12.11.050 WCF permit required – Type of action and expiration.
A WCF permit shall be required prior to the construction or installation of each new WCF other than a temporary WCF or other exempt facility as defined in this chapter. Maintenance of existing facilities that does not qualify as an eligible facilities request will only require a building permit. See Article III of this chapter for provisions relating to eligible facilities requests. All other requests to increase or expand the number and size of WCFs shall comply with the requirements of this article. For the purposes of BMC Title 11, WCF permits shall be designated as Type I project permit applications. No public notice shall be required for such permits.
A. A WCF permittee shall construct and commence operation of the WCF within two years from the date of issuance. The director is authorized to approve a request for an extended expiration date where a construction schedule is provided by the applicant warranting such extension and approved prior to permit issuance.
B. Every WCF permit may be renewed for a period of 180 days for an additional fee as long as no changes have been made to the originally approved location and plans. The request for an extension must be received prior to the permit expiration. For permits that have expired, a new permit must be obtained, and full new fees paid. No permit shall be renewed more than once.
C. Operational Activity. Within 60 days of operation, the permittee shall send a letter to the city confirming that operation has commenced at the WCF.
D. If an applicant is issued a written determination from the city that an application is not complete, the applicant shall have 180 calendar days from the date of personal delivery or date of mailing by the city to submit the required information to the city. If the applicant fails to resubmit, the applicant may request a refund of the unused portion of the application fee for staff time expended as determined in the sole discretion of the director.
E. Small Wireless Facilities. Any proposed wireless communication facility that qualifies as a small wireless facility as defined in BMC 12.11.020 must apply for a small wireless facility permit consistent with Article II; it cannot proceed under this article related to WCFs.
F. Post-Construction As-Builts. Within 60 days after construction of the WCF, the permittee shall provide the city with as-builts and site photographs of the WCF demonstrating compliance with the permit. (Ord. 2373 § 5, 2022; Ord. 2295 § 11, 2019; Ord. 2252 § 5, 2018; Ord. 2110 § 2 (Exh. B), 2013; Ord. 2043 § 2 (Exh. B), 2010; Ord. 1733 § 7, 1998).