Ordinance 3262CITY OF ALAMEDA ORDINANCE NO. 3262
New Series
AMENDING THE ALAMEDA MUNICIPAL CODE BY: (1) ADDING NEW
SECTION 23-9 (PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES IN
THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY); (2) AMENDING SECTION 2-59.3
(LIMITATION AND POWER TO MAKE CONTRACTS) TO EXEMPT
MASTER LICENSE AGREEMENTS FOR USE OF PUBLIC ASSETS
FOR PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY INSTALLATION
WHEREAS, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (TCA) recognized that cities
have authority to regulate personal wireless service facilities, but limited the scope of such
regulation; and
WHEREAS, the TCA prevents cities from prohibiting or effectively prohibiting these
facilities and requires cities to act on applications for these facilities within a reasonable
timeframe; and
WHEREAS, Congress passed Section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and
Job Creation Act of 2012 on February 22, 2012, generally requires that a state and local
government "may not deny, and shall approve" certain applications for substantial
changes to existing sites that modify transmission equipment at an existing wireless tower
or base station; and
WHEREAS, in 2014 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted
regulations interpreting Section 6409(a) that established an expedited timeframe for the
review of proposed modifications and defined key terms in the statute that control whether
the local agency may deem that a modification causes a substantial change; and
WHEREAS, new regulations issued by the FCC in 2018 that apply to "small
wireless facilities" generally preempt subjective land-use regulations, preempt local
regulations that prohibit or effectively prohibit the provision of wireless services, and
impose expedited review timeframes to provide applicants with a judicial remedy when
the State or local government fails to approve or deny the request within the timeframes
established by the FCC; and
WHEREAS, California Public Utilities Code sections 7901 and 7901.1 grant
telephone corporations a limited right to use the public rights-of-way for facilities, which
includes personal wireless service facilities, necessary to provide telephone services, as
long as such installations do not "incommode" or interfere with public use of the public
right-of-way and are subject to the City's aesthetic regulations and reasonable controls
imposed by the City as to time, place, and manner in which the public right-of-way is
accessed; and
WHEREAS, the City's existing regulations and licensing arrangements, which are
applicable to any installations in the public right-of-way, are either obsolete or not most
protective of the City's authority and must be updated to comply with current federal and
state laws; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to protect and promote public health, safety,
and welfare, and also balance the benefits that flow from robust, advanced wireless
services with the City's local values, which include, without limitation, the public's use of
the City's rights-of-way, the aesthetic character of the City, its various neighborhoods and
community without (1) prohibiting or effectively prohibiting any personal wireless service
provider's ability to provide personal wireless services; (2) prohibiting or effectively
prohibiting any personal wireless service provider's ability to provide any interstate or
intrastate telecommunications service, subject to any competitively neutral and
nondiscriminatory rules or regulations; (3) unreasonably discriminating among providers
of functionally equivalent services; (4) denying any request for authorization to place,
construct or modify personal wireless service facilities on the basis of environmental
effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the
FCC's regulations concerning such emissions; (5) prohibiting any collocation or
modification that the City may not deny under federal or state law; or (6) otherwise
authorizing the City to preempt any applicable federal or state law or regulation; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of this ordinance is necessary to ensure that the City's
regulation of personal wireless facilities in the public right-of-way is consistent with federal
and state laws, does not unreasonably interfere with public use of the public right-of-way,
and preserves public peace, health, and safety, to the extent allowed under federal and
state laws.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AlAMEDA DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: SECTION 23-9 (PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES IN
THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY) of Chapter XXIII (PARKS, RECREATION AREAS AND
PUBLIC PROPERTY) of the Alameda Municipal Code, is hereby added as a new
section and shall read as follows:
CHAPTER XXIII PARKS, RECREATION AREAS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY
23-9-PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-
WAY
23-9.01 0 -Purpose
A. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish reasonable and uniform standards and
procedures for personal wireless service facilities deployment, construction,
installation, collocation, modification, operation, relocation, and removal within the
public right-of-way, consistent with and to the extent permitted under federal and
California state law. The regulations set forth in this Chapter are intended and shall
be applied to protect and promote public health, safety, and welfare; retain the
aesthetic character of the City; and ensure that residents, visitors, businesses, and
government services in the City have reliable access to the state-of-the-art
wireless telecommunications networks.
