Ord. 1543 2017-08-31 ORDINANCE NO. 1543
An Ordinance of the City of Pearland, Texas, deleting Chapter 281/2,
"Telecommunications," and amending and replacing Article II,
"Right-of-way Management," of Chapter 26, "Rights-of-way," of the
City Code of Ordinances; regulating the physical use, occupancy
and maintenance of the City's rights-of-way by all users, including
telecommunications service and wireless network providers;
providing procedures for applications for permits; establishing time
periods for approval of permit applications; providing permit fees
and public rights-of-way rental rates; requiring land use approval
prior to placement of new structures within public rights-of-way
located in parks, residential areas, historic areas, underground areas
and design areas; adopting a design manual in accordance with
Chapter 284 of the Texas Local Government Code; providing a
savings clause; making other provisions related to the subject; and
declaring an emergency.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND,
TEXAS:
Section I. Chapter 28Y2, Telecommunications, including all subsections, of the
City of Pearland Code of Ordinances ("City Code") is deleted in its entirety.
Section II. Article II, "Right-of-way Management," of Chapter 26, "Rights-of-
way," of the City Code is amended and replaced as follows.
"ARTICLE II.- RIGHT-OF-WAY MANAGEMENT
DIVISION 1. — PERMIT REQUIRED FOR WORK IN RIGHT-OF-WAY
Sec. 26-81. - Definitions.
When used in this article, the following terms, as well as their singulars, plurals and
possessives, shall have the following definitions and meanings, unless the context of
the sentence in which they are used indicates otherwise. Terms defined in Section 1-3
of City Code shall have the meaning assigned in Section 1-3 unless defined otherwise
by this Section.
Access line: a unit of measurement representing:
I. each switched transmission path of the transmission media that is
physically within a Public Right-of-way extended to the end-use customer's
premises within the City that allows the delivery of local exchange telephone
services within the City; and that is provided by means of owned facilities,
unbundled network elements or leased facilities, or resale;
II. each termination point or points of a nonswitched telephone or other
circuit consisting of transmission media located within a Public Right-of-way
connecting specific locations identified by, and provided to, the end-use
customer for delivery of nonswitched telecommunications services within the
municipality; or
III. each switched transmission path within a Public Right-of-way used to
provide central office-based PBX-type services for systems of any number of
stations within the City, and in that instance, one path shall be counted for
every 10 stations served.
An access line may not be construed to include interoffice transport or other
Transmission Media that do not terminate at an end-use customer's premises or to
permit duplicate or multiple assessment of access line rates on the provision of a
single service.
Antenna: Communications equipment that transmits or receives electromagnetic
radio frequency signals used in the provision of Wireless Services.
Cable Service: "Cable Service" as defined in the Cable Communications Policy
Act of 1984, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 532 et seq. (2017).
City Code: The Code of Ordinances of the City of Pearland, Texas, as amended.
Collocate and Collocation: The installation, mounting, maintenance, modification,
operation, or replacement of Network Nodes in a Public Right-of-way on or adjacent
to a Pole.
Consumer Price Index: The annual revised Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers for Texas, as published by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Concealment: Any wireless facility that is covered, blended, painted, disguised,
camouflaged, or otherwise concealed such that the wireless facility blends into the
surrounding environment and is visually unobtrusive. Concealment includes but is
not limited to covering with a façade, designs that blend with the surrounding
character of an area, paint that matches surrounding Poles, disguising with
landscaping, or locating underground.
Decorative Pole: 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 City Code.
Design Area: An area that is zoned, or otherwise designated by City Code, and
for which the City maintains and enforces unique design and aesthetic standards.
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Design Manual: The design requirements in effect at the time of a construction
Permit application, or the commencement of work not required to obtain a Permit, for
specific types of Facilities, including any adopted Design Manuals, the City's unified
development code, adopted construction codes and any other City requirements, as
amended from time to time.
Direction of the City: All ordinances, laws, rules, resolutions, and regulations of
the City that are now in force or may hereafter be passed and adopted.
Facilities: Any and all of the Network Nodes, Transport Facilities, equipment
cabinets, Node Support Poles, duct spaces, manholes, Poles, conduits,
underground and overhead passageways, and other equipment, structures, plant,
and appurtenances and all Transmission Media used for the provision of Wireless
Service or Telecommunication Service.
Federal Communications Commission or FCC: The Federal Administrative
Agency, or lawful successor, authorized to oversee cable television and other
multi-channel regulation on a national level.
Historic Area: An area that is zoned or otherwise designated as a Historic Area
under municipal, State, or Federal Law.
Highway Right-of-way: The Right-of-way adjacent to a State or Federal highway.
Law: common Law or a Federal, State, or local Law, statute, code, rule,
regulation, order, or ordinance.
Line Fee: A monthly fee to be applied to each Access Line for the calculation of
the total amount to be paid to the City as a Rights-of-way Fee.
Macro Tower. A guyed or self-supported Pole or monopole greater than the
lesser of (i) 55 feet, or (ii) 10 feet higher than the tallest existing Utility Pole located
within 500 linear feet of the New Pole in the same Public Right-of-way and that
supports or is capable of supporting Antennas.
