On April 13, a new law passed by the City of Cody (Wyoming) officials provided zoning standards for cellular sites on commercial property, likely disrupting a plan by a wireless company to install a 120-foot tower in Cody’s city center, reported the Cody Enterprise. The Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance for commercial and industrial zones indicates how the city intends to accommodate infrastructure needed for local wireless service.
One reason for the new law points to the issue of wireless companies not considering the visual impact of a new tower when applying for a permit. City Planner Todd Stowell told the Cody Enterprise, “It didn’t appear they were willing to consider local interests.”
The new law will help the city work more easily with wireless companies that apply for a permit since all stipulations are outlined. “We could try negotiating, but there was minimal language in the ordinance,” Stowell said. “Now specific language talks about any new tower proposed.”
The ordinance states that small facilities, such as ones placed on existing rooftops or structures must be disguised or screened from sight. It also allows the city to have a higher level of review for new towers, according to Stowell. Additionally, the law outlines preferred sites for construction of towers, requiring the least intrusive methods when not preferred sites are not used.
“Historically, a lot of companies have been willing to work with the city in selecting a site,” Stowell said. “But that doesn’t mean others will.”
As technology advances, the City of Cody expects more requests for wireless infrastructure. Stowell anticipates six to eight new cell sites over the next two years from one provider, with others likely to follow suit.
May 4, 2017
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