HomeMy WebLinkAbout2105ORDINANCE NO. 2105
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA TO AMEND THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL
CODE; TITLE 14 STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, TO ADD
CHAPTER 14.28, "WIRELESS FACILITIES IN PUBLIC
RIGHTS -OF -WAY."
City Attorney's Summary
The proposed ordinance will establish regulations pertaining
to small cell wireless facilities in public rights -of -way.
Adoption of the ordinance will bring the City of Palm Springs
into compliance with federal law regarding entitlements for
small cell facilities.
WHEREAS, California Constitution Article XI, Section 5(a), grants charter cities,
including the City of Palm Springs ("City"), the power to make and enforce all ordinances
and resolutions with respect to municipal affairs; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 14.16 of the Paim Springs Municipal Code generally governs
the City's regulation of encroachments in the public rights -of -way; and
WHEREAS, the City deems it to be necessary and appropriate to provide for
certain standards and regulations relating to the location, placement, design,
construction and maintenance of wireless telecommunications towers, antennas and
other structures within the City's public rights -of -way, and providing for the enforcement
of said standards and regulations, consistent with federal and state law limitations on
that authority.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY
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SECTION 1: The foregoing Recitals are adopted as findings of the City Council
as though set forth in fully within the body of this ordinance.
SECTION 2: The Municipal Code for the City ("Code") shall be amended to add
a new Chapter 14.28, entitled "Wireless Facilities in Public Rights -Of -Way" as follows:
CHAPTER 14.28
WIRELESS FACILITIES IN PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY
Section 14.28.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this Chapter is to establish a process for managing, and uniform standards
for acting upon, requests for the placement of wireless facilities within the public rights-
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Page 2
of -way of the City consistent with the City's obligation to promote the public health, safety,
and welfare, to manage the public rights -of -way, and to ensure that the public is not
incommoded by the use of the public rights -of -way for the placement of wireless facilities.
The City recognizes the importance of wireless facilities to provide high -quality
communications service to the residents and businesses within the City, and the City also
recognizes its obligation to comply with applicable Federal and State law regarding the
placement of personal wireless services facilities in its public rights -of -way. This Chapter
shall be interpreted consistent with those provisions.
Section 14.28.020 Definitions. The terms used in this Chapter shall have the following
meanings:
Application: A formal request, including all required
documentation and information, submitted by an applicant
encroachment permit
and requested
to the City for a
Applicant: A person filing an application for placement or modification of a
wireless facility in the public right-of-way.
Director: The term "Director" shall mean the City Engineer of the City of Palm
Springs.
Eligible Facilities Request: shall have the meaning as set forth in 47 C.F.R
Section 1.6100(b)(3), or any successor provision.
Encroachment permit: A permit issued pursuant to this Chapter authorizing the
placement or modification of a wireless facility of a design specified in the permit
at a particular location within the ROW; and the modification of any existing support
structure to which the wireless facility is proposed to be attached.
FCC: The Federal Communications Commission or its lawful successor.
Municipal Infrastructure: City -owned or controlled property structures, objects,
and equipment in the ROW, including, but not limited to, street lights, traffic control
structures, banners, street furniture, bus stops, billboards, or other poles, lighting
fixtures, or electroliers located within the ROW.
Permittee: any person or entity granted a encroachment permit pursuant to this
Chapter.
Personal Wireless Services: shall have the same meaning as set forth in 47
U.S.C. Section 332(c)(7)(C)(i).
Personal Wireless Services Facility: means a wireless facility used for the
provision of personal wireless services.
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Ill
Ordinance No. 2105
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Public Right -of -Way, or ROW: shall have the same meaning as in Section
14.16.010 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, but shall also include any portion
of any road or public way which the City has the responsibility to maintain or
manage.