B. This Chapter is not intended to, nor shall it be interpreted or applied to:
1. prohibit or effectively prohibit any personal wireless service provider's ability to
provide personal wireless services;
2. prohibit or effectively prohibit any personal wireless service provider's ability to
provide any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service, subject to any
competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory rules or regulations;
3. unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services;
4. deny any request for authorization to place, construct or modify personal
wireless service facilities on the basis of environmental effects of radio
frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the FCC's
regulations concerning such emissions;
5. prohibit any collocation or modification that the City may not deny under federal
Or California state law; or
6. otherwise authorize the City to preempt any applicable federal or California
state law or regulation.
23-9.015 -Definitions
The abbreviations, phrases, terms, and words shall have the meanings assigned to
them in this Section. Undefined phrases, terms or words in this policy will have their
ordinary meanings. If any definition assigned to any phrase, term, or word in this
Section conflicts with any federal or state-mandated definition, the federal or state-
mandated definition shall control.
Accessory Equipment. The same meaning as the term "antenna equipment" as defined
in 47 CFR Section 1.6002(c), as may be amended or superseded. As an illustration, this
equipment may include, but is not limited to, utility or transmission equipment, power
supplies, generators, batteries, cables, wires, conduits, equipment buildings, cabinets,
storage sheds, shelters, vaults, or other structures.
Antenna. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section 1.6002(b). as may be
amended or superseded. As used in this Chapter, this definition does not apply to
broadcast antennas, antennas designed for amateur radio use, or satellite dishes
designed for residential or household purposes.
Applicant. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section 1.6002(e), as may be
amended or superseded.
Base Station. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section 1.6100(b)(1), as
may be amended or superseded.
City Engineer. The City Engineer of the City of Alameda or his/her designee.
Code. Alameda Municipal Code.
Collocation or Collocate. The same meaning as it is defined by the FCC in 4 7 CFR
Section 1.6002(g), as may be amended or superseded. This definition shall not apply to
a Section 6409(a) "collocation", which shall be subject to the standards and procedures
for eligible facilities requests as provided in this Chapter and 47 CFR Sections 1.6100 et
seq., as may be amended or superseded.
Day. Unless specifically set out in this Chapter, a "day" shall mean one calendar day,
excluding holidays.
· Existing. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section 1.61 OO(b)(5), as may be
amended or superseded.
Eligible Facilities Request. The same meaning as it is defined in 4 7 CFR Section
1.6100(b)(3), as may be amended or superseded.
FCC. Federal Communications Commission.
Laws. Any and all applicable federal, state and local ordinances, resolutions, regulations,
administrative orders, or other legal requirements.
Permittee. The owner of a personal wireless service facility that has obtained permission
through issuance of a Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit or 6409(a) Permit to
construct, install~ modify, collocate, relocate, or otherwise deploy personal wireless
service facilities in the public right-of-way. Said owner shall possess the appropriate legal
authority to construct, install, modify, collocate, relocate, or otherwise deploy personal
wireless service facilities in the public right-of-way.
Personal Wireless Services. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 USC Section
332(c)(7)(C)(i), as may be amended or superseded.
Personal Wireless Service Facilities. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 USC
Section 332(c)(7)(C)(ii), as may be amended or superseded.
Public Right-of-Way. Any public street, alley, sidewalk, or parkway, and the space on,
above, or below it, that is owned or granted by easement, operated, or controlled by the
City.
Public Works Director. The Public Works Director of the City of Alameda or his/her
designee.
Section 6409(a). Section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act,
Pub. L. No. 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (Feb. 22, 2012), codified as 47 USC Section 1455(a)
and implemented pursuant to 47 CFR Section 1.6100.
Site. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section 1.61 OO(b)(6), as may be
amended or superseded.
Substantial Change. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section 1.61 OO(b)(7),
as may be amended or superseded.
Tower. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section 1.6100(b)(9), as may be
amended or superseded.
Transmission Equipment. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 CFR Section
1.61 OO(b)(S), as may be amended or superseded.
Unlicensed Wireless Service. The same meaning as it is defined in 47 USC Section
332(c)(7)(C)(iii), as may be amended or superseded.
