ORD 18-850 - Adopting Interim Land Use Regulations for Telecommunication FacilitiesORDINANCE NO. 18-850
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Federal Way, Washington, relating
to the adoption of interim land use regulations and official controls
pursuant to RCW 35A.63.220 and RCW 36.70A.390 to control the
provision of telecommunications facilities within the City; amending
FWRC 19.05.010, 19.05.050, 19.05.130, 19.05.170 and 19.05.240 to
revise and repeal definitions relating to wireless communications;
FWRC 19.15.010 to exempt street use approvals; FWRC 19.190.030 to
clarify the application of unzoned property to right-of-way use;
repealing Chapter 19.255 FWRC; and adding a new Chapter 19.256
FWRC relating to Wireless Communication Facilities. (Amending
Ordinance Nos. 15-804, 15-797, 13-754, 11-700, 09-610, 09-605, 09-593,
08-585, 97-291, and 90-43)
WHEREAS, Chapter 19.255 of the Federal Way Revised Code ("FWRC") provides for
review procedures applicable to the installation of wireless communication facilities in the
various zones of the City; and
WHEREAS, contemporaneous with the consideration of this ordinance, the City Council
enacted amendments to its franchise provision as Chapters 4.23 and 4.24 FWRC in order to
provide for the deployment of small cell facilities and to establish time limits known as "shot
clocks" as required by federal laws such as 47 U.S.C. § 1455(a) and 47 C.F.R. § 1.40001; and
WHEREAS, federal laws and regulations set time limits on the processing of applications
for eligible facility requests to expand existing structures that do not substantially change the
height or profile of the structures used to collocate wireless communication facilities; and
WHEREAS, eligible facilities requests that would not substantially change the height or
profile cannot be denied and/or are deemed approved if not acted upon within sixty (60) days of
the receipt of an application ; and
WHEREAS, federal law imposes a ninety (90) day time limit or "shot clock" on
consideration of applications for the collocation of wireless communication facilities on existing
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 1 of 37
towers and base stations and a one hundred and fifty (150) day shot clock for the consideration
of all requests to install new antenna support structures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges that the growing use of smart phones and
other personal wireless devices creates a substantial need for wireless data transmission;
therefore, the City Council deems it in the public interest to adopt the federal guidelines by
separate contemporaneous action while integrating the provisions of such changes in the zoning
code in order to ensure for the speedy review of applications; and
WHEREAS, the potential conflict between City land use review timelines and the
preemptive federal shot clocks requires the use of an interim zoning ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the contemporaneous franchise revisions and shot clocks
requires integration with the City's zoning code in order to provide for design guidelines and
processes to be used in the consideration of applications for eligible facilities requests as well as
small cell deployment applications; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it to be in the public interest to exercise its discretion
pursuant to RCW 36.70B.140 to exclude street and public right-of-way use approvals and
vacations from the review requirements of RCW 36.70B.080 and RCW 36.70B.110—.130; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on May 15, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY,
WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. FWRC 19.05.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Abandoned" means knowing relinquishment, by the owner, of right or claim to the subject
property or structure on that property, without any intention of transferring rights to the property
or structure to another owner, tenant, or lessee, or of resuming the owner's use of the property.
"Abandoned" includes but is not limited to circumstances involving tax forfeiture, bankruptcy, or
foreclosure.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 2 of 37
"Abandoned wireless communication facility" means a WCF that meets the following:
(1) Operation has voluntarily ceased for a period of 60 or more consecutive days; or
(2) The effective radiated power of an antenna has been reduced by 75 percent for a period of 60
or more consecutive days; or
(3) The antenna has been relocated at a point less than 80 percent of the height of the support
structure; or
(4) The number of transmissions from an antenna has been reduced by 75 percent for a period of
60 or more consecutive days.
"Accessory" means a use or structure which is subordinate and incidental in size, scale, design,
or purpose to the principal use or structure on the subject property, and supports the principal use
or structure without displacing or dominating it. See FWRC 19.265.010.
"Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)" means either a freestanding detached structure, excluding
outdoor storage containers and similar structures used or designed to be used as living facilities,
or an attached part of a structure which is accessory to the main or primary dwelling unit located
on the subject property, providing complete, independent living facilities exclusively for one
single housekeeping unit, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking and
sanitation. See FWRC 19.265.020. ADUs include:
(1) "ADU, attached" means an accessory dwelling unit that has one or more vertical and/or
horizontal walls in common with or attached to the primary dwelling unit.
(2) "ADU, detached" means a freestanding accessory dwelling unit that is not attached or
physically connected to the primary dwelling unit.
"Accessory living facility" means an area or structure on the subject property, which is accessory
to a permitted use on a commercial subject property, providing provisions for living, cooking,
sleeping and sanitation for an employee on the subject property and that employee's family, or
for the business owner/operator and that person's family.
"Active uses" means uses that by their very nature generate activity, and thus opportunities for
natural surveillance, such as picnic areas, extracurricular school activities, exercise groups, etc.
"Adjoining" means property that touches or is directly across a street from the subject property.
For the purpose of height regulations, any portion of a structure which is 100 feet or more from a
low density zone is not considered to be adjoining that zone.
"Administrator" for the purpose of sign regulations means the director or his/her designated
representative.
"Adult entertainment, activity, retail, or use" shall mean all of the following:
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 3 of 37
(1) "Adult theater" shall mean a building or enclosure or any portion thereof used for presenting
material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas" (defined below) for
observation by patrons therein and which excludes minors by virtue of age.
(2) "Adult entertainment" shall mean a cabaret, nightclub or other establishment which features
go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, similar entertainers or
attendants, who are so clothed or dressed as to emphasize "specified anatomical areas" and/or
whose performances or other activities include or mimic "specified sexual activities" (defined in
FWRC 19.05.190) and which establishment excludes minors by virtue of age, and shall mean
any of the adult entertainment establishments as defined in FWRC 12.10.010.
(3) "Panorama" and "peepshow" shall mean as defined in FWRC 12.10.010.
(4) "Adult retail" shall mean a retail establishment which, for money or any other form of
consideration, either:
(a) Has as one of its principal purposes to sell, exchange, rent, loan, trade, transfer, and/or
provide for viewing, off the premises, any adult-oriented merchandise; or
(b) Provides, as its substantial stock -in -trade, for the sale, exchange, rental, loan, trade,
transfer, and/or viewing or use, off the premises, any adult-oriented merchandise.
Activities and uses defined as "adult entertainment, activity, retail, or use" are only permitted in
the zone where that term is specifically listed as an allowable use and only in conformance to the
requirements as stated for that use.
"Adult family home" means a residential home for which a person is licensed to provide
personal care, special care, room, and board to more than one, but not more than six, adults who
are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the services. The number
of residents in an adult family home may be no more than the total of the residents being
provided services, plus a family that includes at least one service provider. Any limitation on the
number of residents resulting from this definition shall not be applied to the extent it would
prevent the city from making reasonable accommodations to disabled persons in order to afford
such persons equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling as required by the Fair Housing
Amendments Act of 1988, 42 USC 3604(f)(3)(b). This definition shall not be applied to the
extent that would cause a residential structure occupied by persons with handicaps, as defined in
the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, to be treated differently than a similar
residential structure occupied by other related or unrelated individuals. See FWRC 19.105.080.
"Adult-oriented merchandise" shall mean any goods, products, commodities, or other wares,
including, but not limited to, videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magazines, books, pamphlets, posters,
cards, periodicals, or nonclothing novelties which depict, describe, or simulate "specified
anatomical areas" or "specified sexual activities" (defined in FWRC 19.05.190).
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 4 of 37
"Agricultural use" means any agricultural, stable or livestock use listed as an allowable use in the
suburban estate zones. See definition of "urban agriculture."
"Air rights" means the right to control the use of the space above the surface of the ground.
"AKART" means "all known, available and reasonable methods of prevention, control and
treatment," and is the most current methodology that can be reasonably required for preventing,
controlling, or abating the pollutants associated with a point or nonpoint discharge. See also
"best management practices."
"Alluvium" means soil deposits transported by surface waters.
Animal Care Facility. See definition of "animal kennel."
"Animal kennel" means any structure or premises in which animals are boarded (including day
care) or bred for a fee or compensation. Animal kennels may also offer grooming, training, sales
of ancillary items, and related activities.
orbital based points, including, but is not limited to:
(1) "Omni directional (or `whip') antenna(s)" tfansm}ts-and receives radio frequency signals in a
360 degree radial pattern.
specific directional pattern of less than 360 degrees.
(3) "Parabolic (or `dish') antenna( -0" is a bowl shaped device for the reception and/or
transmission of communications signals in a specific directional pattern.
(4) "Ancillary antenna" is an antenna that is less than 12 inches in its lar_
a global positioning satellite (GPS) antenna.
