Agenda - 08-28-2000-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY .BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: August 28.,.2000 OOJ Action Agenda Item No. SUBJECT: TELECOMMUNICATION TOWERS AND ANTENNA AMENDMENTS DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig N. Benedict, ext. 2592 Rough Draft of suggested revisions for discussion TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 68$-7331 Mebane (336)227-2031 PURPOSE: To discuss possible areas of revision to the tower ordinance to provide alternate review processes and a telecommunication plan to promote co-location and master grid planning. BACKGROUND: The Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 made sweeping regulatory changes to the siting of wireless communication towers and underground telecable facilities. In brief, the Federal Government received billions of dollars in license fees to 'sell the airwaves' to various telecommunication (Telco') providers in order to construct the'information highway'. To ease the implementation of the telco network, the Telco Act of 1996 preempted many local government zoning controls. As is evidenced by the number of tower installations and proposals in Orange County, tower applications and their related public input is of growing importance and legal sensitivity. Consultant companies in the telecommunication field now offer services to government to: a) provide public information, b) review ordinances, c) create a grid system identifying potential tower coverage sites, d) coordinate tower siting with the telco industry, and e) develop revenue sources for leasing public properties. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Changes could include additional revenue if public properties are leased and if permit and inspection are implemented. RECOMMENDATION(S): Receive as a report and receive public comment.