HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 6929: AMENDING CHAPTER 94, SIDEWALKS, AND OTHE PUBLIC PLACES (RIGHTS-OF-WAY) P.O. NO.6929
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ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT
ARTHUR, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 94. "STREETS, SIDEWALKS
AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES", BY ADDING ARTICLE IX. "NETWORK
NODES IN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY" TO REGULATE THE PHYSICAL
USE, OCCUPANCY AND MAINTENANCE OF CITY RIGHTS-OF-WAY
BY WIRELESS NETWORK PROVIDERS PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 284; PROVIDING A PENALTY
CLAUSE; PROVIDING A REPEALER CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur, Texas (hereinafter referred to as the "City")
recognizes that the State of Texas has delegated to the City the fiduciary duty, as a
trustee, to manage the public right-of-way for the health, safety, and welfare of the public
to Texas municipalities; and,
WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission issued a declaratory ruling,
report and order, FCC WT Docket No. 17-79, dated September 26, 2018, (the "Order")
adopting new rules addressing the deployment of small wireless facilities in public rights-
of-way, such rules to take effect upon passage; and,
WHEREAS, Chapter 284 of the Texas Local Government Code ("the Code")
allows certain wireless network providers to install in the City's public rights-of-way
wireless facilities, described and defined in Section 284.002 of the Code as "Micro
Network Nodes", "Network Nodes", and "Node Support Poles"; and,
WHEREAS, as expressly allowed by Section 284.108 of the Code and pursuant
to its police power authority reserved in Section 284.301 of the Code, the City has enacted
a Small Wireless Facilities Design Manual ("the Design Manual") in order to meet its
fiduciary duty to the citizens of the City, and to give assistance and guidance to wireless
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telecommunications network providers to assist such companies in the timely, efficient,
safe and aesthetically pleasing installation of technologically competitive equipment; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to regulate the installation of Network Nodes
and Network Support Poles pursuant to Chapter 284 of the Local Government Code in a
way that is fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory; now therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,
TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the statements and findings set out in the preamble to this
ordinance are found to be true and correct and are hereby adopted by the City Council
and made a part hereof for all purposes.
SECTION 2. That Chapter 94 "Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places" is
hereby amended by adding Article IX. "Network Nodes in Public Rights-of-Way", and
associated sections to read and provide as follows:
"ARTICLE IX. — NETWORK NODES PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY"
Sec. 94 - 521. PURPOSE
a. The purpose of this article is to facilitate the use of public right-of-way for network
node deployments in accordance with V.T.C.A., Local Government Code Ch. 284.
b. Assist the City in the competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory management of
the physical use, occupancy and maintenance of its public rights-of-way by
wireless network providers;
c. Secure fair and reasonable compensation for the physical use and occupancy of
the public rights-of-way by wireless network providers in a nondiscriminatory and
competitively neutral manner; and
d. Assist the City in protecting the public health, safety, and welfare.
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Sec. 94 - 522. GOVERNING LAW
This Article shall be constructed under and in accordance with the laws of the State
of Texas and the City Charter and City Code to the extent that such Charter and City
Code are not in conflict with or in violation of the Constitution and laws of the United States
or of the State of Texas.
Sec. 94 - 523. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Article, the definitions found in the Small Wireless Facilities
Design Manual ("the Design Manual") are hereby incorporated into this Article and shall
apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. The following
definitions as found in the Design Manual are specifically applicable to this Article:
Abandon and its derivatives means the facilities installed in the right-of-way (including by
way of example but not limited to: poles, wires, conduit, manholes, handholes, cuts,
network nodes and node support poles, or portion thereof) that have been left by Provider
in an unused or non-functioning condition for more than 120 consecutive calendar days
unless, after notice to Provider, Provider has established to the reasonable satisfaction
of the City that the applicable facilities, or portion thereof, is still in active use.
Antenna means communications equipment that transmits or receives electromagnetic
radio frequency signals used in the provision of wireless services.
Applicable codes means:
(A) uniform building, fire, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical codes adopted by a
recognized national code organization; and
(B) local amendments to those codes to the extent not inconsistent with Chapter
284.
City means the City of Port Arthur, Texas or its lawful successor.
City Manager shall mean City Manager or designee
Chapter 284 means Tex. Loc. Gov. Code, Chapter 284.
