1. Wireless telecommunication proposed Code changes
Ken Cook
Pierce County
April 22nd, Pierce County Planning Commission

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. Pierce County Planning Commission
Current Status
Pierce County Code 18J
Working with Wireless communication providers
Urban residential areas
18J “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

6. Pierce County Planning Commission
Proposed Approach
Selective amendments to 18J
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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Questions? Ken Cook (253)798-7239 or ken.cook@co.pierce.wa.us
April 22nd, 2014
Pierce County Planning Commission