"Antique" or "collectible" means any article which, because of age, rarity, or historical
significance, has a monetary value greater than its original value, or which has an age recognized
by the United States government as entitling the article to an import duty less than that
prescribed for contemporary merchandise.
"Applicant" means a person who, whether personally or through an agent, seeks, requests, or
applies for any permit, approval, license, franchise, development proposal, or capacity reserve
certificate (CRC); a person who is the owner of property subject to this title, and a person who is
engaged, whether personally or through an agent, in development activity. "Applicant" includes
both the principal and any agent.
Ordinance No. 18-850
Page 5 of 37
"Aquifer" means a geological formation that is capable of yielding a usable amount of fresh
water to a well or spring.
"Arcade" means a linear pedestrian walkway that abuts and runs along the facade of a building.
It is covered, but not enclosed, and open at all times to public use. Typically, it has a line of
columns along its open side. There may be habitable space above the arcade.
"Architectural embellishments for sign regulations" means the aesthetic elements of the structure
that includes or encloses a sign. They do not include any copy, text, logos, graphics, or other
elements of the sign face or sign base, but are solely intended to enhance the aesthetics of the
structural elements surrounding or supporting the sign.
"Average building elevation (ABE)" means the average of the highest and lowest existing or
proposed elevations, whichever is lowest, taken at the base of the exterior walls of the structure,
or it means five feet above the lowest of the existing or proposed elevations, whichever is lowest.
ABE is the elevation from which building height is measured.
Allowed
:-
Building
Height
Loeuest
Elevation
Reference
datum (ABE)
Fighest
Elevation
"Average slope" means the average grade of land within each land area representing a distinct
topographical change.
"Awning" means a nonrigid, roof -like cover that projects from a building as a shelter, but that
does not project above the adjacent parapet or roof of a supporting building.
Section 2. FWRC 19.05.050 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Easement" means the right to use the real property of another for a specific purpose.
"EMF" means electromagnetic field, which is the field produced by the operation of equipment
used in transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. This term includes Radio Frequency
or RF radiation.
switching equipment, cooling system and back up power systems.
Ordinance No. 18-850
Page 6 of 37
"Erosion" means the removal and transport of soils or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or
similar natural forces.
"Essential public facility" is any facility or conveyance that:
(1) Is typically difficult to site due to unusual site requirements and/or significant public
opposition;
(2) Is a necessary component of a system, network or program which provides a public service or
good;
(3) Is owned or operated by a unit of local or state government, a private or nonprofit
organization under contract with a unit of government or receiving government funding, or
private firms subject to a public service obligation; and
(4) Meets the following definitions of either a Class I or a Class II essential public facility:
(a) Class I facilities are those facilities of a county, regional or state-wide nature intended to
serve a population base that extends significantly beyond the boundaries of the city. Class
I facilities may include several local jurisdictions or a significant share of the Puget
Sound regional population and may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) State or regional education facilities (except minor branch facilities), including:
research facilities, university branch campuses, and community colleges;
(ii) State or regional transportation facilities, including: light and/or standard rail lines,
commuter terminals, transit centers, and park-and-ride lots in residential zones;
(iii) State or regional correctional facilities;
(iv) Solid waste handling facilities (large scale), including: transfer stations and recycling
centers;
(v) Sewage treatment plants;
(vi) Power plants;
(b) Class II facilities are those facilities of a local nature intended to meet the service needs
of the local community. Class II facilities are typically characterized by providing some
type of in-patient care, assistance, or monitoring and may include, but are not limited to,
the following:
(i) Substance abuse facilities;
(ii) Mental health facilities;
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 7 of 37
(iii) Group homes/special needs housing;
(iv) Local schools, including: elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools;
(v) Social service transitional housing, including: domestic violence shelters, homeless
shelters, and work -release.
"Excavate" or "excavation" means the mechanical removal of soils or underlying strata.
"Exposed building face" for sign regulations means the building exterior wall of a single -
occupant building or the building exterior wall of an individual tenant's leased space in a multi -
tenant complex, including the vertical distance between eaves and ridge of a pitched roof above
it, used for sign area calculation for building -mounted signs.
Section 3. FWRC 19.05.130 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Maintenance," for signs, means the cleaning, painting, and minor repair of a sign in a manner
that does not alter the basic design, size, height, or structure of the sign.
"Manufactured home" means a factory -built structure transportable in one or more sections
which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be a dwelling with or without a permanent
foundation when connected to required utilities. A manufactured home shall be built to comply
with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974
(regulations effective June 15, 1976).
"Manufacturing and production" means the mechanical or chemical transformation of materials
or substances into new products, including the assembling of component parts, the creation of
products, and the blending of materials, such as oils, plastics, resins, or liquors. Manufacturing
and production is divided into the following categories:
(1) "Manufacturing and production, general," means establishments typically manufacturing and
producing for the wholesale market.
(2) "Manufacturing and production, limited," means retail establishments engaged in the small-
scale manufacture, production, and on-site sales of custom goods and products. These uses are
distinguished from "manufacturing and production, general," by a predominant use of hand tools
or domestic mechanical equipment, limited number of employees, limited sales volume, limited
truck deliveries, little or no outdoor storage, typical retail hours of operation, and an obvious
retail storefront with a public entrance that is in scale with the overall building and oriented to
the right-of-way. This category includes uses such as ceramic studios; candle -making shops;
custom jewelry manufacturing; woodworking and cabinet making; manufacturing of specialized
orthopedic appliances such as artificial limbs or braces; manufacturing of dental appliances such
as bridges, dentures, and crowns; production of goods from finished materials such as wood,
metal, paper, glass, leather, and textiles; and production of specialized food products such as
caterers, bakeries, candy stores, microbreweries, and beverage bottlers.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 8 of 37
"Maximum lot coverage" means the maximum percentage of the surface of the subject property
that may be covered with materials which will not allow for the percolation of water into the
underlying soils. See FWRC 19.110.020 et seq. for further details.
"Mean sea level" means the level of Puget Sound at zero tide as established by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers.
"Medium density zones" mean the following zones: RS 15.0, RS 35.0 and comparable zones in
other jurisdictions.
"Micro -brewery," "micro -distillery," or "micro -winery" means a small-scale "brewery" limited
to production of less than 3,750 beer barrels per year (115,000 gallons), small-scale "distillery"
limited to production of less than 7,600 9 -liter cases per year (65,000 liters), or small-scale
"winery" limited to production of less than 3,000 cases per year (495 gallons), respectively.
"Microcell" means a wireless communication facility censisting of an antenna that is either:
(1) Four feet in height and with an ar u of net mere than 580 square inchcs; or
(2) If a tubular antenna, no more than feu- inches in diameter and no more than six feet high.
"Minor facility" means a wireless communication facility consisting of up to three antennas,
each of which is either:
(1) Four feet in height and with an area of not more than 580 inches; or
(2) If a tubular antenna, no more than four inches in diameter and no more than six feet in length.
A minor facility includes any associated equipment cabinet that is six feet or less in height and
no more than 48 square feet in floor area.
"Mixed-use building" means a building containing two or more different principal permitted
uses, as determined by the director, and which occupy separate tenant spaces.
"Moorage facility" means a pier, dock, buoy or other structure providing docking or moorage
space for waterborne pleasure craft.
"Multiple -story building" means a building containing two or more floors of active permitted
use(s), and each upper floor area, excluding any storage, mechanical, and other similar
accessory, nonactive areas, contains at least 33 percent of the ground floor area.
"Multi -tenant complex" means a complex containing two or more uses or businesses.
"Multi -use complex" means all of the following: a group of separate buildings operating under a
common name or management; or a single building containing multiple uses where there are
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 9 of 37
specific exterior entranceways for individual uses; or a group of uses on separate but adjoining
properties that request treatment as a multi -use complex.
"Mural" means a design or representation that is painted or drawn on the exterior surface of a
structure and that does not advertise a business, product, service, or activity.
Section 4. FWRC 19.05.160 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Panhandle lot" means flag lot.
"Parking area" means any area designed or used for parking vehicles.
"Parking space" means an area which is improved, maintained and used for the sole purpose of
temporarily accommodating a motor vehicle that is not in use.
"Parking structure" means a building or structure consisting of more than one level, above and/or
below ground, and used for temporary storage of motor vehicles.
Pea Patch Garden. See the definition for "community gardens."
"Pedestrian oriented" means a street that is designed to encourage pedestrian movement and
pedestrian orientation in relationship to buildings.
"Personal wireless service facility (PWSF)" and/or "Wireless Communication Facility (WCF),"
including a microccll, that is a facility for the transmission
support structure to achieve the accessary elevation, and reception and transmission devices and
antennas. means facilities associated with the provision of personal wireless services.
"Personal wireless services" means commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services,
and common carrier wireless exchange access services, as defined by federal laws and
regulations.