23-9.020 -Applicability
This Chapter applies to all personal wireless service facilities as follows:
A. All facilities for which applications were not submitted prior to the effective date of
this Chapter shall be subject to and comply with all provisions of this Chapter; and
B. All facilities, notwithstanding the date submitted or approved, shall be subject
immediately to:
1. 23-9.045 Fees
2. 23-9.070 Radio Frequency Exposure Monitoring Requirements;
3. 23-9.075 Operation and Maintenance Standards;
4. 23-9.080 Termination for Public Benefit
5. 23-9.085 Revocation or Modification
6. 23-9.1 00 Abandonment;
7. 23-9.1 05 Preservation of City Rights
8. 23-9.11 0 Removal and Restoration;
9. 23-9.120 Insurance and Bond; and
1 0. 23-9.125 Indemnity.
C. Exempt Facilities. Notwithstanding Sections 23-9.020.A. and 23-9.020.8., the
provisions in this Chapter shall not be applicable to:
1. Personal wireless service facilities or equipment owned and operated by
Alameda Municipal Power for use in connection with electrical power
generation, transmission, and distribution facilities;
2. Personal wireless service facilities that are constructed for City use or by the
City to exclusively provide unlicensed wireless services, such as Wi-Fi;
3. Facilities that are for the purpose of wireless-based reading of water, gas, street
lighting or electric meters;
4. Facilities or other transmission equipment owned and operated by CPUC-
regulated electric companies for use in connection with electrical power
generation, transmission and distribution facilities subject to CPUC General
Order 131-D;
5. Amateur radio facilities;
6. Over the Air Reception Devices ("OTARD") antennas; and
7. Any entity legally entitled to an exemption pursuant to state or federal law or
governing franchise agreement.
23-9.025-Departmental Standards, Forms, and Other Regulations
The City Council authorizes the Public Works Director to develop and publish a Public
Wireless Communication Facilities Design Guidelines document to supplement the
regulations set forth in this Chapter. In addition, the City Council authorizes the Public
Works Director to develop and publish permit application forms, checklists, informational
handouts, and other related materials for this Chapter. Without further authorization from
the City Council, the Public Works Director may from time-to-time update and alter the
Public Right-of-Way Wireless Service Facility Standards and Regulations, including
standard permit conditions, permit application forms, checklists, informational handouts,
and other related materials as the Public Works Director deems necessary or appropriate.
The City Council further authorizes the Public Works Director to establish other
reasonable rules and regulations, which may include without limitation regular hours for
appointments with applicants and inspection procedures, as the Public Works Director
deems necessary or appropriate to organize, document, and manage the application,
permitting, construction, and other processes related to personal wireless service
facilities. All such rules and regulations must be in written form and shall be effective
immediately upon publication, which may include, without limitation, posting at the Public
Works' offices or on the City's website.
23-9.030 -Permits Required
A. Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit. A Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit
is required to construct, install, modify, collocate, relocate, or otherwise deploy a
personal wireless service facility in the public right-of-way. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit is not required for eligible
facilities requests, which shall be regulated pursuant to Section 23-9.030.B.
B. 6409(a) Permit. A 6409(a) Permit is required for all eligible facilities requests filed
with a written request for approval pursuant to Section 6409(a).
C. Other Permits and Regulatory Approvals. In addition to any permit required under
this Chapter, the applicant must obtain and comply with all other required
authorizations and permits and all other regulatory approvals from all City
departments, and state and federal agencies.
D. Proprietary Approvals. Nothing in this Chapter shall be deemed to waive any
required pole license, attachment agreement or proprietary approvals for siting of
personal wireless service facilities on privately or publicly owned property or
improvements.
E. Non-Exclusive Grant. No permit or approval granted under this Chapter shall
confer any exclusive right, privilege, license or franchise to occupy or use the
public right-of-way of the City for any purpose whatsoever. Further, no approval
shall be construed as any warranty of title.
23-9.035-Permit Applications
A. Application Requirement. Except as provided in subsection C. herein, the City shall
not approve or deny any personal wireless service facility subject to this Chapter
23 except upon a duly filed application pursuant to this Chapter and the Public
Right-of-Way Personal Wireless Service Facility Standards and Regulations.
B. Procedures for a Duly Filed Application. The applicant shall file an application in
accordance with the provisions in this Section.
C. Application Form. The Public Works Director shall develop and from time-to-time
revise the application form in the manned described in Section 23-9.025.
D. Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit Applications. An application for a Wireless
Facility Encroachment Permit shall comply with the procedures stated in this
Section and any guidance or regulation deemed necessary and appropriate by the
Public Works Director, per Section 23-9.025, including without limitation, the
Wireless Communication Facilities Design Guidelines, checklists, informational
handouts, and other related materials. Applications may be presented in person
at any time that the City Permit Center is open to the public. Applications may not
be submitted in any other manner unless authorized by the Public Works Director
in duly adopted regulations pursuant to Section 23-9.025.
23-9.040-Applications Deemed Withdrawn
If an application is deemed incomplete, the Public Works Director shall notify the applicant
as to what information is needed in order to deem the application complete. The applicant
must provide all requested information within sixty (60) days of being notified by the Public
Works Director that the application is incomplete or the application shall be deemed
withdrawn without prejudice by the applicant. If the applicant delivers to the Public Works
Director a written request prior to the sixtieth (60th) day to extend the response time, the
Public Works Director may grant a written extension where the applicant provides good
cause to grant the extension. The extension, if granted, may be for up to an additional
thirty (30) calendar days. No additional extensions shall be granted.
23-9.045 -Fees
The City Council may approve by resolution a Municipal Fee Schedule that establishes
cost based fees for permits, consulting costs, inspections, enforcement, appeals,
amendments, noticing, informational materials, penalties, copies, and other such items
as required by this Chapter. These fees may be amended by the City Council.
23-9.050 -Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit Applications
A. Decision Notices. Within five (5) days after the Public Works Director approves,
conditionally approves, or denies a Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit
Application, the Public Works Director shall transmit a written determination to the
applicant at the email address provided on the application. For any denial notice,
the Public Works Director shall include the reasons for the denial either in the
notice or as a separate written document issued contemporaneously with the
denial notice, and shall also place a copy of the denial notice and the reasons for
denial in the written administrative record for the project.
B. Required Findings for Approval. The Public Works Director shall only approve or
conditionally approve a duly filed application for a Wireless Facility Encroachment
Permit if the Public Works Director determines that the project, as submitted or
modified, conforms to all the following criteria.
1 . The proposed personal wireless service facility complies with all applicable
requirements described in this Chapter 23-9 and in the Wireless
Communication Facilities Design Guidelines;
2. The proposed personal wireless service facility complies with all other laws,
including without limitation stat~ and federal law.
3. The inability to make one or more of the findings required in this Chapter is
grounds for denial of an application.
C. Conditional Approvals. The Public Works Director may impose any reasonable
condition or conditions on any Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit, related and
proportionate to the subject matter in the application, as the Public Works Director
deems necessary or appropriate for compliance with this Chapter or for the
preservation of public health and safety.
23-9.055 -6409(a) Permit Applications
A. Decision Notices. Within five (5) days after the Public Works Director approves,
conditionally approves, or denies a 6409(a) Permit for an eligible facilities request
filed pursuant to Section 6409(a), the Public Works Director shall transmit a written
determination to the applicant at the email address provided on the application.
For any denial notice, the Public Works Director shall include the reasons for the
denial either in the notice or as a separate written document issued with the denial
notice, and shall also place a copy of the denial notice and the reasons for denial
in the written administrative record for the project.
B. Required Findings for Approval. The Public Works Director shall only approve or
conditionally approve a duly filed application for a 6409(a) Permit if the Public
Works Director determines that the project, as submitted or modified, conforms to
all the following criteria.
1. The proposed personal wireless service facility complies with all applicable
requirements described in this Chapter 23-9 and in the Wireless
Communication Facilities Design Guidelines;
2. The proposed personal wireless service facility complies with all other
applicable and legally enforceable laws, including without limitation state and
federal law, regulations, rules, standards or permit conditions reasonably
related to public health or safety;
3. The 6409(a) Permit Application constitutes an eligible facilities request; and
4. The 6409(a) Permit Application does not constitute a substantial change.
5. The inability to make one or more of the findings required in this Chapter is
grounds for denial of an application.
C. Conditional Approvals. As permitted by law, the Public Works Director may impose
conditions on any 6409(a) Permit for the preservation of public health and safety.
