HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5941-A Staff AnalysisAugust 31, 1998
Item No..
File No.
Owner•
Address•
Description:
Zoned•
variance ReQuested:
Justification•
Present Use of Propert :
Proposed Use of Propel:
Staff Report:
A. Public works Issues:
No issues
B. Staff Analysis:
Z -5941-A
Signal Media of Arkansas, Inc.
2400 Cottondale Lane
Tract F -2A, Riverdale Addition
I-2
A variance is requested from the
tower height provisions of Section
36-201 to permit a 195 foot tall
radio tower.
The applicant's justification is
presented in an attached letter.
Radio station
Radio station
Signal Media of Arkansas, Inc. operates radio stations KSYG,
"The Signal, Talk 103.7" and KKPT, "The Point 94.1" from its
studios located at 2400 Cottondale Lane. The applicant is
seeking a variance from the tower height provisions of
Section 36-201 to permit construction of a 195 foot tall
tower on this I-2 zoned property. The code limits the
height of metal, ground -mounted towers to 75 feet.
The purpose of the tower would be to support microwave
antennas to allow the stations to transit audio and control
signals to the main transmitter site located on Shinnall
Mountain. The property at 2400 Cottondale Lane is located
at a low elevation on the banks of the Arkansas River and
there is a ridge (Cantrell Hill/The Heights) within a half -
mile blocking a line of sight path between the property and
Shinnall Mountain. To send a signal over this ridge to the
Shinnall Mountain transmitter, a 195 foot tower is
necessary.
The audio signal is currently being transmitted from a short
tower on the roof of the property which is at the maximum
August 31, 1998
Item No.: 2
height permitted without a variance. The existing location
and height do not provide a clear line of sight to the
microwave receiving dish on Shinnall Mountain because of the
height of the ridge on Cantrell Hill. Under normal
circumstances enough of the transmitted signal is reflecting
up and over the Cantrell Hill ridge to reach the transmitter
site and broadcast an adequate signal for both stations.
When excessive wind or inclement weather (such as rain, snow
or ice) are present, however, the already diluted signal
becomes even weaker and drops in and out sometimes causing a
total loss of signal. This problem is made even more acute
when there is heavy foliage on the trees.
On April 21, 1986, Signal Media appeared before the Board
requesting a variance to allow a 200 foot tall tower on this
site. At that time, staff offered a recommendation of
approval subject to the tower being painted a neutral color
so as to lessen the visual impact from a distance, and
further that no signs were to be permitted on the structure.
There were no objectors present at the Board meeting. After
a lengthy discussion, a motion was made to approve the
application. The motion failed for lack of an affirmative
vote. The vote was 4 ayes, 2 noes, 1 absent and 2 open
positions.
After the 2 open positions were filled, the applicant
requested a rehearing. That request was denied by the
Board.
On January 30, 1995, Signal Media again appeared before the
Board requesting a variance to allow a 200 foot tall tower.
Staff's recommendation was approval in this instance as
well. The item was deferred to the next meeting to allow
Board members to visit the site and to allow the applicant
an opportunity to prepare drawings or photographs showing
the tower. After discussion at the February 27, 1995
meeting, a vote was taken on the variance. The vote was 4
ayes, 4 noes, 0 absent and 1 open position. Due to a lack
of 5 votes, either for or against the item, it was deferred
to the March 27, 1995 meeting. One letter of opposition was
received and one objector was present at the March meeting.
After a brief discussion, a vote was taken and the variance
was denied.
Staff feels that the applicant has presented adequate
justification for the variance request. The proposed tower
is located on an I-2 zoned property. Several three story
buildings are located along Cottondale Lane. The large
Alltel Campus is adjacent to the northwest.
Two large six -story buildings and one large seven story
building are located on the Alltel property. Alltel has
recently announced the proposed construction of a new
building on its property. This new office building will
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August 31, 1998
Item No.: 2 Cont.
have a maximum height of 200 feet. Staff does not believe
that the proposed tower will have a negative impact on
adjacent properties.
An additional benefit of the proposed tower is Signal
Media's offer to make the tower available for co -location
with cellular service providers. This could preclude the
need for a cellular tower in the area.
Signal Media states that the tower will not need to be
painted standard aviation colors since it is below the
minimum FAA height requirements for aviation markings.
Instead, the tower will be painted a light blue/gray color
to blend in with the skyline. The tower will be self -
supported and will not require guy wires.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested tower height
variance subject to compliance with the following
conditions:
1. The tower is to be painted a neutral color such as light
blue/gray so as to lessen its visual impact.
2.,No signs or logos are to be placed on the tower.
HOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(AUGUST 31, 1998)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval subject
to compliance with the conditions outlined in the staff
recommendation.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved subject to
compliance with the following conditions:
1. The tower is to be painted a neutral color such as light
blue/gray so as to lessen its visual impact.
2. No signs or logos are to be placed on the tower.
The vote was 5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
3