Wireless Communication Ordinance, take II

[June 30th, 2009]

HOOD RIVER COUNTY TO HOLD A SECOND PLANNING SESSION

REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES

The public is invited to a second Planning Session regarding a draft ordinance for Wireless Communication Facilities. The session will be held during the Hood River County Planning Commission Meeting on Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 7:00 PM or soon thereafter and finishing by 9:00 PM. The purpose of this second planning session is to provide additional time for the public and the commission to discuss a draft ordinance intended to regulate the development of wireless communication facilities in Hood River County.

Previously, the Hood River County Board of County Commissioners directed staff to begin the legislative process for the development of a Cell Tower Ordinance. As a result, County Planning Department staff, in conjunction with an Advisory Committee, developed a first draft of a Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance. The first Planning Session to discuss this draft ordinance was held at a regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting on June 24, 2009. This second Planning Session is being held to continue that discussion and to hopefully complete the review of the draft ordinance. The proposed purpose of the ordinance is to provide a process and standards for the construction, modification and removal of wireless communications facilities (WCF’s) while protecting public health and safety and the scenic quality of unincorporated Hood River County; and at the same time encouraging the managed development of needed wireless communication facilities.

The draft ordinance is currently available for review or purchase ($0.25/page) at the Hood River County Planning Department (601 State Street, Hood River) and on the County website at: www.co.hood-river.or.us . For additional information or questions, please contact Senior Planner Anne Debbaut at the Hood River County Planning Department, at 541-387-6840 or Email: anne.debbaut@co.hood-river.or.us