Micro Network Node: 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.
Municipally Owned Utility Pole: A Utility Pole owned or operated by a municipally
owned utility, as defined by Section 11.003, Utilities Code, and located in a Public
Right-of-way.
Park: Any property dedicated or used as a Park or for public Park purposes or
that may be dedicated or used as a Park or for public Park purposes within the City.
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Public Works Director. The Public Works Director or designee of the Public
Works Director.
Network Node or Node: Equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless
communications between User equipment and a communications network. The
term 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 does not include: (i) an electric generator; (ii) a Pole; or (iii) a Macro
Tower.
New Node Support Pole or New Pole: A new installation, including any extension
or replacement of an existing Pole where the replacement is not excepted from
Permit requirements under this Article.
Node Support Pole: A Pole installed by a Wireless Network Provider for the
primary purpose of supporting a Network Node.
Permit: A written authorization for the use of the Public Right-of-way, including
Collocation on a Service Pole, required from the City before a User may perform an
action under this Article.
Permit Holder: Any Person that has been issued a Permit pursuant to the terms
of this Article.
Provider:A Wireless Network Provider or Telecommunications Service Provider.
Pole: A Service Pole, Municipally Owned Utility Pole, Node Support Pole, or
Utility Pole.
Private Easement: An easement or other real property right that is only for the
benefit of the grantor and grantee and their successors and assigns.
Public Right-of-way or Right-of-way: 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. This includes but is not limited to all present and future public
Streets, avenues, highways, alleys, sidewalks, boulevards, drives, tunnels,
easements, bridges, and other such similar passageways, thoroughfares, and public
ways within the City.
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Public Utility: A Public Utility as that term is used in the Public Utility Regulatory
Act, V.T.C.A., Utilities Code § 11.004, including municipally owned and/or operated
utilities.
Rights-of-way Fee: The total amount paid to the City for the Use and
Occupancy of the Rights-of-way. This fee shall be paid on a quarterly basis for
Access Lines and on an annual basis for other structures and Facilities. For
Wireless Network Providers, this is the rental charge paid in accordance with
Chapter 284 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Service Pole: 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 Pole
that supports traffic control functions; a structure for signage; a Pole that supports
lighting, other than a Decorative Pole; and a Pole or similar structure owned or
operated by a municipality and supporting only Network Nodes.
Street: The portion of the Public Right-of-way, including a highway, designed or
used for vehicular traffic, including that part of the Street marked or platted as a
bicycle or public transit lane. Street width shall be the widest of the following
measurements: (i) edge of pavement to edge of pavement, or (ii) curb to curb.
Substantially Similar. Includes the following: (i) A replacement or upgrade that
does not include replacement of an existing Node Support Pole nor defeat existing
Concealment elements of a Node Support Pole; and (ii) a new or upgraded Network
Node, including the Antenna or other equipment element, will not be more than 10
percent larger than the existing Node, provided that the increase may not result in
the Node exceeding the size limitations provided by Design Manual; and the new or
upgraded Pole will not be more than 10 percent higher than the existing Pole,
provided that the increase may not result in the Pole exceeding the applicable height
limitations prescribed by the Design Manual.
Telecommunications Service: Any "local exchange telephone service," as
defined by Section 51.002 of the Texas Utilities Code, or voice communications
services provided through wireline facilities located at least in part in the public
Right-of-way, without regard to the delivery technology, including Internet protocol
technology. The term does not include voice service provided by a commercial
mobile service provider as defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 332(d).
Telecommunications Service Provider: Any "certificated telecommunications
provider" as the term is defined by Section 283.002 of the Texas Local
Government Code.
Transmission Media: Any and all of the cables, fibers, wires or other physical
devices owned, maintained or placed by a User to transmit and/or receive
communication signals, whether analog, digital or of other characteristics, and
whether for voice, data or other purposes.
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Transport Facility: 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.
Use and Occupancy: Acquisition, installation, construction, reconstruction,
maintenance, repair, control, or operation of any Facilities within the Rights-of-way
for any purpose whatsoever.
User: Any Person that applies for a Permit under this Article, or any person that
owns, controls, constructs, installs, repairs, maintains, upgrades or removes a
structure in the Right-of-way, including any contractor or subcontractor of a Person
who owns or controls a structure in the Right-of-way.
Utility Pole: A Pole that provides: electric distribution with a voltage rating of not
more than 34.5 kilovolts; or services of a Wireless Network Provider, as defined by
Section 51.002, Utilities Code.
Wireless Service: 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 Network Provider: A Person that provides Wireless Service to the
public; or a Person that does not provide Wireless Services and that is not an
electric utility but builds or installs on behalf of a Person that provides Wireless
Service to the public: Network Nodes, Node Support Poles, or any other structure
that supports or is capable of supporting a Network Node.
Sec. 26-82. - Registration and construction permits.
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 Article, or as
provided by other City permits or written agreements with the City. Registration and
Permits will be issued in the name of the person who will own the structures.
