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regulate only the height of the tower and not the antenna, because <br />he knows of no antenna that would pose a danger. <br />Discussion ensued, and the Board members preferred to limit <br />the height of the total structure because an antenna could add more <br />height to a 140 -foot tower. <br />Commissioner Bird asked how this proposed ordinance affects <br />existing towers, and Director Boling advised that this provision <br />would regulate only the construction of new towers and applications <br />for increased height of existing towers. <br />The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone <br />wished to be heard in this matter. <br />Jim Arnold, vice president of the Vero Beach Amateur Radio <br />Club, was glad the Board was able to clarify the proposed <br />amendment. He explained how radio transmission is regulated by the <br />Federal Communications Commission in the United States, and how the <br />radio spectrum was "sliced" for use by the various users. The FCC <br />regulates amateur radio operators as to their licensing, what they <br />are allowed to do with towers and with power, and operating <br />procedures. The FCC limits tower height to 200 feet. Mr. Arnold <br />saw nothing wrong with requiring a building permit and site plan <br />for tower installation. He cautioned that with all the wireless <br />communication that will be available in the near future, many <br />people may want to erect towers. He read a letter signed by <br />Governor Lawton Chiles commending amateur radio operators for their <br />work during Hurricane Andrew. <br />Commissioner Eggert asked whether the FCC 200 -foot limit is <br />for the tower only or for tower plus antenna. <br />Mr. Arnold responded that the limit is for the total <br />structure, which would be the tower and any appurtenances. He <br />thought that the FCC regulates the amateur radio operators <br />sufficiently. There have been no occurrences that would call for <br />administrative remedies. The operators place their towers near or <br />above their own homes, so it stands to reason that they do not want <br />them to fall on their homes nor on their neighbors' homes. <br />Commissioner Bird asked whether the County requirements are <br />directed to safety or aesthetic factors, and Director Boling <br />explained that the proposed change was initiated by a judicial <br />decision in a lawsuit. At the present time we have a prohibition <br />against towers over 70 feet high in residential areas, so both <br />safety and aesthetics are important factors. <br />Commissioner Bird understood then that currently there is no <br />prohibition of towers up to 70 feet in height, and that this change <br />would open it up to 140 feet in height. <br />�6,- 34N 51994 <br />BOOK 91 FnE 419 <br />