Title
Proposed Amendments to Wireless Communication Facilities Code - Deliberation and Action
Recommendation
Community Planning Director Recommendation:
Move to table this proposal pending legal counsel report regarding new federal regulations, and provide that City staff may elect to schedule another public hearing for presentation of an alternative proposal.
Report
Issue:
On September 8, 2014, the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a proposed amendment of the development code to revise the City's regulations related to all types of wireless communication facilities, and especially cellular phone transmission towers. At close of the hearing, the City staff reported that pending new federal regulations on this topic could lead to changes in the staff's recommendation. The staff will provide an oral report regarding the continuing analysis of these regulations.
Presenter:
Steve Friddle, Principal Planner
Background and Analysis:
In 2014 the City of Olympia received a proposal from AT&T Incorporated to revise the city's development code with respect to certain wireless communication facilities. The City responded by retaining the assistance of legal counsel experienced in these matters, and by convening a group of stakeholders to evaluate the proposal. The result was a variation of the proposal that was the subject of a public hearing at the Planning Commission meeting of September 8, 2014.
Prior to substantial deliberation by the Commission, the staff became aware of new federal regulations that could have a substantial effect upon the proposed amendment. Analysis of those regulations has continued for the last few months. The staff will provide an update intended for the Commission to take appropriate action regarding this matter.