ZONING BYLAW - Town of Charlton

commercial telecommunications carrier to provide telecommunications or data services. This
definition does not include facilities used by a federally-licensed amateur radio operator.
Tower: Any equipment mounting structure that is used primarily to support reception or
transmission equipment and that measures twelve (12) feet or more in its longest vertical
dimension. The term "Tower" is limited to monopoles.
Communication Device: Any antennae, dish or panel mounted out of doors on an already
existing building or structure used by a commercial telecommunications carrier to provide
telecommunications services. The term "Communications Device" does not include a Tower.
Stealth Communication Facilities: Any newly constructed or installed building, building feature,
or structure designed for the purpose of hiding or camouflaging WCF, Tower(s), and
Communications Device(s) installed therein or thereon, including but not limited to church
steeples, flag poles, historic-replica barns, silos, water Towers, bell Towers, etc.
WCF Accessory Building: A structure designed to house both mechanical and electronic
equipment used in support of Wireless Communications Facilities.
5.10.3 Compliance with Federal and State Regulations:
All Wireless Communications Facilities shall be erected, installed, maintained and used in
compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, including radiofrequency
emission regulations as set forth in Section 704 of the 1996 Federal
Telecommunications Act, as the same may be amended from time to time.
5.10.4 Location:
After a review of the existing technological needs of the telecommunications providers, the
topography of Charlton, the requirements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the impact
on Town residents, The Town finds that Wireless Communications Facilities may be allowed as
follows:
A. New Towers:
A wireless telecommunications tower overlay district is hereby established,
superimposed on existing zoning districts. All requirements of the underlying zoning
districts shall remain in full force and effect, except as may be specifically superseded
herein. The following areas are included in the overlay district:
1. New Towers may be allowed subject to a grant of a special permit by the Planning
Board at the following geographic locations:
a. The area of land bounded on the south by Route I-90 (Mass. Turnpike); on
the west by Route 49, on the north by the Town of Sturbridge, and on the
east by the eastern-most boundary of the parcel 7 on Tax Assessor's Map
31, Block B;
Charlton Zoning Bylaw, 09/2012 56