HomeMy WebLinkAboutCUP 99-14A; T-Mobile SD06295 Carlsbad High School; Conditional Use Permit (CUP)The City of Carlsbad Planning Department
A REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Item No.
P.C. AGENDA OF: February 4, 2009
Application complete date: October 21, 2008
Project Planner: Dan Halverson
Project Engineer: Tecla Levy
SUBJECT: CUP 99-14(A) - T-MOBILE-CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL WCF - Request
for approval of a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to allow the removal of an
existing Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) from an athletic field sports
light standard, the placement of a temporary mobile WCF on site during the
construction phase of improvements, and the installation, operation, and
maintenance of an unmanned Wireless Communication Facility consisting of
three (3) sectors of four antennas, (12 total), mounted to a new athletic field sports
light standard with an equipment enclosure at the base of the light pole. The
project site is located at 3557 Monroe Street, within Carlsbad High School
grounds and in Local Facilities Management Zone 1.
I. RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission ADOPT Planning Commission Resolution No. 6528
APPROVING CUP 99-14(A) for a period often (10) years, based on the findings and subject to
the conditions contained therein.
II. INTRODUCTION
This application is a request for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to allow the removal of an
existing Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) from an athletic field sports light standard, the
placement of a temporary mobile WCF on site during the construction phase, and the installation,
operation, and maintenance of an unmanned Wireless Communication Facility consisting of
three (3) sectors of four antennas, (12 total), mounted to a new athletic field sports light standard.
The high school is zoned Open Space (OS) and Wireless Communication Facilities are permitted
in this zone by Conditional Use Permit (CUP). All required findings for the CUP can be made
for the proposed WCF, and staff recommends approval of the proposed facility.
III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
The Carlsbad High School site is a large parcel (29 acres) that is bordered by Basswood Avenue
to the north, Chestnut Avenue to the south, Monroe Street to the east, and Valley Street to the
west. The school site is currently undergoing renovations which include the relocation of the
school's athletic field, bleachers, and sports lights from the center of the campus to the northeast
section of the school property near Basswood Avenue and Monroe Street. The school property is
surrounded by single-family residences, multi-family apartments, and several churches.
The Conditional Use Permit (CUP 99-14) for the existing WCF was first approved by the
Planning Commission on November 17, 1999 and allowed for the installation of six panelo
CUP 99-14(A) - T-MOBILE-CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL WCF
February 4, 2009
Page 2
antennas on a 70 foot tall sports light standard, on the east side of the existing athletic field.
Because of the technology at the time of installation the existing antennas are approximately five
feet from the light pole. The equipment cabinet is located at the foot of the light, 25 feet to the
northeast, and is enclosed with a 6 foot chain link fence and landscaping to screen the enclosure.
Through CUP 99-14 (A) this WCF will be removed with the removal of the light standard and
relocated to the new light standard at the southeast corner of the new athletic field.
The WCF proposal consists of three (3) sectors of four (4) antennas (12 total) mounted to a 100
foot tall steel light pole. The antenna sectors will be located approximately 70 feet up the light
standard to the center of the antennas. The antennas are mounted at this height range to meet the
Radio Frequency (RF) calculations of clearance from solid interference (obstructions) and FCC
standards. The 12 antennas are approximately 1 foot wide by 4 !/2 feet long and will be attached
to the pole with brackets that extend from the light pole 3 to 5 feet. The 3 foot separation is as
close as feasible to the light pole as the technology allows and will be painted to match and blend
in with the light pole. The new light pole and antennas will still be internally located on the site
and with newer technology allowing the antennas to be in tighter to the light pole will be an
improvement over the existing pole antennas thus creating a more stealth appearance and thus
conforming to City Council Policy 64.