Collocate and collocation mean the installation, mounting, maintenance, modification,
operation, or replacement of network nodes in a public right-of-way on or adjacent to a
pole.
Concealment or Camouflaged means any Wireless Facility or Pole that is covered,
blended, painted, disguised, camouflaged or otherwise concealed such that the Wireless
Facility blends into the surrounding environment and is visually unobtrusive as allowed
as a condition for City advance approval under Chapter 284, Sec. 284.105 in Historic or
Design Districts. A Concealed or Camouflaged Wireless Facility or Pole also includes any
Wireless Facility or Pole conforming to the surrounding area in which the Wireless Facility
or Pole is located and may include, but is not limited to hidden beneath a façade, blended
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with surrounding area design, painted to match the supporting area, or disguised with
artificial tree branches.
Decorative pole means a streetlight pole specially designed and placed for aesthetic
purposes and on which no appurtenances or attachments, other than specially designed
informational or directional signage or temporary holiday or special event attachments,
have been placed or are permitted to be placed according to nondiscriminatory municipal
codes.
Design District means an area that is zoned, or otherwise designated by municipal code,
and for which the city maintains and enforces unique design and aesthetic standards on
a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis.
Designated area means an area of the city designated as a historic district or a design
district where the city may require reasonable design or concealment measures for new
network nodes or new node support poles.
Disaster emergency or disaster or emergency means an imminent, impending, or
actual natural or humanly induced situation wherein the health, safety, or welfare of the
residents of the city is threatened, and includes, but is not limited to any declaration of
emergency by city state or federal governmental authorities.
Distributed Antenna System or DAS shall be included as a type of "Network Node."
Easement means and shall include any public easement or other compatible use
created by dedication, or by other means, to the city for public utility purposes or any
other purpose whatsoever. "Easement" shall include a private easement used for the
provision of utilities.
Federal Communications Commission or FCC means the Federal Administrative
Agency, or lawful successor, authorized to oversee cable television and other multi-
channel regulation on a national level.
Highway right-of-way means right-of-way adjacent to a state or federal highway.
Historic district means an area that is zoned or otherwise designated as a historic district
under municipal, state, or federal law.
Law means common law or a federal, state, or local law, statute, code, rule, regulation,
order, or ordinance.
Local means within the geographical boundaries of the City.
Location means the City approved and lawfully permitted location for the Network Node.
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Macro tower means a guyed or self-supported pole or monopole greater than the height
parameters prescribed by Chapter 284, Section 284.103 and that supports or is capable
of supporting antennas.
Mayor means the Mayor for the City.
Micro network node means a network node that is not larger in dimension than 24 inches
in length, 15 inches in width, and 12 inches in height, and that has an exterior antenna, if
any, not longer than 11 inches.
Municipal park means an area that is zoned or otherwise designated by municipal code
as a public park for the purpose of recreational activity.
Municipally owned utility pole means a utility pole owned or operated by a municipally
owned utility and located in a public right-of-way.
MUTCD means Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Network node means equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless communications
between user equipment and a communications network. The term:
(A) includes:
(i) equipment associated with wireless communications;
(ii) a radio transceiver, an antenna, a battery-only backup power supply,
and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration; and
(iii) coaxial or fiber-optic cable that is immediately adjacent to and directly
associated with a particular collocation; and
(B) does not include:
(i) an electric generator;
(ii) a pole; or
(iii) a macro tower.
Network provider means:
(A) a wireless service provider; or
(B) a person that does not provide wireless services and that is not an electric
utility but builds or installs on behalf of a wireless service provider:
(i) network nodes; or
(ii) node support poles or any other structure that supports or is capable of
supporting a network node.
Node support pole means a pole installed by a network provider for the primary purpose
of supporting a network node.
Permit means a written authorization for the use of the public right-of-way or collocation
on a service pole required from a municipality before a network provider may perform an
action or initiate, continue, or complete a project over which the municipality has police
power authority.
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Pole means a service pole, municipally owned utility pole, node support pole, or utility
pole.
Private easement means an easement or other real property right that is only for the
benefit of the grantor and grantee and their successors and assigns.
Provider has the same meaning as "Network Provider."
