[SEDXC] City of Norcross Proposed Antenna Ordinance

[Mike, ND4V]

Fellow Hams,
 
The City of Norcross is proposing a new ordinance to regulate amateur radio
antennas and antenna support structures.
 
I believe that every ham in Gwinnett County should be concerned that if it
passes, other communities and the County may adopt similar regulations.
 
The ordinance imposes new requirements on existing ham towers and antennas
and requires us to report non-compliance with the ordinance and to submit a
corrective action plan.
There is no grandfathering language in the ordinance. As proposed, each and
every ham antenna in the City of Norcross will have to be approved by the
Community Development Department or by the City Council. 
The push for this ordinance is coming from an attorney, so I personally
believe it will be interpreted in the most restrictive manner possible. 
 
Without even thinking about whether or not this is the "minimum regulation"
per PRB-1, my concerns are that this ordinance imposes red-tape and costs
that will discourage many if not most hams from being able to put an
effective antenna system. Secondly, it puts the limit at 50 feet which is
not optimal height for a 20 meter yagi; which is inconsistent with the
intent of the existing ordinance, and which is inconsistent with the
Gwinnett County code.   One could make the case that a dipole up 80 feet
between to pine trees has to have a Special ise permit (SUP).  The City
Council is a political body and their approval of SUP's is subject to being
influenced by how many neighbors object rather than the engineering merits
or the needs of the ham.  
 
I urge you to make your respectful and constructive comments to Ms. Jennifer
Peterson the Director of the Community Development Department and to the
Mayor and City Council either in person at the upcoming meetings or by
e-mail.  
 
E mail address are available on the City's web site at this link
http://www.norcrossga.net/council.php
 
Norcross City Council will consider the Ordinance at its Monday night Work
Session (Jan 14)
The Planning and Zoning Commission will receive comments on Tuesday (Jan 15)
Final Vote will likely be at the February City Council meeting.
 
You may access the document containing the proposed ordinance at the link
below.  It is safe to open the document.
 
 
http://www.legistar1.com/norcross/attachments/6991d86c-63cf-4041-abea-5a94b8
c4e014.doc
 
Key Features of the proposed ordinance are:
 
The Community Development Department shall approve ALL amateur radio
antennas and/or amateur radio support structures where the overall height
does not exceed (50) feet. That includes anything under 35 feet allowed in
the zoning regulations.
 
The new ordinance allows the Community Development Department to
administratively approve antennas and antenna support systems whose "overall
height" is no more than 15 feet higher than the height limit in the
residential zoning ordinance.  Basically that's 35 feet + 15 feet = 50 feet.
Community development may attach reasonable conditions of approval pursuant
to the intend and purpose set forth in this Article, including measures that
would help reduce the impact on surrounding properties, but not limited to
appropriate landscaping, public safety issues and aesthetic considerations.
 
Above 50 feet, the ham must apply to the City Council for a special use
permit (SUP).  That process requires the payment of a $500.00 fee;
furnishing  the Community development Department a certification by a
licensed professional engineer confirming the structural stability and
soundness of the antenna and/or antenna support structure prior to
consideration by the City Council.
 
Without regard to height, 
no ground mounted antenna in a yard facing a street. No roof mounted amateur
radio antenna and/or amateur radio antenna support structure shall be fixed
to the side of a structure that faces a street.  But Antenna and/or Roof
mounted structure is allowed on the roof of a house that faces the street;
as long as such antennas are not entirely on the front half of the roof
facing a street.
 
Guy wires and anchors  have to be 1 foot from property line and are
permitted in side yards.
 
Climbable structures shall be enclosed by a 5 - 7 foot fence or an anti
climb device.
 
All ground mounted amateur radio antennas and antenna support structures
shall be structurally sound enough and so designed and installed to
withstand a wind speed of 90 mph.
 
The owner shall maintain a log that documents any and all alterations,
maintenance measures, structural condition, and routine inspection reports.
Antenna and log subject to inspection by City staff.
 
In case the Amateur radio antenna and/or Amateur radio antenna no longer
meets the requirement of the ordinance, the owner and/or licensee shall
immediately notify the same to the City's Community Development Department
long with the measures being taken to restore the same.
 
Thanks for the bandwidth,
 
Mike, ND4V
207 Longview Dr
Norcross, GA
404-431-0195