Small Cell Facility: shall have the same meaning as "small wireless facility" in 47
C.F.R. 1.6002(I), or any successor provision (which is a personal wireless services
facility that meets the following conditions that, solely for convenience, have been
set forth below):
(1) The facility —
a. is mounted on a structure 50 feet or less in height, including
antennas, as defined in 47 C.F.R. Section 1.1320(d), or
b. is mounted on a structure no more than 10 percent taller than
other adjacent structures, or
C. does not extend an existing structure on which it are located
to a height of more than 50 feet or by more than 10 percent,
whichever is greater;
(2) Each antenna associated with the deployment, excluding associated
antenna equipment (as defined in the definition of antenna in 47
C.F.R. Section 1.1320(d)), is no more than three cubic feet in
volume;
(3) All other wireless equipment associated with the structure, including
the wireless equipment associated with the antenna and any pre-
existing associated equipment on the structure, is no more than 28
cubic feet in volume;
(4) The facility does not require antenna structure registration under 47
C.F.R. Part 17;
(5) The facility is not located on Tribal lands, as defined under 36 C.F.R.
Section 800.16(x); and
(6) The facility does not result in human exposure to radiofrequency
radiation in excess of the applicable safety standards specified in 47
C.F.R. Section 1.1307(b).
Support Structure: Any structure capable of supporting a base station.
Underground areas: Those areas where there are no electrical facilities or
facilities of the incumbent local exchange carrier in the public right of way; or where
Ordinance No. 2105
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the wires associated with the same are or are required to be located underground;
or where the same are scheduled to be converted from overhead to underground.
Electrical facilities are distribution facilities owned by an electric utility and do not
include transmission facilities used or intended to be used to transmit electricity at
nominal voltages in excess of 35,000 volts.
Utility Pole: A structure in the ROW designed to support electric, telephone and
similar utility lines. A tower is not a utility pole.
Wireless Facility, or Facility: The transmitters, antenna structures and other
types of installations used for the provision of wireless services at a fixed location,
including, without limitation, any associated tower(s), support structure(s), and
base station(s).
Wireless Infrastructure Provider: A person that owns, controls, operates or
manages a wireless facility or portion thereof within the ROW.
Wireless Regulations: Those regulations adopted pursuant to Section 5 and
implementing the provisions of this Chapter.
Wireless Service Provider: An entity that provides personal wireless services to
end users.
Section 14.28.030 Scope.
A. In general. Unless exempted, every person who desires to place a wireless
facility in the public rights -of -way or modify an existing wireless facility in the
public rights -of -way must obtain an encroachment permit authorizing the
placement or modification in accordance with this Chapter. Except for small
cell facilities, facilities qualifying as eligible facilities requests, or any other
type of facility expressly allowed in the public right-of-way by state or federal
law, no other wireless facilities shall be permitted pursuant to this Chapter.
B. Exemptions. This Chapter does not apply to:
(1) The placement or modification of facilities by the City or by any other
agency of the state solely for public safety purposes.
(2) Installation of a "cell on wheels," "cell on truck" or a similar structure
for a temporary period in connection with an emergency or event, but
no longer than required for the emergency or event, provided that
installation does not involve excavation, movement, or removal of
existing facilities.
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C. Other applicable requirements. In addition to the encroachment permit
required herein, the placement of a wireless facility in the ROW requires the 0
Ordinance No. 2105
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persons who will own or control those facilities to obtain all permits required
by applicable law, and to comply with applicable law, including, but not
limited to, applicable law governing radio frequency (RF) emissions.
D. Pre-existing Facilities in the ROW. Any wireless facility already existing
in the ROW as of the date of this Chapter's adoption shall remain subject to
the standards and conditions of the City Code in effect prior to this Chapter,
unless and until a renewal of such facility's then -existing permit is granted,
at which time the provisions of this Chapter shall apply in full force going
forward as to such facility. The review of any request for a renewal of a
permit for such pre-existing facilities shall be conducted pursuant to this
Chapter, rather than the portion(s) of the City Code that it was previously
reviewed under.
E. Public use. Except as otherwise provided by California law, any use of the
public right-of-way authorized pursuant to this Chapter will be subordinate
to the City's use and use by the public.
Section 14.28.040 Administration.
