33.49.100 Purpose and goals.
(1) Purpose. In recognizing the value of the visual and aesthetic resources of Clallam County to its residents and visitors as well as the importance of preserving private property values, the purpose of this chapter is to provide guidance for siting and development of wireless communications facilities (WCFs). Provisions contained herein are intended to minimize adverse impacts to visual corridors, including views of the Olympic Mountains, forested foothills, agricultural resource lands, rural vistas, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and other aesthetic features important or unique to Clallam County. Additionally, this chapter recognizes the need for the advancement of wireless communications and therefore provides guidance for continued telecommunications opportunities.
(2) Goals. While remaining consistent with the provisions set forth in the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, the overall goal of this chapter is to protect visual and aesthetic features of Clallam County. These features are vitally important to the welfare and interests of County residents, and to the health of the County’s tourism industry. While providing continuing opportunities for effective wireless communication services throughout the County, this chapter seeks to improve the efficiency of the permitting process, thus allowing for greater consistency and timely processing of applications. The following specific goals are intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Clallam County, and to provide for planned development consistent with the Clallam County Comprehensive Plan:
(a) Manage wireless telecommunications facilities siting consistent with the Clallam County Comprehensive Plan while protecting the scenic resources, property rights, and rural characteristics of Clallam County;
(b) Accommodate an increased need for effective, efficient wireless communication services;
(c) Facilitate the development of dependable, redundant “in-vehicle” wireless communications services for Clallam County citizens and visitors;
(d) Strongly promote and encourage co-location of new and existing wireless communications antenna array sites to minimize the total number of towers throughout the County;
(e) Encourage new support towers and antenna arrays to be located in areas of mature timber stands where adverse and potential impacts on the community are minimized;
(f) Encourage careful consideration of topography and location to ensure sites have minimal impact on important views of the Olympic Mountains, foothills, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and rural vistas;
(g) Encourage the location of support towers and antenna arrays in nonresidential areas;
(h) Encourage careful design, siting, landscape screening, and innovative camouflaging techniques in development of new wireless communication facilities;
(i) Ensure timely and predictable processing of State and County-mandated permit processing guidelines; and
(j) Maintain the public health, safety, and welfare.