§ 17.48.340. Satellite dish antennas.

The purpose of this section is to establish regulations to allow for the reasonable use of devices designed for over-the-air reception of television broadcast signals, multi-channel multi-point distribution service or direct broadcast satellite service or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals via satellite, while at the same time ensuring that these devices do not have an adverse impact on the aesthetic values and public safety of the city. These regulations are intended to locate antennas and equipment where they are least visible from public rights-of-way and to not burden adjacent property owners with adverse visual impacts without unreasonably delaying or preventing installation, maintenance or use of these devices, unreasonably increasing the cost of installation, maintenance or use of these devices, or precluding reception of an acceptable quality signal, consistent with federal law. Satellite dishes that transmit shall be consistent with FCC regulations.

A.

Residential Districts.

1.

A satellite dish antenna that is one meter or less in diameter is permitted anywhere on a residential lot as long as it is affixed to the interior side or rear of a structure or the rear half of the roof of the primary dwelling or the roof of a garage or is ground-mounted in the rear yard. Such an antenna may be mounted on a mast to reach the height needed to receive or transmit an acceptable quality signal (e.g. to maintain line-of-sight with the transmitter or view the satellite), provided that a mast higher than twelve feet above the roofline requires approval of a minor use permit.

2.

A satellite dish greater than one meter in diameter is not permitted in the R-1 and R-2 districts.

3.

In the R-3 and R-4 Districts, a satellite dish greater than one meter in diameter is permitted only if it is not be visible from a public or private street, unless adequately screened by landscaping and/or materials that harmonize with the elements and characteristics of the property; it is not located in any front yard or any yard adjacent to a public or private street; the maximum height is fourteen feet; and it is set back from the property line a distance equal to the height of the antenna.

4.

All wires and/or cables necessary for operation of the antenna or reception for the signal shall be placed underground, except for wires or cables attached flush with the surface of the building or the structure of the antenna.

B.

Other Zoning Districts.

1.

A satellite dish less than two meters in diameter is permitted anywhere on a lot where a commercial or industrial use is allowed, provided that it is affixed to the interior side or rear of a structure or to the roof of a principal or accessory structure and is sited and screened to minimize visibility from a public or private street. Such an antenna may be mounted on a mast to reach the height needed to receive or transmit an acceptable quality signal (e.g. to maintain line-of-sight with the transmitter or view the satellite), provided that a mast higher than twelve feet above the roofline requires approval of a minor use permit.

2.

A satellite dish antenna that is more than two meters in diameter cannot be located within a required front or corner side yard and shall be screened from view from public rights-of-way and any adjoining residential district.

3.

All wires and/or cables necessary for operation of the antenna or reception for the signal shall be placed underground, except for wires or cables attached flush with the surface of the building or the structure of the antenna.

C.

Waivers. The public services director may grant a waiver from any standard of this section that applies to a satellite antenna that is less than one meter in diameter if the standards (1) unreasonably delays or prevents use of a satellite antenna; (2) unreasonably increases the cost of the installation, maintenance or use of a satellite antenna; or (3) precludes a person from receiving or transmitting an acceptable quality signal from an antenna subject to the standards of this section. The relief granted shall be the minimum necessary to achieve the purposes of this section. No public notice of a waiver is required, and the director's decision is final not subject to appeal. (ten-day notice)

(Ord. 501 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 2004: Ord. 445 § 3 (part), 1995)