(a) Registration required. For the safety of all Users and the public, all Users of the
Right-of-way must register annually with the City. Registration shall include:
i. The name of the User of the Right-of-way;
ii. The name, address, and telephone number of 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.
(b) Construction permit required. Unless otherwise provided by this Article, no person
shall perform any construction or installation of structures in the Right-of-way
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without first obtaining a construction permit. The Permit must be completed and
signed by the owner or authorized representative of the owner of the proposed
structures. A construction Permit for a proposed Network Node, Node Support Pole,
or Transport Facilities shall be processed in accordance with the timelines of
Section 284.154 of the Texas Local Government Code.
(1) Permit information required. The person requesting a Permit will provide the
Public Works Director with documentation describing:
i. The proposed, approximate location, route and type of all structures to be
constructed, installed, or modified and the User's plan for Right-of-way
construction.
ii. Engineering plans provided on a drawing scale not smaller than one (1)
inch equals one hundred (100) feet unless otherwise approved by the
Public Works Director.
iii. Description of all existing public and private utilities in close proximity to
User's proposed route (within 300 feet).
iv. Description of plans to remove and replace pavement or drainage works in
streets. Plans submitted must conform to City of Pearland standard
construction requirements and any other applicable law.
v. Drawings of any bores, trenches, handholes, manholes, switch gear,
transformers, pedestals, etc. including depth.
vi. Three (3) sets of engineering plans.
vii. The construction and installation methods to be employed for the protection
of existing structures, fixtures, and facilities within or adjacent to the Right-
of-way.
viii. The name and address of the person to whom notices are to be sent, a 24-
hour per day contact number for the User in case of emergency.
ix. Location map that includes all other structures within 500 feet of the
proposed location.
x. When a new pole is proposed, an industry standard pole load analysis
certified by a licensed engineer, with soils test or geotechnical survey
where required.
xi. A complete application and supporting documents for land use approval
where required.
xii. Proof of payment of the construction permit fee and prorated Rights-of-way
fee for the remaining portion of the current calendar year.
xiii. Complete legend of drawings submitted by User, which may be provided
by reference to previously submitted documents.
xiv. The construction and installation methods to be employed for the protection
of existing structures, fixtures, and Facilities within or adjacent to the Right-
of-way, and the estimated dates and times work will occur, all of which
(methods, dates, times, etc.) are subject to approval of the Public Works
Director.
xv. Proof of insurance or net worth.
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(2) Access to site. All construction and installation in the Right-of-way shall be in
accordance with the Permit for the structures. The Public Works Director shall
be provided access to the work and to such further information as may
reasonably be required to ensure compliance with the Permit.
(3) Plans at site. A copy of the construction Permit and approved engineering plans
shall be maintained at the construction site and made available for inspection
by the Public Works Director at all times when construction or installation work
is occurring.
(4) Timeliness. All work authorized by Permit must be completed in the time
specified in the construction Permit. If the work cannot be completed in the
specified time period, the Permit Holder may request an extension from the
Public Works Director.
(5) Insurance and bonds.
i. A User must provide proof of liability insurance in the amount of one
million dollars ($1,000,000.00). Such requirements may be waived by the
Public Works Director if the User provides acceptable evidence of self-
insurance backed by assets equal to but not less than a net worth in the
amount of at least five million dollars ($5,000,000.00).
ii. The coverage provided shall be on an "occurrence" basis and shall
include coverage for personal injury, contractual liability, premises liability,
medical damages, underground, explosion, and collapse hazards.
iii. Each policy must include a cancellation provision in which the insurance
company is required to notify the City in writing not fewer than thirty (30)
days before canceling, failing to renew, or reducing policy limits.
iv. The User shall file the required original certificate of insurance prior to any
commencement of work. The certificate shall State the policy number;
name of the insurance company; name and address of the agent or
authorized representative of the insurance company; name, address and
telephone number of insured; policy expiration date; and specific coverage
amounts.
v. The User shall file a surety bond from a surety company authorized to do
business in the State of Texas in the amount of fifteen thousand dollars
($15,000.00) to guarantee the restoration of the Right-of-way in the event
the User leaves a job site in the Right-of-way unfinished, incomplete, or
unsafe. Such requirement for a surety bond may be waived by the Public
Works Director upon a showing of financial responsibility by the applicant.
(6) Approval. Unless otherwise provided by this Article, requests for Permits shall
be approved or disapproved by the Public Works Director within a reasonable
time of receiving all the necessary information.
(7) Pre-construction meeting. The Public Works Director or User may request a
pre-construction meeting.
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(c) Exception to construction permit and registration requirement. The following
activities shall not be required to obtain a permit under this Article.
(1) Emergencies. Emergency responses related to existing structures may be
undertaken without first obtaining a permit; however, the Public Works Director
must be notified in writing within two (2) business days of any construction
related to an emergency response. A reasonably detailed description of the
work performed in the Right-of-way and an updated map of any structures
moved shall be provided as soon as practicable.