Public right-of-way means the area on, below, or above a public roadway, highway, street,
public sidewalk, alley, waterway, or utility easement in which the municipality has an
interest. The term does not include:
(A) a private easement; or
(B) the airwaves above a public right-of-way with regard to wireless
telecommunications.
Public right-of-way management ordinance means an ordinance that complies with
Chapter 284, Subchapter C.
Service pole means a pole, other than a municipally owned utility pole, owned or operated
by a municipality and located in a public right-of-way, including:
(A) a pole that supports traffic control functions;
(B) a structure for signage;
(C) a pole that supports lighting, other than a decorative pole; and
(D) a pole or similar structure owned or operated by a municipality and supporting
only network nodes.
Small cell shall be included as a type of "Network Node."
Street means only the paved portion of the right-of-way used for vehicular travel, being
the area between the inside of the curb to the inside of the opposite curb, or the area
between the two parallel edges of the paved roadway for vehicular travel where there is
no curb. A "Street" is generally part of, but smaller in width than the width of the entire
right-of-way, while a right-of-way may include sidewalks and utility easements, a "Street"
does not. A "street" does not include the curb or the sidewalk, if either are present at the
time of a permit application or if added later.
SWPPP shall mean Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
TAS means Texas Accessibility Standards.
Traffic Signal means any device, whether manually, electrically, or mechanically operated
by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and to proceed.
Transport facility means each transmission path physically within a public right-of-way,
extending with a physical line from a network node directly to the network, for the purpose
of providing backhaul for network nodes.
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Underground Requirement Area shall mean means an area where poles, overhead wires,
and associated overhead or above ground structures have been removed and buried or
have been approved for burial underground pursuant to municipal ordinances, zoning
regulations, state law, private deed restrictions, and other public or private restrictions,
that prohibit installing aboveground structures in a public right-of-way.
User means a person or organization which conducts a business over facilities occupying
the whole or a part of a public street or right-of-way, depending on the context.
Utility pole means a pole that provides:
(A) electric distribution with a voltage rating of not more than 34.5 kilovolts; or
(B) services of a telecommunications provider, as defined by Chapter 284, Section
51 .002, Utilities Code.
Wireless service means any service, using licensed or unlicensed wireless spectrum,
including the use of Wi-Fi, whether at a fixed location or mobile, provided to the public
using a network node.
Wireless service provider means a person that provides wireless service to the public.
Wireless facilities mean "Micro Network Nodes," "Network Nodes," and "Node Support
Poles" as defined in Texas Local Government Code Chapter 284.
Sec. 94 - 524. CRIMINAL PENALTIES
a. Any violation or failure to abide by, and comply with, any provision or requirement
of this Ordinance shall be violation of City Ordinance, and shall be punished by a
fine not to exceed $2,000.00
b. Each day upon which there exists a violation of this charter, or a failure to abide
by, or comply with, any provision or requirement of this chapter, shall constitute a
separate occurrence, and may subject the offender to separate criminal penalties.
c. Prosecution pursuant to this section is in addition to and does not supplant other
remedies.
d. Prior to initiation of enforcement litigation, the User shall be given the opportunity
to correct the violation within the timeframe specified by the Director.
Sec. 94 - 525. CIVIL PENALTIES
a. Civil penalties may be imposed for the violation of any provision of this Chapter,
as follows:
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Up to one thousand dollars (4 1,000.00) for each violation, and each day of a
continuing violation may be considered a new violation; and/or
If applicable, default and revocation of any or all permits granted to allow work in
the right-of-way, subject to the procedural guidelines noted in this Chapter and any
agreement which applies to the right-of-way User, and further subject to any
limitation imposed by federal or state law.
b. In imposing the penalties and the amount, the City may weigh all applicable
factors, such as damages caused by the violation, reasons for the violation, the
seriousness of the violation, and all other factors.
c. Monetary civil penalties may be imposed in the manner prescribed by either local
or state law.
d. In addition, the Director of Public Works may order specific performance of any
actions required by this chapter or required by a franchise, license or permit,
including the permit authorizing work to be performed in the right-of-way, or any
other agreement or authorization.
e. Prior to initiation of enforcement litigation, the User shall be given the opportunity
to correct the violation within the timeframe specified by the Director of Public
Works.