Also as part of the permit a 10 by 20 foot equipment area is proposed. The proposed equipment
area will contain the equipment cabinets (3), power and telco cabinets (2), and a cable housing
cabinet. The equipment area will be located adjacent to the light pole and surrounded by an 8
foot chain link fence. The school is providing minimal landscaping to screen the area from the
public view but the site is internal to the school grounds, located next to the grandstand
bleachers, and will not be seen from outside the school grounds.
A temporary Wireless Facility is proposed to be located on-site at the intersection of Basswood
Avenue and Monroe Street during construction of the athletic field. This temporary site will
include a 45 foot antenna which has the equipment self-contained and mobile so that the T-
Mobile service in the area will not be interrupted. The location of the temporary antennae in
close proximity to Basswood Avenue and Monroe Street intersection and approximately 80-100
feet from the nearest residence is proposed for several reasons. First, since the northeast corner
of the school property is already planned as a construction staging area during the remodel, the
location of a temporary WCF in this area will not significantly impact surrounding residences.
This area will be fenced and secured so that the WCF will not be disturbed during construction.
The applicant has submitted a noise study that shows that the equipment noise at 18 feet away
meets the City's Noise Guidelines of 45 dBA CNEL since the nearest residence is 80 to 100 feet
away no noise impacts will occur. Furthermore, in that the necessary power connections for the
facility are located within the street right-of-way the area is optimal for power source and
connection for the temporary WCF to operate. Finally, the area is on a higher grade then other
sites on school grounds and will offer the best uninterrupted service for the temporary WCF. The
temporary WCF will be eliminated when the proposed new WCF is constructed and working.
The proposed project is subject to the following regulations:
A. H - High School General Plan Land Use Designation;
B. OS - Open Space Zone (Chapter 21.33 of the Zoning Ordinance);
C. Conditional Use Permit regulations (Chapter 21.42 of the Zoning Ordinance);
CUP 99-14(A) - T-MOBILE-CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL WCF
February 4, 2009
Page 3
D. Wireless Communication Facilities Policy (City Council Policy Statement No. 64); and
E. Growth Management.
IV. ANALYSIS
A. High School General Plan (H) Land Use Designation
The project site is designated High School (H) on the City's General Plan Land Use Map. The
proposed WCF project is consistent with the High School General Plan Land Use designation in
that the High School Land Use designation does not preclude the provision of WCF uses. The
WCF was a previously permitted use and this application is amending the CUP to allow it to
continue the use. The proposed WCF use will also serve the residential, business community,
and region as a whole, including emergency services. Therefore, the proposed WCF use is
consistent with the High School General Plan Land Use designation.
B. Open Space (OS) Zones, Chapter 21.33 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code
The proposed WCF is located within the Carlsbad High School grounds, which is in the Open
Space (OS) Zone. Wireless Communication Facilities, such as the proposed project, are allowed
in all zones including the Open Space (OS) Zone with approval of a CUP. The required CUP
findings (discussed in Section C below) can be made for the proposed WCF as it is a desirable
public convenience and is compatible with its surroundings.
The proposed WCF is mounted to an existing 100 foot tall athletic field sports light standard at a
maximum height of 68 feet, which exceeds the maximum 25 foot height limit permitted by the
OS Zone; however, a higher elevation may be approved through a CUP issued by the Planning
Commission. Therefore, with Planning Commission approval of this CUP (CUP 99-14(A)) the
proposed project complies with the development standards of the O-S zone.
C. Conditional Use Permit Regulations, Chapter 21.42 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code
Conditional uses such as WCFs possess unique and special characteristics that make it
impractical to include them as permitted uses "by right" in any of the various zoning
classifications (i.e. residential, commercial, office, industrial). The authority for the location and
operation of these uses is subject to City Council Policy Statement No. 64 - Wireless
Communication Facilities Policy (see discussion D below), Planning Commission review, and
the issuance of CUP. Staff has reviewed the proposed project and found that all the necessary
findings can be made to approve the CUP Amendment. The required findings and satisfaction of
these findings are provided in Table 1 below.
