§ 22.5-52. Definitions.

Except as specifically defined herein, all words used in this chapter shall be defined in The New Illustrated Book of Development Definitions (1993, Rutgers). Words not defined herein or in the above-referenced text shall be construed to have the meaning given by common and ordinary use, and shall be interpreted within the context of the sentence, section and article in which they occur.

For the purpose of this chapter, certain words or terms used herein shall be defined as follows:

Words used in the singular include the plural and words used in the plural include the singular.

Words used in the present tense include the future tense.

The word "erected" includes the words "constructed", "located" or "relocated".

The word "map" or "zoning map" means the city zoning district map.

The word "parcel" includes the word "plot" or "lot".

The word "person" includes the words "individuals", "firms", "partnerships", "corporations", "associations", "governmental bodies" and all other legal entities.

The word "shall" is always mandatory and never discretionary.

Used or occupied include the words "intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied."

Alternative tower structures means clock towers, bell towers, church steeples, light/power poles, electric transmission towers, manmade trees (without accessory buildings/structures), and similar natural or manmade alternative-design mounting structures that camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas or towers.

Antenna means any exterior apparatus designed for wireless telecommunication, radio, or television communications through the sending and/or receiving of electromagnetic waves.

Colocation means the placement of the antennas of two or more service providers upon a single tower or alternative tower structure.

Department means the city building department.

Director means the city building inspector or his/her designee.

FAA means the Federal Aviation Administration.

FCC means the Federal Communications Commission.

Geographic antenna placement area means the general vicinity within which the placement of an antenna is necessary to meet the engineering requirements of an applicant's cellular network or other broadcasting need.

Height means when referring to a tower or other structure, shall mean the distance measured from ground level to the highest point on the tower structure or appurtenance.

Mayor and council means the mayor and council of the city.

Preexisting towers and antennas means structures as set forth in subsection 22.5-61(d) of this chapter.

Public officer as used in O.C.G.A. §§ 41-2-7 through 41-2-17, shall mean the city building inspector.

Scenic views means those geographic areas containing visually significant or unique natural features, as identified in the city comprehensive plan.

Tower means any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers, or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telecommunication towers, manmade trees (with accessory buildings/structures) and other similar structures.

Visual quality means the appropriate design, arrangement and location of tower structures in relation to the built or natural environment to avoid abrupt or severe differences.

(Ord. No. 00-1270, §§ 2.1, 2.2, 7-10-00)