DRRC 09-26-19 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK
Department of Planning and Development
540/ 665-5651
Fax: 540/ 665-6395
MEMORANDUM
To: Development Review and Regulations Committee
From: M. Tyler Klein, AICP, Senior Planner
Subject: September 26, 2019 Meeting and Agenda
Date: September 20, 2019
The Frederick County Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC) will be meeting
on Thursday September 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the first-floor conference room (purple room)
of the County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. The DRRC
will discuss the following agenda items:
AGENDA
1) Landscaping, Buffer & Screening, Off-Street Parking, & Certain Uses. Discussion of
a request by a DRRC member to amend certain sections of the Zoning Ordinance.
2) Telecommunications Facilities, Commercial. Discussion of a request by the County
Attorney to amend §165-204.19 to permit commercial telecommunications small cell
facilities by-right in certain zoning districts and codify changes from the Code of Virginia
governing local regulation of such facilities.
3) Other. Any topics not included in the above agenda brought forward by DRRC members.
Please contact this office if you will not be able to attend the meeting. Thank you.
Access to this building is limited during the evening hours. Therefore, it wil l be necessary to
enter the building through the rear door of the four-story wing. I would encourage committee
members and interested citizens to park in the County parking lot located behind the new
addition or in the joint Judicial Center parking lot an d follow the sidewalk to the back door of
the four-story wing.
MTK/dw
Attachments
Item #1: Landscaping, Buffer & Screening, Off-street Parking, & Requirements for
Certain Uses
Proposal:
This is a request from a DRRC member/Board of Supervisor member to amend Chapter 165-
Zoning Ordinance to “clean up” inconsistencies within certain sections and to clarify or reduce
requirements for certain uses. This item was previously presented by Mr. Gary Oates under
“Other” items at the July 25th DRRC meeting and discussed at the August 22nd meeting.
Evaluation:
§165-204.18 Storage facilities, self-storage.
The proposed changes correct landscaping and planting inconsistencies regarding plant size in this
section with other sections of the Zoning Ordinance and provides relief on screening requirements
that do not otherwise meet the intent of the section to “screen the use”.
§165-204.24 Tractor truck and tractor trailer truck parking.
The proposed changes prevent the siting of the above use adjacent to residential uses, while
enabling the location of these types of facilities where they are most appropriate (adjacent to major
roadways and/or in the vicinity of other business and industrial uses), provides a consistent hard
surface standard for the use (gravel parking) that is consistent with the temporary nature of the use
and, and corrects inconsistences with this section planting requirements with other sections of the
Zoning Ordinance.
§165-204.30 Special event facilities.
The proposed changes provide clarity with certain practices in the County, specifically that the
Building Official (Department of Building Inspections) is responsible for determining if a building
or structure (existing or to-be-constructed) is agriculturally exempt from the Virginia Building
Code requirements or requires a building permit review.
§165-202.01 Off-street parking; parking lots.
The proposed changes correct inconsistencies with the required width of driveways serving
parking lots in this section with other sections of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance and
County Code (Fire Code).
§165-203.01 Landscaping requirements.
The proposed changes correct inconsistencies with plant size in this section with other sections of
the Zoning Ordinance, further clarifies requirements to prohibit plantings from being located
within utility easements and eliminates certain plant species.
§165-203.02 Buffer and Screening requirements.
The proposed changes seek to allow for the higher utilization of limited business and industrial
land by eliminating the buffer requirement where a VDOT classified interstate, arterial, or collector
roadway otherwise effectively creates “distance” between business/industrial uses and adjacent
residential uses. Front setbacks and parking area landscaping requirements, which remains
unchanged for the business and industrial zoning district, further provides a “buffer” in lieu of
zoning district buffer requirements. The proposed changes also correct inconsistencies in this
section with other sections of the Zoning Ordinance.
DRRC Action:
Staff is looking for direction from the DRRC on the appropriateness of this request for a text
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Depending on the outcome of this discussion, Staff may forward
this item to the Planning Commission for further discussion.
Attachment: Proposed Changes to Frederick County Zoning Ordinance
Revised 8/26/19
Page 1 of 7
ARTICLE II
Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses
Part 204
Additional Regulations for Specific Uses
§ 165-204.18. Storage facilities, self-service.
