRA, 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.
After the public hearing and after formally considering the application, the Board may approve, approve with conditions, or deny a special use permit. The Board's decision shall be in writing and shall be supported by substantial evidence contained in the record. The burden of proof for the grant of the permit shall be upon the applicant.
Construction of a wireless telecommunications facility permitted under this chapter shall be started within 90 days of the date of the grant of the special use permit and be completed, obtain a certificate of completion, and provide service within 180 days of the date of the grant of the special use permit. If the requirements of this Subsection D are not complied with, the wireless telecommunications facility shall be deemed to have been abandoned, the special use permit shall be revoked and the provisions of § 85-26 shall be enforced.
All special use permits approved pursuant to this chapter shall expire five years from the date of issuance, unless between 12 months and six months prior to the five-year anniversary date of the special use permit, and all subsequent five-year anniversaries of the issuance of the original special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities, the holder of a special use permit for such facility shall submit a signed, written request to the Board for recertification. In the written request for recertification, the holder of such special use permit shall include the following:
A representation that the wireless telecommunications facility is in compliance with the special use permit and compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules and regulations;
Recertification that the wireless telecommunications facility and attachments are designed and constructed and continue to meet all local, Village, state and federal structural requirements for loads, including wind and ice loads. Such recertification shall be made by a professional engineer, licensed in the state, the cost of which shall be borne by the applicant.
A representation that the existing wireless telecommunications facility cannot be replaced by a wireless telecommunications facility of improved stealth technology which will reduce the visual impact of such existing facility.
If, after such review, the Board determines that the permitted wireless telecommunications facility is in compliance with the special use permit and all applicable statutes, laws, local laws, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations currently in effect, then the Board shall issue a recertification of the special use permit for the wireless telecommunications facility, which may include any new provisions or conditions that are required by applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, codes, rules or regulations. If, after such review, it is determined that the permitted wireless telecommunications facility is not in compliance with the special use permit and all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations, then the Board may refuse to issue a recertification of the special use permit for the wireless telecommunications facility, and in such event such wireless telecommunications facility shall not be used after the date that the applicant receives written notice of the decision by the Board, and until such time as the facility is brought into compliance. Any decision requiring the cessation of use of the facility or imposing a penalty shall be in writing and supported by substantial evidence contained in the record and shall be promptly provided to the owner of the facility. In the event the wireless telecommunications facility shall not be brought into compliance within 90 days from the date of the decision of the Board, the facility shall be removed by the permittee in accordance with § 85-27.
If the applicant represents that the wireless telecommunications facility can be replaced by a facility of improved visual appearance through the use of stealth technology pursuant to Subsection A(7) of this section, the special use permit shall be renewed on the condition that the wireless telecommunications facility shall be replaced by a wireless telecommunications facility of improved stealth technology as approved by the Board prior to the expiration of the conditional renewal.
If the applicant has submitted all of the information requested and required by this chapter, and if the review is not completed, as noted in Subsection B of this section, prior to the five-year anniversary date of the special use permit, or subsequent five-year 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 to complete the recertification 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, 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 five-year anniversaries.
Such special use permit shall not be assigned, transferred or conveyed without prior written notification to the Village of Lake Success. Such transfer shall be conditioned upon the transferee complying with the terms and conditions of the special use permit and with the terms and conditions of this chapter.
Such special use permit may be revoked, canceled, or terminated for a violation of the conditions, and provisions, if any, of the special use permit, or for material violation of this chapter.
At the time of submission of an application for a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility, a nonrefundable application fee of $5,000 shall be paid to the Village. If the application is for a special use permit for colocating on or modification of an existing wireless telecommunications facility or other structure, the nonrefundable fee shall be $3,500. Joint applications for colocation on one site shall be treated as separate applications. The application fee may be changed by the Village from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.