Sec. 94-526. CITY ENGINEER'S AUTHORITY; ENFORCEMENT
a. City Engineer's Authority
(1) The City Engineer is authorized to administer, interpret, and enforce the
provisions of this division and to promulgate regulations, including but not
limited to, engineering, technical, and other special criteria and standards,
including design standards, to aid in the administration and enforcement of this
division that are not in conflict with this division, the Code of Ordinances of the
City, or state or federal law.
(2) Enforcement. The City Engineer is authorized to enter upon a construction site
for which a permit is granted under tis division or, where necessary, upon
private property adjacent to the construction site for purposes of inspection to
determine compliance with the permit or this division without notice. If the
inspection requires physical contact with the equipment, the City Engineer must
provide written notice to the agency, network provider, or infrastructure
contractor within five (5) business days of the planned inspection. Agency,
network provider or infrastructure contractor may have a representative present
during such inspection.
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Sec. 94-527. RIGHT-OF-WAY CONSTRUCTION
No person shall commence or continue with the construction, installation, maintenance
or operation of facilities within the right-of-way in the City except as provided by the
ordinances of the City and the directives of the City's Public Works Department. All
construction activity in City right-of-way will be in accordance with this ordinance.
Sec. 94-528. - USE AND OCCUPANCY OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY
No person shall commence or continue with the construction or installation of any
structure within the rights-of-way of the city except as provided by this chapter, or as
provided by other city permits or written agreements with the city. A wireless network
provider has the nonexclusive right to use and occupy the public rights-of-way in the City
for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating its facilities used in the
provision of Wireless facilities in conformity with this Chapter of the City Code
(a) Registration required. All users of the right-of-way must register annually with the
City. Registration and permits will be issued in the name of the person who will own
the facilities. Registration shall include:
i. The name of the user of the right-of-way;
ii. The name, address, and telephone number of people who will be contact
person(s) for the user;
iii. The name(s) and telephone number of an emergency contact who shall be
available twenty-four (24) hours a day;
iv. The location, including exact coordinates, of all structures located in the
rights-of-way; and
v. A description of each structure located in the rights-of-way.
Sec. 94-529. - COMPLIANCE WITH DESIGN MANUAL AND APPLICABLE CODES.
All wireless network providers shall comply with the terms of this right-of-way
management ordinance, City applicable codes, and the terms and conditions of the City's
Design Manual.
Sec. 94-530. - GENERAL CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS.
(a) A network provider shall construct and maintain network nodes and network
support poles described in the Code in a manner that does not:
(1) Obstruct, impede, or hinder the usual travel or public safety on a public
right-of-way;
(2) Obstruct the legal use of a public right-of-way by other utility providers;
(3) Violate nondiscriminatory applicable codes;
(4) Violate or conflict with the City's publicly disclosed public right-of-way
design specifications; or
(5) Violate the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
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(b) Design Manual; Separate agreements. Facilities to which this chapter applies
must conform to the specifications required by the design manual. If the city
desires to attach or place electric light or power wires, communications facilities or
other similar systems or facilities in or on the permit holder's facilities, then a further
separate, non-contingent agreement with the permit holder shall be required.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall obligate the permit holder to exercise or
restrict the permit holder from exercising its right to enter voluntarily into pole
attachment, pole usage, joint ownership or other wire space or facilities
agreements with any person authorized to operate as a public utility or a wireless
utility or authorized to offer cable service within the city.
(c) Requests for temporary moves. Upon request, the permit holder shall remove
or raise or lower its aerial wires, fiber or cables temporarily to permit the moving of
houses or other bulky structures. The expense of such temporary rearrangements
shall be paid by the party or parties requesting them, and the permit holder may
require payment in advance. The permit holder shall be given not less than forty-
eight (48) hours advance notice to arrange for such temporary rearrangements.
(d) Tree trimming. The permit holder, its contractors and agents have the right,
permission and license to trim trees upon and overhanging the rights-of-way to
prevent trees from coming in contact with the permit holder's facilities and
transmission media. When directed by the city, tree trimming shall be done under
the supervision and direction of the city or under the supervision of the city's
delegated representative.
Sec. 94-531. - ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Reasonable inquiries. The city may, at any time, make reasonable inquiries pertaining
to the terms, conditions, rights and obligations of this chapter, and the permit holder
shall respond to such inquiries on a timely basis.