"Plaza" means a pedestrian space that is available for public use and is situated near a main
entrance to a building or is clearly visible and accessible from the adjacent right-of-way. Typical
features and furnishings include special paving, landscaping, pedestrian -scale lighting, seating
areas, weather protection, water features, art, trash receptacles, and bicycle racks.
"Portable moving containers" means new or used prefabricated units that can be rented by
residential or business customers for temporary accessory moving and storage activities,
including, but not limited to, such products trademarked as "PODS" (Personal on Demand
Storage), "SAM" (Store and Move), and "Door to Door." Such containers are typically delivered
to a site by truck, left on site for a temporary loading period, then retrieved by truck and
delivered to another location, which may include a storage facility. See FWRC 19.275.020.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 10 of 37
"Preapplication conference" means a meeting, between an applicant and members of the
development review committee, which is held prior to formal application, during which the
project is discussed relative to pertinent codes and regulations.
"Primary vehicular access" means the street, vehicular access easement, or private tract from
which the majority of vehicles enter the subject property.
"Principal use" means the primary or predominant use of any lot or parcel.
"Private club" means an association of persons organized for some common purpose, but not
including groups organized primarily to sell merchandise or render a service which is
customarily carried on as a business.
"Property line" means those lines enclosing the subject property and those lines defining a
recorded vehicular access easement or tract. The following are categories of property lines:
(1) The front property line is any property line that is adjacent to a primary vehicular access. If
the subject property is adjacent to more than one primary vehicular access, the applicant shall
designate which of the adjacent property lines is the front property line and the remainder of such
adjacent property lines will be considered as either a rear property line or side property line,
based on the definition in this section, except the property line adjacent to an arterial or primary
collector shall not be designated as a primary vehicular access.
(2) For flag lots, the yard setbacks shall be applied per the following graphic:
Driveway
far Lot 2!
Access
Easement
kr Lott
Flag Lot Setbacks
or;,a, Not an arterial _ .
for Lot 2 or principal collector
Driveway for Lot 2 Arterial or
end Access Easement 'principal collector
tot Lot 1
0 o0w0y
for 1013
andAeeess
Easement
for Lot2
Ito[
L01 3
i -a
...... f:T. ..
0
Lal
1011
Not an arterial
or principal collector
F = Front Yard
S = Side Yard
R = Rear Yard
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 11 of 37
(3) The rear property line is any property line that is farthest from, and essentially parallel to, the
front property line.
(4) The side property line is any property line other than a front property line or a rear property
line.
"Public park" means a natural or landscaped area, provided by a unit of government, to meet the
active or passive recreational needs of people.
"Public space" means a passive or active recreational area designed specifically for use by the
general public as opposed to serving merely as a setting for the building. Such areas may include
parks, gardens, plazas, entrance lobbies, arboretums, solariums, and bandstands, or an approved
combination thereof, and may contain exterior or interior spaces. Such areas shall be easily
accessible from adjacent public areas and available to the public at least 12 hours each weekday.
Public on-site open space may be privately owned, but must be permanently set aside and
maintained for the use and benefit of the public.
"Public utility" means the facilities of a private business organization such as a public service
corporation, or a governmental agency performing some public service and subject to special
governmental regulations, the services which are paid for directly by the recipients thereof. Such
services shall include but are not limited to: water supply, electric power, telephone, cablevision,
natural gas and transportation for persons and freight. The term also includes broadcast towers,
antennas and related facilities operated on a commercial basis.
"Public works director" means the director of the department of public works of the city.
Section 5. FWRC 19.05.230 is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Water feature" means a fountain, cascade, stream water, water wall, water sculpture, or
reflection pond. The purpose is to serve as a focal point for pedestrian activity.
"Water park" means an amusement park that features water play areas, such as water slides,
splash pads, spraygrounds (water playgrounds), lazy rivers, or other recreational bathing,
swimming, and barefooting environments. Accessory water features at parks and plazas are not
included in the definition of "water park."
"Waterward" means toward the body of water.
"Well" means a hole or shaft sunk into the earth to tap an underground supply of water.
"Wellfield" means an area containing two or more wells with overlapping zones of contribution
that supply a public water system.
"Wellhead" means the top of the shaft of a well or similar water extraction facility from which
potable water is extracted.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 12 of 37
"Wellhead capture zone" means an area in which groundwater is calculated to travel to a
pumping well. Capture zones are usually defined according to the time that it takes for water
within a particular zone to travel to a well. Calculated capture zones usually only approximate
actual capture zones as a result of assumptions required to conduct the calculation.
"Wellhead protection area (WHPA)" means the surface and subsurface area surrounding a well
or wellfield that supplies a public water system through which contaminants are likely to pass
and eventually reach the water well(s) as designated under the Federal Clean Water Act.
"Wetland" or "wetlands" means areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil
conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do
not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but
not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass -lined swales, canals, detention facilities,
wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created
after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road,
street, or highway. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from
nonwetland areas to mitigate conversion of wetlands.
"Wholesale trade" means a commercial establishment which sells to retail establishments.
"Wireless Communications Facility" or "WCF" means a Personal Wireless Service Facility.
Section 6. FWRC 19.15.010 is hereby amended to read as follows:
19.15.010 Exemptions from the requirements of the Regulatory Reform Act of 1995
(Chapter 36.70B RCW).
Certain types of projects such as adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan, sub -area plan
or development regulations are not subject to the mandates of Chapter 36.70B RCW. In addition,
a local government may exempt other approvals relating to the use of public areas or facilities
and other permits, whether administrative or quasi-judicial, determined by the local government
to be a special circumstance warranting a different review process. Yet other projects that may be
exempt from certain provisions of the act include projects which are categorically exempt from
environmental review or for which environmental review has already been completed under the
provisions of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). In general, these projects are
anticipated to have no impacts or potential impacts would have been addressed during prior
environmental review.
Based on the provisions of the act, the city has developed the following three categories within
which exempt projects fall: Projects exempt from all of the procedural requirements of
Chapter 36.70B RCW; projects exempt only from the 120 -day time line requirement of
RCW 36.70B.080; and projects exempt from certain notice of application and notice of decision
requirements in RCW 36.70B.110 and 36.70B.130.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 13 of 37
(1) Exempt Projects. The following projects are exempt from RCW 36.70B.060 through
36.70B.080 and 36.70B.110 through 36.70B.130.
(a) Adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan.
(b) Adoption or amendment of a sub -area plan.
(c) Adoption or amendment of a development regulation.
(d) Area -wide rezones.
(e) Site-specific rezones.'
(f) Historic or landmark designations.
(g) Permits of approvals to use, vacate, or transfer ,Streets, ether public rights-of-way
vis, parks, and similar types of public property.
(h) Annexations of land to the city including annexation agreements.
(i) Planned actions as defined in Chapter 43.21 C RCW.
(j) Adoption or amendment of development agreements pursuant to RCW 36.70B.170.
(k) Preliminary plat.2
(2) Projects exempt from 120 -day time line. Projects within subsection (2)(a) of this section are
exempt from the 120 -day time line set by RCW 36.70B.080. In addition, the time periods
specified within subsection (2)(b) of this section are excluded from the 120 -day time line.
(a) (i) Projects requiring a comprehensive plan amendment.
(ii) Projects requiring an amendment to the development regulations.
(iii) Applications for fully contained communities as provided in RCW 36.70A.350.
1 The time required for screening by the city council land use and transportation committee prior to city council
review of an application for site-specific rezones, and the possibility that supplementation of the record will be
required in order for the city council to issue a decision on an application, create special circumstance pursuant to
RCW 36.70B.140 necessitating exemption of site-specific rezones from the review procedures of
Chapter 36.70B RCW. The city has elected to provide a public notice of application and decision for site-specific
rezones notwithstanding this exemption.
2 The time required for screening by the city council land use and transportation committee prior to city council
review of an application for a preliminary plat, and the possibility that supplementation of the record will be
required in order for the city council to issue a decision on an application, create a special circumstance pursuant to
RCW 36.70B.140 necessitating exemption of preliminary plat applications from the review procedures of
Chapter 36.70B RCW. The city has elected to provide a letter of completeness and public notice of application and
decision notwithstanding this exemption.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 14 of 37
(iv) Applications for master planned resorts as provided in RCW 36.70A.360.
(v) The siting of an essential public facility as provided in RCW 36.70A.200.
(vi) A project that is substantially revised in which case it shall be treated as a new
submittal required to meet all requirements for a complete application as set out in
FWRC 19.15.040.
(vii) Capital facility projects of the city.
(b) (i) Any time period during which the applicant has been requested by the director of
community development services to complete studies, correct plans, supplement
insufficient information, or respond to requests for additional information.
(ii) Any period during which an environmental impact statement is being prepared; said
time period must be agreed upon by the applicant and the director of community
development services.
(iii) Any period for administrative appeals of a project permit. The time period for an
open record appeal hearing shall not exceed 90 days, and for a closed record appeal
hearing, said time period shall not exceed 60 days.
