HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6042-F Staff AnalysisJune 26, 2003
ITEM NO.: 15
NAME: Alltel — Tower Use Permit
LOCATION: 10700 Colonel Glenn Road
FILE NO.: Z -6042-F
OWNER/APPLICANT: Alltel Cellular Associates/Tracy E. Gill
PROPOSAL: Alltel Cellular is requesting approval of a deferral of
the requirement to install a screening fence and
landscape strip around the perimeter of this existing
wireless communication facility. The property is
zoned R-2.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS:
No Comments.
LANDSCAPING/SCREENING:
Landscaping is not required by the Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance.
Only WCF landscape and screening standards apply.
OTIFICATION:
All owners of property located within 200 feet of the site, all residents within 300
feet who could be identified and the John Barrow and SWLR United for Progress
Neighborhood Associations were notified of this issue.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT
(JUNE 5, 2003)
Tracy Gill was present representing the application. Staff presented the item
and explained the deferral request. Photographs of the site and surrounding
properties were shown. There were no other staff comments.
The Committee determined there were no other issues and forwarded the item to
the full Commission.
STAFF REPORT:
The Alltel Cellular Associates Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) located at
10700 Colonel Glenn Road consists of a 130 foot tall monopole tower and a 12
foot by 28 foot equipment shelter within a 40 foot by 60 foot lease area. The
lease area is within a 2.5t acre, R-2 zoned Central Arkansas Water site. The
parent tract is enclosed by a 6 foot tall chain-link fence and contains a large
June 26, 2003
ITEM NO.: 15 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z -6042-F
water tank and a second cellular tower site. Access to the water tank site and
the WCF's is via a gravel road off of Colonel Glenn Road, east of the Clear
Channel Metroplex. The road is gated near Colonel Glenn to prohibit access up
the hill to the site by unauthorized persons. The Alltel facility, with its 130 foot
tower, was approved through a conditional use permit granted by the Planning
Commission on October 31, 1995; prior to the adoption of the City's WCF
regulations.
Under the City's WCF Regulations, as adopted in January 1998 and
subsequently amended, the base of each WCF tower site is to be screened with
an 8 foot tall wood privacy fence and a 6 foot wide landscape strip containing
trees and shrubbery on each perimeter. Existing sites are to be brought into
compliance with the screening and landscaping provisions unless compliance is
deferred by the Planning Commission through the Tower Use Permit process.
Alltel Cellular is requesting approval of a deferral of the requirement to install the
required screening fence and landscaping on all 4 perimeters of the WCF site.
Staff is supportive of the Tower Use Permit and the requested screening and
landscaping deferral. The WCF is located within a water tank facility high on a
ridge with mature trees surrounding the site. Undeveloped, heavily wooded 0-2
and C-3 zoned properties abut the site to the north, east and south respectively.
Although there may eventually be development of these adjacent properties, the
terrain immediately adjacent to the water tank site makes it unlikely any
development will occur directly adjacent to the site. The 1-430 right-of-way is
adjacent and below, to the west. Mature trees and dense undergrowth on the
hillside provide screening from the interstate. There is no residential property
within the vicinity of this site. Central Arkansas Water supports the requested
deferral of all requirements. Any additional fencing or planting within the water
tank site is not conducive to operations at the facility.
Staff supports a deferral of the landscaping and screening until such time as a
"major change in circumstance" as defined in Section 36-593(c)(6) of the Code.
Section 36-593(c)(6) states a "major change in circumstance" means that:
(1) the area within 200 feet of the boundaries of the WCF tower site has
developed to the point that there is a virtually unobstructed view of the
tower site from any adjoining occupiable residential structure or from
public property or right-of-way, and
(2) the City has received a complaint from the owner of an occupiable
structure located within 200 feet of the tower site that the site has
insufficient landscaping or screening in place; and
2
June 26, 2003
ITEM NO.: 15 Cont. FILE NO.: Z -6042-F
(3) the City has requested that the parties resolve the issue by agreeing to
certain screening or landscaping requirements consistent with LRC §36-
593 which can be granted administratively by the Director of Planning and
Development, but no agreement has been reached, or sufficient
additional space around the site has been acquired to meet the
landscaping, setback and screening requirements of LRC §36-593.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Tower Use Permit.
Staff recommends approval of a deferral of the landscape and screening
requirements on all 4 perimeters of the WCF lease site until such time as a
"major change in circumstance" as defined in Section 36-593(c)(6) of the Code.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(JUNE 26, 2003)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented
the item and a recommendation of approval of the T.U.P. and of the landscape
and screening deferral as noted in the "Staff Recommendation" above.
There was no further discussion.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as recommended by
staff. The vote was 8 ayes, 0 noes, 2 absent and 1 recusing (Stebbins).
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