F. Self-storage facilities shall meet the following landscaping or screening requirements:
1) Facilities located in the B-2 Business General District shall be have all overhead doors and loading
areas completely screened around the perimeter of the property by a double row of evergreen
trees that are staggered and planted a maximum of eight twelve feet off center and are a minimum
of six four feet in height when planted.
2) Facilities located in the B-3 Industrial Transition District or the M-1 Light Industrial District shall
be required to landscape the yard area within the front yard setback adjacent to public streets and
residences to provide for a double row of evergreen trees that are staggered and planted a maximum
of eight twelve feet off center. The side and rear yards shall be planted with a single row of
evergreen or deciduous trees that are planted a maximum of 40 feet off ce nter. All trees shall be a
minimum of six four feet in height at the time of planting.
3) Facilities located on parcels that are within a master planned industrial park or office park shall be
required to landscape the perimeter of the facility with a single row of evergreen or deciduous trees
that are planted a maximum of 40 feet off center. All trees shall be a minimum of six four feet in
height at the time of planting.
4) The required planting of all trees described under this Subsection F shall occur in an area that
is between the adjoining property boundary line and the placement of security fencing. The
installation of an opaque wall or fence that is a minimum of six feet in height may substitute for
required landscaped areas in all zoning districts. A solid building wall, free of windows or doors,
is not required to be screened.
Revised 8/26/19
Page 2 of 7
ARTICLE II
Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses
Part 204
Additional Regulations for Specific Uses
§ 165-204.24. Tractor truck and tractor truck trailer parking.
Tractor truck and/or tractor truck trailer parking facilities in the B3 (Industrial Transition), M1 (Light
Industrial) and M2 (Industrial General) Zoning Districts permitted as a primary use with a conditional use
permit. The facilities shall not be located adjacent to residential uses. These uses may be temporary.
These lots shall meet the following conditions:
A. All areas utilized for the parking of tractor trucks shall meet the requirements of § 165-202.01D.
Areas utilized for and the storage of trailers may utilize a gravel surface.
B. All paved and gravel surfaces shall be properly maintained to ensure that dirt, mud, gravel or the
like is not distributed onto roadways.
C. No inoperable tractor trucks or damaged/salvage trailers, or unlicensed trailers or cargo/storage
containers shall be parked or stored on the site.
D. Fuel sales shall not be permitted.
E. Maintenance of trucks and trailers shall not be permitted.
F. Facilities shall be required to landscape the yard area within the front setback to provide for a
double row of evergreen trees that are staggered and planted a maximum of twelve feet on
center. (minimum of two different species). The on-center distance between each tree in the
staggered double row shall not exceed the widest width of the selected evergreen trees. At no
point shall the offset between each evergreen tree planted in the staggered double row be less
than 90°. The side and rear yards shall be planted with a single row of evergreen trees that are
planted a maximum of 40 feet on center. All trees shall be a minimum of six four feet in height at
the time of planting. The Board of Supervisors may allow for alternative landscaping based on
topography and/or adjacent land uses.
G. A site plan in accordance with the requirements of Article VIII shall be submitted to and
approved by Frederick County.
Revised 8/26/19
Page 3 of 7
ARTICLE II
Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses
Part 204
Additional Regulations for Specific Uses
§ 165-204.30 Special event facilities.
Special events facilities, where allowed in the RA (Rural Areas) District, shall be subject to the following
requirements:
A. An illustrative sketch plan in accordance with the requirements of Article VIII shall be submitted
with the conditional use permit application. This plan shall identify access for the facility, the
location of all parking areas, the location and square footage for all structure(s) to be used, and
the location of sewage disposal facilities.
B. All structures associated with a special events facility shall require a building permit. review and
approval by the Building Official.
C. All parking spaces and travel aisles shall be graveled. The Board of Supervisors may require
through the conditional use permit process that all travel aisles and/or parking spaces be paved
with a minimum double prime and seal or alternative dust-free surface.
