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 Great Falls
 Code of Ordinances
 Title 4. TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES
 Chapter 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 4.1.010. Purpose.  

Latest version.

  • A.

    The purpose and intent of this chapter is to provide a uniform and comprehensive set of standards for the development of telecommunication facilities and installation of antennas. The regulations contained herein are designed to protect and promote public health, safety, community welfare, and the aesthetic quality of Great Falls while at the same time not unduly restricting the development of needed telecommunications facilities and important amateur radio installations and encouraging managed development of telecommunications infrastructure.

    B.

    It is furthermore intended that, to all extent permitted by law, the City shall apply these regulations to specifically accomplish the following:

    1.

    Protect the visual character of the City from the potential adverse effects of telecommunication facility development and minor antenna installation;

    2.

    Ensure against the creation of visual blight within or along the City's scenic corridors and ridgelines;

    3.

    Retain local responsibility for, and control over, the use of public rights-of-way and easements to protect citizens and enhance the quality of their lives;

    4.

    Protect the inhabitants of Great Falls from the possible adverse health effects associated with exposure to high levels of NIER (non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation);

    5.

    Protect the environmental resources of Great Falls;

    6.

    Ensure that a competitive and broad range of telecommunications services and high-quality telecommunications infrastructure are provided to serve the business community;

    7.

    Create and preserve telecommunication facilities that will serve as an important, and effective, part of Great Falls' emergency response network;

    8.

    Simplify and shorten the process for obtaining necessary permits for telecommunication facilities, while at the same time, protecting the legitimate interests of Great Falls citizens; and

    9.

    Provide for the charging of reasonable, competitively neutral, and non-discriminatory fees for use of the public right-of-way by telecommunication providers.

(Ord. 3171, 2017).