UDO Update 082024

Article 4: Use Standards Section 4.2. Principal Uses 4.2.5. Principal Use-Specific Standards

(A) The antenna shall not extend more than twenty percent or ten feet, whichever is less, above the existing pole height. If the pole is replaced to withstand the addition of telecommunication equipment, the replacement pole shall not exceed the height of the original pole.

(B) The maximum height of the pole with antenna shall not exceed 45 feet in height.

(C) The utility distribution pole is located on public property, within public easements, or public rights-of-way.

(D)

The utility distribution pole shall not be wooden.

(E) The antenna shall be of a size and placement that is structurally compatible with the engineering design of the pole pursuant to the NC Building Code and attested to by a professional engineer licensed in the State of North Carolina, and competent to evaluate antenna choices. (F) Placement of an antenna on a utility distribution pole shall only be on poles owned or operated by a public utility authorized to operate in the Town, a Town franchisee, or the Town of Morrisville. (G) All relocation costs associated with any relocation of the antenna necessitated by street or sidewalk improvements shall be borne by the telecommunication provider. A non-concealed dual-function tower may be installed within an existing transmission tower structure, subject to the following: (1) The top of the non-concealed dual-function tower shall not exceed 20 feet above the top of the transmission tower structure. (2) The applicant shall provide documentation verifying that the installation of a non concealed dual-function tower will not compromise the structural integrity of the transmission tower structure. (3) The applicant shall provide documentation verifying that the antenna will not interfere, or be interfered with, by the normal operating characteristics of the transmission line. (4) The non-concealed dual-function tower shall only be permitted subject to compliance with this ordinance and applicable utility company requirements. (5) Related equipment buildings, shall be located or screened to minimize the visual impact upon adjacent properties, which includes, but is not limited to, materials, colors, landscaping to blend with the surrounding environment in which it is situated.

d. Non-Concealed Dual-Function Tower (Private Utility Easement)

(6) Commercial advertising shall not be allowed on the non-concealed dual-function tower.

(7) Signals, lights, or illumination shall not be permitted on the non-concealed dual-function tower, unless required by the FCC or the FAA.

e. Concealed and Non-Concealed Telecommunication Towers

New telecommunication towers are subject to the following:

(1) Determination of Need

No new tower shall be permitted unless the applicant demonstrates compliance with this ordinance, including, but not limited to compliance with Article 6 – Riparian Buffers and Article 7 – Stormwater Management, and that no existing facility can accommodate the applicant’s proposed use; or that use of such existing facility would prohibit personal wireless services in the geographic search area to be served by the new tower.

Morrisville, NC

September 13, 2023

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 4-21