(iv) Any extension of time mutually agreed upon by the applicant and the director of
community development services.
(3) Projects exempt from certain process requirements. The act allows a local government to
exempt certain projects from RCW 36.70B.060, and RCW 36.70B.110 through 36.70B.130.
Therefore, the following projects have been exempted from the requirements to issue a public
notice of application and notice of decision.
(a) Lot line eliminations and boundary line adjustments.
(b) Building and other construction permits or similar administrative approvals, categorically
exempt from SEPA.
(c) Building and other construction permits or similar administrative approvals for which
SEPA review has been completed in conjunction with other project permits.
Section 7. FWRC Section 19.190.030 is hereby amended to read as follows:
19.190.030 Unzoned property; rights-of-way uses.
Any property within the city which, for any reason, does not have a zone classification on the
zoning map will be construed to be within the SE zone; provided, however, that the uses
permitted within the public rights-of-way shall be governed by the terms of an applicable
franchise and the provisions of Title 4 FWRC.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 15 of 37
Section 8. Chapter 19.255 of the Federal Way Revised Code is hereby repealed in its
entirety.
Section 9. Title 19 of the Federal Way Revised Code is hereby amended to add a new
Chapter 19.256 to read as follows.
Chapter 19.256
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
19.256.010 Introduction and exemptions.
(1) This chapter is intended to provide a regulatory structure that acknowledges
telecommunication service providers' rights and obligations under federal law. This chapter
provides standards for the review of applications to install Wireless Communication Facilities
("WCFs") outside of the public right-of-way, and design standards for new and replacement
structures as well as significant deviations from designs approved pursuant to the franchise and
right-of-way use (Small Cell Permit) approvals established by Chapters 4.22 and 4.23 FWRC.
The provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with state
and federal law.
(2) Exemptions. The following antennas and facilities are exempt from the provisions of this
chapter and shall be permitted in all zones consistent with the applicable development standards
outlined in the use zone charts, Title 19 FWRC, Division VI, Zoning Regulations:
(a) WCFs used by federal, state, or local public agencies for temporary emergency
communications in the event of a disaster, or emergency preparedness, and for any other
public health or safety purpose, including, by way of illustration and not limitation, any
communications systems utilized by first responders such as police or fire.
(b) Industrial processing equipment and scientific or medical equipment using frequencies
regulated by the FCC; provided such equipment complies with all applicable provisions
of FWRC 19.110.050, Compliance Generally; 19.110.060, Exceptions; and 19.110.070
R. Rooftop Appurtenances — Required Screening.
(c) Citizen band radios or antennas operated by federal licensing amateur ("ham") radio
operators; provided such antennas comply with all applicable provisions of FWRC
19.110.050, Compliance generally, 19.110.060, Exceptions, and 19.110.070, Rooftop
appurtenances — Required screening.
(d) Satellite dish antennas less than two meters in diameter, including direct -to -home satellite
services, when used as secondary use of the property; provided such antennas comply
with all applicable provisions of FWRC 19.110.050; Compliance Generally; 19.110.060,
Exceptions; and 19.110.070 Rooftop Appurtenances — Required Screening.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 16 of 37
(e) Automated meter reading ("AMR") facilities for collecting utility meter data for use in
the sale of utility services, except for WIP and other antennas greater than two feet in
length; so long as the AMR facilities are within the scope of activities permitted under a
valid franchise agreement between the utility service provider and the City.
(f) Eligible Facilities Requests and routine maintenance or repair of a WCF and related
equipment excluding structural work or changes in height, dimension, or visual impacts
of the antenna, tower, transmission equipment, equipment cabinet and/or transmission
equipment; provided, however, that compliance with the standards of this Title is
maintained. See Chapter 4.24 FWRC for procedures related to Eligible Facilities Request.
(g) Equipment cabinet additions or upgrades within existing equipment structures or
buildings so long as there is no material expansion of the equipment enclosure or
building, or change to the improved design or concealment element plan for the WCFs.
See Chapter 4.24 Eligible Facilities Requests.
19.256.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter as well as Chapters 4.23 and 4.24 FWRC, the following terms
shall have the meaning ascribed to them below. Terms not defined in this section shall be defined
as set forth in Chapter 19.05 FWRC:
(1) "Antenna": any exterior apparatus designed for telephonic, radio, data, internet or other
communications through the sending and/or receiving of radio frequency signals including, but
not limited to, equipment attached to a tower, pole, light standard, building or other structure for
the purpose of providing wireless services.
(2) "Antenna height": the vertical distance measured from average building elevation to the
highest point of the antenna, or if on a rooftop or other structure, from the top of the roof or
structure to the highest point of the antenna. For replacement structures, antenna height is
measured from the top of the existing structure to the highest point of the antenna or new
structure, whichever is greater.
(3) "Approved small cell facility": Any small cell facility that has received all required permits.
(4) "Base Station": A structure or equipment at a fixed location that enables FCC -licensed or
authorized wireless communication between user equipment and a communications network.
The term does not encompass a tower as defined herein nor any equipment associated with a
tower. Base Station includes, without limitation:
(a) Equipment associated with wireless communication services as well as unlicensed
wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul.
(b) Radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power
supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration (including
Distributed Antenna Systems ("DAS") and small cell networks).
(c) Any structure other than a tower that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 17 of 37
city under this section, supports or houses equipment described in subparagraphs (a) and
(b) above that has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or siting
process, or under another State or local regulatory review process, even if the structure
was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing that support.
The term does not include any structure that, at the time the relevant application is filed with the
City under this section, does not support or house equipment described in subparagraph (a) and
(b) above.
(5) "Collocation": For purposes of an eligible facilities request under the provisions of Chapter
4.24 FWRC, "collocation" means the mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an
eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals
for communication purposes. Collocation is further defined in FWRC 19.05.030 in the
application of the provisions of Title 19 FWRC.
(6) "Concealment elements": Transmission facilities designed to look like some feature other
than a wireless tower or base station or which minimizes the visual impact of an antenna by use
of nonreflective materials, appropriate colors, and/or a concealment canister.
(7) "Eligible Facilities Request": Any request for modification of an existing tower or base
station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station,
involving:
(a) Collocation of new transmission equipment;
(b) Removal of transmission equipment; or
(c) Replacement of transmission equipment.
(8) "Eligible support structure": Any tower or base station as defined in this section, provided
that it is existing at the time the relevant application is filed with the City.
(9) "Equipment structure": A facility, shelter, cabinet, or vault used to house and protect
electronic or other associated equipment necessary for processing wireless communication
signals. "Associated equipment" may include, for example, air conditioning, backup power
supplies, and emergency generators.
(10) "Existing": A constructed tower or base station is existing if it has been reviewed and
approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, or under another State or local regulatory
review process, provided that a tower that has not been reviewed because it was not in a zoned
area when it was built, but was lawfully constructed, is existing for purposes of this definition.
(11) "Microcell": Shall be defined in accord with RCW 80.36.375.
(12) "Service provider": Shall be defined in accord with RCW 35.99.010(6). Service provider
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 18 of 37
shall include those infrastructure companies that provide telecommunications services or
equipment to enable the deployment of wireless communication s.
(13) "Small cell": Shall mean "small cell facility."
(14) "Small cell facility" and "small cell network": Shall be defined in accord with RCW
80.36.375.
(15) "Substantial Change": A modification substantially changes the physical dimensions of an
eligible support structure if it meets any of the following criteria:
(a) For towers other than towers in the public rights-of-way, it increases the height of the
tower by more than 10 percent or by the height of one additional antenna array with
separation from the nearest existing antenna not to exceed twenty feet, whichever is
greater; for other eligible support structures, it increases the height of the structure by
more than 10 percent or more than ten feet, whichever is greater;
(b) For towers other than towers in the public rights-of-way, it involves adding an
appurtenance to the body of the tower that would protrude from the edge of the tower
more than twenty feet, or more than the width of the tower structure at the level of the
appurtenance, whichever is greater; for other eligible support structures, it involves
adding an appurtenance to the body of the structure that would protrude from the edge of
the structure by more than six feet;
(c) For any eligible support structure, it involves installation of more than the standard
number of new equipment cabinets for the technology involved, but not to exceed four
cabinets; or, for towers in the public rights-of-way and base stations, it involves
installation of any new equipment cabinets on the ground if there are no pre-existing
ground cabinets associated with the structure, or else involves installation of ground
cabinets that are more than 10 percent larger in height or overall volume than any other
ground cabinets associated with the structure;
(d) It entails any excavation or deployment outside the current site;
(e) It would defeat the concealment elements of the eligible support structure; or
(f) It does not comply with conditions associated with the siting approval of the construction
or modification of the eligible support structure or base station equipment; provided,
however, that this limitation does not apply to any modification that is non-compliant
only in a manner that would not exceed the thresholds identified above.
(16) "Telecommunications service": Shall be defined in accord with RCW 35.99.010.