D. Portable toilets shall be permitted for special event facilities, provided that they are screened from
all adjoining properties and roads by topography, structures or new or existing landscaping.
E. Special events facilities that share a private access easement with another property owner/s must
show the easement allows a use of this type or written permission must be obtained by the sharing
parties.
Revised 8/26/19
Page 4 of 7
ARTICLE II
Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses
Part 202
Off-Street Parking, Loading and Access
§ 165-202.01 Off-street parking; parking lots
D. Parking lots.
8) Entrance requirements. In no case shall a parking lot be approved which requires that vehicles
back from parking spaces onto public roads. All parking lots shall be provided access to a public
road using an entrance which meets all requirements of the Frederick County Code and the
Virginia Department of Transportation. The width of driveways serving the parking lot shall not
be less than 24 20 feet for two-way traffic, 20 feet for fire lanes, and 12 feet for one-way traffic.
Revised 8/26/19
Page 5 of 7
ARTICLE II
Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses
Part 203
Buffers and Landscaping
§ 165-203.01. Landscaping requirements.
B. Plant selection, planting procedure and maintenance.
1) Plant selection. Based on the type of landscaping, required trees and shrubs shall be selected from
the table of acceptable trees and shrubs shown below.
Types of Landscaping
Acceptable Trees and Shrubs
Common Name Scientific Name Types of Landscaping
Permitted
Leyland Cypress Cupressocyparis x leylandii Screen, ornamental
Editor’s Note: Bradford Pears and all varieties of ornamental flowering pears are prohibited from being
used to fulfill planting or substitute planting requirements.
2) Planting procedure. All required trees and shrubs shall meet the specifications and procedures
established by the American Nursery and Landscape Association.
a) All trees shall be planted no closer than three feet to the edge of sidewalks, curb or
other pavement.
b) Deciduous trees shall be a minimum of two 1.25-inch caliper at the time of planting.
c) Only single-stem trees shall be planted as street trees.
d) Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of four feet in height at the time of planting.
Shrubs shall be a minimum three-gallon container at the time of planting. In addition
to the three-gallon container requirement, parking lot headlight screening shrubs
shall be a minimum of 36 inches in height at time of planting (unless topography
allows a reduction to maintain 36” from pavement to top of shrub), and buffer
shrubs shall be a minimum of 18 inches in height at time of planting. Spacing of
parking lot screening shrubs shall be no greater than four feet on center.
e) Only trees having a mature height of less than 20 feet shall be located under overhead
utility lines. Trees shall not be planted within easements for water, sewer, electric,
or gas.
f) Measurement of size. Caliper is measured six inches above the ground up to and
including four-inch caliper size and 12 inches above the ground for larger sizes.
Diameter at breast height (dbh) will be measured at the height of 54 inches from the
base of the trunk or as otherwise allowed in the Guide for Plant Appraisal.
Revised 8/26/19
Page 6 of 7
ARTICLE II
Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses
Part 203
Buffers and Landscaping
§ 165-203.02. Buffer and screening requirements.
A. Distance buffers. Distance buffers are based on the nature of an activity and its proximity to an activity
of a different nature. They are linear distances measured from property lines inward. Part of the buffer
must be inactive and part may be active. The inactive portion begins at the adjoining property line, as
shown in the example diagrams.
1) Inactive distance buffer. This portion of a buffer area permits no activity except the necessary
utility functions provided by transmission lines, underground conduits, stormwater management,
sidewalks, trails, etc.
2) Active distance buffer. This portion of a buffer area may not be encroached by a building or other
principal structure or activity. However, accessory activities, such as parking, are permitted in
this area. Active buffers shall not contain road rights-of-way.
3) Wherever proposed developments are adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of
existing uses, the Board of Supervisors may require increased or additional distance buffers to
separate different uses to achieve the intentions of this section.
B. Screening. Screening is designed to work with distance buffers to lessen the impact of noise or visual
interaction between adjacent activities. There are two levels of screening: landscape screening and full
screening. The higher the level of screening provided, the lower the level of distance buffer required. The
example diagrams show how this works.
1) Landscape screening. A landscape screen consists of a totally landscaped area easement at least
10 feet in depth; plantings are encouraged to be spaced appropriately within the inactive buffer.