A. Director. The Director or their designee is responsible for administering
this Chapter. As part of the administration of this Chapter, the Director may:
(1) Interpret the provisions of this Chapter;
(2) Develop and implement standards governing the placement and
modification of wireless facilities consistent with the requirements of
this Chapter, including regulations governing collocation and
resolution of conflicting applications for placement of wireless
facilities;
(3) Develop and implement acceptable designs and development
standards for wireless facilities in the public rights -of -way, taking into
account the zoning districts bounding the public rights -of -way;
(4) Develop forms and procedures for submission of applications for
placement or modification of wireless facilities, and proposed
changes to any support structure consistent with this Chapter;
(5) Determine the amount of and collect, as a condition of the
completeness of any application, any fee established by this
Chapter;
(6) Establish deadlines for submission of information related to an
application, and extend or shorten deadlines where appropriate and
consistent with state and federal laws and regulations;
Ordinance No. 2105
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(7) Issue any notices of incompleteness, requests for information, or
conduct or commission such studies as may be required to
determine whether a permit should be issued;
(8) Require, as part of, and as a condition of completeness of any
application, notice to members of the public that may be affected by
the placement or modification of the wireless facility and proposed
changes to any support structure;
(9) Subject to appeal as provided herein, determine whether to approve,
approve subject to conditions, or deny an application; and
(10) Take such other steps as may be required to timely act upon
applications for placement of wireless facilities, including issuing
written decisions and entering into agreements to mutually extend
the time for action on an application.
B. Appeal
(1) Notwithstanding Chapter 2.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code,
any person adversely affected by the decision of the Director
pursuant to this Chapter may appeal the Director's decision to the
City Manager, who may decide the issues de novo, and whose
written decision will be the final decision of the City. An appeal by a
wireless infrastructure provider must be taken jointly with the wireless
service provider that intends to use the personal wireless services
facility. All appeals must be filed within two (2) business days of the
written decision of the Director, unless the Director extends the time
therefore. An extension may not be granted where extension would
result in approval of the application by operation of law. All appeals
shall be filed in writing with the City Clerk.
(2) Where the Director grants an application based on a finding that
denial would result in a prohibition or effective prohibition under
applicable federal law, the Director shall automatically file the
decision with the City Clerk for de novo review by the City Manager
and final decision.
(3) Any appeal shall be conducted so that a timely written final decision
may be issued in accordance with applicable law.
Section 14.28.050 General Standards for Wireless Facilities in the Public Rights -
of -Way. 0
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A. Generally. Wireless facilities in the ROW shall meet the minimum
requirements set forth in this Chapter and the wireless regulations, in
addition to the requirements of any other applicable law.
B. Minimum Standards. Wireless facilities shall be installed and modified in
a manner that minimizes risks to public safety, avoids placement of
aboveground facilities in underground areas, avoids installation of new
support structures or equipment cabinets in the public rights -of -way, and
otherwise maintains the integrity and character of the neighborhoods and
corridors in which the facilities are located; ensures that installations are
subject to periodic review to minimize the intrusion on the rights of way; and
ensures that the City bears no risk or liability as a result of the installations,
and that such use does not inconvenience the public, interfere with the
primary uses of the rights -of -way, or hinder the ability of the City or other
government agencies to improve, modify, relocate, abandon, or vacate the
public rights of way or any portion thereof, or to cause the improvement,
modification, relocation, vacation, or abandonment of facilities in the rights
of way.
C. Location Preferences. All applicants should, to the extent feasible,
collocate new facilities and substantial changes to existing facilities with
existing facilities.
D. Design Standards. Permits for personal wireless services facilities shall
incorporate specific concealment elements to minimize visual impacts and
design requirements ensuring compliance with all standards for noise
emissions. Unless it is determined that another design is less intrusive or
placement is required under applicable law, wireless facilities shall be
consistent in color and materials to the existing facilities on which it is
collocated.
Section 14.28.060 Applications.
A. Submission. Unless the wireless regulations provide otherwise, applicant
shall submit a paper copy and an electronic copy of any application,
amendments, or supplements to an application, or responses to requests
for information regarding an application to: Public Works Director, at 3200
E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
B. Pre -application meeting. Prior to filing an application for an
encroachment permit, an applicant is encouraged to schedule a pre -
application meeting with the Director to discuss the proposed facility, the
requirements of this Chapter, and any potential impacts of the proposed
facility.
C. Content. An application must contain:
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(1) Any information required pursuant to the wireless regulations;
(2) The name of the applicant, its telephone number and contact
information, and if the applicant is a wireless infrastructure provider,
the name and contact information for the wireless service provider
that will be using the personal wireless services facility;
(3) A complete description of the proposed wireless facility and the work
that will be required to install or modify it, including, but not limited to,
detail regarding proposed excavations, if any; detailed site plans
showing the location of the wireless facility, and specifications for
each element of the wireless facility, clearly describing the site and
all structures and facilities at the site before and after installation or
modification; and describing the distance to the nearest residential
dwelling unit and any historical structure within 500 feet of the facility.