(2) Routine maintenance. The following routine activities are not required to obtain
a permit:
i. routine maintenance that does not require excavation or closing of
sidewalks or vehicular lanes in a public Right-of-way;
ii. 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
iii. 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.
At least 24 hour advance written notice to the Public Works Director of work
performed under this section is required, including proof that the User is acting
with approval of a Pole's owner if structures are being collocated on an existing
pole.
(3) Building permits. The owner of driveways, streets, and other permanent
structures constructed in the public Right-of-way pursuant to a building permit
obtained under the adopted construction codes of the City is not required to
register the structures annually.
Sec. 26-83. - Construction standards.
(a) Advance notice required. The Public Works Director shall be notified twenty-four
(24) hours in advance that construction is ready to proceed by either the Right-of-
way User, their contractor or representative, including the name, address, and
phone numbers of the contractor performing the actual construction, and the name
and telephone number of the individual who will be available at all times during
construction. Failure to provide the above information will result in the suspension of
the Permit until the required information is received.
(b) Conformance to other Laws. All construction shall be in conformance with all City
Codes and applicable local, State, and Federal Laws.
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(c) Erosion control. Erosion control measures (i.e., silt fence) and advance warning
signs, markers, cones, and barricades must be in place before work begins. Permit
Holder may be required to show proof of EPA approved plans relating to storm
water and erosion when applicable or a letter stating such plans are not required.
User shall comply with City, State, and Federal guidelines regulating storm water
management erosion control. Requirements shall include, but not be limited to, silt
fencing around any excavation that will be left overnight, silt fencing in erosion
areas until reasonable vegetation is established, barricade fencing around open
holes, and high erosion areas will require wire backed silt fencing, or straw bales, as
appropriate.
(d) Lane closures. Lane closures on collectors and thoroughfares, as identified by the
City's thoroughfare plan, are limited to periods after 8:30 a.m. and before 4:00 p.m.
unless the Public Works Director grants prior approval. Arrow boards will be
required on lane closures, with all barricades, advanced warning signs and thirty-
six-inch (36") reflector cones placed according to the specifications of the Public
Works Director.
(e) Workmanship. Users are responsible for the workmanship and any damages
caused by a contractor or subcontractor.
(f) Notice of damage. All Users shall notify the Public Works Director immediately of
any damage to utilities or other structures, either City or privately owned.
(g) Prior approval required for Street or Sidewalk cut. Except in the event of an
emergency, prior approval must be obtained from the Public Works Director when a
Street or Sidewalk cut is required and all requirements of the City shall be followed.
Repair of all Street and Sidewalk removals shall be made promptly to avoid safety
hazards to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
(h) Interference prohibited. Newly installed structures shall not interfere with Facilities
or structures of other Users, in particular gravity dependent Facilities.
(i) Depth. Underground structures shall be installed at a minimum of two (2) feet depth,
unless approved by the Public Works Director or as otherwise provided by this
Article.
(j) Working hours. Except in the event of an emergency, working hours in the Rights-
of-way are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Work that needs to be
performed after 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday must be approved in advance.
Except in the event of an emergency, any work performed on Sunday must be
approved twenty-four (24) hours in advance by the Public Works Director.
Directional boring is permitted only Monday through Friday, unless approved in
advance.
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(k) Plans of record. Right-of-way Users shall provide the Public Works Director with
"plans of record" within ten (10) days of completion of structures in the Right-of-
way. Submittal of "plans of record" should be in digital formatting as well as written
or in any other format requested by the Public Works Director.
Sec. 26-84. - General terms applicable to permit holders.
(a) Permit rights apply to Permit Holder only. The rights granted by this Article inure to
the benefit of the Permit Holder only. The rights granted by Permit may not be
assigned, transferred, or sold to another. For the purposes of this Section,
assignment, transfer or sale means a change of operating control of the Permit
Holder, expressly excepting an assignment or transfer to entities that control, are
controlled by, or are under common control with the Permit Holder.
(b) Not exclusive. No rights agreed to in this Article by the City shall be exclusive and
the City reserves the right to grant franchises, licenses, easements or permissions
to use the Rights-of-way within the City to any person as the City, in its sole
discretion, may determine to be in the public interest.
(c) Deed restrictions. A User installing Structures in a Public Right-of way shall comply
with private deed restrictions and other private restrictions in the area.
(d) Cable Service not authorized by Permit. A Permit Holder is not authorized to
provide Cable Service as a cable operator in the City under this Article, but must
first obtain a franchise agreement from the City for that purpose, under such terms
and conditions as may be required by Law. A Permit for the installation, placement,
maintenance, or operation of a Network Node or Transport Facility under this Article
shall not confer authorization to provide Cable Service or video service, as defined
by Section 66.002, Utilities Code, or information service as defined by 47 U.S.C.
Section 153(24), or Wireless Service as defined by 47 U.S.C. Section 153(53), in
the Public Right-of-way.