Within the area easement, there shall be a minimum landscaping density of three plants per 10
linear feet. The buffer shall consist of a combination of 1/3 deciduous trees, 1/3 evergreen trees
and 1/3 shrubs. Deciduous trees shall be planted at a minimum of two1.25-inch caliper, evergreen
trees shall be a minimum of four feet in height, and shrubs shall be 18 inches in height at time of
planting.
2) Full screen. A full screen provides all the elements of a landscape screen and also includes a six-
foot-high, opaque hedge, fence, wall, mound, or berm., or an additional two rows of evergreen
trees that are six feet tall at time of planting. A fifty-foot strip of mature woodlands may be
allowed as a full screen.
3) Wherever proposed developments are adjacent to existing uses, the Board of Supervisors may
require additional landscaping, landscaped areas, or landscaped easements to separate different
uses and to achieve the intentions of this section.
D. Zoning district buffers. Buffers shall be placed on land to be developed when it adjoins land in certain
different zoning districts.
Revised 8/26/19
Page 7 of 7
1) Buffers shall be provided on the land to be developed according to the categories in the following
tables:
a) Buffer categories:
2) If a lot being developed is adjacent to developed land which would normally be required to be
provided with a buffer but which does not contain the buffer, the required buffer shall be
provided on the lot being developed. The buffer to be provided shall be of the larger category
required on either the lot being developed or the adjacent land. Such buffer shall be in place of
the buffer normally required on the lot being developed. The buffer may include required
setbacks or buffers provided on the adjacent land. Whenever land is to be developed in the B1,
B2, B3, OM, M1 or M2 Zoning District that is adjacent to a state road with a right-of-way with
a designated functional classification of interstate, arterial or collector as approved by the
Virginia Department of Transportation, zoning district buffers shall not be required along the
road.
3) The Board of Supervisors may grant a waiver to reduce the required buffer distance requirements
between land primarily used for residential purposes and the B-1 (Neighborhood, Business) or B-
2 (Business, General) Zoning District with the consent of the adjacent (affected) property owners.
Should a waiver be granted by the Board of Supervisors, the distance requirements of § 165-
203.02D(1)(a) may be reduced, provided that the full screening requirements of this section are
met.
4) The Zoning Administrator may waive any or all of the requirements for the zoning district buffers
on a particular site plan when all uses shown on the site plan are allowed in the zoning district in
which the development is occurring and in the adjoining zoning districts.
5) The Zoning Administrator may waive, reduce and/or modify buffer yard requirements (distance
and landscaping) if, in his opinion, the topography of the lot providing the buffer yard and the lot
being protected is such that the required yard would not be effective. The buffer may also be
modified to maintain highway sight distances.
6) Land proposed to be developed in the B3, OM, M1 or M2 Zoning District OM Office-
Manufacturing Park District, the M1 Light Industrial District and the M2 Industrial General
District may be permitted to have a reduced buffer distance that is consistent with the required
side or rear building setback line, provided that the following requirements are met:
a) The property to be developed with a reduced buffer distance is part of an approved
master planned industrial park.
b) There are no primary or accessory uses within the reduced buffer distance area, including
driveways, access drives, outdoor storage areas, parking areas, staging areas, loading
areas and outdoor dumpster areas. All-weather surface fire lanes necessary to meet the
requirements of Chapter 90, Fire Prevention, of the Code of Frederick County, Virginia,
shall be exempt from this performance standard.
c) A full screen is required to be created within the reduced buffer distance area which shall
be comprised of a continuous earth berm that is six feet higher in elevation than the
highest elevation within the reduced buffer distance area and a double row of evergreen
trees that are a minimum of six feet in height and planted a maximum of eight feet from
center to center.
Item #2: Telecommunications Facilities, Commercial
Proposal:
Following changes in state law in 2017 and 2018 regarding zoning rules for wireless infrastructure
and following Board member requests for ordinance amendments to enable better provision of
internet services in underserved areas of the County, Staff has prepared a revision to the Zoning
Ordinance provisions regarding telecommunications facilities.