CUP 99-14(A) - T-MOBILE-CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL WCF
February 4, 2009
Page 4
TABLE 1 - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS
FINDING PROJECT CONSISTENCY
That the requested use is necessary or desirable
for the development of the community, is
essentially in harmony with the various elements
and objectives of the General Plan, including, if
applicable, the certified Local Coastal Program,
Specific Plan, or Master Plan
The requested use is necessary and desirable
for the development of the community
because of the benefit and demand for
digital communications and data
transmissions for businesses, individuals,
public agencies, and emergency service
systems. The proposed use is consistent
with the General Plan in that the High
School Land Use designation does not
preclude the provision of WCF uses, nor is
it detrimental to existing permitted uses in
the vicinity in that the WCF is integrated
into a light standard, is designed so that the
antennas will be 3 feet apart and attached as
close to the light standard as allowed thus
exhibiting stealth design while only minor
alterations to the site are proposed to install
the WCF.
That the requested use is not detrimental to
existing uses or to uses specifically permitted in
the zone in which the proposed use is to be
located.
That the use is not detrimental to existing "uses
or to uses specifically permitted in the zone in
which the proposed use is to be located in that
visual impacts will be minimal as the
proposed equipment area is only seen by
internal users of the school, is located adjacent
to the grandstand bleachers, and will not be
seen from outside the school grounds. The
panel antennas are not considered detrimental
to the existing residential uses in that the 12
panel antennas are proposed to be mounted to
a 100 foot tall steel light pole and the antennas
are mounted as close to the light pole as
technology will allow thus reducing an
outward noticeable appearance thereby
minimizing any visual impacts. The
temporary WCF is not detrimental to
surrounding existing residences in that it will
be located within an existing construction
staging area, the project has submitted a noise
study that shows that the equipment noise at
18 feet away meets the City's Noise
Guidelines of 45 dBA CNEL and the nearest
residence is 80 to 100 feet away, and the
temporary WCF will only exist until the
permanent WCF is constructed and operating.
CUP 99-14(A) - T-MOBILE-CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL WCF
February 4, 2009
Page 5
TABLE 1 - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS CONTINUED
FINDING PROJECT CONSISTENCY
That the site for the proposed conditional use is
adequate in size and shape to accommodate the
yards, setbacks, walls, fences, parking, loading
facilities, buffer areas, landscaping and other
development features prescribed in this code and
required by the planning director, planning
commission or city council, in order to integrate
the use with other uses in the neighborhood.
The equipment area complies with the OS
Zone development standards, exhibits
stealth type design, and is screened by
minor landscaping to further reduce its
visibility from public view. The location of
the panel antennas on the light pole will
reduce the visual impact of the WCF by
eliminating the need to install a new
separate pole structure to achieve the needed
height to provide WCF coverage for the
area. The O-S zone contains only one
relevant development standard: a 25-foot
maximum height unless a higher elevation is
approved by a CUP issued by the Planning
Commission. The antennas are mounted at a
height of 68 feet to meet the Radio
Frequency (RF) calculations of clearance
from solid interference (obstructions) and
FCC standards. The antenna panels will be
mounted as close to the pole as
technologically feasible and are conditioned
to be painted to match and blend in with the
light pole. The site for the temporary WCF
meets all setbacks and will be screened by
construction fencing.
That the street system serving the proposed use is
adequate to properly handle all traffic generated
by the proposed use.
The use generates very little traffic,
requiring only routine monthly maintenance
visits and occasional visits in response to
operational problems. The existing street
system is adequate to properly handle any
traffic generated by the use.
D. City Council Policy Statement No. 64 - Wireless Communication Facilities
The project is consistent with City Council Policy No. 64 Wireless Communication Facilities in
that the location is considered "preferred" given that the WCF is being installed on Public
Property, and the project is placing the equipment area internal to the site, reducing any potential
for visibility to the surrounding public.
