REPORT TO PLANNING AND DESIGN COMMISSION City of Sacramento

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REPORT TO PLANNING AND DESIGN COMMISSION City of Sacramento 915 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814-2671 www. CityofSacramento.

1 REPORT TO PLANNING AND DESIGN COMMISSION City of Sacramento 915 I Street, Sacramento, CA www. CityofSacramento.org PUBLIC HEARING September 11, 2014 To: Members of the Planning and Design Commission Subject: New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade (DR14-216) A request to extend the height of an existing 70-foot monopole and to replace six panel antennas on the monopole located within a 0.47-acre parcel in the Heavy Commercial (C-4) zone with a height limit of 75 feet. A. Environmental Determination: Exempt per CEQA Guidelines Sections Existing Facilities and 15061(b)(3)-No Significant Effect ; and B. Site Plan and Design Review with a deviation for height to extend an existing 70-foot monopole above the height limit. Location/Council District: 1771 Santa Ynez Way, Sacramento, CA Assessor s Parcel Number Council District 3 Recommendation: Staff recommends the Commission approve the request based on the findings and subject to the conditions listed in Attachment 1. The project is noncontroversial at the time of writing this report. The Commission has final approval authority over items A to B above, and its decision is appealable to City Council. Contact: David Hung, Associate Planner, (916) ; Luis Sanchez, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Architect, (916) Applicant: Crown Castle, Attn: Bryan Lincoln, (925) , 4301 Hacienda Drive, #410, Pleasanton, CA Owner: Ed Rincon, (916) , 1762 Santa Ynez Way, Sacramento, CA

2 Vicinity Map -~~~--- M Mo 0.2S 0.12S 0.2S DR Vicinity Map New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade 1771 Santa Y nez Way N + D.Hung I Aug

3 Summary: The applicant is proposing to extend the height of an existing 70-foot monopole and to replace six panel antennas on the monopole for an existing telecommunications facility in the C-4 zone. The project requires a Site Plan and Design Review to increase the height of a monopole beyond the height limit of the underlying zone. Staff has sent early notification to community groups in the surrounding neighborhood and has not received any opposition on the project at the writing of this report. Property owners within 300 feet of the site were notified of the public hearing. Table 1: Project Information General Plan designation: Traditional Neighborhood Low Density Design Review District: Citywide Existing zoning of site: Heavy Commercial (C-4) Existing use of site: Tow yard Property area: approximately 0.47 acres Background Information: The primary use on the site is the tow yard of a towing company. On December 9, 1999, the Planning Commission approved with conditions the Special Permit to construct a 75-foot slim-line telecommunications tower with six panel antennas and radome (P99-083). The monopole was constructed to a height of approximately 70 feet instead of the approved height of 75 feet. Subsequent approvals include the addition of three panel antennas to the monopole (Z01-132) and the addition of three antennas at a centerline height of 59 feet (Z06-071). Currently, the carriers Verizon and Sprint are collocating on the monopole. Applicant is proposing to extend the monopole by approximately 15 feet to allow relocation of existing antennas and replacement of existing antenna panels with new antenna panels. Public/Neighborhood Outreach and Comments: Staff routed the proposal to various neighborhood groups and associations which included East Sacramento Improvement Association, East Sacramento Preservation, McKinley East Sacramento Neighborhood Association, East Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA) and WalkSacramento. Staff has not received any comments from the aforementioned groups. Environmental Considerations: The Community Development Department, Environmental Planning Services Division has reviewed this project and determined that it is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 1, Section number 15301, and Class 2, Section number 15061(b)(3). The project consists of the minor alteration of an existing monopole, involving negligible expansion of use beyond that existing and where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. 3