Staff notes the proposed revision includes changes to two definitions and changes to §165-204.19.
With respect to §165-204.19, the changes are wholesale and are therefore not shown in markup,
though some of the existing section language is carried over to the revision. Because much of the
revised language does result from state law provisions, state law references are included, for
informational purposes, in brackets, throughout the revision.
Evaluation:
The proposed changes enable smaller commercial telecommunications facilities in certain zoning
districts by-right in order to enable better internet service to underserved areas of the County (such
as Shawneeland). Further, the proposed changes codify changes to the Code of Virginia, which
created a two-track process for approval of telecommunication facilities. The legislation (attached)
treats certain, defined small scale facilities as “administrative review-eligible projects” that a
locality must permit in any zoning district, without the requirement of a conditional use permit.
This would enable “small cell facilities,” structures under 50-feet (FT) in height, or co-location of
a wireless facility on an existing structure to be sited administratively. The legislation also revamps
the rules for larger projects (such as telecommunication monopoles), what it calls “standard
process projects”. These types of facilities would continue to be permitted through the County’s
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process. The proposed text amendment addresses the above
legislation. Finally, the proposed changes would also enable telecommunications towers as
“allowed uses” i.e. by-right in the OM (Office-Manufacturing Park) and HE (Higher Education)
Zoning Districts, consistent with the allowed uses for the B3 (Industrial Transition) and MS
(Medical Support) Zoning Districts.
DRRC Action:
Staff is looking for direction from the DRRC on the appropriateness of this request for a text
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Depending on the outcome of this discussion, Staff may forward
this item to the Planning Commission for further discussion.
Attachments: Proposed Changes to Frederick County Zoning Ordinance
Code of Virginia, Article 7.2
Revised 9/18/19
Page 1 of 7
ARTICLE I
General Provisions; Amendments; and Conditional Use Permits
Part 101
General Provisions
§ 165-101.02 Definitions and word usage.
COMMERCIAL TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY, COMMERCIAL
A structure Infrastructure, including the towers, antennas, panels, microwave dishes, receiving dishes,
equipment building, other transmitting and receiving components and other accessory structures, used for
the wireless electromagnetic transmission of information, excluding structures utilized as satellite earth
stations and structures utilized for amateur or recreational purposes such as ham radio or citizen band
radio.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS
A structure, including the tower, antennas, panels, microwave dishes, receiving dishes, equipment
building, other transmitting and receiving components and other accessory structures, used for the
wireless electromagnetic transmission of information, excluding structures utilized as satellite earth
stations and structures utilized for amateur or recreational purposes such as ham radio or citizen band
radio. [Term effectively superseded by definitions in Va. Code § 15.2-2316.3]
Revised 9/18/19
Page 2 of 7
ARTICLE II
Supplementary Use Regulations; Parking; Buffers; and Regulations for Specific Uses
Part 204
Additional Regulations for Specific Uses
§ 165-204.19. Telecommunication facilities, commercial.
A. Definitions. The terms used in this section shall have the same meanings as set out in Virginia
Code Section 15.2-2316.3, unless the context requires a different meaning.
B. Administrative review-eligible projects.
1. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, but subject to the requirements of this
subsection, the following shall be permitted in all zoning districts:
a. any small cell facility [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4];
b. any structure that is not more than 50 feet above ground level, provided that the structure
with attached wireless facilities is (i) not more than 10 feet above the tallest existing utility
pole located within 500 feet of the structure within the same public right-of-way or within
the existing line of utility poles; (ii) not located within the boundaries of a local, state, or
federal historic district; and (iii) designed to support small cell facilities [Va. Code §§ 15.2-
2316.3 & 15.2-2316.4:1(A)]; or
c. co-location of a wireless facility on the existing structure of a wireless facility that is not a
small cell facility [Va. Code §§ 15.2-2316.3 & 15.2-2316.4:1(A)].