(17) "Tower": Any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting any FCC -
licensed or authorized antennas and their associated facilities, including structures that are
constructed for wireless communication services including, but not limited to, private,
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 19 of 37
broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixes wireless
services such as microwave backhaul and the associated site.
(18) "Traffic Signal Pole": Any structure designed and used primarily for support of traffic
signal displays and equipment whether for vehicular or non -motorized users.
(19) "Transmission equipment": Equipment that facilitates transmission for any FCC -licensed or
authorized wireless communication service, including, but not limited to, radio transceivers,
antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, and regular and backup power supply. The term includes
equipment associated with wireless communication services including, but not limited to,
private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed
wireless services such as microwave backhaul.
(20) "Undergrounded areas": Public rights-of-way in which wireline utilities have been located
or relocated underground.
(21) "Utility pole": A structure designed and used primarily for the support of electrical wires,
telephone wires, television cable, or lighting for streets, parking lots, or pedestrian paths. The
term may include Traffic Signal Poles when authorized by lease for the installation of Small Cell
Facilities.
19.256.040 Federal regulatory requirements.
Eligible Facilities Requests, as defined in FWRC 19.256.030(7), shall be processed in
accordance with the time limits established by Chapter 4.24 FWRC.
(1) These provisions shall be interpreted and applied in order to comply with the provisions of
federal law. By way of illustration and not limitation, any WCF that has been certified as
compliant with all FCC and other government regulations regarding the human exposure to radio
frequency emissions will not be denied on the basis of RF radiation concerns.
(2) WCFs shall be subject to the requirements of this Code to the extent that such requirements:
(a) Do not unreasonably discriminate among providers of functionally equivalent services;
and
(b) Do not have the effect of prohibiting wireless communications within the City.
19.256.050 Small cell deployment.
Small cell deployment includes small cell facilities and small cell networks. The following
provisions establish design and concealment standards for wireless communication facilities and
in appropriate situations, criteria for the establishment of standards for small cell deployments;
provided, however, that any small cell, microcell, or small cell network component that is not
exempt from SEPA review shall comply with Title 14 FWRC.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 20 of 37
Small cell facilities other than microcells in the rights-of-way are permitted in all zones subject
to Chapter 4.23 FWRC.
Small cell facilities, including microcells outside of the rights-of-way, are permitted as minor
facilities in all zones subject to Process I review pursuant to Chapter 19.55 FWRC.
19.256.060 Design and concealment standards for the deployment of Small Cell Facilities
on Utility Poles in the Right -of -Way.
Eligible small cell facilities in areas other than Design Zones and Undergrounded Areas opting in
under the concealment provisions in FWRC 4.23.030(2) shall satisfy the design and concealment
standards set forth below.
(1) Small cell facilities attached to non -wooden poles.
Small cell facilities attached to existing or replacement non -wooden light poles and other non -
wooden poles in the right-of-way or poles outside of the right-of-way shall conform to the
following design criteria:
(a) Antennas and the associated equipment enclosures shall be sited and installed in a manner
which minimizes the visual impact on the streetscape by fully concealing the antennas
and associated equipment fully within the pole to the full extent technologically feasible.
This requirement shall be applied in a manner that neither dictates the technology
employed by the service provider nor unreasonably impairs the technological
performance of the equipment chosen by the service provider.
(b) All conduit, cables, wires, and fiber must be routed internally in the light pole. Electrical
wiring shall be separated from communication wiring via interduct or other means that
comply with state and federal electrical codes. Full concealment of all conduit, cables,
wires, and fiber is required within mounting brackets, shrouds, canisters, or sleeves if
attaching to exterior antennas or equipment. When electrical service is to be supplied by
the City as the pole owner, the City may require an electrical meter -grade control module
to track the additional small cell electrical use.
(c) An antenna on top of an existing pole may not extend more than six (6) feet above the
height of the existing pole and the diameter may not exceed sixteen (16) inches,
measured at the top of the pole, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of
the Director that more space is reasonably needed. The antennas shall be integrated into
the pole design so that it appears as a continuation of the original pole, including being
colored or painted to match the pole, and shall be shrouded or screened to blend with the
pole except for canister antennas which shall not require screening. All cabling and
mounting hardware/brackets from the bottom of the antenna to the top of the pole shall be
fully concealed and integrated with the pole.
(d) Any replacement pole shall substantially conform to the design of the pole it is replacing
or the neighboring pole design standards utilized within the contiguous right-of-way.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 21 of 37
(e) The height of any replacement pole may not extend more than ten (10) feet above the
height of the existing pole.
(f) The diameter of a replacement pole shall comply with the city's setback and sidewalk
clearance requirements, ADA requirements, and if a replacement light standard, then with
the city's lighting requirements.
(g) The use of the pole for the siting of a small cell facility shall be considered secondary to
the primary function of the pole. If the primary function of a pole serving as the host site
for a small cell facility becomes unnecessary, the pole shall not be retained for the sole
purpose of accommodating the small cell facility and the small cell facility and all
associated equipment shall be removed.
(h) A mock-up of a prototype for the replacement pole shall be constructed for review and
approval by the City prior to final pole construction and deployment; provided, however,
that the Director may waive this requirement when the applicant establishes that an
identical small cell facility has been successfully installed in another local jurisdiction in
a non -wooden pole identical to that approved for use by the city.
(i)
Deviations from this subsection (1) are permitted when required to address the pole
owner's requirements for adequate safety clearance and other design standards, so long as
the deviation is the minimum necessary required to comply with the pole owner's safety
and design standards.
(2) Small cell facilities attached to wooden poles.
Small cell facilities attached to wooden poles shall conform to the following design criteria:
(a) The wooden pole at the proposed location may be replaced with a taller pole for the
purpose of accommodating a small cell facility; provided, however, that the replacement
pole shall not exceed a height that is a maximum of ten (10) feet taller than the existing
pole, unless a further height increase is required and confirmed in writing by the pole
owner and that such height extension is the minimum extension possible to provide
sufficient separation and/or clearance from electrical and wireline facilities.
(b) A pole extender may be used instead of replacing an existing pole, but may not increase
the height of the existing pole by more than ten (10) feet, unless a further height increase
is required and confirmed in writing by the pole owner and that such height increase is
the minimum extension possible to provide sufficient separation and/or clearance from
electrical and wireline facilities. A "pole extender" as used herein is an object affixed
between the pole and the antenna for the purpose of increasing the height of the antenna
above the pole. The pole extender shall be painted to approximately match the color of
the pole and shall substantially match the diameter of the pole measured at the top of the
pole.
(c) Replacement wooden poles may either match the approximate color and materials of the
replaced pole or shall be the standard new wooden pole used by the pole owner in the
city.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 22 of 37
(d) Antennas, equipment enclosures, and all ancillary equipment, boxes, and conduit shall be
colored or painted to match the approximate color of the surface of the wooden pole on
which they are attached.
(e) Panel antennas shall not be mounted more than twelve (12) inches from the surface of the
wooden pole.
(f) Antennas should be placed in an effort to minimize visual clutter and obtrusiveness.
Multiple antennas are permitted on a wooden pole provided that each antenna enclosure
shall not be more than three (3) cubic feet in volume, with a cumulative total antenna
volume not to exceed nine (9) cubic feet, unless additional volume is deemed technically
necessary at the discretion of the Director provided however that in such cases the total
volume may not exceed twelve (12) cubic feet.
(g)
A canister antenna may be mounted on top of a wooden pole, which may not exceed the
height requirements described in subsection 2(b) above. A canister antenna mounted on
the top of a wooden pole shall not exceed sixteen (16) inches in diameter, measured at the
top of the pole, and shall be colored or painted to match the pole. The canister antenna
must be placed to look as if it is an extension of the pole. In the alternative, the applicant
may propose a side mounted canister antenna, so long as the inside edge of the antenna is
no more than twelve (12) inches from the surface of the wooden pole. All cables shall be
concealed either within the canister antenna or within a sleeve between the antenna and
the wooden pole.
(h) An omni -directional antenna may be mounted on the top of an existing wooden pole,
provided such antenna is no more than four (4) feet in height and is mounted directly on
the top of a pole or attached to a sleeve made to look like the exterior of the pole as close
to the top of the pole as technically feasible. All cables shall be concealed within the
sleeve between the bottom of the antenna and the mounting bracket.
(i) All related equipment, including but not limited to ancillary equipment, radios, cables,
associated shrouding, microwaves, and conduit that are mounted on wooden poles shall
not be mounted more than six (6) inches from the surface of the pole, unless a further
distance is technically required, and is confirmed in writing by the pole owner.
(j) Equipment for small cell facilities must be attached to the wooden pole or located in an
underground vault. The equipment must be placed in the smallest enclosure possible for
the intended purpose. The equipment enclosure may not exceed seventeen (17) cubic feet.