Before and after 360-degree photosimulations must be provided.
(4) Documentation sufficient to show that the proposed facility will
comply with generally applicable health and safety provisions of the
City Code and the FCC's radio frequency emissions standards.
(5) A copy of the lease or other agreement between the applicant and
the owner of the property to which the proposed facility will be
attached. 0
(6) If the application is for a small cell facility, the application shall state
as such and shall explain why the proposed facility meets the
definition of small cell facility in this Chapter.
(7) If the application is for an eligible facilities request, the application
shall state as such and must contain information sufficient to show
that the application qualifies as an eligible facilities request, which
information must show that there is an existing wireless facility that
was approved by the City. Before and after 360-degree
photosimulations must be provided, as well as documentation
sufficient to show that the proposed facility will comply with generally
applicable health and safety provisions of the City Code and the
FCC's radio frequency emissions standards.
(8) Proof that notice has been mailed to owners and residents of all
properties and multifamily dwelling unit(s) within 300 feet of the
proposed personal wireless services facility.
(9) If applicant contends that denial of the application would prohibit or
effectively prohibit the provision of service in violation of federal law,
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or otherwise violate applicable law, the application must provide all
information on which the applicant relies on in support of that claim.
Applicants are not permitted to supplement this showing if doing so
would prevent City from complying with any deadline for action on an
application.
(10) The electronic version of an application must be in a standard format
that can be easily uploaded on a web page for review by the public.
(11) Any required fees.
D. Fees. Application fee(s) shall be required to be submitted with any
application for an encroachment permit. The City Council is hereby
authorized to determine, or cause to be determined, the amount, type, and
other terms of such fee(s) from time to time by means of resolution.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no application fee shall be refundable, in
whole or in part, to an applicant for an encroachment permit unless paid as
a refundable deposit.
E. Incompleteness. For personal wireless facilities and eligible facilities
requests, applications will be processed, and notices of incompleteness
provided, in conformity with state, local, and federal law. If such an
application is incomplete, the Director may notify the applicant in writing,
and specifying the material omitted from the application.
Section 14.28.070 Findings; Decisions; Consultants.
A. Findings Required for Approval.
(1 } Except for eligible facilities requests, the Director or City Manager,
as the case may be, shall approve an application if, on the basis of
the application and other materials or evidence provided in review
thereof, it finds the following:
a. The facility is not detrimental to the public health, safety, and
welfare;
b. The facility complies with this Chapter and all applicable
design and development standards or grant of an exception is
warranted; and
C. The facility meets applicable requirements and standards of
state and federal law.
(2) For eligible facilities requests, the Director or City Manager, as the
case may be, shall approve an application if, on the basis of the
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application and other materials or evidence provided in review
thereof, it finds the following: 0
a. That the application qualifies as an eligible facilities request;
and
b. That the proposed facility will comply with all generally
applicable laws.
B. Findings required for exceptions. An exception to the requirements of
this Chapter may be granted, if it is determined that applicant has
established that denial of an application would, within the meaning of federal
law, prohibit or effectively prohibit the provision of personal wireless
services, or otherwise violate applicable state or federal laws or regulations.
If that determination is made, an exception may be granted but only to the
minimum extent required to avoid the prohibition or violation.
C. Decisions. Decisions on an application by the Director or City Manager
shall be in writing and include the reasons for the decision.
D. Independent Consultants. The Director or City Manager, as the case may
be, is authorized, in its discretion, to select and retain independent
consultant(s) with expertise in telecommunications in connection with the
review of any application under this Chapter. Such independent consultant
review may be retained on any issue that involves specialized or expert
knowledge in connection with an application, including, but not limited to,
application completeness or accuracy, structural engineering analysis, or
compliance with FCC radio frequency emissions standards.
Section 14.28.080 Conditions of Approval.
A. Generally. In addition to any supplemental conditions imposed by the
Director or City Manager, as the case may be, all permits granted pursuant
to this Chapter shall be subject to the following conditions, unless modified
by the approving authority:
(1) Code Compliance. The permittee shall at all times maintain
compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws,
regulations and other rules, including, without limitation, those
applying to use of public rights -of -way.