(e) Interference not permitted; Notice and time for correction of interference. A Wireless
Network Provider shall ensure that the operation of a Network Node does not cause
any harmful radio frequency interference to a Federal Communications
Commission-authorized mobile wireless operation of the City operating at the time
the Network Node was initially installed or constructed. On written notice, a
Wireless Network Provider shall take all steps reasonably necessary to remedy any
harmful interference. If a Wireless Network Provider fails to correct any harmful
interference within 60 days of written notice, the City may upon 14 day advance
written notice revoke any and all Permits and registrations for the Network Node.
(f) Permit limited. A Permit provided under this Article does not provide authorization
for attachment of Network Nodes on Poles and other structures owned or operated
by investor-owned electric utilities, as defined by Section 31.002, Utilities Code,
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electric cooperatives, telephone cooperatives, as defined by Section 162.003,
Utilities Code, or wireless Providers, as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code.
(g) Other requirements. The City may impose additional requirements on the activities
of Providers in the Public Right-of-way to the extent that the regulations are
reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Sec. 26-85. - Structure location and conformance with public improvements.
Prior to initiating construction of a "City project" in the Right-of-way, the City will
provide each Right-of-way User preliminary project plans at various stages of
completion (i.e., thirty (30) percent plans, sixty (60) percent plans, ninety (90) percent
plans and final plans). Upon receipt of the first submittal of preliminary project plans
(thirty (30) percent plans), each Right-of-way User shall be responsible for verifying the
location of its underground structures in the vicinity of the City's project. In verifying the
location of structures as required by this section, each Right-of-way User shall compile
the information obtained regarding any structures located in the Right-of-way that are
potentially affected by the City project and shall, within thirty (30) days of receipt of the
first submittal of the preliminary project plans, make that information available to the City
in a written and verified format acceptable to the Public Works Director. Whenever by
reasons of widening or straightening of Streets, water or sewer line projects, or any
other City projects (i.e., install or improve storm drains, water lines, sewer lines) it shall
be deemed necessary by the governing body of the City to remove, alter, change,
adapt, or conform the underground or overhead structures of a Right-of-way User, such
alterations shall be made by the owner of the structures at the owner's expense within
forty five (45) calendar days from the receipt of written notice to make the alterations,
unless a different schedule has been approved by the Public Works Director. The owner
of the structures shall be responsible for any direct costs incurred by the City,
associated with project delays resulting from owner's failure to conform structures within
the time limits established by this section. Reimbursement for all costs provided for by
this paragraph shall be made within thirty (30) calendar days from the day which the
owner receives written notice of such costs.
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Sec. 26-86. - Improperly installed structures.
(a) Proper installation required. Structures in the Rights-of-way shall be properly
installed, repaired, upgraded and maintained. Structures shall be considered to be
improperly installed, repaired, upgraded, or maintained if:
iv. The installation, repairs, upgrade, or maintenance endangers people;
v. The structures do not meet the applicable City requirements;
vi. The structures are not capable of being located using standard practices; or
vii. The structures are not located in the proper place in accordance with the
plans approved by the Public Works Director.
(b) Existing structures. This Section shall not apply to structures installed prior to the
effective date of this ordinance unless such structures are repaired or upgraded.
(c) Public Works Director review of Poles. When Poles are used, the type of Poles,
location, depth, upgrades, etc. shall be subject to review of the Public Works
Director, unless otherwise provided by this Article.
Sec. 26-87. - Restoration of property.
(a) Restoration of affected property required. Users of the Right-of-way shall restore
property affected by construction in the Right-of-way to a condition that is equal to
or better than the condition of the property prior to the performance of the work. This
includes, but is not limited to, replacing all natural ground cover with an equal or
better type of ground cover damaged during work, either by sodding or seeding, as
directed by Public Works Director.
(b) Restoration requirements. Restoration shall be to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Public Works Director. The restoration shall include, but not be limited to:
i. Installation of all manholes and handholes, as required;
ii. All bore pits, potholes, trenches, or any other holes shall be covered or
barricaded daily;
iii. Leveling of all trenches and backhoe lines; and
iv. Restoration of excavation site to City specifications.
(c) Locator flags. All locator flags shall be removed during the cleanup process by the
Permit Holder or Permit Holder's contractor at the completion of the work.
Sec. 26-88. - Revocation or denial of Permit.
If any provisions of this Article are not followed, a Permit may be revoked by the
Public Works Director. If any User fails to follow the terms and conditions of this Article,
new Permits may be denied or additional terms required prior to issuance of Permits to
the same User.
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Sec. 26-90. - Construction and maintenance of structures.
(a) Construction requirements. Except where expressly provided otherwise by State
Law, a User shall construct and maintain structures in the public Rights-of-way in
accordance with the Design Manual to ensure structures do not:
i. Obstruct, impede, or hinder the usual travel or public safety on a Public Right-
of-way;
ii. Obstruct the legal use of a Public Right-of-way by other utility Users;
iii. Violate nondiscriminatory applicable codes;
iv. Violate or conflict with the City's publicly disclosed Public Right-of-way design
specifications; or
v. Violate the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
(b) Design Manual. Structures to which this Article applies must conform to the
specifications required by the construction codes and Design Manual as adopted by
the City at the time the permit application is submitted.