Multiple equipment enclosures may be acceptable if designed to more closely integrate
with the pole design and does not cumulatively exceed seventeen (17) cubic feet. The
applicant is encouraged to place the equipment enclosure behind any banners or road
signs that may be on the pole, if such banners or road signs are allowed by the pole
owner.
(k) An applicant who desires to enclose its antennas and equipment within a unified
enclosure may do so, provided that such unified enclosure does not exceed four (4) cubic
feet. To the extent possible, the unified enclosure shall be placed so as to appear as an
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 23 of 37
integrated part of the pole or behind banners or signs. The unified enclosure may not be
placed more than six (6) inches from the surface of the pole, unless a further distance is
technically required and confirmed in writing by the pole owner.
(1) The visual effect of the small cell facility on all other aspects of the appearance of the
wooden pole shall be minimized to the greatest extent possible.
(m) The use of the wooden pole for the siting of a small cell facility shall be considered
secondary to the primary function of the pole. If the primary function of a pole serving as
the host site for a small cell facility becomes unnecessary, the pole shall not be retained
for the sole purpose of accommodating the small cell facility and the small cell facility
and all associated equipment shall be removed.
(n) All cables and wires shall be routed through conduit along the outside of the pole. The
outside conduit shall be colored or painted to match the pole. The number of conduit shall
be minimized to the number technically necessary to accommodate the small cell.
(3) Strand mounted small cell facilities.
Small cell facilities mounted on cables strung between existing utility poles shall conform to the
following standards:
(a) Each strand mounted facility shall not exceed three (3) cubic feet in volume;
(b) Only one strand mounted facility is permitted per cable between any two existing poles;
(c) The strand mounted devices shall be placed as close as possible to the nearest utility pole,
in no even more than five (5) feet from the pole unless a greater distance is technically
necessary or required by the pole owner for safety clearance;
(d) No strand mounted device shall be located in or above the portion of the roadway open to
vehicular traffic;
(e) Ground mounted equipment to accommodate such strand mounted facilities is not
permitted, except when placed in pre-existing equipment cabinets;
(f) Pole mounted equipment shall meet the requirements of Subsections (1) and (2) above,
and
(g) Such strand mounted devices must be installed to cause the least visual impact and with
the minimum excess exterior cabling or wires (other than the original strand) necessary to
meet the technological needs of the facility.
19.256.070 Small cell facilities attached to existing buildings.
Small cell facilities attached to existing buildings shall conform to the following design criteria:
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 24 of 37
(1) Small cell facilities may be mounted to the sides of a building if the antennas do not interrupt
the building's architectural theme.
(2) The interruption of architectural lines or horizontal or vertical reveals is discouraged.
(3) New architectural features such as columns, pilasters, corbels, or other ornamentation that
conceal antennas may be used if it complements the architecture of the existing building.
(4) Small cells shall utilize the smallest mounting brackets necessary in order to provide the
smallest offset from the building.
(5) Skirts or shrouds shall be utilized on the sides and bottoms of antennas in order to conceal
mounting hardware, create a cleaner appearance, and minimize the visual impact of the antennas.
Exposed cabling/wiring is prohibited.
(6) Small cell facilities shall be painted and textured to match the adjacent building surfaces.
19.256.080 Small cell facilities general requirements.
(1) Ground mounted equipment in the rights-of-way is prohibited, unless such facilities are
placed underground or the applicant can demonstrate that pole mounted or undergrounded
equipment is technically infeasible. If ground mounted equipment is necessary, then the
applicant shall submit a concealment element plan. Generators located in the rights-of-way are
prohibited.
(2) No equipment shall be operated so as to produce noise in violation of Chapter 7.10 FWRC.
(3) Small cell facilities are not permitted on traffic signal poles.
(4) Replacement poles and new poles shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
("ADA"), city construction and sidewalk clearance standards, and state and federal regulations in
order to provide a clear and safe passage within the rights-of-way.
(5) Replacement poles shall be located as near as possible to the existing pole with the
requirement to remove the abandoned pole.
(6) The design criteria as applicable to small cell facilities described herein shall be considered
concealment elements and such small cell facilities may only be expanded upon an eligible
facilities request described in Chapter 4.24, when the modification does not defeat the
concealment elements of the facility.
(7) No signage, message, or identification other than the manufacturer's identification or
identification required by governing law is allowed to be portrayed on any antenna, and any such
signage on equipment enclosures shall be of the minimum amount possible to achieve the
intended purpose; provided that, signs are permitted as concealment element techniques where
appropriate.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 25 of 37
(8) Antennas and related equipment shall not be illuminated except for security reasons, required
by a federal or state authority, or unless approved as part of a concealment element plan.
(9) Side arm mounts for antennas or equipment are prohibited.
(10) The preferred location of a small cell facility on a pole is the location with the least visible
impact.
(11) Antennas, equipment enclosures, and ancillary equipment, conduit, and cable, shall not
dominate the building or pole upon which they are attached.
(12) The City may consider the cumulative visual effects of small cells mounted on poles within
the rights-of-way when assessing proposed siting locations so as to not adversely affect the
visual character of the City. This provision shall neither be applied to limit the number of permits
issued when no alternative sites are reasonably available nor to impose a technological
requirement on the service provider.
(13) These design standards are intended to be used solely for the purpose of concealment and
siting. Nothing herein shall be interpreted or applied in a manner which dictates the use of a
particular technology. When strict application of these requirements would unreasonably impair
the function of the technology chosen by the applicant, alternative forms of concealment or
deployment may be permitted which provide similar or greater protections from negative visual
impacts to the streetscape through development of a concealment element plan pursuant to
FWRC 19.256.150.
(14) It is the stated policy of the city that utilities shall be underground. See, e.g., FWRC
19.135.180. Accordingly, new utility poles in Undergrounded Areas shall be considered as major
impact Wireless Communication Facilities and may be installed only after Process II review for
compliance with FWRC 19.256.140.
19.256.100 Ground -mounted equipment; ADA compliance required.
In areas of the city in which have been undergrounded, (Undergrounded Areas), in Design
Zones, and where necessary to permit full use of the public right-of-way by pedestrians, bicycles
and other users, all ground -mounted equipment shall be undergrounded in a vault meeting the
city's construction standards to the extent feasible. The location of ground -mounted equipment
(to the extent undergrounding such equipment is not technologically feasible), a replacement
pole and/or any new pole shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), city
construction standards, and state and federal regulations in order to provide a clear and safe
passage within the public right-of-way.
19.256.110 Designated Design Zones.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 26 of 37
Design Zones. The following zones are designated as Design Zones for the purpose of the
application of the provisions of Chapters 4.23, 4.24, and 19.256 FWRC:
(1) City Center Core (CC -C)
(2) City Center Frame (CC -F)
(3) Designated Landmark Districts
(4) Shoreline Jurisdiction
19.256.130 Wireless Communication Facilities and monopoles located outside of the right-
of-way.
Monopoles and other Wireless Communication Facilities located outside of the public rights-of-
way, shall be processed as Process II applications. See Chapter 19.65 FWRC.
19.256.140 New poles and Undergrounded Areas or Design Zones.
New poles and small cell facilities to be constructed in any Undergrounded Area or Design Zone
are permitted only when the applicant establishes that:
(1) The small cell facility cannot be located on an electrical transmission tower or on a site
outside of the public right-of-way such as a public park, public property, or as a non-residential
use in a residential zone, whether by roof or panel -mount, or separate structure; and
(2) The proposed facility complies with an approved Concealment Element Plan for an
Undergrounded Area or Design Zone; and
(3) The proposed facility complies with critical areas requirements and SEPA, to the extent
applicable; and
(4) For a new utility pole in the public rights-of-way, that a site-specific agreement exists to
locate the new utility pole.
19.256.150 Concealment Element Plan.
(1) Concealment Element Plan required. Applications for proposed small cell installations in
Undergrounded Areas and Design Zones that deviate from existing City design standards (or if
the City has not created a design standard for that particular district zone area) shall be required
to submit a Concealment Element Plan. Such plan shall include the design of the screening,
fencing, or other concealment technology for a base station, tower, utility pole, or equipment
structure, and all related transmission equipment or facilities associated with the proposed
wireless communication facility, including but not limited to fiber and power connections.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 27 of 37
(2) Purpose of Concealment Element Plans, generally. Concealment Element Plans should seek
to minimize the visual obtrusiveness of installations using methods including, but not limited to,
integrating the installation with architectural features or building design components, utilization
of coverings or concealment devices of similar material, color and texture—or the appearance
thereof—as the surface against which the installation will be seen or on which it will be installed.
Other concealment element approaches may include, but not be limited to, use of architectural
concealment products, fencing or screening materials, and where appropriate, landscape design,
or any other camouflage strategies appropriate for the type of installation. Additionally, the use
of a concealment support or device, such as a clock tower, steeple, flagpole, tree, street sign, or
other applicable concealment structure may be approved.
