STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning & Zoning Commission Members
FROM: Planning Division Staff
REQUEST:Title
A Request for a Conditional Use Permit to Allow for the Co-Location by Verizon Wireless on an Existing Cellular Communication Tower in the R-4/PD(Multi-Family Residential Planned Development) District
Body
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Application No.: 15-0243 (15-00300005)
Property Legal: APN; 105-15-036 Tract 2271, Block 4, Lot 13; Tract 2273 Par A
Lot Size: 5.8 acres
Applicant: Verizon Wireless (Reg Destree)
Owner: SBA Towers
Staff Project Manager: Stuart Schmeling
Current / Proposed Zoning: R-4/PD, Residential Planned Development
Existing / Proposed Use: Cell Tower
PROPERTY AND APPLICATION BACKGROUND:
In 2002 SBA Towers erected several towers throughout Lake Havasu City. Each tower was constructed to accommodate up to four individual cellular service providers. This tower is located at 2700 Jamaica Boulevard South, in the R-4, Multi-Family District. The Site Map is provided as Attachment #1. Verizon Wireless has requested to co-locate on the existing tower to improve in-home coverage in the area and to upgrade its system overall in the southern area of Lake Havasu City. Their Letter of Intent is provided as Attachment #2. The proposed antenna array will be located just below the top of the existing tower as indicated on the Elevation/Proposed Elevation, Attachment #3. The overall height of the tower will not change as a result of this application.
SITE ANALYSIS:
The existing tower compound is a 60 foot x 60 foot area located in the southern portion of the 5.8 acre property. The existing tower is enclosed by a block wall. There is currently no equipment located outside the walled area. None of the proposed improvements will be located outside the walled area.
FINDINGS REQUIRED FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT:
A conditional use permit may be granted only upon findings by the Planning Commission that the proposal meets all of the criteria set forth in Section 14.44.050(G) (Conditional Use Permits) of the Lake Havasu City Code. Staff findings for each of the criteria are as follows:
Section 14.44.050(G)(1)
A co-location is allowed by a conditional use permit. The existing tower was approved through a conditional use permit and is allowed within the R-4/PD, Residential Multi-Family Planned Development Zoning District. There are no specific Development Code requirements for the addition of an antenna array on an existing tower other than approval through the conditional use permit process.
Section 14.44.050(G)(2)
The Public Facilities and Services section of the General Plan sets forth a goal to work with non-municipal service providers to improve and expand service levels. A policy within the same section encourages working with communication providers to implement upgrades in telecommunication capabilities. The request for co-location is consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.
Section 14.44.050(G)(3)
The proposed improvements will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not allow local jurisdictions to regulate communication facilities based on health issues.
Section 14.44.050(G)(4)
The proposed improvements will not be detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood. This can be justified by the tower and other antenna arrays being in use in the area for years. There are no known issues reported.
Section 14.44.050(G)(5)
The 5.8 acre site is more than sufficient for the existing tower and co-location on the tower. Access to and from the tower site is adequate and has not been an issue to date.
Section 14.44.050(G)(6)
The location and operating characteristics of the existing tower have not been an issue and the proposed improvements will not be a further detriment to the area. The aesthetic values, character, scale, and view protection will not be compromised with the improvements. These issues were addressed with the communication tower approval.
Conclusion
Based on the above information, Staff finds that the request meets all review criteria necessary to approve the proposed improvements to the existing antenna array.
ATTACHMENTS:
Site Map
Letter of Intent
Elevation/Proposed Elevation
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that application 15-0243 be approved by the Commission.
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended Action
I move to approve item number 15-0243 allowing the proposed co-location for Verizon Wireless on the existing tower at 2700 Jamaica Blvd S.