(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. When
directed by the City, tree trimming shall be done under the supervision and Direction
of the Public Works Director.
Sec. 26-91. — Permit and Right-of-way Fees
(a) Construction Permit fee. Except as otherwise provided by Chapter 283 of the Texas
Local Government Code, the User 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 proposed structures included in the application, in
accordance with the City's fee schedule, not to exceed the values provided in the
table below.
(b) Rights-of-way Fee. The Permit Holder shall pay to the City a Rights-of-way Fee that
is calculated in accordance with Chapter 283 of the Texas Local Government Code,
an agreement with the City, or the table below, as applicable. The Rights-of-way
Fee 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.
Page 14 of 24
Equipment Type Construction Permit Fee Rights-of-way Fee
$500 per Node for first 5
Transport Facilities Nodes, $250 for each $28 per month per Node1 4
additional Node
$500 per Node for first 5
Network Nodes Nodes, $250 for each $250 per year per Node2 3
additional Node
Node Support Poles $1000 per Pole NA
1 Unless equal or greater amount is paid under Chapter 283 of the Local Government Code or Chapter 66
of the Utility Code.
2As 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.
3 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.
4 A Wireless Network Provider may not install its own transport Facilities unless the Provider: (i) has a
Permit to use the Public Right-of-way; and (ii) pays to the City a monthly Public Right-of-way fee for
Transport Facilities in an amount equal to $28 multiplied by the number of the Provider's Network Nodes
located in the Public Right-of-way for which the installed Transport Facilities provide backhaul unless or
until the time the Provider's payment of fees to the City exceeds its monthly aggregate per-Node
compensation to the City. A Wireless Network Provider that wants to connect a Network Node to the
network using the Public Right-of-way may: (i) install its own Transport Facilities as provided in this
section; or (ii) obtain transport service from a User that is paying Right-of-way fees to occupy the Public
Right-of-way that are the equivalent of not less than $28 per Node per month. A Public Right-of-way fee
required by this section is in addition to any other Public Right-of-way fee required by the City.
(c) Annexation and disannexation. For the purpose of compensating the City under
this Article, a User shall start including or excluding structures within an annexed or
disannexed area within thirty (30) days of written notice by the City to the User of
the annexation or disannexation.
(d) Timing of Rights-of-way Fee payment. Permit Holder shall remit the Rights-of-
way Fees on an annual basis, unless otherwise proscribed by Chapter 283 of the
Texas Local Government Code or a written agreement with the City. Unless
otherwise mandated by State Law, the payment of Rights-of-way Fees shall be
due on January 31st of each year following the year in which a construction
Permit fee and prorated Rights-of-way Fee was paid, and each subsequent year
until (i) the structures are removed from the Right-of-way and written notice
provided to the City, or (ii) the structures are no longer owned by the Permit
Holder and written notice of the new owner's name, address, and phone number
are provided to the City.
Page 15 of 24
Sec. 26-92. - Indemnification.
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.
Sec. 26-93. - Relocation and removal of structures.
(a) Street widening or straightening. Upon thirty (30) days notice by the City, Permit
Holder shall begin relocation of its structures within the Rights-of-way at its own
expense in a timely manner to permit the widening or straightening of Streets,
unless expressly provided otherwise by State Law. The notice by the City shall
include a specification of the new location for the Permit Holder's structures along
the Rights-of-way.
(b) City's right to relocate. The City retains the right to move any structures 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.
Sec. 26-94. - Future contingency.
In the event this Article, or any fee or other provision of this Article, 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. 26-95. - Conflicts with other requirements.
Where this Article conflicts with any other provision of the City Code of Ordinances,
this Article shall control. Where Facilities are governed by the Texas Utilities Code or
Chapter 283 of the Texas Local Government Code and there is a conflict with a specific
provision of this Article, the provision of this Article shall not apply to those specific
Facilities to the extent of the conflict."
Page 16 of 24
Section III. The Design Manual attached as Exhibit A to this Ordinance is
adopted and incorporated by reference for all purposes.
Section IV. In the event any clause, phrase, provision, sentence, or part of this
Ordinance or the application of the same to any Person or circumstance shall for any
reason be adjudged invalid or held unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction,
it is the intention of the City Council that the invalidity or unconstitutionality of the one or
more parts shall not affect, impair, or invalidate this Ordinance as a whole or any part or
provision other than the part declared to be invalid or unconstitutional; and the City
Council of the City of Pearland, Texas, declares that it would have passed each and
every part of the same notwithstanding the omission of any such part thus declared to
be invalid or unconstitutional, whether there be one or more parts.
Section V. The Council finds and determines that the regulation of public right-
of-way inures to the benefit of the public and, therefore, bears directly upon the health,
safety and welfare of the citizenry; and that this ordinance shall be adopted as an
emergency measure, and that the rule requiring this ordinance to be read on two (2)
separate occasions be, and the same is hereby waived.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON FIRST AND ONLY READING on the 31st
day of August, A.D., 2017.
