Article III — Exemptions

The following communication facilities shall be exempt from this chapter, and shall be permitted without review by the planning commission or planning director, provided that the following specified conditions are met:

Receive-only radio and television antenna, including satellite dishes, provided that:

a.

The antenna must meet all height, setback, lot coverage and other limitations on structures in its zone;

b.

The antenna may not be installed between a public street and a structure;

c.

All required building permits must be obtained;

d.

If the facility installed is less than twelve feet high above-ground level, except for roof-mounted meeting the requirements contained herein; and

e.

These requirements do not (i) unreasonably delay or prevent the installation, maintenance or use; (ii) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (iii) preclude reception of an acceptable signal.

Temporary communication facilities providing public information coverage of a news event, provided that they are set up for a duration of seventy-two hours or less.

Cell on wheels (COW) and cell on light truck (COLT) facilities replacing a damaged facility and/or meeting the public need in the event of a public emergency or disaster declared by Imperial County of other governmental authority, or as approved by the planning director on a case-by-case basis. As a temporary facility this may also be used for events such as large gatherings, rodeos and county fair-type activities, the duration not to exceed the duration of the event.

Temporary crank-up towers up to one hundred twenty feet erected for a duration of forty-eight hours or less for the purposes of testing.

Amateur radio station facilities, provided that all antennas and supporting structures meet the following requirements:

a.

Only one amateur radio station facility shall be installed on any single parcel, and all fixed radio equipment, antennas and antenna support structures so installed shall be included as part of that single facility;

b.

All fixed radio equipment, antennas and antenna support structures shall comply with setback, lot coverage and other standards, except height, required in its zone;

c.

Multiple antennas shall be grouped so as not to exceed sixteen square feet in area when feasible;

d.

All required building permits shall be obtained;

e.

All small diameter (less than twenty-four inches) antennas such as satellite dishes or other small antennas providing communication services to residential uses.

Facilities or systems that at the time of the ordinance codified in this chapter adoption have a signed development agreement or a franchise agreement or a legally binding contract with the jurisdiction responsible for permitting the facility.

(Ord. No. 2000-09, § 1.)