The WCF has been designed using "stealth" design techniques to the extent feasible and is
consistent with the Design Guidelines listed in City Council Policy Statement No. 64. The 12
panel antennas are mounted as close to the light pole as technologically feasible and will be
painted to match the color of the light pole, thereby minimizing any visual impacts. While the
temporary WCF is not "stealth" in design it will only be there for a limited duration until the
permanent WCF is constructed and operating.
CUP 99-14(A) - T-MOBILE-CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL WCF
February 4, 2009
Page 6
E. Growth Management
The proposed WCF is located in Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 1. Installation of the
facility on the existing site and monthly facility maintenance visits will not result in increased
public facilities demands; therefore, the proposal will not exceed performance standards for
public facilities.
V. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Planning Director has determined that the project belongs to a class of projects that the State
Secretary for Resources has found do not have a significant impact on the environment, and it is
therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental
documents pursuant to Section 15303 (Construction and installation of small new equipment
facilities or structures) - of the State CEQA Guidelines. Additionally, as T-Mobile must
comply with FCC regulations, radio frequency emissions from the proposed facility are below
levels established as acceptable by the FCC, and are therefore not considered a health hazard. In
making this determination, the Planning Director has found that the exceptions listed in Section
15300.2 of the State CEQA Guidelines do not apply to this project.
ATTACHMENTS;
1. Planning Commission Resolution No. 6528
2. Location Map
3. Background Data Sheet
4. Disclosure Statement
5. Reduced Exhibits
, 6. Exhibits "A" - "J" dated February 4, 2009
NOT TO SCALE
SITEMAP
T-Mobile Carlsbad High WCF
CUP 99-14(A)
BACKGROUND DATA SHEET
CASE NO: CUP 99-14(A)
CASE NAME: T-MOBILE-CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL WCF
APPLICANT: T-Mobile
REQUEST AND LOCATION: To allow the removal of an existing Wireless
Communication Facility (WCF) from an athletic field sports light standard, the placement of a
temporary mobile WCF on site during the construction phase, and the installation, operation, and
maintenance of an unmanned WCF consisting of three (3) sectors of four antennas, (12 total),
mounted to a new athletic field sports light standard with an equipment enclosure at the base of
the light pole. The project site is located at 3557 Monroe Street, within Carlsbad High School
grounds and in Local Facilities Management Zone 1.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Portions of Tracts 248 and 249 of Thum Lands, in the City of
Carlsbad. County of San Diego, State of California, according to map thereof No. 1681, filed in
the office of the San DieRO County Recorder on December 9, 1951
APN: 205-140-25 Acres: 29.36 Proposed No. of Lots/Units: N/A
GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING
Existing Land Use Designation: High School - H
Proposed Land Use Designation: N/A
Density Allowed: N/A Density Proposed: N/A
Existing Zone: OS Proposed Zone: N/A
Surrounding Zoning, General Plan and Land Use:
General Plan Current Land Use
Site OS H Carlsbad High School
North R-l RLM Single-Family
South R-l RLM Single Family, Church
East R-l RLM Single Family, Multiple Family, Church
West R-l RLM Single-Family
LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM
Coastal Zone: I I Yes IXI No
PUBLIC FACILITIES
School District: Carlsbad Unified Water District: Carlsbad Sewer District: Carlsbad
Equivalent Dwelling Units (Sewer Capacity): N/A
Revised 01/06
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Categorical Exemption, 15303 - Existing Facilities (Construction and installation of
small new equipment facilities or structures) - of the State CEQA Guidelines.
Revised 01/06
r
City of Carlsbad
Planning Department
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Applicant's statement or disclosure of certain ownership interests on all applications which will require
discretionary action on the part of the City Council or any appointed Board, Commission or Committee.
The following information MUST be disclosed at the time of application submittal. Your project cannot be
reviewed until this information is completed. Please print.