(2) Permit Duration. An encroachment permit shall be valid for a period
of ten (10) years, unless pursuant to another provision of the Code
or these conditions, it expires sooner or is terminated. At the end of
ten (10) years from the date of issuance, such Permit shall
automatically expire, unless an extension or renewal has been
Ordinance No. 2105
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granted. A person holding an encroachment permit must either (1)
remove the facility within thirty (30) days following the permit's
expiration (provided that removal of support structure owned by City,
a utility, or another entity authorized to maintain a support structure
in the right of way need not be removed, but must be restored to its
prior condition, except as specifically permitted by the City), or (2) at
least ninety (90) days prior to expiration, submit an application to
renew the permit, which application must, among all other
requirements, demonstrate that the impact of the wireless facility
cannot be reduced. The wireless facility may remain in place until it
is acted upon by the City and all appeals from the City's decision
exhausted.
(3) Timing of Installation. The installation and construction authorized
by an encroachment permit shall begin within one (1) year after its
approval, or it will expire without further action by the City. The
installation and construction authorized by an encroachment permit
shall conclude, including any necessary post -installation repairs
and/or restoration to the ROW, within thirty (30) days following the
day construction commenced.
(4) Commencement of Operations. The operation of the approved
facility shall commence no later than one (1) month after the
completion of installation, or the encroachment permit will expire
without further action by the City.
(5) As -Built Drawings. The Permittee shall submit an as -built drawing
within ninety (90) days after installation of the facility.
(6) Inspections; Emergencies. The City or its designee may enter onto
the facility area to inspect the facility upon 48 hours prior notice to
the permittee. The permittee shall cooperate with all inspections and
may be present for any inspection of its facility by the City. The City
reserves the right to enter or direct its designee to enter the facility
and support, repair, disable, or remove any elements of the facility in
emergencies orwhen the facility threatens imminent harm to persons
or property. The city shall make an effort to contact the permittee
prior to disabling or removing any facility elements, but in any case
shall notify permittee within 24 hours of doing so.
(7) Contact. The permittee shall at all times maintain accurate contact
information for all parties responsible for the facility, which shall
include a phone number, street mailing address and email address
for at least one natural person.
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(8) Insurance. Permittee shall obtain and maintain throughout the term
of the permit commercial general liability insurance with a limit of
$1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage
and $2,000,000 general aggregate including premises operations,
contractual liability, personal injury, and products completed
operations. The relevant policy(ies) shall name the City, its
elected/appointed officials, commission members, officers,
representatives, agents, and employees as additional insureds.
Permittee shall use its best efforts to provide [thirty (30) days'] prior
notice to the City of to the cancellation or material modification of any
applicable insurance policy.
(9) Indemnities. The permittee and, if applicable, the owner of the
property upon which the wireless facility is installed shall defend,
indemnify and hold harmless the City, its agents, officers, officials,
and employees (i) from any and all damages, liabilities, injuries,
losses, costs, and expenses, and from any and all claims, demands,
law suits, writs of mandamus, and other actions or proceedings
brought against the city or its agents, officers, officials, or employees
to challenge, attack, seek to modify, set aside, void or annul the city's
approval of the permit, and (ii) from any and all damages, liabilities,
injuries, losses, costs, and expenses, and any and all claims,
demands, law suits, or causes of action and other actions or
proceedings of any kind or form, whether for personal injury, death
or property damage, arising out of or in connection with the activities
or performance of the permittee or, if applicable, the property owner
or any of each one's agents, employees, licensees, contractors,
subcontractors, or independent contractors. In the event the city
becomes aware of any such actions or claims the city shall promptly
notify the permittee and, if applicable, the property owner and shall
reasonably cooperate in the defense. The City shall have the right to
approve, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, the
legal counsel providing the City's defense, and the property owner
and/or permittee (as applicable) shall reimburse City for any costs
and expenses directly and necessarily incurred by the City in the
course of the defense. Such indemnification obligations will survive
the expiration, revocation or other termination of this permit.