The Director shall apply this section, as well as all design guidelines applicable in the
Undergrounded Area or Design Zone in which an installation is proposed.
(3) Review of Concealment Element Plan for non -substantial change collocations. Where a
proposed collocation does not constitute a substantial change, a Concealment Element Plan shall
be subject to review under Process I, Chapter 19.55 FWRC to ensure the proposed collocation
does not defeat the concealment features approved as part of the initial installation at that
location.
(4) Review of Concealment Element Plan for initial installations and substantial change
collocations. For initial installations and substantial change collocations in Undergrounded Area
and Design Zones, the Director shall conduct an administrative review of Concealment Element
Plans for compliance with this section and all applicable City design guidelines under Process II,
Chapter 19.60 FWRC.
19.256.160 Major Impact Wireless Communication Facilities.
A major impact Wireless Communication Facility ("Major WCF") includes all larger scale
WCFs located outside of the public right-of-way not permitted by the processes established in
FWRC 19.256.050–.150. Such facilities include monopoles, lattice towers, micro and macro
cells, roof mounted and panel antennas, and other similar facilities unless defined as Eligible
Facilities Requests subject to Chapter 4.24 FWRC.
The following sites shall be the required order of location for proposed Major WCFs, including
antenna and equipment structures. In proposing a Major WCF in a particular location, the
applicant shall analyze the feasibility of locating the proposed Major WCF in each of the higher
priority locations and document, to the city's satisfaction, why locating the Major WCF in each
higher priority location and/or zone is not being proposed. In order of preference, the prioritized
locations for Major WCFs are as follows:
(1) Structures located in the BPA trail. A Major WCF may be located on any existing support
structure currently located in the easement upon which are located U.S. Department of Energy/
Bonneville Power Administration ("BPA") Power Lines regardless of underlying zoning.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 28 of 37
(2) Existing broadcast, relay, and transmission towers. A Major WCF may be located on an
existing site or tower where a legal WCF is currently located regardless of underlying zoning. If
an existing site or tower is located within a half -mile radius of a proposed Major WCF location,
the applicant shall document why collocation on the existing site or tower is not being proposed,
regardless of whether the existing site or tower is located within the jurisdiction of the city.
(3) Institutional structures. If the city, institutional uses, or other public agency consents to such
location, a Major WCF may be located on existing structures, such as water towers, utility
structures, fire stations, bridges, churches, schools, and other public buildings within all zoning
districts, provided the public facilities are not located within public rights-of-way.
(4) Appropriate zoning districts. A Major WCF may be located in or on other public or private
property, buildings, or structures within nonresidential zoning districts as allowed by the zoning
chart.
(5) If the applicant demonstrates to the city's satisfaction that it is not technically possible to site
in a prioritized location, or as expressly allowed by the zoning chart, the city reserves the right to
approve alternative site locations if a denial would be in violation of the 1996
Telecommunications Act, as determined by the city through a Process III review using the
applicable test:
(a) Does the facility close a gap in service coverage or capacity; and
(b) Does the facility use the least intrusive means to do so?
19.256.170 Development standards.
The following development standards shall be followed in the design, siting, and construction of
a Wireless Communication Facility:
(1) Building- or structure -mounted Major WCFs on existing buildings or structures outside of
the public right-of-way. WCFs mounted on existing buildings and structures shall conform to the
following development standards:
(a) A Major WCF that exceeds the minor facility thresholds for number of antennas,
dimensions, and/or area, but creates no more adverse impacts than a minor facility, as
determined by the Director, subject to meeting all of the following standards:
(i) The facility shall utilize the least intrusive means of closing a significant gap in
service coverage or capacity;
(ii) The equipment cabinet for the Major WCF shall meet all requirements of subsection
(4) of this section; and
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 29 of 37
(iii) The maximum size of the Major WCF panels and number of antennas shall be
determined by the Director, based on the specific project location, surrounding
environment, and potential visual impacts; and
(iv) The Major WCF shall comply with all other applicable standards of the Federal Way
Revised Code.
(b) The combined antennas and supporting structure may extend up to, but not exceed, 15
feet above the existing or proposed roof or other structure regardless of whether the
existing structure is in conformance with the existing maximum height of the underlying
zone as outlined in the use zone charts, Title 19 FWRC, Division VI, Zoning Regulations.
Antennas may be mounted to rooftop appurtenances, as identified in FWRC 19.110.070,
provided they do not extend beyond 15 feet above the maximum height of the structure as
defined per FWRC 19.05.080, H definitions.
(c) The antennas are mounted on the building or structure such that they are located and
designed to minimize visual and aesthetic impacts to surrounding land uses and
structures.
(d) It is the applicant's responsibility to prove that the maximum size of the Major WCF
panels and number of antennas is the minimum size necessary.
(e) Within residential zones, equipment enclosures, and buildings to house equipment
cabinets located above ground on properties adjacent to the public right-of-way shall
meet all applicable setback requirements for residential development of the underlying
zone. For developed sites in nonresidential zones, the setback requirements for the
equipment enclosure shall be those of the principal use of the subject property. For
undeveloped sites in nonresidential zones, the setback requirements for the equipment
enclosure shall be 20 feet for front, side, and rear yards.
(2) New Freestanding Major WCFs. All requirements of the associated land use zoning charts
must be met. Additionally, these structures shall conform to the following site development
standards:
(a) Placement of a freestanding Major WCF shall be denied if placement of the antennas on
an existing structure can meet the applicant's technical and network location
requirements.
(b) Monopoles shall be the only freestanding structures allowed in the city; except that a
lattice tower may be used to accommodate the collocation of four or more providers as
part of a joint permit application.
(c) In no case shall a freestanding Major WCF be located closer than 500 feet to an existing
freestanding Major WCF whether it is owned or utilized by the applicant or another
provider.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 30 of 37
(d) A freestanding Major WCF, including the support structure and associated electronic
equipment, shall comply with all required setbacks of the zoning district in which it is
located. For developed sites, the setback requirements shall be those of the principal use
of the subject property. For undeveloped sites, the setback requirements for new
freestanding Major WCFs shall be 20 feet for front, side, and rear yards.
(e) Freestanding Major WCFs shall be designed and placed on the site in a manner that takes
maximum advantage of existing trees, mature vegetation, and structures so as to:
(i) Use existing site features to screen as much of the total WCF as possible from
prevalent views; and/or
(ii) Use existing site features as a background so that the total Major WCF blends into the
background with increased distances.
(f) In reviewing the proposed placement of a facility on the site and any associated
landscaping, the city may condition the application to supplement existing trees and
mature vegetation to more effectively screen the facility.
(3) Standards for electronic cabinets. Electronic cabinets shall either:
(a) Be placed in a new or existing completely enclosed building. It is the applicant's
responsibility to prove that the maximum size of the building is the minimum size
necessary to house the equipment; or
(b) Be placed above ground in a new or existing equipment enclosure. It is the applicant's
responsibility to prove that the maximum size of the building is the minimum size
necessary to house the equipment.
If the equipment cabinet is located within a new enclosed building, the building shall conform to
all applicable development standards and design guidelines for the underlying zone. The
enclosed building shall be architecturally designed and shall be compatible with existing
buildings on the site. The enclosed building shall be screened to the greatest extent possible from
any street and/or adjacent properties by landscaping and/or topography.
(4) Standards for equipment enclosures.
(a) Electronic equipment enclosures shall not be allowed within the right-of-way, except for
small cell facilities conforming to the design and concealment standards of FWRC
19.256.060 and mounted on utility poles.
(b) In residential zones, equipment enclosures located above ground on properties adjacent to
the public right-of-way shall meet all applicable setback requirements for residential
development of the underlying zone. For developed sites in nonresidential zones, the
setback requirements for the equipment enclosure shall be those of the principal use of
the subject property. For undeveloped sites in nonresidential zones, the setback
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 31 of37
requirements for the equipment enclosure shall be 20 feet for front, side, and rear yards;
however, for undeveloped sites in nonresidential zones, if the applicant can demonstrate
that the equipment enclosure can blend in harmoniously with the existing site and
complement the landscape buffer requirements of the underlying zone, as determined
appropriate by the Director of Community Development, the equipment enclosure can be
located inside of the 20 -foot setback but outside of the required landscaping buffer of the
underlying zone.
(c) Equipment enclosures shall be designed, located, and screened to minimize adverse visual
impacts from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties.
(d) Equipment enclosures shall be designed, located, and screened to minimize adverse visual
and functional impacts on the pedestrian environment.
(e) Equipment enclosures and screening shall not adversely impact vehicular sight distance.
(5) Security fencing.
(a) No fence shall exceed six feet in height as stipulated in FWRC 19.125.160(5).
(b) Security fencing shall be effectively screened from view through the use of appropriate
landscaping materials.
(c) Chain-link fences shall be painted or coated with a nonreflective color.
