Fiscal Note
The proposed ordinance amends the Madison General Ordinances to require the removal of unused antenna systems from buildings and increases the resulting penalty. This ordinance increases the fine for violations from a range of $1 to $100 to a range of $10 to $1,000. However, the fiscal impact on City revenues is minimal.
Title
Amending Section 17.04, 17.11 creating Section 17.13 and renumbering Section 17.13 to Section 17.14 of the Madison General Ordinances to require the removal of unused antenna systems from buildings and increase the penalty for violation thereof.
Body
DRAFTER'S ANALYSIS: Property owners often attach antenna systems to buildings in order to receive or transmit radio, television, and other communication signals. MGO 28.134 (2) specifically allows communication towers to exceed the maximum height regulations within a district. Through time, antenna systems become obsolete and unused because of, among other things, technological advances, but often remain on the top or exterior of buildings.
This amendment to Chapter 17 (radio, television, and electronics code) requires that antenna systems attached to the exterior of a building that are no longer used must be removed. This requirement will not apply to smaller antenna systems located at single-family detached dwellings, two family dwellings, three family dwellings, and single-family attached dwellings.
This amendment also updates the definitions contained in Chapter 17 to more closely align with current technologies. Finally, this amendment increases the penalty range for violations of Chapter 17 to be consistent with the forfeiture range for other building related forfeitures.
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The Common Council of the City of Madison do hereby ordain as follows:
1. Section 17.04 entitled “Definitions” of the Madison General Ordinances is amended by amending, creating and repealing therein the followi...
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