4 Policy Considerations: General Plan The 2030 General Plan Update was adopted by City Council on March 3, The 2030 General Plan s goals, policies, and implementation programs define a roadmap to achieving Sacramento s vision to be the most livable city in America. The 2030 General Plan Update designation of the subject site is Traditional Neighborhood Low Density. The Traditional Neighborhood Low Density designation provides for moderate-intensity housing and neighborhood-support uses that include compatible public, quasi-public, and special uses. In regards to this proposal, the 2030 General Plan has identified goals and policies under the Land Use and Urban Design Element and the Utilities Element. Some of the goals and policies supported by this project are: Adequate Community Supporting Uses. The City shall seek to ensure that all manner of public and private community-supportive facilities and services are located throughout the city to provide places that serve the varied needs of the community, provide for community meeting places, and provide community and neighborhood landmark buildings and places. (Policy LU 8.1.2) Telecommunication Technology. Provide state-of-the-art telecommunication services for households, businesses, institutions, and public agencies throughout the city that connect Sacramento to the nation and world. (Goal U 7.1) Access and Availability. The City shall work with service providers to ensure access to and availability of a wide range of state-of-the-art telecommunication systems and services for households, businesses, institutions, and public agencies throughout the city. (Policy U 7.1.1) Adequate Facilities and Service. The City shall work with utility companies to retrofit areas that are not served by current telecommunication technologies and shall provide strategic long-range planning of telecommunication facilities for newly developing areas, as feasible. (Policy U 7.1.2) The proposed project meets the 2030 General Plan goals and policies related to the Utilities Element for the provision of state-of-the-art telecommunication systems in the city and to ensure access to and availability of these systems and services to households, businesses, institutions and public agencies throughout the city. Telecommunications Facilities Development Guidelines The Guidelines for Telecommunication Facilities, adopted by the City Council on April 29, 1997, provides guidance for siting preference and facility location as well as the construction and design of new telecommunication facilities. These guidelines emphasize minimizing the visibility of new telecommunication facilities through design and construction techniques. 4

5 The siting preference, listed in order of preference with the most preferred at the top, is: 1. Located completely within an existing or constructed structure 2. Existing structures (public or private) that allow a façade mounted antenna 3. Existing structures (public or private) which require a modification of the structure architecturally or in height in order to mount antennas (includes roof mounts) 4. Collocation on existing poles or light standards at a lower height 5. Collocation on existing poles or light standards at a higher height 6. New monopole (whether co-developed or single carrier) The guidelines serve to ensure that the telecommunications facility is able to coordinate and complement the existing design of the site and to minimize the impact of the facility with the existing site as well as the surrounding sites. Following are some of the elements of the guidelines: 1. Monopoles should be constructed of materials that match the prevalent poles and/or buildings and landscaping in the area or provide stealthing for the pole (i.e. wood, metal, palm/pine tree). 2. Antennas should be screened with stealthing material so as not to be visible (as much as possible). 3. Carriers should consider enclosing the antenna with another structure such as a sign or an architectural feature. 4. Carriers should consider the distance from residentially zoned properties when considering the placement of additional antennas on an existing monopole (or other collocation), or when installing a façade mounted antenna. The objective is to have the facility be invisible when viewed from the residentially zoned property. 5. Carriers should locate all equipment shelters or cabinets to the rear of existing buildings away from the streetscape view. The project proposes to extend the monopole by approximately 15 feet to allow relocation of existing antennas and replacement of existing antenna panels with new antenna panels with collocation of antennas. East Sacramento Community Plan The policies contained in the Central City Community Plan are organized to mirror the structure of the citywide 2030 General Plan elements. Staff believes the proposal supports the telecommunication needs of the residents in the East Sacramento area. Project Design: The project proposes to increase the height of an existing monopole by approximately 15-0 and to relocate and replace antennas at an existing telecommunications facility. Per section of the Planning and Development Code, a modification to an existing telecommunications tower is subject to site plan and design review. A commission-level review is required since the project proposes to increase the height of the monopole beyond the height limit of the zone and exceeds 60 feet in height. In 5

6 evaluating site plan and design review proposals of this type, the Commission is required to make the following findings: A. The design, layout, and physical characteristics of the proposed development are consistent with the general plan and any applicable specific plan or transit village plan; The proposed development is consistent with the goals and policies of the general plan land use designation of Traditional Neighborhood Low Density. The proposed modification to an existing telecommunications facility meets the 2030 General Plan s policy to ensure access to and availability of a wide range of state-of-the-art telecommunication systems and services for households, businesses, institutions, and public agencies throughout the city. B. The design, layout, and physical characteristics of proposed development are consistent with all applicable design guidelines and with all applicable development standards or, if deviations from design guidelines or development standards are approved, the proposed development is consistent with the purpose and intent of the applicable design guidelines and development standards; The proposed development is consistent with applicable design standards of the Guidelines for Telecommunication Facilities in that the proposed antennas are slim-line or contained in a radome to minimize obtrusiveness. C. All streets and other public access ways and facilities, parking facilities, and utility infrastructure are adequate to serve the proposed development and comply with all applicable design guidelines and development standards; The project has been analyzed by City departments and it is determined that all streets and other public access ways and facilities, parking facilities, and utility infrastructure are adequate to serve the proposed development and comply with all applicable design guidelines and development standards. D. The design, layout, and physical characteristics of the proposed development are visually and functionally compatible with the surrounding neighborhood; The proposed development is visually and functionally compatible with the surrounding neighborhood by being located on a commercial property that is buffered from residential properties by other commercial properties. E. The design, layout, and physical characteristics of the proposed development ensure energy consumption is minimized and use of renewable energy sources is encouraged; The proposed development will be required to comply with building code and safety standards in its construction through the building permitting process. F. The design, layout, and physical characteristics of the proposed development are not detrimental to the public health, safety, convenience, or welfare of persons 6

