|
Back to Calendar
Return
|
| |
Item # 1.
|
| Town Council Regular Session |
|
|
|
| Information |
| SUBJECT: |
| DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A PROPOSED COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY (CELL TOWER ON A LIGHT POLE) ON THE CANYON DEL ORO HIGH SCHOOL GROUNDS, LOCATED AT 25 W. CALLE CONCORDIA |
| RECOMMENDATION: |
The Conceptual Design Review Board (CDRB) has recommended approval.
|
| EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: |
The purpose of this request is to consider the placement of a proposed cell tower adjacent to a Canyon del Oro High School sports field, located at 25 W. Calle Concordia. If approved, it will be installed on a replacement light pole on the east side of the football field and near the southern goal line. A location map is provided as Attachment 1.
The applicant proposes to replace an existing light pole with a slightly lower pole (from 81’ and 4” to 80’), mount cellular antenna arrays below the stadium lights, and install a canister (or shroud) around several antenna arrays (Attachment 2).
The proposed cell tower was considered by the CDRB on July 12, 2016, which recommended approval based on the finding that the proposed cell tower blends in with other tall vertical elements (e.g. cell tower, two dozen-plus light poles, school buildings, etc.) found on the property and the adjacent park. |
| BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION: |
Land Use Context
The existing zoning and land uses for the property and the surrounding area are provided in Attachments 1 and 3.
Site Conditions
- Site is 38.53 acres
- Property contains an existing cell tower and several athletic fields with approximately 36 stadium lights
Approvals to Date
- Canyon del Oro High School built in 1964
- Existing cell tower built in 2004
Proposed Cell Tower Design
The proposed improvements include:
- Replacing an existing light pole with a slightly lower pole (from 81’ and 4” to 80’)
- Mounting antenna arrays below existing stadium lights
- Installing a canister or shroud around several antenna arrays
- Painting the canister to match surrounding stadium light poles
- Ground equipment enclosed by a block wall
Zoning Conformance
The proposed cell tower meets the Tier II Minor Communication Facility requirements of the Zoning Code. The code requires that the applicant incorporate methods to reduce visual impacts, which has been accomplished by slimmer antenna arrays, adding and painting a canister to match the surrounding stadium light poles, and reducing the existing light pole height. A detailed analysis is provided in the CDRB staff report (Attachment 4).
Compatibility
The proposed cell tower is compatible with the surrounding area because it blends in with other tall vertical elements (e.g. stadium lights and cell tower) found on the property and the adjacent park. A map and photos of the vertical elements are included as Attachment 5.
It is important to note that the proposed cell tower has a low visibility from the surrounding homes. The reason is due to the site being at least 1,000 ft. away from the nearest home and the extent of vegetation and buildings screening the proposed tower. Photo simulations of the proposed cell tower are provided in Attachment 2 and photos of the existing site (stadium light pole) are provided in Attachment 6.
General Plan Conformance
The proposed cell tower has been reviewed and conforms with all applicable General Plan Policies, which focus on reducing the visual impacts. The proposed cell tower will have a minimal impact on the existing views because it will be installed on a replacement light pole and is surrounded by other tall vertical elements (e.g. cell tower, stadium light poles and tall buildings). It is important to note that most of the surrounding homes are located to the north and south of the site, and the view of the Catalina Mountains is to the east and away from the site.
Public Participation
Notice to the public was provided consistent with Town-adopted procedures, which include the following:
- Residents within 600’ feet and beyond
- Posting at Town Hall
- All registered HOAs
Two neighborhood meetings were held, the first on May 16, 2016, with approximately seven residents, and the second meeting on June 21, 2016, with one resident in attendance. The main topics discussed at the meetings included public health concerns and improving the aesthetics of the proposed cell tower. The neighborhood meeting summary notes and a letter of objection are provided as Attachments 7 and 8, respectively..
Conceptual Design Review Board
The proposed cell tower was considered by the CDRB on July 12, 2016. The topics discussed at the meeting focused on:
- Cell tower design: The CDRB did not have any objections to the proposed cell tower design, which included a slightly lower light pole, cellular antenna arrays installed below the stadium lights, and a canister around the proposed antenna arrays.
- Public health: During the Call to the Audience, a resident expressed concern about potential health impacts to students and neighboring property owners. The CDRB was informed that federal law prohibits local municipalities from denying wireless communication facilities based on perceived public health concerns.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the CDRB recommended approval based on the finding that the proposed cell tower design blends in with other tall vertical elements (e.g. cell tower, two dozen-plus light poles, school buildings, etc.) found in the school and the adjacent park. The CDRB staff report and meeting minutes are provided as Attachments 4 and 9, respectively. |
| FISCAL IMPACT: |
| N/A |
| SUGGESTED MOTION: |
I MOVE to approve the proposed communication facility at Canyon del Oro High School, finding that the request is compatible with the surrounding area and meets the applicable zoning provisions.
OR
I MOVE to deny the proposed communication facility at Canyon del Oro High School, based on
__________________________________.
|
|
|
|