(10) Performance Bond. Prior to issuance of an encroachment permit, the
permittee shall file with the city, and shall maintain in good standing
throughout the term of the approval, a performance bond or other
surety or another form of security for the removal of the facility in the
event that the use is abandoned or the permit expires, or is revoked,
or is otherwise terminated. The security shall be in the amount equal
to the cost of physically removing the facility and all related facilities
and equipment on the site, based on the higher of two contractor's
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quotes for removal that are provided by the permittee. The permittee
shall reimburse the city for staff time associated with the processing
and tracking of the bond, based on the hourly rate adopted by the
City Council. Reimbursement shall be paid when the security is
posted and during each administrative review.
(11) Adverse Impacts on Adjacent Properties. Permittee shall undertake
all reasonable efforts to avoid undue adverse impacts to adjacent
properties and/or uses that may arise from the construction,
operation, maintenance, modification, and removal of the facility.
(12) Noninterference. Permittee shall not move, alter, temporarily
relocate, change, or interfere with any existing structure,
improvement, or property without the prior consent of the owner of
that structure, improvement, or property. No structure, improvement,
or property owned by the City shall be moved to accommodate a
permitted activity or encroachment, unless the City determines that
such movement will not adversely affect the City or any surrounding
businesses or residents, and the Permittee pays all costs and
expenses related to the relocation of the City's structure,
improvement, or property. Prior to commencement of any work
pursuant to an encroachment permit, the Permittee shall provide the
City with documentation establishing to the city's satisfaction that the
Permittee has the legal right to use or interfere with any other
structure, improvement, or property within the public right-of-way or
city utility easement to be affected by Permittee's facilities.
(13) No Right, Title, or Interest. The permission granted by a
encroachment permit shall not in any event constitute an easement
on or an encumbrance against the public right-of-way. No right, title,
or interest (including franchise interest) in the public right-of-way, or
any part thereof, shall vest or accrue in Permittee by reason of a
encroachment permit or the issuance of any other permit or exercise
of any privilege given thereby.
(14) No Possessory Interest. No possessory interest is created by a
encroachment permit. However, to the extent that a possessory
interest is deemed created by a governmental entity with taxation
authority, Permittee acknowledges that City has given to Permittee
notice pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Section
107.6 that the use or occupancy of any public property pursuant to a
encroachment permit may create a possessory interest which may
be subject to the payment of property taxes levied upon such
interest. Permittee shall be solely liable for, and shall pay and
discharge prior to delinquency, any and all possessory interact taxes
or other taxes, fees, and assessments levied against Permittee's
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right to possession, occupancy, or use of any public property
pursuant to any right of possession, occupancy, or use created by
this permit. 0
(15) General Maintenance. The site and the facility, including, but not
limited to, all landscaping, fencing, and related transmission
equipment, must be maintained in a neat and clean manner and in
accordance with all approved plans. All graffiti on facilities must be
removed at the sole expense of the permittee within forty-eight (48)
hours after notification from the City.
(16) RF Exposure Compliance. All facilities must comply with all
standards and regulations of the FCC and any other state or federal
government agency with the authority to regulate RF exposure
standards. After transmitter and antenna system optimization, but
prior to unattended operations of the facility, permittee or its
representative must certify actual compliance with the FCC OET
Bulletin 65 RF emissions safety rules for general
population/uncontrolled RF exposure in all sectors. For this
certification, the transmitter shall be operating at maximum operating
power.
(17) Testing. Testing of any equipment shall take place on weekdays
only, and only between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., except
that testing is prohibited on holidays that fall on a weekday. In
addition, testing is prohibited on weekend days.
(18) Modifications. No changes shall be made to the approved plans
without review and approval in accordance with this Chapter.
(19) Agreement with City. If not already completed, permittee shall enter
into the appropriate agreement with the City, as determined by the
City, prior to constructing, attaching, or operating a facility on
Municipal Infrastructure. This permit is not a substitute for such
agreement.
(20) Conflicts with Improvements. For all facilities located within the
ROW, the permittee shall remove or relocate, at its expense and
without expense to the city, any or all of its facilities when such
removal or relocation is deemed necessary by the city by reason of
any change of grade, alignment, or width of any right-of-way, for
installation of services, water pipes, drains, storm drains, power or
signal lines, traffic control devices, right-of-way improvements, or for
any other construction, repair, or improvement to the right-of-way.