(b) FCC / PUC documents. Copies of petitions, applications, and reports submitted by the
permit holder to the Federal Communications Commission or the Public Utility
Commission of Texas shall be provided to the city upon specific request.
(c) Consolidated permit application. A network provider that wants to install or collocate
multiple network nodes inside the limits of the city is entitled to file a consolidated
permit application with the city for not more than 30 network nodes.
(d) Documents required for application. The provider shall provide the following
information in its permit applications: ok if same for others
(1) The name and address of the person to whom notices are to be sent, a 24-
hour per day contact number for the applicant in case of emergency;
(2) Location map that includes all other structures within 300 feet of the
proposed location;
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(3) Applicable construction and engineering drawings and information to
confirm that the applicant will comply with the city's design manual and
applicable codes;
(4) A certificate that the network node(s) complies with applicable regulations
of the Federal Communications Commission;
(5) Certification that the proposed network node(s) will be placed into active
commercial service by or for the network provider not later than the 60th day
after the date of construction and final testing of each network node is
completed;
(6) A certificate of insurance that provides that the provider and its contractor
has at least $1,000,000.00 in general liability coverage;
(7) An industry standard pole load analysis certified by a licensed engineer;
(8) Specific location information, including geographic positioning system
coordinates;
(9) A complete application and supporting documents for conditional use permit
or other land use approval where required by the design manual;
(10) Proof of payment of the construction permit fee and prorated rights-of-way
fee for the remaining portion of the current calendar year; and
(11) Any additional information reasonably related to the provider's use of the
public rights-of-way to ensure compliance with the design manual and this
chapter.
(e) Determination of Application Completeness. The city shall determine whether the
permit application is complete and notify the applicant of that determination:
(1) For Network Nodes and Node Support Poles: no later than 30 days after the date
the city receives the permit application.
(2) For a Transport Facility: no later than 10 days after the date the city receives the
permit application.
(f) Approval or Denial of Application. The city shall approve or deny a completed
application after the date it is submitted to the city:
(1) For Network Nodes: No later than 60 days after the date the city manager receives
the complete application.
(2) For Network Support Poles: No later than 150 days after the date the city receives
the complete application.
(3) For Transport Facilities: No later than 21 days after the city receives the complete
application.
(g) Basis for Denial of Application. If an application is denied by the city, it shall document
the basis for the denial, including the specific applicable city code provisions or other
city rules, regulations, or other law on which the denial is based. The documentation
for the denial must be sent by electronic mail to the applicant on or before the date
that the city manager denies the application.
(h) Resubmission of Denied Application. The permit holder may cure the deficiencies
identified in the denial application.
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i. The permit holder has 30 days from the date the city denies the completed
application to cure the deficiencies identified in the denial documentation
without paying an additional application fee, other than any fee for actual costs
incurred by the city.
ii. The city shall approve or deny the revised completed application after a denial
not later than the 90th day after the city manager receives the revised completed
application. The city's review shall be limited to the deficiencies cited in the
denial documentation.
(i) Exception: As provided in Section 284.157 of the Code, a network provider is not
required to apply, obtain a permit, or pay a rate to the City for:
(1) Routine maintenance that does not require excavation or closing of sidewalks or
vehicular lanes in a public right-of-way;
(2) Replacing or upgrading a network node or network pole with a node or pole that is
substantially similar in size or smaller and that does not require excavation or
closing of sidewalks or vehicular lanes in a public right-of-way; or
(3) The installation, placement, maintenance, operation, or replacement of micro
network nodes that are strung on cables between existing poles or node support
poles in compliance with the National Electrical Safety Code;
(4) Notwithstanding Subdivision (d) above, the network provider or its contractors shall
notify the City at least 24 hours in advance of work described in this Subdivision
(d).
Sec. 94-532. - INSTALLATION IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS OR DESIGN DISRICTS
A network provider must obtain advance written consent from the. City Manager before
collocating new network nodes or installing new node support poles in an area of the City
that has been zoned or otherwise designated as a historic district or as a design district if
the district has decorative poles. The network provider shall be required to comply with
the General Aesthetic Requirements as described by the City. The City has the authority
to designate new historic districts and design districts at a future date.