TOM REID
MAYOR
Page 17 of 24
ATTEST:
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DARRIN M. COKER
CITY ATTORNEY
Page 18 of 24
EXHIBIT A - DESIGN MANUAL
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
The following design specifications are required by the City to: (i) prevent
obstruction, impediment, or hindrance of the usual travel or public safety on a Public
Right-of-way; (ii) prevent obstruction of the legal use of the Public Rights-of-way by
utility Providers; and (iii) protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
B. Scope
Any Person that constructs, modifies, maintains, operates, relocates, or removes
structures within the Rights-of-way shall conform to the following design specifications
and all applicable construction codes of the City. The Public Works Director shall deny
any Permit application that does not strictly conform to applicable requirements.
C. Definitions
Terms defined in Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pearland,
Texas shall have those same meanings when used in this Design Manual.
II. Design Requirements for all Rights-of-way
A. Pole stability requirements
Nodes, equipment cabinets, and Poles shall be constructed based on an industry
standard pole load analysis completed and submitted to the City indicating that the
Service Pole or network support Pole to which the Network Node is to be attached will
safely support all proposed and existing equipment. Documentation shall be completed
and submitted to the City indicating that the Pole foundation or anchoring mechanism is
(i) sufficient for the type of soil in the proposed location, and (ii) sufficient to withstand
typical area wind loads as identified by the adopted construction codes of the City.
Poles shall be constructed with foundations based on a (i) soils test if the proposed Pole
is over thirty (30) feet in height, or (ii) a geotechnical survey if the proposed Pole is over
forty-five (45) feet in height.
B. Limit on number of Network Nodes per Pole.
The number of Network Nodes allowed per Pole shall be limited based on the pole
load analysis.
C. Minimum placement height
Network Node equipment placed on new and existing Poles shall be placed more
than twelve (12) feet above ground level. If a Network Node or other equipment is
projecting toward the Street, for the safety and protection of the public and vehicular
traffic, the attachment shall be installed no less than sixteen (16) feet above the ground.
Page 19 of 24
D. Equipment size limitations
All Facilities shall be constructed and limited in size in accordance with Section
284.003 of the Texas Local Government Code.
E. Compliance with National Electrical Safety Code
Facilities must be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code,
subject to applicable codes, and any Utility Pole owner's construction standards.
F. New Pole locations and construction requirements
New Poles shall be constructed with break away bases and located as close as
possible to the outside edge of the Right-of-way. New poles shall be spaced apart from
existing poles by no less than 100 feet. New poles may not be located within three (3)
feet of sidewalks, pedestrian paths or bicycle paths. New poles may not be located
within ten (10) feet of driveways, streets, or highways. New Poles should provide
minimum disruption of visibility and site lines for nearby driveways, windows and other
existing improvements.
G. Installations near intersections
A User shall not install structures within 100 feet of any intersection, as measured
from the closest outside corner of the two intersecting Streets.
H. Installation near schools and parks
For the safety of pedestrians, particularly small children, and to allow full line of
sights near school property and Parks, a User shall not install ground equipment or new
Poles within a Right-of-way inside the boundary line of school property or within 250
feet of the boundary line of school property. A User shall not install ground equipment
within a Right-of-way inside the boundary line of a Park or within 250 feet of the
boundary line of a Park.
I. Installation of wires, conduits or cables
Any structures that include wires, conduits, or cables shall be located underground,
except where the City Engineer identifies based on the Permit application that existing
utility or other structures prevent the safe installation of the proposed structures
underground. Where wires, conduits, or cables are required to be installed
aboveground, they shall be attached to existing Poles where possible and must not
hang lower than twelve (12) feet above ground level. New Poles installed to support
aboveground wires, conduits, or cables shall comply with all location and construction
requirements for new Poles.
J. Installations in utility easements
Facilities may be installed in utility easements where i) the installation will not
interfere with existing or planned utilities, and ii) the underlying property owner grants
written authorization, except where installation of a Collocated Network Node does not
require installation of any ground equipment.
Page 20 of 24
K. Height limitation
A User shall ensure that the vertical height of a structure installed in a Public Right-
of-way does not exceed the lesser of:
i. 10 feet in height above the tallest existing Utility Pole located within 500 linear feet
of the proposed structure in the same Public Right-of-way; or
ii. 55 feet above ground level.
L. Electrical supply
Users shall be responsible for obtaining any required electrical power service to the
structures. Users shall not allow or install generators or back-up generators in the
Rig hts-of-way.
Ill. Designated areas; Right-of-way Management Map
Providers are not required to obtain conditional use permits or other land use
approvals for location in Rights-of-way, except as specified in this section. In addition to
the requirements of Section II of this Design Manual, the following requirements shall
apply to any structures to be located in designated areas as described by this Section.
The requirement for a conditional use permit or other land use approval in designated
areas is in addition to any other Permit required by City Code.
A. Historic Areas / Design Areas with Decorative Poles
A User must obtain advance written consent from the City Council before installing
structures in an area of the City that has been designated as a Historic Area or as a
Design Area with Decorative Poles. The City may designate additional Historic Areas
and Design Areas.
