7B, Amendment to City Code Regarding Antennas & Towers

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Draft Planning Commission Minutes from July 8, 2009 Plannin2 Case 09-014: Zonin2 Ordinance Amendment: Antennas and Towers: City of Arden Hills - Public Hearine City Planner Beekman stated that this application is presented by staff and proposes to amend sections of the zoning code regarding antennas and towers. She reviewed the recommended amendments to the code, including updating language to meet current standards. She explained that definitions of towers and dish antennas had been removed. She advised that in section 1325.09 purpose, exemptions, location priorities, collocation and screening were amended and briefly reviewed the proposed changes. Staffrecommends approval of this case to amend sections 1305.04 and 1325.09 of the zoning code and an additional amendment to subdivision six, paragraph b, sub 1 to add the civic center district to industrial and business districts. Commissioner Holewa understood what staffwas trying to do but questioned if this would apply to both commercial and home antennas. He questioned if the home antennas would then need to be painted to match their roof. City Planner Beekman advised that type of antenna would be exempt. Commissioner Holewa questioned language used in the ordinance in reference to the Council. City Planner Beekman explained that the Council could be replaced with the City if that was preferred. Commissioner Holewa asked for further clarification on the feasibility of placing an antenna in a location. City Planner Beekman stated that the feasibility would be determined by a licensed engineer. Commissioner Zimmerman questioned if any thought had been given to the digital change in regard to television and the possibility of additional towers being needed for improved reception. City Planner Beekman stated that staff did look ahead in terms of what may be needed in terms of future antennae and towers. Chair Larson confirmed the hierarchy of locations for antennae, first being the water tower, then an existing tower or structure with space, and if those do not apply only then could a new structure could be built.