2. Any person seeking to install a facility or structure identified in paragraph 1 of this subsection
shall make application to the Zoning Administrator, accompanied by payment of a fee of $100
each for up to five facilities or structures on the same application and $50 each for each
additional facility or structure on the same application. [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4(B)(2)] The
application shall be subject to consideration as follows:
a. The Zoning Administrator shall approve or disapprove the application within 60 days of
receipt of the complete application. Within 10 days after receipt of an application and a
valid electronic mail address for the applicant, the Zoning Administrator shall notify the
applicant by electronic mail whether the application is incomplete and specify any missing
information; otherwise, the application shall be deemed complete. Any disapproval of the
application shall be in writing and accompanied by an explanation for the disapproval.
The 60-day period may be extended by the Zoning Administrator in writing for a period not
to exceed an additional 30 days. The application shall be deemed approved if the Zoning
Administrator fails to act within the initial 60 days or an extended 30-day period. [Va.
Code § 15.2-2316.4(B)(1)]
b. The Zoning Administrator shall only deny approval for the facility or structure on account
of: (i) material potential interference with other pre-existing communications facilities or
with future communications facilities that have already been designed and planned for a
specific location or that have been reserved for future public safety communications
facilities, or (ii) the public safety or other critical public service needs. Otherwise, the
Zoning Administrator shall approve the facility or structure and the facility or structure
Revised 9/18/19
Page 3 of 7
does not require approval from the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors.
[Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4(B)(4)]
c. The applicant may voluntarily submit, and the Zoning Administrator may accept,
conditions that address potential visual or aesthetic effects resulting from the placement,
pursuant to this subsection, of a facility or structure. [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4(B)(5)]
C. Standard process projects.
1. Except as provided in subsection B, no wireless facility or wireless support structure shall be
sited, constructed, or operated except pursuant to a conditional use permit issued through the
process defined in Part 103 of Article I of this Chapter. The issuance of a conditional use
permit for the siting, construction, and operation of a wireless facility is permitted within the
zoning districts specified in this Chapter, provided that, pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-
2232(A), the general location or approximate location, character, and extent of such facilities
are substantially in accord with the adopted Comprehensive Plan or part thereof and that
adjoining properties, surrounding residential properties, land use patterns, scenic areas, and
properties of significant historic value are not negatively impacted. [based on current intro to
County Code § 165-204.19]
2. Any person seeking to install a facility or structure pursuant to this subsection shall make
application to the Zoning Administrator, accompanied by payment of a fee of $100. [Va. Code
§ 15.2-2316.4:1(B)(2) (“the fee shall not exceed the actual direct costs to process the
application, including permits and inspection”)] The application shall be subject to
consideration as follows and include the indicated information:
a. The Board of Supervisors shall approve or disapprove the application within 150 days of
receipt of the complete application by the Zoning Administrator or such shorter period as
required by federal law, unless the applicant and the Board agree to a longer period for
approval or disapproval of the application. Within 10 days after receipt of an application
and a valid electronic mail address for the applicant, the Zoning Administrator shall notify
the applicant by electronic mail whether the application is incomplete and specify any
missing information; otherwise, the application shall be deemed complete. [Va. Code §
15.2-2316.4:1(C)]
b. Information to be included with application:
i. A map depicting the search area used in siting the proposed facility or structure [Va.
Code § 15.2-2316.4:2(D); based on current 165-204.19(A)(2)];
ii. Identification of all service providers and commercial telecommunications facility
infrastructure within the search area [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4:2(D); based on current
165-204.19(A)(3)];
iii. Confirmation that attempts to co-locate on existing structures have been made and, if
such attempts were unsuccessful, the reasons so [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4:2(D); based
on current 165-204.19(A)(3)];
iv. Documentation issued by the Federal Communications Commission indicating that
the proposed facility is in compliance with the Federal Communications
Commission’s established ANSI/IEEE standards for electromagnetic field levels and
radio frequency radiation [based on current 165-204.19(A)(4)];
v. An affidavit signed by the landowner and by the owner of the facility or structure
stating that they are aware that either or both of them may be held responsible for the
Revised 9/18/19
Page 4 of 7
removal of the facility or structure as stated in subsection E [based on current 165-
204.19(A)(5)]; and
vi. The applicant may voluntarily submit, and the Board may accept, conditions that
address potential visual or aesthetic effects resulting from the placement of the
facility or structure. [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4:2(C)]
3. If the Board of Supervisors grants a conditional use permit under this subsection, the following
standards shall then apply to any property on which a wireless facility or wireless support
structure is sited, in order to promote orderly development and mitigate the negative impacts to
adjoining properties, residential properties, land use patterns, scenic areas, and properties of
significant historic value:
a. The Board may reduce the required setback distance for the wireless facility or wireless
support structure as required by § 165-201.03(B)(8) of this Code if it can be demonstrated
that the location is of equal or lesser impact. When a reduced setback is requested for a
distance less than the height of the tower, a certified Virginia engineer shall provide
verification to the Board that the wireless facility or wireless support structure is designed,
and will be constructed, in a manner that if the wireless facility or wireless support
structure collapsed the wireless facility or wireless support structure will be contained in an
area around the wireless facility or wireless support structure with a radius equal to or
lesser than the setback, measured from the center line of the base of the wireless facility or
wireless support structure. In no case shall the setback distance be reduced to less than 1/2
the distance of the height of the wireless facility or wireless support structure.
