HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2 - Staff Report - MonopalmC H U L A V f STA
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Item: 2
Meeting Date: 3/2.2/17
ITEM TITLE: Public Hearing: CLIP 15-0032 Considerations of a Conditional Use
Permit to install, use, and maintain an unnnanned Wireless
Telecommunications Facility (WTF) consisting of twelve (12) panel
antennas mounted on a 43 -ft. high antenna structure designed to resemble
a pales tree (monopalm) and associated equipment located at 409
Telegraph Canyon. Road. Applicant: Verizon Wireless
Resolution of the City of Chula. Vista Planning Commission approving
Conditional Use Permit PCC15-0032, to install an umrnanned wireless
teleconn munnications facility at 409 Telegraph Canyon Road.
SUBMITTED BY: Jeff Steichen, Associate Planner
REVIEWED BY: Kelly Broughton, Director of Development Services
INTRODUCTION
The Applicant Inas submitted a Conditional Use Permit application for a Wireless
Tel econnssunications Facility (WTF) in order to replace an existing 40 foot stealth Wireless WTF
monoflag, The new facility will consist of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a 43 -ft. high
antenna structure designed to resemble a palm tree and associated equipment (Project). The site
is located at 409 Telegraph Canyon road (see Locator Map, Attachment 1).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project fon- compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a
Class 3 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15303, new construction or conversion of
small structures of the State CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is
required.
RE COMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PCC15-0032, approving the proposed
unmanned Wireless Teleconrmmnunications Facility, based on the findings and subject to the
conditions listed in the attached Resolutions.
Planning Coiiiii) ssion
CUP15-0032; PCC15-0032
March 22, 2017
Page No. 2
DISCUSSION
Proiel ct Site Characteristics:
The 0.8 -acre project site is a commercial retail center located on the north side of Telegraph
Canyon Road directly west of Interstate 805. The Project is proposed to be at the east end of
and adjacent to the existing conunercial building. The existing surrounding land uses are as
follows:
Project Description:
Verizon Wireless proposes to construct an unmanned Wireless Teleconurtunications Facility
consisting of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a 43 -ft. high antenna structure designed to
resemble a palm tree (monopalm). The nionopalrn will be located within a landscaped planter:
area on the east side and adjacent to the existing commercial building (see Attachment 4, Project
Plans). The facility also includes an equipment shelter which will be housed inside of the
existing building. The proposed monopahn will replace an existing monoflag located just west
of the proposed location of the monopahn. This replacement is necessary in order to provide for
expanded and greater capacity than the existing wireless facility is capable of providing.
ANALYSIS
In accordance with. Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) Chapter 19.89, Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities, wireless telecommunications facilities are allowed in any zone
subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Facilities that exceed the height limit within the
particular zone must consist of a stealth design and require approval of a CUP by the Planning
Commission. The project site is zoned CN (Neighborhood Commercial), which has a maximum
height limit of 35 feet. The 43 -foot tall monopalm exceeds the maximurn height limit by 8 feet.
The proposed monopalrn will be built to comply with the Wireless Ordinance's development
criteria and all other City zoning and building regulations. Access to the site shall be kept at a
minimum and conducted in a manner that does not negatively impact the residents or business
customers.
General Plan
Zoning
Current Land Use
Site
Conrrnercial
CN (Neighborhood Coin.)
Comn-rerc;ial. Center
North
residential Medium -High
R3P12 (Multi Family)
Residential Condos
South
N/A
N/A
Telegraph Canyon
Road
East
N/A
N/A
I-805 Freeway
West
Cornrnercial
CN (Neighborhood Conn)
Gas station
Project Description:
Verizon Wireless proposes to construct an unmanned Wireless Teleconurtunications Facility
consisting of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a 43 -ft. high antenna structure designed to
resemble a palm tree (monopalm). The nionopalrn will be located within a landscaped planter:
area on the east side and adjacent to the existing commercial building (see Attachment 4, Project
Plans). The facility also includes an equipment shelter which will be housed inside of the
existing building. The proposed monopahn will replace an existing monoflag located just west
of the proposed location of the monopahn. This replacement is necessary in order to provide for
expanded and greater capacity than the existing wireless facility is capable of providing.