(6) Cumulative effects. The city shall consider the cumulative visual effects of WCFs mounted
on existing structures and/or located on a given permitted site in determining whether additional
permits may be granted so as to not adversely affect the visual character of the city.
(7) Signage. No wireless equipment shall be used for the purpose of mounting signs or message
displays of any kind, except for small signs used for identification, hazard warning, and name of
provider.
(8) Use zone charts, height and permit process.
(a) Except for approval of new poles in the public rights-of-way, the final approval authority
for applications made under this section shall be defined by the appropriate permit
process as outlined in the use zone charts, Title 19 FWRC, Division VI, Zoning
Regulations. New pole requests in the public rights-of-way shall be reviewed pursuant to
Process II, Chapter 19.60 FWRC, utilizing the criteria in this section, and are not land use
actions subject to review under Chapter 36.70C RCW.
(b) Allowed heights shall be established relative to appropriate process as outlined in the use
zone charts, Title 19 FWRC, Division VI, Zoning Regulations.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 32 of 37
19.256.180 Nonconformance.
Permit applications made under this section to locate a WCF on property on which a
nonconformance is located shall be exempt from the requirements of Chapter 19.30 FWRC,
Nonconformance, to bring the property into conformance as follows:
(1) To provide the public improvements required by Chapter 19.135 FWRC, Development
Improvements, as stipulated in FWRC 19.30.110.
(2) To bring the property into conformance with the development regulations prescribed in
FWRC Title 16 relating to water quality as stipulated in FWRC 19.30.120(1)(g). All other
requirements of FWRC 19.30.120 to bring the property into conformance with the development
regulations prescribed in FWRC Title 16 relating to water quality shall apply.
19.256.190 Temporary Wireless Communication Facilities.
As determined by the Director of Community Development, a temporary wireless
communication facility, or cell -on -wheels, may be deployed and operated as follows:
(1) For a period of 90 days during the construction of a freestanding WCF which has been
approved through the appropriate permit process; provided, however, that the temporary wireless
communication facility or cell -on -wheels creates no more adverse impacts than the WCF which
was approved through the appropriate permit process. Only one temporary wireless
communication facility or cell -on -wheels shall be permitted for a single site.
(2) For a period of time determined to be appropriate by the Director, during an emergency
declared by the city, state, or federal government.
(3) Prior to installation of the temporary WCF, the applicant shall provide the city with a cash
bond in an amount to be determined by the Director of Community Development in order to
guarantee performance of future removal and restoration of the site.
19.256.200 Application requirements.
(1) Except for temporary WCFs, permit applications for Major WCFs made under this Chapter
shall include the following minimum information in addition to that required for the underlying
permit review process:
(a) A diagram or map showing the primary viewshed of the proposed facility.
(b) Photo -simulations of the proposed facility from affected properties and public rights-of-
way at varying distances. These photo simulations should include examples of
camouflage and stealth installation options.
(c) Architectural elevations of proposed facility and site.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 33 of 37
(d) A coverage chart of the proposed Major WCF at the requested height and an explanation
of the need for that facility at that height and in that location.
(e) An inventory of other Major WCF sites operated by the applicant or other providers
within a half -mile radius of the proposed Major WCF location.
(f) A site/landscaping plan showing the specific placement of the Major WCF on the site;
showing the location of existing structures, trees, and other significant site features; and
indicating type and locations of plant materials used to screen WCF components.
(g) If the Major WCF electronic equipment cabinet is proposed to be located above ground,
an explanation of why it is impracticable to locate the cabinet underground.
(h) Documentation of efforts to collocate on existing facilities.
(i) The city may require the applicant, at the applicant's expense, to provide any additional
information, mapping, studies, materials, inspections, or reviews that are reasonably
necessary to implement this chapter and to require that such information, studies,
mapping, materials, inspections, and reviews be reviewed by a qualified professional
under contract to the city, also at the applicant's expense.
(2) Permit applications for temporary WCFs shall include the following minimum information:
(a) Documentation of previously permitted facility, if applicable.
(b) Site plan showing proposed location of temporary WCF in relationship to the location of
the previously permitted facility and property boundaries, including dimensions from the
property lines and height of proposed facility.
(c) Mockups or other visual representations of the proposed facility.
19.256.210 Collocation.
(1) A permittee shall cooperate with other WCF providers in collocating additional antennas on
support structures and/or on existing buildings and sites, provided said proposed collocatees have
received a permit for such use at said site from the city. A permittee shall allow other providers
to collocate and share the permitted site, provided such shared use does not give rise to a
substantial technical level impairment of the permitted use (as opposed to a competitive conflict
or financial burden). In the event a dispute arises as to whether a permittee has exercised good
faith in accommodating a new applicant, the city may require a third party technical study at the
expense of the permittee. Failure to comply with this provision may result in a revocation of the
permit.
(2) A signed statement indicating that the applicant agrees to allow for the potential collocation
of additional Major WCF equipment by other providers on the applicant's structure or within the
same site location shall be submitted by the applicant as part of the permit application. If an
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 34 of 37
applicant contends that future collocation is not possible on their site, they must submit a
technical study documenting why.
(3) Collocation requirements shall not apply to Major WCFs or small cell facilities located in the
public rights-of-way.
19.256.220 Removal of facility.
(1) Abandonment and removal. The owner or operator of a WCF shall provide the city with a
copy of the notice of intent to cease operations required by the FCC at the time it is submitted to
the FCC. Additionally, the owner or operator of a WCF shall notify the city in writing of the
abandonment of a particular facility within 30 days of the date the WCF is abandoned. The
abandoned WCF shall be removed by the facility owner within 90 days of the date the WCF is
abandoned, the permit is revoked, or if the facility falls into disrepair and is not maintained, as
determined by the city. Disrepair includes structural features, paint, landscaping, or general lack
of maintenance that could result in adverse safety or visual impacts. If there are two or more
users of a single tower, then the city's right to remove the tower shall not become effective until
all users abandon the tower.
(2) Partial abandonment and removal. If the abandoned antennas on any Major WCF are
removed or relocated to a point where the top 20 percent or more of the height of the supporting
structure is no longer in use, the Major WCF shall be considered partially abandoned. The owner
or operator of any partially abandoned Major WCF shall notify the city in writing of the partial
abandonment of a particular facility within 30 days of the date the Major WCF is partially
abandoned. The owner of the WCF shall have 120 days from the date of partial abandonment to
collocate another service on the Major WCF. If another service provider is not added to the
Major WCF within the allowed 120 -day collocation period, the owner shall in 210 days of partial
abandonment, dismantle and remove that portion of the supporting structure that exceeds the
point at which the highest operational antenna is mounted.
(3) Removal and lien. If the provider fails to remove the abandoned or partially abandoned
facility upon 210 days of its abandonment or partial abandonment, the responsibility for removal
falls upon the property owner on which the abandoned or partially abandoned facility is located.
The city may enforce this subsection using the procedures as set forth in Chapter 1.15 FWRC.
19.256.230 Revocation of permit.
A permit issued under this chapter may be revoked, suspended or denied for any one or more of
the following reasons:
(1) Failure to comply with any federal, state, or local laws or regulations;
(2) Failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions imposed by the city on the issuance of
a permit;
(3) When the permit was procured by fraud, false representation, or omission of material facts;
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 35 of 37
(4) Failure to cooperate with other Major WCF providers in collocation efforts as required by
this chapter;
(5) Failure to comply with federal standards for EMF emissions; and
(6) Pursuant to FWRC 19.05.300(3), the city, as the applicant, shall use the same process to
determine if the permit shall be revoked as it used to grant the permit.
Section 10. Severability. The provisions of this ordinance are declared separate and
severable. The invalidity of any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or portion of
this ordinance, or the invalidity of the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall
not affect the validity of the remainder of the ordinance, or the validity of its application to any
other persons or circumstances.
Section 11. Corrections. The City Clerk and the codifiers of this ordinance are authorized
to make necessary corrections to this ordinance including, but not limited to, the correction of
scrivener/clerical errors, references, ordinance numbering, section/subsection numbers and any
references thereto.
Section12. Ratification. Any act consistent with the authority and prior to the effective
date of this ordinance is hereby ratified and affirmed.
Sectionl 3. Effective Date. For the Findings of Fact required pursuant to RCW
35A.63.220 and 36.70A.390, the City Council hereby adopts the recitals set forth above. This
ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and after its passage and
publication, as provided by law.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Federal Way this 5th day of June, 2018.
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 36 of 37
ATTEST:
CITY OF DERAL WAY:
11111.
ice!//
JI• F ' R'' L, MAYOR
ANIE COURTNEY, C, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
J. RYAN CALL, CITY ATTORNEY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: 05/09/2018
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 06/05/2018
PUBLISHED: 06/08/2018
EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/09/2018
ORDINANCE NO.: 18-850
Ordinance No. 18-850 Page 37 of 37