b. Monopole-type construction shall be required for any new wireless facility or wireless
support structure. The Board may allow lattice-type construction when existing or planned
residential areas will not be impacted and when the site is not adjacent to identified historic
resources.
c. No more than two signs shall be permitted on any wireless facility or wireless support
structure. Such signs shall be limited to 1.5 square feet in area and shall be posted no
higher than 10 feet above grade.
d. When lighting is required for a wireless facility or wireless support structure, dual lighting
shall be utilized which provides daytime white strobe lighting and nighttime red pulsating
lighting unless otherwise mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal
Communications Commission. Strobe lighting shall be shielded from ground view to
mitigate illumination to neighboring properties. Equipment buildings and other accessory
structures operated in conjunction with the wireless facility or wireless support structure
shall utilize infrared lighting and motion-detector lighting to prevent continuous
illumination.
e. Every wireless facility and wireless support structure shall be constructed with materials of
a galvanized finish or be of a non-contrasting blue or gray unless otherwise mandated by
the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal Communications Commission.
f. Every wireless facility and wireless support structure shall be adequately enclosed to
prevent access by persons other than employees of the service provider. Appropriate
landscaping and opaque screening shall be provided to ensure that equipment buildings
and other accessory structures are not visible from adjoining properties, roads, or other
rights-of-way.
[the entirety of the above subsection C(3) is based on current 165-204.19(B)]
4. If the Board of Supervisors denies a conditional use permit under this subsection, the Board
Revised 9/18/19
Page 5 of 7
shall:
a. Provide applicant with a written statement of the reasons for the denial [Va. Code § 15.2-
2316.4:1(E)(1)];
b. Identify any modifications of which the County is aware that would permit it to approve the
conditional use permit [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4:1(E)(2)]; and
c. Have supporting substantial record evidence in a written record publicly released within 30
days of denial [Va. Code § 15.2-2316.4:1(F)(2)].
D. Maintenance of existing facilities and/or structures and replacement of existing facilities and/or
structures within a 6-foot perimeter with substantially similar or same size or smaller facilities
and/or structures is exempt from fees and permitting requirements under this section. [Va. Code §
15.2-2316.4:3(A)]
E. Any facility or structure permitted by this section that is not operated or used for a continuous
period of 12 months shall be considered abandoned, and the owner of such facility or structure
shall remove same within 90 days of receipt of notice from the Frederick County Department of
Planning and Development. If the facility or structure is not removed within the ninety-day period,
the County may remove the facility and a lien may be placed to recover expenses. [Va. Code §
15.2-2316.4(B)(6); based on current County Code § 165-204.19(B)(7)]
The intent of this section is to ensure that the siting of commercial telecommunication facilities occurs
through the conditional use permit public hearing process defined in Article I, Part 103 of this chapter.
Commercial telecommunication facilities that locate on existing structures and towers shall be exempt
from the conditional use permit requirement. The siting of commercial telecommunication facilities is
permitted within the zoning districts specified in this chapter, provided that residential properties, land
use patterns, scenic areas and properties of significant historic value are not negatively impacted.