23-9.060 -Limited Exception for Wireless Facility Encroachment Permits Applications
The Public Works Director shall not grant any limited exception for a Wireless Facility
Encroachment Permit Application pursuant to this Section 23-9.060 unless the Public
Works Director finds all the following:
A. The proposed facility qualifies as a "personal wireless service facility" as defined
in 47 USC Section 332(c)(7)(C)(ii);
B. The applicant has provided the Public Works Director with a reasonable and clearly
defined technical service objective to be achieved by the proposed facility;
C. The applicant has provided the Public Works Director with a written statement that
contains a detailed and fact-specific explanation as to why the proposed facility
cannot be deployed in compliance with the applicable provisions in this Chapter
and the Code, including the Public Right-of-Way Personal Wireless Service Facility
Standards and Regulations;
D. The applicant has provided the Public Works Director with a meaningful
comparative analysis with the factual reasons why all alternative locations and/or
designs identified in the administrative record (whether suggested by the applicant,
the City, or any other source) are not technically feasible or potentially available to
reasonably achieve the applicant's reasonable and clearly defined technical
service objective to be achieved by the proposed facility; and
E. The applicant has demonstrated that the proposed location and design is the least
noncompliant configuration that shall reasonably achieve the applicant's
reasonable and clearly defined technical service objective to be achieved by the
proposed facility, which includes without limitation a meaningful comparative
analysis into multiple smaller or less intrusive facilities dispersed throughout the
intended service area.
23-9.065 -Permit Expiration and Deadlines
A. Wireless Facility Encroachment Permits and 6409(a) Permits
1. Expiration. Unless a shorter period is permitted or preempted by law, once any
personal service wireless facility is demonstrated to the City to be constructed,
per an approved Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit or 6409(a) Permit for
any personal wireless service facility, the term of said Wireless Facility
Encroachment permit shall be valid for a period of ten (1 0) years from the date
the City receives proof of all required approved, final inspections, unless such
permit is terminated pursuant to Section 23-9.080, or revoked pursuant to
Section 23-9.085. At the end of ten (1 0) years from the date of demonstration,
such permit shall automatically expire.
2. Permit Renewal. A permittee may apply for a new Wireless Facility
Encroachment Permit or 6409(a) Permit no earlier than eighteen (18) months
nor later than six (6) months prior to expiration of the expiring permit. Said
application and proposal shall comply with the City's code and application
requirements in effect at the time of said application.
B. Construction of Wireless Facilities in Public Right of Way
1. Time to Complete Work. For any Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit
granted under this Chapter, the permittee shall complete construction within
three hundred and sixty five (365) days from the date of issuance of this permit.
2. Extensions. The Public Works Director may grant up to a maximum of two (2)
written extensions of time from the stated period in Section 23-9.065.B.1 where
the permittee provides good cause to grant the extension. An extension, if
granted, may be for up to an additional forty-five (45) days.
3. Expiration. Where a permittee of a Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit fails
to comply with this Section 23-9.065, the permit shall automatically expire.
4. Permit Renewal. Before any work authorized under an expired Wireless Facility
Encroachment Permit can be recommenced, the permittee shall file an
application for a permit renewal pursuant to the Small Cell Wireless Facilities
in the Public Right of Way, Guidelines for Permit Submittal. Renewal permits
shall be subject to a permit renewal fee and Small Cell Wireless Facilities in the
Public Right of Way, Guidelines for Permit Submittal in effect at the time of filing
for permit renewal.
23-9.070 -Radio Frequency Exposure Monitoring Requirements
A. FCC Compliance. The City shall not approve any permit that does not demonstrate
planned compliance with the FCC's regulations concerning radio frequency
exposure.
B. Pre-Installation Reporting. As part of any application required under this Chapter,
the applicant shall provide to the City a radio frequency electromagnetic energy
report pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Small Cell Wireless Facilities
in the Public Right of Way, Guidelines for Permit Submittal.
23-9.075 -Operation and Maintenance Standards
All personal wireless service facilities must comply at all times with the following operation
and maintenance standards:
A. All personal wireless service facilities shall be maintained in good condition,
including ensuring the facilities are reasonably free of:
1 . General dirt and grease;
2. Chipped, faded, peeling, and cracked paint;
3. Rust and corrosion;
4. Cracks, dents, and discoloration;
5. Missing, discolored, or damaged camouflage;
6. Graffiti, bills, stickers, advertisements, litter, and debris;
7. Broken and misshapen structural parts; and
8. Any damage from any cause.
B. Each personal wireless service facility shall be operated and maintained at all
times in compliance with all laws;
C. Within thirty (30) days of the anniversary date of the permit, each owner of a
personal wireless service facility shall routinely inspect each site to ensure
compliance with the standards set forth in this Section and all conditions of
approval.
