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(A) The following additional requirements shall apply to a small wireless facility proposed for installation on a new utility pole that is neither a replacement pole for an existing streetlight, nor a replacement pole for an existing traffic signal. A new utility pole shall incorporate the highest level of stealth and concealment of the antennas and wireless equipment in order to minimize the visual impact of the site to the public. The installation of a new utility pole does not include the installation of monopoles. These design standards are not exhaustive and the City, as the owner of the right-of-way, retains the right to modify or adjust the requirements on a case-by-case basis.

(B) The primary purpose of utility pole is to support communication services, electric distribution, lighting, or traffic signals. The utility pole may be used for the provision of wireless services by a wireless provider in the City’s right-of-way.

(C) The new utility pole shall be architecturally integrated and compatible with the use of the surrounding area and any existing utility poles, including streetlights and traffic signal poles, and shall be designed to blend in with the surrounding streetscape, either by stealth design or camouflage so as to have little to no visual impact on the surrounding area.

(D) All plans shall be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Arizona.

(E) The following specific criteria shall apply to new utility poles:

(1) A new small wireless facility may be installed without zoning review on a new utility pole pursuant to A.R.S. § 9-592(I) if the pole does not exceed the greater of either:

(a) Ten feet in height above the tallest existing utility pole, other than a utility pole supporting only wireless facilities, that is in place on the effective date of this section, that is located within 500 feet of the new, replacement or modified utility pole and that is in the same right-of-way within the jurisdictional boundary of the authority, but no more than 50 feet above ground level; or

(b) Forty feet above ground level where there are no other existing utility poles taller than 40 feet within 500 feet of the new pole.

(c) The height of the new utility pole is measured from grade to top of the antenna canister, or the top of the panel antenna if the antennas are the highest elements of the site. Otherwise, the measured height shall be from existing grade to the highest point of the new utility pole.

(d) As part of the stealth and concealment elements of the new utility pole, the City may require the wireless provider to install street name plates, directional signs, and other decorative signs or artistic elements on the structure. The wireless provider is solely responsible for the cost of all stealth and concealment elements and the installation of other elements required by the City.

(2) The wireless provider is responsible for the performance of and any costs incurred for regular up-keep, maintenance and replacement (if necessary) of these stealth and concealment elements.

(3) Pole Foundation.

(a) The pole foundation for the new utility pole, if required, shall conform to civil and structural engineering standards acceptable to the City, with design modifications for wireless communications equipment and cables.

(b) The height of the pole foundation shall be two inches above finished grade. However, if the pole foundation is adjacent to or within a sidewalk or ramp, the height of the pole foundation shall be flush with the surface of the immediate area.

(c) Shrouds for the pole mounting bolts may be required.

(4) The City shall identify the paint colors, location of paint and any decorative work that may be painted onto the new utility pole.

(5) The City shall identify the paint colors for the antennas, antenna mounting brackets and posts, antenna shrouds, and cables.

(6) The City may require the new utility pole to be painted using a powder-coat process to match existing facilities in the immediate area, such as streetlights or traffic signals.

(7) The City may require the ground-mounted wireless equipment to be screened or concealed to reduce the visual impact to the surrounding area. The screening or concealment shall take into account the location of the site, the use of the immediate area, and the existing aesthetic elements surrounding the site. In cases where screening is not proposed or otherwise required, the equipment shall be painted to match the color of existing ground equipment, facilities or walls within the immediate area. An anti-graffiti finish shall be applied to all screening material. Any landscaping in the right-of-way that is disturbed as a result of the installation of the ground-mounted equipment shall be replaced or repaired and restored to its original condition by the owner of the equipment. (Ord. 18-1378, passed 1-8-2018)