02/27/2008 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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the need for improved cell service along the west end of town, and recommended the applicant pursue commercially zoned properties along Lorain Road that do not abut single family developments. The proposed location would provide the needed cell coverage and distance itself from single family residential developments. The tower is 170 feet tall, extendable to 190 feet. The grade of the site is lower to the rear, losing 20 feet +/- from Lorain Road to the location of the tower. The nearest structure to the cell tower is the newly constructed building at Welcome House, which is 240 feet away. The compound will be surrounded by a 6 foot high board on board fence and a landscape buffer 15 feet wide consisting of 35 spruce trees planted 6 feet in height. The applicant proposes to install 22 bollards around the south and east sides of the compound however she does not believe they are necessary and will detract from the landscape buffering. Mr. Conway said one variance was required for the pole location relative to the setback of the residential property line. Mr. Collins advised that since his memo of February 19, 2008 he had been speaking with the applicant's civil engineer regarding storm water management and he will comply with storm water management requirements. Mr. O'Malley advised the Commission to lead with discussion pertaining to the rezoning matter prior to proceeding onto the other topics. The Commission's recommendations should include whether the proposal is consistent with the Master Plan. The Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Overlay District for the city was adopted in the late 90's to allow the city the right to regulate the location of wireless towers. Mr. Lasko questioned if the rezoning and proposed location for the cell tower followed the Master Plan. Ms. Wenger advised that the Master Plan did not address telecommunications towers specifically; however it does recommend elimination of split zoning on parcels such as those which are found along Lorain Road. It is highly unlikely that the rear landlocked section could ever be developed residentially. Mr. Bohlmann questioned if towers had height restrictions. Ms. Wenger said towers could not exceed 200 feet in height and the proposed tower shows a maximum height of 190 feet. Mr. Sindyla said the tower would abut Bradley Woods and is located 560 feet from Lorain Road. The closest residential neighbors are across the street through dense vegetation and on Elmhurst Road. Lots along Lorain Road which are used residentially are zoned General Retail Business. An aerial photo showing the vegetation surrounding the site was discussed. The equipment shelter will be 1800 square feet and include a 6 foot high board on board fence and landscaping to ensure the equipment area is buffered from view. The request for rezoning is based on the fact that the property is split zoned and the residential portion that is landlocked could never be developed residentially. The existing towing business blocks the equipment shelter from view of Lorain Road. T-Mobile requires a 170 foot height for coverage and the additiona120 foot area above is to allow a possible co-locator the additional height if needed. The space below the 170 foot height will accommodate two additional co-locators. He said all their antennas in the area are co-locators on other carrier's towers. The area without coverage has no structures which meet the height limitations to place a tower on. Allowing the proposed tower will assist them in meeting federal mandate of having uninterrupted coverage. The font of the parcel is used by an