23-9.080 -Termination for Public Benefit
Every permit granted under this Chapter may be terminated upon twelve (12) months'
prior written notice to the permittee, or less time if in response to an urgent or emergency
situation as determined by the City, if the personal wireless service facility interferes or
will interfere with any public work of improvement that impacts the public right-of-way. If
a permit granted until this Chapter is terminated pursuant to this Section, any Wireless
Facility Encroachment Permit Application for a new personal wireless service facility
within 500 feet of the terminated Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit that will act as a
replacement for the terminated Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit shall not be
subject to site justification pursuant to Section 23-9.135.B.
23-9.085 -Revocation or Modification
Any permit granted under this Chapter may be revoked or modified for cause in
accordance with the provisions of this Section.
A. Initiation. Revocation or modification proceedings may be initiated by the Public
Works Director.
B. Notification of Hearing. The permittee shall be notified by the Public Works Director
of the basis for the proposed revocation or modification and be provided a date
and time during which a hearing will be held not less than fourteen (14) days in
advance of said hearing.
C. Required Findings for Revocation or Modification. The Public Works Director may
revoke or modify the permit if he or she makes any of the following findings:
1. The applicant obtained the approval by means of fraud or misrepresentation of
a material fact;
2. The applicant has failed to construct, or has expanded or altered the permitted
facility in manner that inconsistent with that set forth in the permit;
3. The personal wireless service facility is deemed abandoned because it has not
been operated for any continuous period of six (6) months or more;
4. Failure to comply with any condition of a permit issued;
5. Failure to comply with any provision in this Chapter;
6. A substantive change of state or federal law or regulations materially affecting
a permittee's authority to occupy or use the public right-of-way or the City's
ability to impose regulations relating to such occupation or use; and
7. A personal wireless service facility is located on a utility pole or structure
subject to removal pursuant to a lawfully approved utility undergrounding
district or other rule or regulation.
D. Notice of Action. A written determination of revocation that contains the reasons
for the revocation shall be sent via USPS Certified Mail to the permittee within five
(5) days of such determination.
23-9.090-Expert Assistance
Where the City determines that it requires the services of a consultant for expert
assistance in implementing this Chapter or processing any application received
thereunder, and subject to applicable laws, the applicant shall deposit a fee equal to the
estimated cost of the consultant's services to the City. In the event that the actual fees
exceed the deposited fees, the applicant shall pay the difference to the City. In the event
that the actual fees are less than the deposited fees, the applicant shall be refunded for
the difference from the City. No permit for an approved project shall be issued if the
applicant owes the City funds to fully reimburse the City for its actual costs to process the
application, including without limitation, reimbursement for the City's consultant costs.
23-9.095-Deemed Approved
In the event that an application is deemed approved by any rule of law or regulation, all
applicable requirements of this Chapter, including those requirements set forth in the
Public Right-of-Way Personal Wireless Service Facility Standards and Regulations in
effect at the time of the deemed approval, and any other applicable laws, including,
without limitation, standard conditions of approval, shall automatically attach and apply
as permit conditions.
23-9.1 00 -Abandonment
A personal wireless service facility that is considered abandoned pursuant to Section 23-
9.085.C.3 shall be promptly removed and, as applicable, the area restored to its prior
condition at the permittee's sole cost and expense within sixty (60) days after
abandonment. If there are two (2) or more users of a single facility, then this provision
shall not become effective until all users cease using the facility. The owner of a facility
shall notify the City in writing of its intent to abandon or cease use of a permitted site or a
nonconforming site (including unpermitted sites) within thirty (30) days of ceasing or
abandoning use. Failure to inform the Public Works Director of cessation of operations or
abandonment of any personal wireless service facility as required by this Section shall
constitute a violation of any approvals and be grounds for:
A. Revocation or modification of the permit;
B. Acting on any bond or other assurance required by this article or conditions of
approval of the permit;
C. Removal of the facilities by the City at the owner's expense; and/or
D. Any other remedies permitted under this Code or by law.
23-9.1 05 -Preservation of City Rights
A. Overview. The City at all times reserves the right to take any action it deems
necessary, in its sole discretion, to repair, maintain, alter, or improve the public
right-of-way. Such actions may temporarily or permanently interfere with the
personal wireless service facility. The City shall in all cases, other than
emergencies, give the applicant written notification of such planned, non-
emergency actions no fewer than fourteen (14) days prior to such actions.