The application fee for recertification of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility shall be $1,500 unless there has been a modification of the wireless telecommunications facility since the date of the issuance of the original special use permit for which the conditions of the special use permit have not previously been modified. In the case of any modification, the fees provided in Subsection A shall apply. Any submissions or information provided of any kind shall simultaneously be provided to the Village's consultant.
The applicant and the property owner of record of any wireless telecommunications facilities site shall, at its cost and expense, be jointly required to execute and file with the Village a bond or other form of security acceptable to the Village, in an amount of $100,000 and with such sureties as are deemed acceptable by the Village to assure the faithful performance of the terms and conditions of this chapter, and conditions of any special use permit issued pursuant to this chapter. For colocations that do not increase the height of the structure attached to, the bond or other security shall be $50,000. The full amount of the bond or security shall remain in full force and effect throughout the term of the special use permit, recertification and/or until any necessary site restoration is completed to restore the site to a condition comparable to that which existed prior to the issuance of the original special use permit.
In order to verify that the holder of a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities and any and all lessees, renters, and/or licensees of wireless telecommunications facilities, place and construct such facilities, including towers and antennas, in accordance with all applicable technical, safety, fire, building and zoning codes, laws, ordinances 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 holder of the special use permit shall, annually, certify to the Village that NIER levels at the site are within the threshold levels then currently adopted by the FCC, and that the design and use of the wireless telecommunications facility, including its cumulative impact with other existing facilities, conform to the maximum NIER exposure standards promulgated by the FCC as then existing. Said certification shall include a report prepared in accordance with FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin 65, as amended. The Village may hire a consultant of its choosing to analyze and verify such certification; the cost of such consultant shall be reimbursed by the applicant or special use permit holder.
The holder of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility shall secure and at all times maintain public liability insurance for personal injuries, death and property damage, and umbrella insurance coverage, for the duration of the Special Use permit in amounts as set forth below:
Commercial general liability covering personal injuries, death and property damage: $2,000,000 per occurrence, $5,000,000 aggregate; extensions: waiver of subrogation in favor of the Village.
Automobile coverage: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate.
Workers compensation and disability: statutory amounts; extensions: voluntary compensation: all state's coverage, Employer's liability: unlimited.
Umbrella liability: umbrella form: $5,000,000.
The commercial general liability, automobile and umbrella insurance policies shall specifically include the Village and all elected and appointed officials, and its employees, volunteers, committee members, attorneys, agents and consultants as additional named insureds by endorsement to the policy of insurance.
Any application for wireless telecommunications facilities that is proposed for property located within the Village pursuant to this chapter shall contain a provision with respect to indemnification. Such provision shall require the applicant, to the extent permitted by the law, to at all times defend, indemnify, protect, save, and hold harmless, and exempt the Village, and its officers, boards, employees, committee members, attorneys, agents, and consultants, from any and all penalties, damages, costs, or charges arising out of any and all claims, suits, demands, causes of action, or award of damages, whether compensatory or punitive, or expenses arising therefrom, either at law or in equity, which might arise out of, or are caused by, the placement, construction, erection, modification, location, products performance, use, operation, maintenance, repair, installation, replacement, removal, or restoration of said facility. With respect to the penalties, damages or charges referenced herein, reasonable attorney's fees, consultants' fees, and expert witness fees are included in those costs that are recoverable by the Village. Said indemnity shall be signed by a duly authorized corporate officer or representative of the applicant.
Notwithstanding the requirements noted in Subsection A of this section, an indemnification provision will not be required in those instances where the Village itself applies for, and secures, a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities.
In the event of a violation of this chapter or any special use permit issued pursuant to this chapter, the Village may impose and collect, from the property owner and/or holder of a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities, the fines or penalties as set forth below. A violation of this chapter is hereby declared to be an offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 per day, per occurrence, or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, for conviction of a first offense; for conviction of a second offense, both of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $350 nor more than $700 per day or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both; and, upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense, all of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $700 per day nor more than $1,000 per day or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both. However, for the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this chapter or of such ordinance or regulation shall be deemed misdemeanors, and for such purpose only, all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations. Each week's continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.
Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, the holder of a 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 chapter or any section of this chapter. An attempt to do so shall subject the holder of the special use permit to termination and revocation of the special use permit. The Village may also seek injunctive relief to prevent the continued violation of this Chapter, without limiting other remedies available to the Village.
If wireless telecommunications facilities are repaired, rebuilt, placed, moved, relocated, modified or maintained in a way that is inconsistent or not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or of the special use permit, then the Village 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 chapter, if the violation causes, creates or presents an imminent danger or threat to the health or safety of lives or property, the Village 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 facilities are not brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter, 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 Village may revoke such special use permit for such wireless telecommunications facility, and shall notify the holder of the special use permit within 48 hours of such action.
Under the following circumstances, the Village may determine that the health, safety, and welfare interests of the Village warrant and require the repair or removal of wireless telecommunications facilities.
Permitted wireless telecommunications facilities fall into such a state of disrepair that they create a health or safety hazard or visual blight;
If the Village makes such a determination as noted in Subsection A of this section, then the Village 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 repaired or removed.
The holder of the special use permit, or its successors or assigns, shall repair or 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 within 90 days of receipt of written notice from the Village. However, if the owner of the property upon which the wireless telecommunications facility is located wishes to retain any access roadway to the wireless telecommunications facility, the owner may do so with the approval of the Board. The property owner, as a condition of the special use permit, shall permit access to the property by the Village or its representatives for the purpose of implementing this section.
If a wireless telecommunications facility is not repaired or removed or substantial progress has not been made to remove the wireless telecommunications facility within 90 days after the permit holder has received notice, then the Village may order officials or representatives of the Village to remove the wireless telecommunications facility at the sole expense of the owner and/or special use permit holder. The Village may utilize the proceeds of the bond provided in § 85-20 for removal or maintenance of the structures authorized by the chapter.
If the Village repairs, removes, or causes to be removed, a wireless telecommunications facility, and the owner of the wireless telecommunications facility does not claim and remove it from the site to a lawful location within 10 days, then the Village may take steps to declare the wireless telecommunications facility abandoned, and sell it and its components.
Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the Village may approve a temporary use permit/agreement for the wireless telecommunications facility, for no more than 90 days, during which time a suitable plan for repair, removal, conversion, or relocation of the affected wireless telecommunications facility shall be developed by the holder of the special use permit, subject to the approval of the Village, and an agreement to such plan shall be executed by the holder of the special use permit and the Village. If such a plan is not developed, approved and executed within said 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. The Village may approve an interim temporary use agreement/permit, such as to enable the sale of the wireless telecommunications facility.
To the extent that the holder of a special use permit for a wireless telecommunications facility has not received relief, or is 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, and 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, security and RF emissions standards, 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 permitted wireless telecommunications facility to the applicable changed and/or modified rule, regulation, standard, or provision within 12 months of the effective date of the applicable changed and/or modified rule, regulation, standard, or provision, or sooner as may be required by the issuing entity.
Where this chapter differs or conflicts with other laws, rules and regulations, unless the right to do so is preempted or prohibited by state or federal law, this chapter shall apply.
The Board may waive or modify any of the provisions and requirements contained herein upon application of the applicant to the Board showing just cause for such waiver or modification in order to further the purposes and intent of this chapter and compliance with the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
If any word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection, or other portion of this chapter or any application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be void, unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, 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 chapter, and all applications thereof, not having been declared void, unconstitutional or invalid, shall remain in full force and effect.
Any special use permit issued under this chapter shall be comprehensive and not severable. If part of a permit is deemed or ruled to be invalid or unenforceable in any material respect, by a court of competent jurisdiction, or is overturned by a court of competent jurisdiction, the permit shall be void in total, upon determination by the Village.