A. Information required as part of the conditional use permit application shall include, but not be limited
to, the following:
(1) A map depicting the search area used in siting each proposed commercial communications
facility.
(2) Identification of all service providers and commercial telecommunication facility infrastructure
within a proposed search area. The applicant shall provide confirmation that an attempt to
collocate on an existing telecommunication facility has been made.
(3) Information demonstrating that the commercial telecommunication facility is in compliance
with the Federal Communication Commissions established ANSI/IEEE standards for
electromagnetic field levels and radio frequency radiation.
(4) An affidavit signed by the landowner stating that he/she is aware that he/she may be held
responsible for the removal of the commercial telecommunications facility as stated in § 165-
204.19B(7).
B. The following standards shall apply to any property in which a commercial telecommunication
facility is sited, in order to promote orderly development and mitigate the negative impacts to
adjoining properties:
Revised 9/18/19
Page 6 of 7
(1) The Board of Supervisors may reduce the required setback distance for commercial
telecommunication facilities as required by § 165-201.03B(8) of this chapter if it can be
demonstrated that the location is of equal or lesser impact. When a reduced setback is requested
for a distance less than the height of the tower, a certified Virginia engineer shall provide
verification to the Board of Supervisors that the tower is designed, and will be constructed, in a
manner that if the tower collapses for any reason the collapsed tower will be contained in an
area around the tower with a radius equal to or lesser than the setback, measured from the
center line of the base of the tower. In no case shall the setback distance be reduced to less than
1/2 the distance of the tower height. Commercial telecommunication facilities affixed to existing
structures shall be exempt from setback requirements, provided that they are located no closer
to the adjoining property line than the existing structure.
(2) Monopole-type construction shall be required for new commercial telecommunication towers.
The Board of Supervisors may allow lattice-type construction for new telecommunication
towers when existing or planned residential areas will not be impacted and when the site is not
adjacent to identified historical resources.
(3) Advertising shall be prohibited on commercial telecommunication facilities except for signage
providing ownership identification and emergency information. No more than two signs shall
be permitted. Such signs shall be limited to 1.5 square feet in area and shall be posted no higher
than 10 feet above grade.
(4) When lighting is required on commercial telecommunication facility towers, dual lighting shall
be utilized which provides daytime white strobe lighting and nighttime red pulsating lighting
unless otherwise mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration or the Federal
Communications Commission. Strobe lighting, shall be shielded from ground view to mitigate
illumination to neighboring properties. Equipment buildings and other accessory structures
operated in conjunction with commercial telecommunication facility towers shall utilize
infrared lighting and motion-detector lighting to prevent continuous illumination.
(5) Commercial telecommunication facilities shall be constructed with materials of a galvanized
finish or painted a noncontrasting blue or gray unless otherwise mandated by the Federal
Aviation Administration or the Federal Communication Commission.
(6) Commercial telecommunication facilities shall be adequately enclosed to prevent access by
persons other than employees of the service provider. Appropriate landscaping and opaque
screening shall be provided to ensure that equipment buildings and other accessory structures
are not visible from adjoining properties, roads or other rights-of-way.
(7) Any antenna or tower that is not operated for a continuous period of 12 months shall be
considered abandoned, and the owner of such tower shall remove same within 90 days of receipt
of notice from the Frederick County Department of Planning and Development. Removal
includes the removal of the tower, all tower and fence footers, underground cables and support
buildings. If there are two or more users of a single tower, then this provision shall not become
effective until all users cease using the tower. If the tower is not removed within the ninety-day
period, the County will remove the facility and a lien may be placed to recover expenses.
Revised 9/18/19
Page 7 of 7
ARTICLE VI
Business and Industrial Zoning Districts
Part 605
OM Office-Manufacturing Park District
§ 165-605.02. Permitted uses.
Permitted Uses Standard Industrial
Classification
(SIC)
Communication facilities and offices, including telephone, telegraph, radio,
television and other communications.
48
Part 609
HE Higher Education District
§ 165-609.02. Permitted uses.
Structures to be erected or land to be used shall be for one or more of the following uses:
H. Communication facilities and offices, including telephone, telegraph, radio, television and other
communications.