Portola Municipal Code Ch. 17.52 Antennas and Communications Facilities

This section establishes standards for the placement of antennas and towers in all zoning districts. It is the intent of this chapter to minimize the adverse impacts of such equipment and structures on neighborhoods and surrounding developments by limiting the height, number and location of such devices.

(Ord. 289 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2002)

Antennas and communications facilities are permitted as identified in Article II. Satellite dish antennas and ham radio antennas are permitted as accessory structures pursuant to Section 17.34.030.

(Ord. 289 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2002)

The following requirements apply to antennas in all zone districts, except where a more restrictive standard is required by Section 17.52.040 for satellite dish antennas:

A. Setbacks. All antennas shall meet the minimum setbacks required by the applicable zoning, except that:

1. No antenna shall be located between a building and an adjacent street, even if the required setbacks are satisfied, unless approved by the planning commission.

2. Any antenna located on a lot adjacent to a residential zone district shall be set back from the residential zone two feet for each one foot of total height. The required setback shall be measured at its widest potential position.

B. Height Limit.

1. Antennas installed on buildings. Antennas shall not exceed a height of more than one-half the height of the building on which the antenna will be located.

2. Antennas installed on developed or undeveloped lots. Antennas shall not exceed sixty feet in height.

3. Conditional use permit for increase in height. An antenna that exceeds the requirements of subsections B.1 or B.2 above, may be approved upon securing a conditional use permit.

C. Advertising on Antenna. No advertising or display is permitted on any antenna.

(Ord. 289 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2002)

The following requirements apply to satellite dish antennas greater than three feet in diameter:

A. Residential Standards. In addition to the general requirements in Section 17.52.030, above, the following shall apply:

1. Maximum Height. Six feet from the grade at the base of the antenna.

2. Roof-Mounting Prohibited. No satellite antenna shall be mounted on a building roof in residential zones. Satellite dish antennas shall be ground-mounted, and shall not be visible from public streets.

3. Screening Required. Satellite antennas shall not be placed in front yards and shall be screened from public view from streets and adjacent properties by fences, or walls of six feet in height and/or landscaping.

C. Commercial and Industrial Standards. The following requirements shall apply to satellite antennas in all commercial and industrial zones established by Article II:

1. Setbacks. If the zoning district abuts a residential zone, any satellite antenna higher than six feet shall be located a minimum of ten feet from the residential property line. For each foot of height above six feet, the satellite antenna shall be located two additional feet back from the residential district.

2. Maximum Height, Ground-Mounted Antenna. Twenty feet above natural grade.

3. Roof-Mounted Antenna. Screened so as to not be visible from surrounding streets.

C. Height Measurement. The height of a moveable or adjustable antenna shall be measured at its highest potential position (i.e., with the face plane of a satellite dish antenna parallel to the support post) from natural grade.

(Ord. 289 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2002)