§ 15-502. Amateur (ham) radio equipment.

(a) "Amateur ... radio equipment" defined.

(1) "Amateur (ham) radio equipment" means equipment for broadcasting an amateur (ham) radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

(2) "Amateur (ham) radio equipment" includes:

(i) a tower or tower-like structure supporting a single, radiating antenna platform; and

(ii) other broadcasting equipment.

(b) Requirements for towers,

Towers that solely support amateur (ham) radio equipment and conform to all applicable performance criteria as set forth in Subtitle 7 of this Title are permitted in the required rear yard. Towers may not exceed the maximum building height of the applicable district, unless a taller tower is technically necessary to engage successfully in amateur radio communications in accordance with subsection (e) of this section. In the single-family residential districts, all towers must be set back 10 feet from any lot line.

(1) Certain additional types of antenna systems that are not freestanding towers are permitted in any yard if they implement stealth design and receive design review approval.

(2) To qualify as a stealth design, antennas must be within an enclosed structure or otherwise screened from public view in accordance with the requirements of the Baltimore City Landscape Manual.

(d) Minimizing antennae visibility.

Antennae may be ground-, building- or roof-mounted. Every effort must be made to install radio antennae in locations that are not readily visible from neighboring properties or from the public right-of-way, excluding alleys.

(e) Exceeding height limits.

An antenna or tower that is proposed to exceed the height limitations is a conditional use. The operator must provide evidence that a taller tower or antenna is necessary to engage successfully in amateur radio communications. In addition, the applicant must provide evidence that the tower or antenna is not a hazard to birds (i.e., minimal chance of bird strikes). The tower or antenna must conform to all applicable performance criteria as set forth in Subtitle 7 of this title. As part of the application, the applicant must submit a site plan showing the proposed location of the tower or antenna, as well as its relation to the principal building and any additional accessory structures.

(f) Exemption for City-owned and -operated antennae, towers.

Antennae and towers owned and operated by the City are exempt from these requirements.