7 residing, working, visiting, or recreating in the surrounding neighborhood and will not result in the creation of a nuisance. The proposed development is not detrimental to the public health, safety, convenience, or welfare of persons residing, working, visiting, or recreating in the surrounding neighborhood and will not result in the creation of a nuisance in that: 1) the proposal is located within a secured area on the subject site and will not interfere with the operation of the site, and 2) the addition of approximately 15 of height to an existing pole will have minimal impact on the aesthetics of the site and to the surrounding properties. Access, Circulation and Parking The proposed unmanned telecommunications facility is located within a secured tow yard site enclosed with fencing. The facility is also enclosed within a fenced area within the site. The telecommunications facility, including the monopole and related equipment, does not impede on the existing pattern of circulation and parking within the site. Height and Setbacks The proposed overall height of the monopole with the proposed extension is approximately 85-0, which exceeds the maximum height of 75-0 allowed in the Heavy Commercial (C-4) zone. The approval of a commission-level site plan and design review is required for the modification of an existing monopole that increases the height of the monopole beyond the height limit of the zone and exceeds 60 feet in height. The proposed project does not modify existing setbacks on the site. Design The subject telecommunications facility is located within an existing fenced area at the southeast corner of the site. The existing monopole will remain in the existing location. A total of six existing panel antennas are to be removed, three at 36-0 centerline and three at 60-0 centerline. The monopole will be extended approximately 15-0 to new overall height of A total of six new slim-line antennas will replace the six antennas that are removed; three antennas will be located at 63-0 centerline and three antennas will be located at 71-0 centerline. New diplexers are mounted behind each of the six new panel antennas. Existing antennas within a radome at 66-0 centerline will be relocated to 80-7 centerline. Twelve (12) existing 7/8 coax cables will be replaced with twelve (12) new 1-5/8 coax cables. Existing equipment on the ground will remain. Recommendation: Staff recommends the Commission approve the requested entitlements based on the findings and subject to the conditions listed in Attachment 1. The proposal modifies an existing telecommunications facility to allow better cellular coverage for the surrounding neighborhood. 7

8 Recommen~n ~pproved: ~<JY0 Table of Contents: Page 1 Report Page 9 Attachment 1: Proposed Findings of Fact and Conditions of Approval Page 12 Exhibit 1A: Title Sheet Page 13 Exhibit 18: Boundary Plan Page 14 Exhibit 1 C: Site and Antenna Plans Page 15 Exhibit 1 D: Elevations and Details Page 16 Exhibit 1 E: Aerial Map Page 17 Exhibit 1 F: Photo-simulation View #1 Page 18 Exhibit 1 G: Photo-simulation View #2 Page 19 Attachment 2: Land Use & Zoning Map 8

9 Findings of Fact Attachment 1: Proposed Findings of Fact and Conditions of Approval New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade (DR14-216) 1771 Santa Ynez Way, Sacramento, CA A. Environmental Determination: Exempt 1. Based on the determination and recommendation of the City s Environmental Planning Services Manager and the oral and documentary evidence received at the hearing on the Project, the Planning and Design Commission finds that the Project is exempt from review under Section Existing Facilities and 15061(b)(3)-No Significant Effect, of the California Environmental Quality Act, as follows: The project consists of the minor alteration of an existing monopole, involving negligible expansion of use beyond that existing and where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. There would be no additional significant cumulative effect that was not evaluated in the Master EIR for the 2030 General Plan. B. The Site Plan and Design Review with a deviation for height to extend an existing 70-foot monopole above the height limit is approved subject to the following Findings of Fact and Conditions of Approval: 1. The proposed development is consistent with the goals and policies of the general plan land use designation of Traditional Neighborhood Low Density. The proposed modification to an existing telecommunications facility meets the 2030 General Plan s policy to ensure access to and availability of a wide range of state-of-the-art telecommunication systems and services for households, businesses, institutions, and public agencies throughout the city. 2. The proposed development is consistent with applicable design standards of the Guidelines for Telecommunication Facilities in that the proposed antennas are slim-line or contained in a radome to minimize obtrusiveness. 3. The project has been analyzed by City departments and it is determined that all streets and other public access ways and facilities, parking facilities, and utility infrastructure are adequate to serve the proposed development and comply with all applicable design guidelines and development standards. 9