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(21) Abandonment. If a facility is determined by the Director not to be
operating, the wireless facility authorized by the encroachment
permit and any other permit or approval therefor shall be deemed
abandoned and the permits terminated automatically, unless (i) the
facility has resumed operations within ninety (90) days from a written
notice from the Director, or (ii) the City has received an application
to transfer the permit(s) to another service provider. No later than
thirty (30) days from the date the facility is determined to have been
abandoned or the permittee has notified the Director of its intent to
vacate the site, the permittee shall remove all equipment and
improvements associated with the use and shall restore the site to
its original condition to the satisfaction of the Director. The permittee
shall provide written verification of the removal of the facilities within
thirty (30) days of the date the removal is completed. If the facility is
not removed within thirty (30) days after the permit has been
terminated pursuant to this subsection, the site shall be deemed to
be a nuisance, and the City may cause the facility to be removed at
permittee's expense or by calling any bond or other financial
assurance to pay for removal. If there are two (2) or more users of a
single facility or support structure, then this provision shall apply to
the specific elements or parts thereof that were abandoned, but will
not be effective for the entirety thereof until all users cease use
■ thereof.
(22) Encourage Co -location. Where the facility site is capable of
accommodating a co -located facility upon the same site in a manner
consistent with the permit conditions for the existing facility and the
City Code, the owner and operator of the existing facility shall allow
co -location of third -party facilities, provided the parties can mutually
agree upon reasonable terms and conditions.
(23) Records. The permittee must maintain complete and accurate
copies of all permits and other regulatory approvals issued in
connection with the facility, which includes without limitation this
approval, the approved plans and photo simulations incorporated
into this approval, all conditions associated with this approval and
any ministerial permits or approvals issued in connection with this
approval. In the event that the permittee does not maintain such
records as required in this condition or fails to produce true and
complete copies of such records within a reasonable time after a
written request from the city, any ambiguities or uncertainties that
would be resolved through an inspection of the missing records will
be construed against the permittee.
(24) Attorney's Fees. In the event the City determines that it is necessary
to take legal action to enforce any of these conditions, or to revoke a
Ordinance No. 2105
Page 16
permit, and such legal action is taken, the Permittee shall be required
to pay any and all costs of such legal action, including reasonable
attorney's fees, incurred by the City, even if the matter is not
prosecuted to a final judgment or is amicably resolved, unless the
City should otherwise agree with Permittee to waive said fees or any
part thereof. The foregoing shall not apply if the Permittee prevails
in the enforcement proceeding.
B. Eligible Facilities Requests. In addition to the conditions provided in
Section 9(a) of this Chapter and any supplemental conditions imposed by
the Director or City Manager, as the case may be, all permits for an eligible
facility requests granted pursuant to this Chapter shall be subject to the
following additional conditions, unless modified by the approving authority:
(1) Permit subject to conditions of underlying permit. Any permit granted
in response to an application qualifying as an eligible facilities
request shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the permit for
the existing tower or base station.
(2) No permit term extension. The city's grant or grant by operation of
law of an eligible facilities request permit constitutes a federally
mandated modification to the subject tower or base station.
Notwithstanding any permit duration established in another permit
condition, the city's grant or grant by operation of law of a eligible
facilities request permit will not extend the permit term for the existing
tower or base station, and this permit's term shall be coterminous
with the existing permit or other regulatory approval for the subject
tower or base station.
(3) No waiver of standing. The city's grant or grant by operation of law
of an eligible facilities request does not waive, and shall not be
construed to waive, any standing by the city to challenge Section
6409(a) of the Spectrum Act, any FCC rules that interpret Section
6409(a) of the Spectrum Act, or any modification to Section 6409(a)
of the Spectrum Act.
C. Small Cell Facilities Requests. In addition to the conditions provided in
Section 9(a) of this Chapter and any supplemental conditions imposed by
the Director or City Manager, as the case may be, all permits for a small cell
facility granted pursuant to this Chapter shall be subject to the following
condition, unless modified by the approving authority:
(1) No waiver of standing. The city's grant of a permit for a small cell
facility request does not waive, and shall not be construed to waive,
any standing by the city to challenge any FCC orders or rules related
Ordinance No. 2105
Page 17
to small cell facilities, or any modification to those FCC orders or
rules.
Section 14.28.090 Breach; Termination of Permit.
