Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecom Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears proposed wireless facilities ordinance revisions aimed at limiting visible towers
Summary
Staff introduced ordinance language to clarify siting and design standards for wireless support structures, antennas and related equipment; a council member said the intent is to avoid adding visible cell towers in the Gunter skyline.
GUNTER, Texas ' Councilmembers reviewed proposed ordinance amendments Feb. 20 designed to update definitions and placement requirements for support structures and antennas used in wireless communications.
Staff told council the draft expands definitions, clarifies general requirements and specifies placement standards for support structures, antennas and accessory equipment (mechanical rooms, equipment storage, and other appurtenances). The stated goal in staff commentary was to strengthen rules governing where towers, poles and "stealth" installations can be placed so the community does not gain visible concentrations of cell towers.
A councilmember commented the policy intent is to avoid a landscape dominated by towers or nodes and to keep the city's water tower and skyline free from multiple competing structures. The mayor opened a public hearing on the item; the transcript records council discussion and the public-hearing opening but does not show a final ordinance adoption vote.
Why it matters: Wireless facility siting and design rules balance signal coverage, aesthetics and property rights. Local rules can control the visible form of wireless infrastructure, subject to federal preemption on radio-frequency standards.
What's next: The public hearing was opened; staff will bring finalized ordinance language and any recommended edits back to council for action.
