Staff proposes targeted zoning cleanups for antennas and support structures

Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Lehi Cole told the committee the proposed amendment separates the definition of an "antenna" from an "antenna support structure," clarifies height rules tied to special use permits, and removes ambiguous language about exhausting other options before allowing freestanding towers.

"If you get a special use permit for an antenna or an antenna support structure, that can go as high as the special use permit lets you go," Cole said, explaining the intent is to make explicit that height exceptions are available through the special use permit rather than requiring a separate variation process.

Cole showed examples distinguishing building‑mounted versus freestanding monopoles, noted small cells remain governed by state and federal law and therefore are treated separately, and said staff cleaned up screening and terminology to make the code function as intended. Councilmembers asked about inventory (private vs. public property) and whether the amendments target tower owners or landowners; staff said many towers are on private property and the rules apply to siting and design rather than ownership.

Staff said the changes are intended as limited cleanups rather than a wholesale policy rewrite; the ordinance will return for formal readings and the council will have an opportunity for further technical questions prior to adoption.