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I'm still working on this water tower deal I have been pursuing for almost 2 years.. Contract done and signed (basic terms) payment made for the first year almost a month ago. I got to use an old Nextel hut, power turned on in our name almost good to go.

When I went to turn the power on at the old nextel hut, I had to pull a permit and get it inspected as it was sitting for over a year. The inspector came out and said he also wants to see my plans for the water tower. I sent him some plans, and now he is telling me to go file and pay for a building permit.

Do I really need a building permit? I am not installing any new mounts, pipes, stand offs, nothing. Everything I need is already there, just running wire and attaching ubnt antennas to the existing poles.

Not sure if if I try and push them back on asking for a permit, or just give in and do it.

seems EXTREMELY unlikely that you need a building permit, you arent building anything much less a permanent structure.

I've asked a few people in this industry and they have all said the same thing.. Seems odd.
I am asking for clarification on the issue. Almost seems as if it is just the city's inspector grabbing at money to keep himself involved in something he doesn't need to be.

I have never ever had to pull a permit for a water tower.... Sounds like the inspector wants to be a PITA

never needed a permit for a water tower here. push back nicely and see what happens.

Nor have I.

They have tried to get permit, engineering drawings, and inspection so I threatened to walk away.

Just say you install with industry standard bolt on equipment. Explain you are NOT a cell company worth MILLIONS

I questioned the need for it..

"The permit is both for zoning and building purposes. Any new antenna's are required to be permitted and inspected to verify compliance with state and local codes for installation and location.
If you have any other questions feel free to contact me."

Wonder if I dare ask him where it says antennas have to be inspected, and to what "code" he is referring to.

I want to get this done asap, not sure if I just give in and let him poke around, or dispute it still...

19.55.020 - Applicability.
The requirements of this chapter shall apply to all new wireless telecommunications facilities that had not received a building permit prior to adoption of this chapter. Wireless telecommunications facilities, which pre-exist this chapter, or have been legally permitted prior to its adoption, shall not be required to meet the requirements contained herein. This chapter is not intended to regulate residential satellite dishes that are thirty-six inches or less in diameter, residential television antennas, or amateur radio facilities, which instead are regulated under Section 19.06.110.
(Ord. 1600 § 1(part), 2006: Ord. 994 § 12.0(part), 1982).


So where would a WISP fall under? I think they need to amend that to excluded fixed wireless providers too.

Section 19.06.110. (Ord. 1600 § 1(part), 2006: Ord. 994 § 12.0(part), 1982)

That's a very outdated code. In the world of wireless, it's pre-historic. Have you read that part? And you aren't building a new facility, using one that was already there.

Me, I would push him hard. I've run up against a lot of hard noses in a previous profession. Talk to the board in a town meeting. Get prospective customers, i.e.voters, to come.

Most of these guys are just ordinary joe's with a little power, and a big head. I would worry him down. Win or lose I would make him sweat.


/edit

How much is this building permit?

I have a good relationship with the mayors of the towns where we have installed on water towers. In my situation, I'd give the mayor a call or go visit. Usually it's pretty easy to see it your way. little power hungry inspectors can be a pain.

We once had an inspector do a stop work order on two sites the morning after he inspected and approved them. Apparently he laid in bed thinking about something.

I had a conference call with his boss and the county attorney and I was pretty angry. It took about five minutes and we were good to go.