Larimer County and Amateur Radio Tower Status, Jan-9-2000

This is GOOD news for amateurs who reside in unincorporated Larimer County!

The arbitrary 40 foot height limit which was previously imposed for a number of years, by applying standard structural height limits to amateur towers/antennas, has been eliminated. This improved wording resulted from the changes made before the Larimer County Land Use Code was adopted in December, 1999.

Randy, W0AVV, spent much time working with various county officials on this issue and was obviously successful. Thank you, Randy!

Below is the wording which is now in effect in the Larimer County Land Use Code. The full contents of the document can be found on the Larimer County website at:

http://www.co.larimer.co.us/hot/index.htm

Select "Final Land Use Code" for details.

( N0RQV: On May-9-2003 I confirmed the section has changed to 8.19.1. I found these pages more helpful:
http://www.co.larimer.co.us/planning/planning/land_use_code/land_use_code.htm
http://www.co.larimer.co.us/planning/planning/land_use_code/section8.pdf
My thanks to Woody W3HII )

Here is the applicable extract:

Larimer County Land Use Code
November 22, 1999 8-66

8.9.9 Maximum Structure Height

A. Exceptions. The maximum height limitations of this Code do not apply to church spires; belfries; cupolas; penthouses not used for human occupancy; chimneys; cornices without windows; or necessary mechanical devices usually built on the roof.

B. The height limitations of this Code do not apply to federally licensed amateur radio transmission and receiving antennas which meet the following criteria:

1. The height of the tower and antenna does not exceed the distance to the nearest property line.

2. All guy wires, tie downs and other support components of the antenna are installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and are located on the same lot with the antenna; and

3. Foundation plans for the antenna are submitted with an original seal and signature of a Colorado Licensed Engineer who has documented experience reviewing such installations.

C. The height of Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) facilities is regulated by Section 16 of this Code.

Ron Klein W0OSK