Sec. 94-533. - INSTALLATION IN MUNICIPAL PARKS AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS
A network provider may not install a new Node Support Pole in a public right-of-way
without the City Manager's discretionary, nondiscriminatory and written consent if the
public right-of way:
(1) Is in a municipal park; or
(2) Is adjacent to a street or thoroughfare that is:
i. Not more than 50 feet wide; and
ii. Adjacent to single-family residential lots or other multifamily
residences or undeveloped land that is designated for residential use
by zoning or deed restrictions.
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(3) In addition to the above, a network provider installing a network node or
node support pole in a public right-of way shall comply with private deed
restrictions and other private restrictions in the area that apply to those
facilities.
(4) The network provider shall be further required to comply with guidelines set
out by the City.
Sec. 94-534. - TIME OF INSTALLATION.
A network provider shall begin installation for which a permit is granted not later than six
months after final approval of the application and shall diligently pursue installation to
completion. The City Manager may in his/her sole discretion grant reasonable extensions
of time as requested by the network provider.
Sec. 94-535. - RELOCATION AND REMOVAL OF FACILITIES
(a) Street widening or straightening. In accordance with V.T.C.A., Utilities Code §
54.203(c), upon thirty (30) days' notice by the city, permit holder shall begin relocation
of its facilities within the rights-of-way at its own expense to permit the widening or
straightening of streets. The notice by the city shall include a specification of the new
location for the permit holder's facilities along the rights-of-way.
(b) City's right to relocate. The city retains the right to move any facilities within the rights-
of-way to cure or otherwise address a public health or safety emergency. The city
shall cooperate to the extent possible with the permit holder in such instances to
assure continuity of service and to afford to the permit holder the opportunity to make
such relocation itself.
(c) Expense and timelines for relocation. Except as otherwise provided in existing state
and federal law, upon notice from the city, a network provider shall relocate or adjust
network nodes in a public right-of-way in a timely manner and without cost to the
municipality managing the public right-of-way.
Sec. 94-536. - APPLICABLE FEES AND RENTAL RATES TO THE CITY.
(A)Construction Permits and Rights of Way Fees:
(1) Construction permit fee. The applicant shall pay to the city a construction
permit fee that is calculated as of the date of application for permit by
applying the appropriate permit fee to each of the facilities included in the
application, in accordance with the city's design manual, not to exceed the
values provided in the table below.
(2) Rights-of-way fees. The permit holder shall pay to the city a rights-of-way
fee that is calculated as of month-end for access lines and as of year-end
for all other facilities by applying the appropriate fee to each facility type
owned, placed, or maintained by the permit holder. The rights-of-way fee
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for access lines shall be as proscribed by the Texas Public Utilities
Commission. Rights-of-way fees for all facilities other than access lines
shall be prorated for the first year in which a construction permit fee is paid,
and shall be paid at the time of the permit application.
(B)Network Nodes:
(1) Construction Permit Fee: The construction permit fee shall be $500.00
for the first five nodes, $250 for each additional node, not to exceed thirty
nodes in a consolidated permit.
(2) Annual Public Right-of-Way Rate Fee: The annual public right-of-way
rate shall be $250 per network node site installed in the City public rights-
of-way.
(3) Public Right-of-Way Rate Adjustment: As provided in Section 284.054
of the Code, the City may adjust the amount of the annual public right-of-
way rate not more than annually by an amount equal to one-half the annual
change, if any, in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The City shall provide
written notice to each network provider of the new rate; and the rate shall
apply to the first payment due to the City on or after the 60th day following
the written notice.
(4) Collocated network nodes on city service poles shall also pay an annual
collocation fee at a rate not greater than $20 per year per service pole.
(C)Node Support Poles:
(1) Construction Permit Fee: The construction permit fee for each Node
Support Pole shall be $1000.00.
(2) Annual Public Right-of-Way Adjusted Rate Fee: The annual public right-
of-way rate shall be $250 per pole installed in the City public rights-of-way.
(3) Public Right-of-Way Rate Fee As provided in Section 284.054 of the
Code, this amount will be adjusted by an amount equal to one-half the
annual change, if any, in the consumer price index. The city shall provide
written notice to each network provider of the new rate; and the rate shall
apply to the first payment due to the city on or after the 60th day following
the written notice.
