§ 134-274. Satellite television antennas and dishes and other receiving antennas.

No antenna or satellite television antenna or dish shall be erected, constructed, maintained or operated except in conformance with the following regulations:

(1)

Definitions.

a.

Antenna means an apparatus capable of receiving television, radio or other communication signals from a transmitter or a relay feed.

b.

Satellite television antenna means an apparatus capable of receiving television or cable communications from a transmitter or a transmitter relay located in planetary orbit.

c.

Usable satellite signals means satellite signals from all major communications satellites that, when viewed on a conventional television set, are at least equal in picture quality to those received from local commercial television stations or by way of cable television.

(2)

Location.

a.

In any commercial, industrial or multifamily residential district, satellite television antennas or other antennas may be located, subject to applicable setbacks, anywhere on the lot or buildings thereon.

b.

In a noncommercial or single-family district, subject to the provisions contained in this section, such antenna shall be located only to the rear of any principal structure. If usable satellite or communication signals cannot be obtained from the rear location, the antenna may be located in the side yard, subject to applicable setbacks.

c.

If usable satellite or communication signals cannot be received by locating the antenna in the rear or to the side of the principal structure, such antenna may be placed in the front yard or on the roof of the dwelling structure, provided that a satellite reception permit is obtained prior to such installation. Such permit shall be issued upon a showing by the applicant that usable satellite signals are not receivable from any location on the property other than the location selected by the applicant. A satellite reception permit shall not be required for installations complying with subsections (2)a and (2)b of this section.

(3)

Size.

a.

In a noncommercial or single-family district, a satellite television antenna or other antenna shall not exceed 12 feet in diameter, and a ground-mounted satellite television antenna or other antenna shall not exceed 20 feet in height, including any platform or structure upon which the antenna is mounted or affixed.

b.

Radio antennas shall not exceed 35 feet in height without compliance with the standards contained in section 134-273.

c.

If usable satellite signals cannot be obtained from an antenna installed in compliance with the height limitation imposed by subsection (3)a of this section, such antenna may be installed at a greater height, provided that a satellite reception permit is obtained prior to such installation. Such permit shall be issued upon a showing by the applicant that installation at a height greater than 20 feet is necessary for the reception of usable satellite signals. A satellite reception permit shall not be required for installations complying with subsection (3)a of this section.

d.

Except in a commercial, industrial or multifamily residential district, satellite television antennas or other antennas shall be located and designed to screen and reduce visual impact from surrounding properties at street level and from public streets.

e.

Antennas shall meet all manufacturer's specifications, be on noncombustible and corrosion-resistant material, and be erected in a secure, wind-resistant manner.

f.

Every antenna must be adequately grounded for protection against a direct strike of lightning.

(Ord. of 12-26-72; Ord. of 12-11-90, § 3-28-16.8)