ORD-2004-019 - Zoning Ordinance Amendment Wireless Element of the Master Telecommunication Plan

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145 Coordination with County Departments The infrastructure associated with wireless telecommunication facilities is inherently essential to the efficient operation of a number of County departments. Emergency Medical Services needs to maintain quality wireless service throughout the County. The Sheriff's and fire departments have similar needs. Information Systems also desires to provide quality communication -based technology services, a goal shared by other public agencies in and around Orange County. The MTP provides valuable information concerning the present state and future needs of emergency and other communications networks of public concern. Establish MTP Goals, Policy, and Applicable Action Steps The plan will: • Identify public, private and semi - public properties for the overall public benefit that may be suitable for telecommunication facility sites • Develop cooperation with telecommunication facility stakeholders to encourage collocation. Limit the number of future tower sites by identifying available sites for communications facilities. Policy Statement. The County supports the conservative application of improved wireless communication technologies within its boundaries. While retaining and enhancing its local zoning authority and its sensitivity to community concerns, the County provides public and private property owners, communications service providers and other interested citizens and parties with information that may help guide the proper siting of communications facilities and meet Zoning Ordinance standards that are designed to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare of County residents. Applicable Action Steps. • Continue to schedule an annual meeting of wireless communication providers to discuss and identify the location_ of existing and possible future collocated communications facilities. • Maintain an inventory of existing towers, utility poles and other suitable structures, antennas and co- locations. • Determine, with respect to existing MTP sites, whether zoning compliance exists, whether all applicable permits and leases have been obtained from the service providers in the County and whether the permits remain current. • Explore opportunities to research and include within the MTP information concerning areas and issues of cultural and environmental concern. • Receive and process applications from public and private property owners for inclusion or removal from the MTP of properties that may serve as potential sites for collocated telecommunication facilities. 5