B. Summary Removal. In the event the Public Works Director determines that the
condition or placement of a personal wireless service facility located in the public
right-of-way constitutes a dangerous condition, obstruction of the public right-of-
way, or an imminent threat to public safety, or determines other exigent
circumstances require immediate corrective action (collectively, "exigent
circumstances"), the Public Works Director may cause the facility to be removed
summarily and immediately without advance notice or a hearing. Written notice of
the removal shall include the basis for the removal and shall be served upon the
permittee and person who owns the facility within five (5) business days of removal
and all property removed shall be preserved for the owner's pick-up as feasible. If
the owner cannot be identified following reasonable effort or if the owner fails to
pick-up the property within sixty (60) days, the facility shall be treated as
abandoned property subject to any disposal or reuse in the City's sole discretion.
C. Non-Liability for Removal. In the event the City removes a personal wireless
service facility pursuant to Section 23-9.1 05.8., any such removal shall be without
any liability to the City for any damage to such facility that may result from
reasonable efforts of removal. The City has no obligation to restore such facility.
The permittee shall not have any claim if the City removes a personal wireless
service facility pursuant to Section 23-9.105.8.
23-9.11 0 -Removal and Restoration
A. General Provisions. Upon the expiration date of the permit, earlier termination or
revocation of the permit or abandonment of the facility, the permittee shall remove
its personal wireless service facility and restore the site to its natural condition
except for any improvements to be retained by the City at its discretion. Any such
retained improvements shall be purchased from the permittee for one dollar, and
the parties will cooperate to effectuate this provision. Removal shall be in
accordance with proper health and safety requirements and all ordinances, rules,
and regulations of the City. The facility shall be removed from the property, at no
cost or expense to the City. Failure of the permittee, owner, or operator to promptly
remove its facility and restore the property within sixty (60) days after expiration,
earlier termination or revocation of the permit, or abandonment of the facility, shall
be a violation of this Chapter. Upon a showing of good cause, an extension may
be granted by the Public Works Director where circumstances are beyond the
control of the permittee after expiration, earlier termination or revocation of the
permit, or abandonment of the facility. Further failure to abide by the timeline
provided in this Section shall be grounds for:
1. Acting on any security instrument required by this Chapter or conditions of
approval of permit;
2. Removal of the facilities by the City at the owner's expense; and/or
3. Any other remedies permitted under this Code or under state or federal law.
23-9.115 -Notice of Shot Clock Expiration
The applicant is required to provide the Public Works Director with written notice of the
expiration of any timeframe for review, which the applicant shall ensure is received by the
City (e.g., via Certified Mail, Registered Mail, national carrier, any of which shall require
a receipt signature) no earlier than thirty (30) nor later than twenty (20) days prior to
expiration of the shot clock.
23-9.120-Insurance and Bond
A. Insurance. The permittee, including its agents and contractors, shall procure and
maintain in full force and effect as a condition of any permit granted under this
Chapter 23-9 insurance pursuant to the requirements of the City's Risk Manager.
B. Bond. Permittee shall pay for and provide a performance bond or other form of
security approved by the City Attorney's Office, which shall be in effect until the
personal wireless service facility is fully and completely removed and the site
reasonably returned to its original condition, to cover permittee's obligations under
this Chapter. The security instrument coverage shall include removal of the facility
and site restoration in compliance with applicable laws. The amount of the security
instrument shall be calculated by the applicant in its submittal documents in an
amount rationally related to the obligations covered by the bond and pursuant to
the requirements set forth in the Public Right-of-Way Personal Wireless Service
Facility Standards and Regulations. The performance bond shall expressly survive
the duration of the permit term to the extent required to effectuate a complete
removal of the subject facility in accordance with this provision.
