Wireless telecommunication proposed Code changes Ken Cook Pierce County April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission
Pierce County Planning Commission Overview Background Current Status Proposed Approaches We will briefly go over the Background, current status of this issue, and the proposed approaches to address it April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 2
Pierce County Planning Commission Background Most people now have cell phones and/or wireless devices. Data usage has skyrocketed in the last 5 years. (300 times = 30,000%) April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 4
Pierce County Planning Commission Background 43% of U.S. Households utilize only wireless service, without a landline. Current wireless infrastructure needs improvements Related legislation: Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Guidance of Section 6409. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 Many households (myself included) no longer utilize landline telephones. With the great increase in wireless data needs, current wireless infrastructure (such as towers and antennas) need improvements ,to effectively provide wireless service. Federal legislation April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 5
Pierce County Planning Commission Current Status Pierce County Code 18J.15.270 Working with Wireless communication providers Urban residential areas 18J.15.270 “Telecommunication Towers and Wireless Facilities” Wireless communication providers are interested in County regulations regarding placement of wireless towers. Representatives from AT&T are attending today. Siting new towers is mostly an issue for Urban residential areas. (Aesthetics reasons are mostly the issue.) April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 5
Pierce County Planning Commission Proposed Approach Selective amendments to 18J.15.270 Higher towers required to be camouflaged Would still require a Use Permit Amendments to 18J allowing taller towers if camouflaged or “stealthed”. Cost of these can be an issue, also function of the tower can be diminished. Maintenance can be an issue too. April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 5
Pierce County Planning Commission Proposed Approach Here is an example of a “stealth” tower. Some can hardly be noticed. April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 13
Pierce County Planning Commission Proposed Approach Here is an example of a “stealth” tower. Some can hardly be noticed. April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 13
Pierce County Planning Commission Proposed Approach Here is an example of a “stealth” tower. Some can hardly be noticed. April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 13
Pierce County Planning Commission Proposed Approach Here is an example of a “stealth” tower. Some can hardly be noticed. April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 13
Pierce County Planning Commission Proposed Approach Here is an example of a “stealth” tower. Some can hardly be noticed. April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 13
Pierce County Planning Commission Proposed Approach Monday, March 31st 2014 Council study session Feedback positive – encourage “collocation” Next Steps Study session with Council. Feedback positive; require “co-location” on tower for different companies. Next Steps…..draft proposed changes to code, present at Planning Commission. Eventually present to County Council. April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission Slide 5
Questions? Ken Cook (253)798-7239 or ken.cook@co.pierce.wa.us April 22nd, 2014 Pierce County Planning Commission