Note: ^~ , % 71" - "*.•'• v ~C»r " '--
Person is defined as:"Any individual, firm, co-partnership, joint venture; association, social club, fraternal organization,
corporation^ estate^" trust, receiver, syndicate, in this and any other county,' city and county, city municipality, district or
other political subdivision or any other group or combination acting as a unit" ~ "•»
Agents may, sign this document; however, the legal name and entity of the applicant and property owner must be
provided below^, ,. ~
1 . APPLICANT (Not the applicant's agent)
Provide the COMPLETE. LEGAL names and addresses of ALL persons having a financial interest
in the application. If the applicant includes a corporation or partnership, include the names, title,
addresses of all individuals owning more than 10% of the shares. IF NO INDIVIDUALS OWN MORE
THAN 10% OF THE SHARES,. PLEASE INDICATE NON-APPLICABLE (N/A) IN THE SPACE
BELOW. If a publiciv-owned corporation, include the names, titles, and addresses of the corporate
officers. (A separate page may be attached if necessary.)
Person v\(»3- _ ; Corp/Part (V\a i 'po;JT T- fry? BiL^
2,
Title Title
Address Address \C>\$6
OWNER (Not the owner's agent)
Provide the COMPLETE. LEGAL names and addresses of ALL persons having any ownership=
interest in the property involved. Also, provide the nature of the legal ownership (i.e, partnership,
tenants in common, non-profit, corporation, etc.). If the ownership includes a corporation or
partnership, include the names, title, addresses of all individuals owning more than 10% of the
shares. IF NO INDIVIDUALS OWN MORE THAN 10% OF THE SHARES, PLEASE INDICATE
NON-APPLICABLE (N/A) IN THE SPACE BELOW. If a publicly-owned corporation, include the
names, titles, and addresses of the corporate officers. (A separate page may be attached if
necessary.)
Person >3JA '
Title
Address
Coro/Part (LAfti-AflAi) OiSiAgp
Title _
Address fe-'T^S £U
1635 Faraday Avenue • Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 • (760) 602-4600 • FAX (760) 602-8559 • www.ci.catlsbad.ca.us
3. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OR TRUST
If any person identified pursuant to (1) or (2) above is a nonprofit organization or a trust, list the
names and addresses of ANY person serving as an officer or director of the non-profit
organization or as trustee or beneficiary of the.
Won Profit/Trust Non Profit/Trust
Title Title:
Address Address.
4. Have you had more than $500 worth of business transacted with any member of City staff,
Boards, Commissions, Committees and/or Council within the past twelve (12) months?
{__] Yes jXj No If yes, please indicate person(s):_
NOTE: Attach additional sheets if necessary.
I certify that all the above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature of owner/date Signature of applicant/date
Print or type name of owner Print or type name of applicant
Signature of owner/applicant's agent if applicable/date
M* Kg"
Print or type name of owner/applicant's agent
H:ADWIIN\COUNTEWD1SCLOSURE STATEMENT 12/06 Page 2 Of 2
arlsbad Unified School District
6225 El Camino Real-Carlsbad, CA 92009 ... .
ft (760) 331-5000 • FAX (760) 431-6707 ... a wortd class distort
April 2, 2008
City of Carlsbad
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008-1989
To Whom It May Concern:
T-Mobile is currently under agreement with the Carlsbad Unified School District for wireless
transmission at Carlsbad High School that includes ground equipment and an antenna that is
mounted on an existing stadium light pole. T-Mobile is operating under a CUP that we
understand will expire in 2009 or 2010.
CUSD is undergoing modernization that includes replacement of the existing stadium with a new
one, in an adjusted footprint and with new light poles. CUSD gives permission to T-Mobile to
apply for a new or an amended CUP to extend the term of their CUP and modify the location of
the equipment and the antenna to fit with the new Stadium plans.
Any questions by the City to CUSD may be directed to Eitan Aharoni, AIA, Sr. Project Manager
(760) 331-5022 or email at eaharoni@gafcon.com
Thank you,
Walter Freeman
Assistant Superintendent, CUSD
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