cover
TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Richard Veenstra, Corporation Counsel
DATE: October 19, 2017
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 19, Article III, entitled "Communication and Data Transfer" of the City of Aurora Code of Ordinances
PURPOSE:
To further revise the City Code with respect to communication facilities.
BACKGROUND:
On three occasions since 2016, the City Council has adopted revisions to Chapter 19, Article III of the City Code pertaining to Communication and Data Transfer. These revisions amended language the Council originally enacted in the 1990s. Due to the rapidly changing nature of telecommunication technology, Staff is now recommending further revisions to Article III to better address wireless and "small cell" technology.
DISCUSSION:
Following the City Council's most recent revision to Chapter 19, the City Council approved two Master License Agreements that regard utility and light poles as telecommunication facilities in certain circumstances. At the time of this writing, Staff is in the process of negotiating two additional agreements. All four license agreements contemplate the siting of poles within the I-88 Technology Corridor and due to the presence of existing utilities in the area, the standard fifty (50') foot separation between poles is impractical to maintain. Staff is satisfied that a twenty (20') foot separation in the I-88 Corridor represents an appropriate balance between the City's desire to reduce the proliferation of poles as communication facilities and avoid unintended interference and the needs of those attracted to the Corridor by the City's fiber infrastructure and proximity to other businesses. These revisions also add a requirement that licensees provide the City with an access easement to enable City personnel to inspect communication facilities when those facilities are located on private property.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Staff does not anticipate that these proposed changes will have any impact upon Cit...
Click here for full text