10 Conditions of Approval 4. The proposed development is visually and functionally compatible with the surrounding neighborhood by being located on a commercial property that is buffered from residential properties by other commercial properties. 5. The proposed development will be required to comply with building code and safety standards in its construction through the building permitting process. 6. The proposed development is not detrimental to the public health, safety, convenience, or welfare of persons residing, working, visiting, or recreating in the surrounding neighborhood and will not result in the creation of a nuisance in that: 1) the proposal is located within a secured area on the subject site and will not interfere with the operation of the site, and 2) the addition of approximately 15 of height to an existing pole will have minimal impact on the aesthetics of the site and to the surrounding properties. B. The Site Plan and Design Review with a deviation for height to extend an existing 70-foot monopole above the height limit is hereby approved subject to the following conditions: Planning Division B1. The applicant shall obtain all necessary building permits prior to commencing construction. B2. The subject monopole shall not exceed an overall height of approximately 85-0 from grade and the location and size of antennas and related equipment shall conform to the plans submitted. B3. Any modification of the plans, additional antenna panels and increase in the height of the monopole shall require Planning review and approval. B4. Should the applicant ever discontinue using the panels or equipment cabinets, then the applicant shall remove the telecommunications equipment within six months of termination. B5. The extension to the monopole shall be finished or painted to complement the existing lower portion. B6. The proposed cable run from the monopole to the equipment shelter shall either be ground level, or underground. 10

11 B7. The applicant shall obtain all necessary federal telecommunication permits prior to commencing construction. Advisory Notes 1. An affidavit signed by the applicant that affirms the plans submitted for building permit comply with all conditions of approval and approved exhibits, as well as the development standards in Title 17 of the City Code, shall be included as part of the building permit submittal. (Planning Division) 2. The subject property is outside the boundaries of the SASD but within the Urban Service Boundary and SRCSD shown on the Sacramento County General Plan. SRCSD will provide ultimate conveyance and treatment of the sewer generated from this site, but the Sacramento City Utilities Department s approval will be required for local sewage service. (Sacramento Area Sewer District) 11

12 Subject: New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade (DR14-216) September 11, 2014 Exhibit 1A: Title Sheet 12

13 Subject: New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade (DR14-216) September 11, 2014 Exhibit 1B: Boundary Plan 13

14 Subject: New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade (DR14-216) September 11, 2014 Exhibit 1C: Site and Antenna Plans 14

15 Subject: New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade (DR14-216) September 11, 2014 Exhibit 1D: Elevations and Details 15

16 Exhibit 1E: Aerial Map ~ veri~~s ~N~ew~H~e~l v~~~m~ ~s~i re~#~8~77~1~6~2~ ~a~e~r"~ a~i ~M~a~p 1771 Santa Ynez Way Sacramento, CA 16

17 Exhibit 1F: Photo-simulations View #1 ~ verizrltwiretoss :_N:..: e.:... w...:h.:...e:..: lv.:...e:..: t:..: la:... :S:.:. It:..: e...c#_8:..:7...:: 7...:: 1.:.c 62= =Lc.::. o.:.c o:.:: kl.:... n~g-=e:.:: a.:.c st'-'f.:.c ro:..:m.:..:...::s:.:: a.:... n.:: ta:.:.y:..:n.:...e:..: z...cw_a...<.. y 1771 Santa Ynez Way View #2 6130/14 Sacramento, CA Appled tmagmlion sto P OSOO 17

18 Exhibit 1G: Photo-simulations View #2 proposed antennas ~ ~~~~ ----~N ~H~e~lv~e~t i~a ~S~i te~#~87~7~1~6~ ~l~o~o~k~in~g~n~o~rt~h=e~as~t~rr~o~m~h~wy~5~0~0~n~r~a=m~p 6130/ Santa Ynez Way View #1 Sacramento, CA ~l>f)it~~s,o91<

19 Attachment 2: Land Use and Zoning Map New Helvetia Verizon Wireless Upgrade 1771 Santa Ynez Way Land Use & Zoning Map 150 D. Hung I Aug

REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION City of Sacramento

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