Zoning changes coming to wireless district
Published on August 4th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Zoning changes are coming, but not big ones, according to Stoneham Community Development Director Steve Sadwick.
Within the week the Planning Board will post notice of an Aug. 18 public hearing to discuss placement of three amendments to Stoneham zoning law on the warrant for the next Special Town Meeting.
The amendments all relate to the wireless districts in town — the locations where cellular towers or antennas may be placed.
"These amendments are tightening language mostly," Sad-wick said.
Municipal buildings and the central portion of Main and Central Streets and Montvale Avenue form the business overlay district where certain cellular structures are permitted "by right," under zoning law. For example, the St. Patrick's Church steeple one block east of Main Street elegantly conceals a multi-story cellular antenna.
The first amendment proposes adding the explanation of what "by right uses" means with regard to cellular structures in the section of the bylaws explaining the overlay district.
All that is needed to install a dish or antenna is a building permit.
The second amendment proposes to detail the specific criteria the Planning Board must evaluate in granting special permits to allow cellular structures in commercial districts II and III — around BJ's on Cedar Street and in the Fuller Street area.
These districts were created at the October 1998 Town Meeting, and cellular structures are already permitted in these zones if the business owner has obtained both a building permit and special permit.
However, the criteria for obtaining special permits is not explicitly stated in the zoning bylaws. The second amendment seeks to clarify what the Planning Board should examine.
"For example, a monopole antenna is allowed if it doesn't exceed certain height restrictions," Sadwick said.
The third amendment proposes removing municipal buildings from the overlay district and adding the two commercial districts.
The Attorney General made the decision to remove municipal buildings from wireless districts because the buildings can change hands and become private property overnight, Sadwick said.
But, according to Sadwick, the police and fire stations and Town Hall, by virtue of their location, will stay in the overlay district.
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