Loma Linda Municipal Code Ch. 15.50 Amateur Radio Antennas

Poles, master towers and antennas used by citizen band and amateur radio operators in all zones shall be governed by the requirements contained herein.

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)

The intent of the regulations in this article is to provide a uniform guide for the installation of appropriate antenna systems to enable citizen band and federally licensed amateur radio operators to carry out communication techniques and to fulfill their responsibilities to the Department of Defense, the American Red Cross, and to the local civil defense and emergency organizations, and to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the community.

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)

"Antenna"

means an apparatus, external to or attached to the exterior of a building, together with any supporting structure for sending or receiving electromagnetic waves. Antennas may be principal structures, that are separate from any other structure, (stand alone with attendant support structures), or accessory structures, that are attached to or upon the exterior of an already existing building.

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)

A. Setbacks. A principal structure may be located anywhere on the property except the front yard or street side yard (space between the property line adjacent to the street and a line even with the opposite building wall).

B. Height Limit. Principal structures that exceed thirty-five feet in height above ground level shall require a building permit. All applications must include certification by a registered engineer that the proposed installation complies with all applicable ICBO code standards.

C. Height Exception—Special Use Permit. Principal structures that exceed seventy feet in height above ground level are permitted subject to the issuance of a special use permit by the city council. Special use permit applications shall be made on forms provided by the city and shall be provided with required accompanying information.

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)

These requirements and procedures shall be the same as for conditional use permits in Title 17 of the Loma Linda Municipal Code.

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)

The city council in approving a special use permit shall consider the following criteria:

A. There is adequate space on the property for the antennas and supports without conflicting with buildings on the property or usable yard areas required by other sections of the zoning code;

B. The antenna would not despoil the primary view of a neighbor (a living room window facing within four hundred fifty degrees due north);

C. There are trees or a hill nearby that would serve as a backdrop to mask the silhouette of the antenna;

D. There are trees in the neighborhood that represent existing tall features as part of the neighborhood character.

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)

Accessory structures (single or tripod mast) are permitted up to a total of seventy feet in height, without a permit, on any part of a main building except on a wall facing a front yard or street side yard.

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)

A. Antennas shall meet all manufacturer's installation specifications. The mast or tower shall be of noncombustible or fire-retardant material. Hardware such as brackets, turn-buckles, clips and similar type equipment subject to corrosion shall be made of aluminum or stainless steel or protected with zinc or cadmium coating or other coating to prevent rust or corrosion.

B. Every metal antenna tower must be adequately grounded as per the current adapted California Electrical Code.

C. All metal antenna installations with motor devices permanently attached to an antenna tower which operate by permanently installed electrical motors for raising or lowering antennas shall obtain an electrical permit.

D. Guy wires, support anchor structures and wire antennas may be located within the required setbacks in all zoning districts. Wire antennas must be elevated ten feet above grade.

E. The following graphics are a visual example of these requirements:

(Ord. 415 § 2, 1989; Ord. 736 § 1, 2016)