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Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting

6/11/2019

To
Mayor and Council
Subject
Variance to Pole Height for AT&T Small Cell Antennas
Initiator
Department of Engineering
Recommendation
Approval is requested for a variance to Section 3.2.72.O.2( D) 2 of the UDO \n \n allowing AT&T to construct 50 ft. structures for small cell antenna assemblies.
Approval
Pending
Background
In December 2016 the City passed an ordinance regulating the

construction/installation of small cell technology. The current ordinance

limits the height of the pole (support structure) for new construction to 40

feet with at 5-foot antenna.
Analysis
During the 2019 Legislative Session a Bill was passed "Streamlining Wireless

Facilities and Antennas" regulating the construction/installation of

infrastructure needed for small cell wireless systems. The new Bill allows the

height to be 50 feet in commercial/industrial areas and not to exceed 10 feet

greater in height than the tallest existing pole as of January 1, 2019. The

structures cannot exceed 50 feet above ground level in historic districts or

residential zoned areas. AT&T has requested a variance to the existing

regulations but will be in compliance with the new Bill. They have stated they

would be unable expand the coverage to existing neighborhoods. The new

structures is an attempt to expand the coverage where the current signals are

weak. The proposed locations are: 6900 Mobley Road, 1290 Double Churches Road,

827 Double Churches Road, OPP 1700 Amber Drive and OPP 4186 Primrose Road.
Financial Considerations
The cost of installation and maintenance will be that of AT&T or their service

providers. AT&T will be required to pay all applicable fees.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement
There will be no annual impact to annual operation budgets.
Legal Considerations
A variance request must be authorized by Council.
Recommendations/ Actions
Approval is requested for a variance to Section 3.2.72.O.2( D) 2 of the UDO

allowing AT&T to construct 50 ft. structures for small cell antenna assemblies.

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