23-9.125 -Indemnity
The permittee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City, its agents, officers,
officials, employees and volunteers from any and all: (1) damages, liabilities, injuries,
losses, costs and expenses and from any and all claims, demands, law suits, writs and
other actions or proceedings ("Claims") brought against the City or its agents, officers,
officials, employees or volunteers to challenge, attack, seek to modify, set aside, void or
annul the City's approval of any permit or regulatory approval authorized by City under
this Chapter; and (2) other Claims any kind or form, whether for personal injury, death or
property damage, that arise from or in connection with the permittee's or its agents',
directors', officers', employees', contractors', subcontractors', licensees', or customers'
acts or omissions in connection with the permit or the facility; provided, however, the
permittee shall not be required to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless the City, agents,
officers, officials, employees and volunteers due to the negligence, gross negligence, or
willful misconduct of the City, agents, officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. In the
event the City becomes aware any Claims, the City shall use best efforts to promptly
notify the permittee and shall reasonably cooperate in the defense. The permittee
expressly acknowledges and agrees that the City shall have the right to approve, which
approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, the legal counsel providing the City's
defense, and the property owner and/or permittee (as applicable) shall promptly
reimburse City for any costs and expenses directly and necessarily incurred by the City
in the course of the defense.
23-9.130 -Emergency Deployment
In the event of an officially-declared federal, state, or local emergency, or when otherwise
warranted by conditions that the City deems to constitute an emergency, the Public Works
Director, City Manager, or their designees may approve the installation and operation of
a temporary personal wireless service facility (e.g., a cell on wheels, or "COW"), which is
subject to such reasonable conditions that the City deems necessary.
23-9.135 -Location and Deployment Preferences
A. New Poles. New poles in the public right-of-way detract from the aesthetics of the
City. New poles in the public right-of-way to accommodate a personal wireless
service facility that are not replacing an existing pole are permitted only through
the exception process pursuant Section 23-9.060.
B. Site Justification. For Wireless Facility Encroachment Permit Applications, the
applicant shall provide to the City a site justification report pursuant to the
requirements set forth in the Wireless Communication Facilities Design Guidelines
and Small Cell Wireless Facilities in the Public Right of Way, Guidelines for Permit
Submittal.
C. Historic-themed light poles. No personal wireless service facilities or accessory
equipment shall be permitted on designated historic light poles in the City of
Alameda.
23-9.140 -Effect on Other Ordinances
Compliance with the provisions of this Chapter shall not relieve a person from complying
with any other applicable provision of this Code. In the event of a conflict between any
provision of this Chapter and other sections of this Code, this Chapter shall control.
Section 2: SECTION 2-59.3 (LIMITATION AND POWER ON POWER TO MAKE
CONTRACTS) of Chapter II (ADMINISTRATION) of the Alameda Municipal Code, is
hereby amended to add a new subsection (d), which shall read as follows:
2-59.3 -Limitation and Power to Make Contracts.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Charter or this Code, no employee of the City
shall make any contract, obligating the City, or any department of the City, to
make or receive payments of money or other valuable consideration for a period
longer than five (5) years, unless such contract shall have been first approved by
the Council.
(b) For the purpose of this section, a contract obligating the City, or any operational
department of the City, to make or receive payments or other valuable
consideration for a period longer than five (5) years, shall include a contract which
contains a provision, such as, but not limited to, an option clause, which allows for
a cumulative period longer than five (5) years, said period calculated as of the date
of execution of the contract.
(c) Contracts for personal or professional services involving specialized knowledge,
including, without limitation, architects, engineers, or accountants, in the amount
of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000.00) or more must be approved by
Council.
(d) Agreements for use and installation of personal wireless service facilities,
permitted pursuant to Section 23-9 (Personal Wireless Service Facilities in the
Public Right-Of-Way) of the Alameda Municipal Code, shall be exempt from the
requirements of subsection (a) above.
Section 3: IMPLIED REPEAL
Any provision of the Alameda Municipal Code inconsistent with this Ordinance, to the
extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent
necessary to effectuate this Ordinance.
Section 4: CEQA DETERMINATION
The proposed amendments to the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) are exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections
15301 (exemption for minor alteration to existing facilities) and Section 15303 (exemption
for new construction or conversion of small structures), and none of the exceptions to the
exemptions in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 are triggered.
Section 5: SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Ordinance is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid,
this invalidity shall not affect other provisions of this Ordinance that can be given effect
without the invalid provision and therefore the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
The City Council declares that it would have enacted each section, subsection,
paragraph, subparagraph and sentence notwithstanding the invalidity of any other
section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or sentence.
Section 6: EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the expiration of thirty
(30) days from the date of its final passage.
*****
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a regular
meeting assembled on this 18th day of February, 2020, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Daysog, Knox White, Oddie, Vella and
Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft -5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official
seal of said City this 19th day of February, 2020.
�si;u;ity Clerk
Approved as to form:
-::
Yibi;Sheri,�
City of Alameda