A. For breach. An encroachment permit may be revoked for failure to comply
with the conditions of the permit or applicable law. Upon revocation, the
wireless facility must be removed; provided that removal of a support
structure owned by City, a utility, or another entity authorized to maintain a
support structure in the right-of-way need not be removed, but must be
restored to its prior condition, except as specifically permitted by the City.
All costs incurred by the City in connection with the revocation and removal
shall be paid by entities who own or control any part of the wireless facility.
B. For installation without a permit. A wireless facility installed without an
encroachment permit (except for those exempted by this Chapter) must be
removed; provided that removal of support structure owned by City, a utility,
or another entity authorized to maintain a support structure in the right of
way need not be removed, but must be restored to its prior condition, except
as specifically permitted by the City. All costs incurred by the City in
connection with the revocation and removal shall be paid by entities who
own or control any part of the wireless facility.
C. Municipal Infraction. Any violation of this Chapter will be subject to the
same penalties as described in Section 1,01.140 of the Palm Springs
Municipal Code.
Section 14.28.100 Infrastructure Controlled by City. The City, as a matter of policy,
will negotiate agreements for use of Municipal Infrastructure. The placement of wireless
facilities on those structures shall be subject to the agreement. The agreement shall
specify the compensation to the City for use of the structures. The person seeking the
agreement shall additionally reimburse the City for all costs the City incurs in connection
with its review of, and action upon the person's request for, an agreement.
Section 14.28.110 Nondiscrimination. In establishing the rights, obligations and
conditions set forth in this Chapter, it is the intent of the City to treat each applicant or
public right-of-way user in a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory manner, to the
extent required by law, and with considerations that may be unique to the technologies,
situation and legal status of each particular applicant or request for use of the public
rights -of -way.
SECTION 3: The Director, or their delegate, is directed to execute all documents
and to perform all other necessary City acts to implement effect this Ordinance.
SECTION 4: CEQA. This Ordinance is not a project within the meaning of Section
15378 of the State of California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines, because
Ordinance No. 2105
Page 18
it has no potential for resulting in physical change in the environment, directly or
indirectly. The Ordinance does not authorize any specific development or installation on
any specific piece of property within the City's boundaries. Moreover, when and if an
application for installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct preliminary
review of the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the Ordinance
is a "project" within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines section 15378, the Ordinance
is exempt from CEQA on multiple grounds. First, the Ordinance is exempt CEQA
because the City Council's adoption of the Ordinance is covered by the general rule that
CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect
on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)). That is, approval of the
Ordinance will not result in the actual installation of any facilities in the City. In order to
install a facility in accordance with this Ordinance, the wireless provider would have to
submit an application for installation of the wireless facility. At that time, the City will
have specific and definite information regarding the facility to review in accordance with
CEQA. And, in fact, the City will conduct preliminary review under CEQA at that time.
Moreover, in the event that the Ordinance is interpreted so as to permit installation of
wireless facilities on a particular site, the installation would be exempt from CEQA review
in accordance with either State CEQA Guidelines section 15302 (replacement or
reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines section 15303 (new construction or conversion
of small structures), and/or State CEQA Guidelines section 15304 (minor alterations to
land). The City Council, therefore, directs that a Notice of Exemption be filed with the
County Clerk of the County of Riverside within five working days of the passage and
adoption of the Ordinance.
SECTION 5: Severability. If any section, subsection, provision, sentence,
clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be illegal or otherwise
invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall be severable, and shall
not affect or impair any remaining section, subsection, provision, sentence, clause,
phrase or word included within this Ordinance, it being the intent of the City that the
remainder of the Ordinance shall be and shall remain in full force and effect, valid, and
enforceable.
SECTION 6: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30)
days following its adoption.
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Ordinance No. 2105
Page 19
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS CITY
COUNCIL THIS 9T" DAY OF JANUARY 2025.
ROWIDEHARTE
MAYOR
AATTE
BRENDA PREE, MMC
CITY CLERK
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE } ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS)
I, BRENDA PREE, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby
certify that Ordinance No. 2105 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was introduced at a
regular meeting of the Palm Springs City Council on THE 21 ST day of November, 2024
and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 91" day of January, 2025
by the following vote -
AYES: Councilmembers Garner, Ready, Bernstein, Mayor Pro Tern Soto, and
Mayor deHarte
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN- None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Springs, California, this �iY J� day of January 2025
BRENDA PREE, MMC, CERA
CITY CLERK
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