B. Underground areas
A User shall comply with undergrounding requirements where applicable, including
City 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 without first obtaining zoning or land use approval.
C. Parks / residential areas
A User may not install a new Pole in a Public Right-of-way without City Council's
written consent if the Public Right-of way is in a Park or is adjacent to a Street 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.
D. Designation of areas under this section
Design Areas with Decorative Poles, Historic Areas, underground areas, Parks, and
residential areas adjacent to Streets not more than 50 feet wide are those shown on the
Rights-of-way Management Map, as adopted and amended from time to time by City
Council. A User's structures in a particular location shall be subject to the area
designations in place at the time of a Permit application for those particular structures.
Page 21 of 24
Any area where all Poles within 1,000 feet of a proposed location are of a similar design
with no additional permanent appurtenances attached are designated by this section as
Design Areas with Decorative Poles, even where such an area is not shown as a
Design Area on the Right-of-way Management Map.
E. Land Use Approval process
The following shall constitute the process for obtaining advance written consent of
City Council or land use approval for installation of any structures required to obtain
such approval by this Design Manual.
(1) Application. The User shall submit an application for conditional use permit, in
addition to any other Permits required for construction of structures and use of the
Public Rights-of-way. This conditional use permit application shall include
documentation for the following:
i. plans or design specifications compliant with specific design criteria for an
area;
ii. a conditional use permit fee, provided the total fees paid by a Provider for a
Facility do not exceed the maximum allowed construction permit fee in
Chapter 26 of the City Code;
iii. the locations of all other buildings, structures, Facilities and Poles located
within 1000 feet of the proposed location; and
iv. at least one photo of the nearest Pole to the proposed location.
(2) Processing. The User's application for conditional use permit shall be processed
for review by the City's planning and zoning commission and the City Council using the
City's standard notice procedures, administrative processes, and scheduling procedures
for zoning applications.
(3) Evaluation criteria. Conditional use permit applications for Facilities shall be
evaluated using only the following criteria:
i. alternative locations available within 1000 feet for the specific type of
structure being requested;
ii. Concealment measures proposed for minimizing the impact of the proposed
structures on surrounding land uses; and
iii. conditions to the Permit requested by landowners within 200 feet of the
proposed location.
Note: Conditional use permits where the proposed plans for Facilities meet the design
criteria for a proposed location should be granted for that location or an alternate
location within 1,000 feet, as determined by the City Council.
Page 22 of 24
IV. Design requirements in underground areas
In designated underground areas, including areas where utilities are required to be
installed underground by City ordinance, zoning regulations, State Law, private deed
restrictions and other public or private restrictions that prohibit installing aboveground
utilities or structures in a Public Right-of-way without first obtaining zoning or land use
approval, the User must install structure underground, or obtain land use approval in
accordance with Section III E. of this Design Manual to install above ground structures.
The City may designate additional underground areas in accordance with filed plats, or
conversions of overhead to underground areas.
V. Design requirements in historic and Design Areas
A. Concealment measures required
As a condition for land use approval of structures in Design Areas with Decorative
Poles or in a Historic Area, the City shall require Concealment measures for any above
ground structures. Any request for installations in designated areas must be
accompanied with proposed Concealment measures that are similar to an existing
structure that is 1) within the area, 2) within 1,000 feet of the proposed location, and 3)
is not a nonconforming structure. Structures shall be constructed and maintained in
compliance with all City, State, and Federal historic preservation laws and
requirements.
B. Concealment shall comply with other City Code requirements
Where a User is required to employ Concealment measures, the User shall comply
with other City Code requirements, including zoning and Uniform Development Code
requirements, where applicable. Colors in designated areas must be approved by the
Public Works Director from a palette of approved colors for that area. Unless otherwise
provided, all colors shall be earth tones or shall match the background of any structure
the Facilities are located upon and all efforts shall be made for the colors to be
inconspicuous.
VI. Design requirements in Parks and residential areas
A. Conditional use permit required.
A User may not install a new Pole in a Public Right-of-way without the City's written
consent obtained in accordance with Section III E. of this Design Manual if the Public
Right-of-way is in a Park or 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.
Page 23 of 24
VII. Administrative hearing
Should a User desire to deviate from any of the standards set forth in this Design
Manual, to appeal an interpretation by City staff of the City regulations applicable to
structures located in the Rights-of-way, or allege a specific provision of this Design
Manual is inconsistent with State or Federal Law as applied specifically to that User, the
User may request an administrative hearing before a board of appeals. The Building
Board of Adjustment shall act as the board of appeals for a request for variance or
appeal of administrative decision. The process before the Building Board of Adjustment
for an application, hearing and vote shall follow the process set out for a zoning
variance.
VIII. Unauthorized and improperly located structures
If any structures are installed in a location that has not obtained a Permit, that
impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or that obstructs the legal use of a Public Right-
of-way by utility providers, then the User shall promptly remove the structures. After 30
days advance written notice to remove unauthorized or improperly located structures,
the City may remove and dispose of structures that remain unauthorized or improperly
located.
Page 24 of 24