(D)Transport Facilities:
(1) Construction Permit Fee: The construction permit fee for Transport
Facilities shall be $500 for the first five nodes and $250 for each additional
node.
(2) Annual Public Right-of-Way Rate Fee: The annual public right-of-way
rate fee for transport facilities shall be $28 per month per node.
(3) Public Right-of-Way Fee As provided in Section 284.054 of the Code, this
amount will be adjusted by an amount equal to one-half the annual change,
if any, in the consumer price index. The city shall provide written notice to
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each network provider of the new rate; and the rate shall apply to the first
payment due to the city on or after the 60th day following the written notice
(4) However, no fee is required if the network provider is already paying the
City an amount equal to or greater than the amount of other City right-of-
way fees for access lines under Chapter 283 of the Code or cable franchise
fees under Chapter 66 of the Texas Utility Code.
(E) Micro Network Nodes:
(1) No application fee is required for a micro network node if the installation is
attached on lines between poles or node support poles.
(F) Collocation of Network Nodes on Service Poles
(1) Subject to the City's Pole Service Agreement, the collocation of network
nodes on City service poles shall be at a rate of$20.00 per year per service
pole.
(G) City-Owned Municipal Utility Poles:
(1) A network provider shall pay an annual pole attachment fee for the
collocation of a network node supported by or installed on a City-owned
utility pole based upon the pole attachment rate consistent with Section
54.024 of the Texas Utilities Code, applied on a per-foot basis.
(H) The City shall not seek or accept in-kind services in lieu of or as additional
payment or consideration from any user of the public rights-of-way for use of the
public rights-of-way.
Sec. 94-537. - INDEMNITY.
The permit holder shall indemnify and hold the city harmless from all costs, expenses,
and damages to persons or property arising directly or indirectly from the construction,
maintenance, repair, or operation of the permit holder's facilities located within the rights-
of-way found to be caused solely by the negligence of the permit holder. Expenses shall
include any reasonable and necessary attorney's fees and court costs. The city shall give
the permit holder prompt written notice of any claim for which the city seeks
indemnification. The permit holder shall have the right to investigate, defend and
compromise any such claim. This provision is not intended to create a cause of action or
liability for the benefit of third parties, but rather this provision is solely for the benefit of
the city.
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Sec. 94-538. - FUTURE CONTINGENCY.
In the event this chapter or any tariff or other provision that authorizes permit holders
to recover the fee provided for in this chapter, becomes unlawful or is declared or
determined by a judicial or administrative authority exercising its jurisdiction to be
excessive, unenforceable, void, or illegal, in whole or in part, then the city and all permit
holders shall negotiate a new compensation arrangement that is in compliance with the
authority's decision.
Sec. 94-539. - EFFECT ON OTHER UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATION
PROVIDERS.
Nothing in this Ordinance shall govern attachment of network nodes on poles and
other structures owned or operated by investor-owned electric utilities, electric
cooperatives, telephone cooperatives, or telecommunication providers.
Sec. 94-540. - CONFLICTS WITH OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
Where this Article conflicts with any other provision of the City Code of Ordinances,
this Article shall control."
SECTION 3. The document attached to this Ordinance as Exhibit A entitled Small
Wireless Facilities Design Manual ("the Design Manual"), pursuant to Texas Local
government Code, Chapter 284, is hereby adopted herein by reference for all purposes.
SECTION 4. That any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions
or terms of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be
fined a sum not to exceed $2,000.00 for each offense, and each and every violation or
day such violation shall continue or exist, shall be deemed a separate offense.
SECTION 5. That all provisions of the Code of Ordinances for the City of Port
Arthur, Texas, codified or uncodified, in conflict with the provision of this Ordinance are
hereby repealed, and all other provisions of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Port
Arthur, Texas, codified or uncodified, not in conflict with this Ordinance shall remain in full
force and effect.
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SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its
passage and publications as required by law.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this day of February A.D. 2021, at
a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following
vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Council members:
Noes:
Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, TRMC, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
)611X&A-
Valecia I Tizeno, ity Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ronald "Ron" Burton, City Manager Alberto Elefano,
Director of Public Works
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Exhibit "A"
"Small Wireless Facilities Design Manual"
City of Port Arthur, TX
Installation of Network Nodes and Node Support Poles
Tex. Loc. Gov. Code, Chapter 284