ANALYSIS
In accordance with. Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) Chapter 19.89, Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities, wireless telecommunications facilities are allowed in any zone
subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Facilities that exceed the height limit within the
particular zone must consist of a stealth design and require approval of a CUP by the Planning
Commission. The project site is zoned CN (Neighborhood Commercial), which has a maximum
height limit of 35 feet. The 43 -foot tall monopalm exceeds the maximurn height limit by 8 feet.
The proposed monopalrn will be built to comply with the Wireless Ordinance's development
criteria and all other City zoning and building regulations. Access to the site shall be kept at a
minimum and conducted in a manner that does not negatively impact the residents or business
customers.
Plannilig C0111111issioll
CUP15-0032; PCC15-0032
Mareb 22, 2017
Page No. 3
Design Criteria for Wireless Facilities
The following provides an analysis of the Development Criteria in accordance with CVMC
Section 19.89.060, the regulations for all wireless telecommunications facilities in terms of
height, design, and co -location of wireless facilities.
Height/Stealth Technology and Design
Section 19.89.060 of the CVMC indicates that the latest technology should be used in an effort to
reduce the height and that any replacement should, to the extent feasible, be both of equal of
greater technical capacity and reduced in size so as to reduce the visual and noise impacts.
The proposed stealth facility is designed to provide wireless telephone coverage for customers in
the vicinity of Telegraph Canyon Road, and surrounding neighborhoods. Verizon Wireless radio
engineers have determined that in order to meet the goal, the proposed 43 -foot tall monopalm
and 12 antertnas, are necessary to both provide uninterrupted coverage to their customers as well
as to expand the types of services provided. In order to maintain the existing level of coverage,
the proposed antenna location needs to maintain the sarne height as that of the existing site.
Since the existing antennas have a height of 38 feet, this is the height that needs to be maintained
by the replacement facility. The increase in height is to provide for the palm fronds which serve
to visually shield the antennas. The actual size of the proposed facility cannot be reduced as the
greater demands for coverage and capacity, especially data capacity, necessitates the use of more
equipment, more Remote Radio Unit's (RRUs), and larger antennas. Thus according to Verizon
Wireless engineers, this facility uses the smallest practical devices, and the most efficient
technology available.
The facility will use a total of 12 panel antennas mounted on a 43 -foot high monopahri that will
provide the necessary connections to operate the facility. This facility has been designed and
located to meet the current and anticipated needs of the Verizon Wireless network in the area.,
The facility is designed to resemble a palm tree to partially conceal the antennas. This stealth
design monopalm will be located within a landscaped planter area on the east side of the existing
commercial building, next to existing parking spaces. This stealth design facility provides visual
compatibility within the context of the existing parking lot landscaped design; therefore, the
project design complies with the City's design standards for requiring stealth facilities.
Co -location
Section 19.89.060 of the CVMC states that wireless facilities should allow for co -location to the
extent possible. The subject site with the use of the monopalm was found to be the best option
for providing additional wireless services. While co location by other carriers may be a
possibility in the future, the focus of the monopalm design has been to achieve the objectives of
Verizon while at the same time, providing a steath design which minimizes impacts to the
surrounding areas. There are no other wireless facilities on site which the Applicant would be
able to co -locate on thereby necessitating the proposed wireless facility (rnonopalm). The
existing on-site wireless facility (monoflag) will be removed and replaced by the proposed
facility.
Planning Commissim
CUP15-0032; PCC15-0032
March 22, 2017
Page No. 4
DECISION -MAKER CONFLICTS:
No Property within 500 feet
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the Planning Commission members and has found no
property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this
action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property -related financial
conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), for
purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code §87100, el seq.).
CONCLUSION:
The project is consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan and associated
documents. Based on the preceding information in this report, the use is desirable to meet the
needs for wireless telephone service of the residents in the surrounding areas. Staff recornmends
the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit, PCC15-032, an unmanned Wireless
Telecommunications Facility consisting of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a. 43 -ft high
antenna structure designed to resemble a palm tree, subject to the conditions listed in the attached
Resolution.
FISCAL IMPACT
The application fees and processing costs are paid for by the Applicant.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Locator Map
2. Planning Commission Resolution CUP 15-0032
3. Disclosure Statement
4. Project Plans
Prepared by: Jeff Steiclien, Associate Planner, Planning Division