HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP202000004 Narrative 2020-02-03VERIZON WIRELESS - "Wild Turkey" (CROSS PROPERTY) TIER III
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY
Pro'ect Description /Re uest:
Cellco Partnership, operating as Verizon Wireless ("Verizon"), respectfully requests approval of a SPXUUsePbmit
and Special Exemption for a Personal Wireless Service Facility (PWSF), with a 116.7-foot tall monopole to be
located at the nearest current address of426 Wild Turkey Lane, and identified as Tax Map & Parcel Number
05700-00-00-041LO (the "Property"). Verizon's proposed radio transmitter cabinet will be placed on a
concrete pad, beside an approximately 10'-wide utility H-frame stand for other power and communications
components on a steel grated platform, and an emergency back-up power generator on another concrete pad. This
facility will be installed within a 900 square -foot fencedcompoundplatform coveredwithanice guard to prevent
possible damage to the ground equipment due to falling tree branches and ice. The monopole, antennas, and
base station equipment that might be visible above the screening fence will all be painted with Sherwin Williams
Java Brown - #6090, which is a matte enamel color that has been previously approved as an appropriate color for
many other "Treetop" Personal Wireless Service Facility sitesthroughoutAlbemarle County.
Network Ob'ectives:
Verizon is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide state-of-the-art wireless
telecommunications services within Albemarle County using a combination of four (4) separate bands on the
frequency spectrum. These consist ofthe 850 MHz band for Cellular (CDMA), the 1900 MHZ frequencyband
forPersonal Communications Services (PC S), the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) on 700 MHz band and Advance
Wireless Services (AWS) on the 2100 MHz band. The network offers data upload and download transmission
speeds that much faster than the previous generations of wireless technologies. Verizon has also recently
added high -definition calling capabilities to the data networks in the form of Voice Over LTE (VOLTE) service
Whenever possible, it is Verizon's goal to provide seamless in -building, in -car and on -street coverage and the full
range of voice and data services to existing and future customers. Verizon has determined that the area
surrounding this proposed site needs expanded coverage to better serve the nearby residences and businesses.
Therefore, this site is intended to provide infill coverage while also adding additional network capacity by
offloading traffic from the company's nearest existing sites in all directions. Although the proposed 1167
monopole tower would not be the ideal height for maximizing coverage, itshould allowthe antennas to clearthe
highesttreetopswithintheimmediate area onthis parcel allowing service from this facility to connect with the
customers who are currently drawing on the marginal coverage levels that are currently being provided by the four
(4)nearest, neighboring sites: "I64 East" to the Southeast (VZW PWSF off Dry Bridge Road), "Railroad Ave"
totheNorthwest(Colocation on Existing Rooftop in Crozet), "Turner Mtn Road" to the Northeast (VZW
PWSF off of Tillman Road), and Yancey Mills to the Southwest (VZW PWSF off Patterson Mill Road
adjacent to 1-64).
Character of the Area:
The proposed PWSF will be contained within a 900 square -foot lease area located on this currently vacant
parcel, to the north of an existing dwelling and a business that are both located on adjacent parcels that share
common ownership with the Property. The site ofthis facility has a ground level elevation of667.3 feet Above
Mean Sea Level (AMSL). This parcel, which is currently vacant other than two existing PWSF's--one operated
by AT&T and one operated by Shentel—contains 6.00 acres located off Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route 250)
that is zoned Rural Areas (RA) and located within Entrance Corridor (EC) Overlay District and in the White
Hall Magisterial District. All adjoiningpropertiesarezonedRA, while other nearby propertiesto thenorthand
northwest are zoned Rl Residential(RI) and along with planned future densities in the Crozet area are
Verizon PWSF (Wild Turkey -- Cross Property)
contributing factors to the need for additional network capacity. Access to the proposed PWSF will be
provided from the southern side ofRockfish Gap Turnpike (US Route 250) by way of Wild Turkey Lane. The
proposed monopole will be located approximately 283 feet north ofthe nearestboundarylinewiththe right-of-
way for Rockfish Gap Turnpike. The nearest off -site dwelling is located approximately 300 feet southwest ofthe
monopole site on property identified as Tax Map / Parcel Number 05400-00-00-04150
Compliance with Section 5.1.40 of the Albemarle County_ Zoning Ordinance
Section 5.1.40(b) - Development Requirements for Tier III Personal Wireless Service Facilities (Items 1
2. —
General design: The facility shall be designed installed and maintained as follows.
(a) Guywires:Theproposedrnonopolewillnotrequireany installation ofguywires.
(b) Outdoor lighting: One LED Floodlight will be placed on the utility H-frame and these lights will only be used as
needed during unexpected events that require nighttime visits by Verizon's technical operations staff: The
proposed lightmustbe adjustable to illuminate various parts of the compound for safety reasons. However, it will
not be turned on nightly and will be located well below the treetops which willprovide natural shielding from
the light shining skyward during any relatively short periods of emergency maintenance.
(c) Groundeauipment: Proposed equipmentconsistingofthebasestationcabinets,H-framestand and generator will
beplaced in a locationthatis screened from offsite views bythe surrounding trees, and awooden fence will also be
installed to help fortify the existing screening elements that is offered to this site. Any portions of equipment
that are visible above the screening fence will be painted to match the tower and blend into the wooded
area.
(d) Whip antenna: No whip antennas are currently proposed with this application.
(e) Groundingrod: The proposed grounding rod to be mounted atthe top ofthis monopole will complywiththe
County's sizing requirements for a maximum of 2 feet in length and 1-inch in diameter.
2. Antennas and associatede ui ment.
(a) Number of arra s: Verizon will use a mounting collar and mounting frames that will allow all six (6) ofthe
necessary antennas to be installed in a single arraywithin three (3) horizontally separated sectors at the same
height. This antenna array will be centerline mounted at the 113- foot AGL level (780' AMSL), with two (2)
antennas grouped in each sector to support the combination of the licensed Cellular, PCS, LTE and AWS
frequencies all at one mounting level on the monopole. Other supporting devices that consist of six (6) remote
radio heads andtwo(2)fiberopticssurge protectionboxwiIlbeplacedbelowtheantennaarrayat heights that
are not expected to be visible from the adjacent properties or any distant off -site views.
(b) Size: The antennas initially to be installed in Verizon's array areidentifiedas CommscopeModel Number: NHH-
65C-R2B [96.0"(H) x I I.9"(W) x 7.1 "(D), equaling 1,142.40 square inches]. Specific equipment will
likely change overthe life ofthe PWSF as technology advances.
(c) Projection: The antennas are proposed to be mounted with 18" between the face ofthe monopoleandthe
backs oftheantennas, and no need forphysical down -tilting. Therefore, Verizon is also requesting approval
of a Special Exception to modify Section 5.1.40.b(2)(c) of the Zoning Ordinance which allows maximum
distances of 12" to 18" between the face of the monopole and the back ofthe antennas when down -tilting
is employed.
(d) Color: All antennas will be painted the same JavaBrown color as the proposed monopole.
3. Tree conservation lan•content.
Thelocations ofproposedtreeprotectionfencingare shownontheEiosion & Sediment Control & Grading Plan Sheet
ES-1. Prior to the approval of a building permit, Verizon will also provide a tree conservation plan that has been
Verizon PWSF (Wild Turkey — Cross Property) 2
prepared by a Certified Arborist. As standard practice, the designated arborist has not issued written conservation
plan letters until after they have had the chance to review Verizon's Final Construction Drawings / Site Plan and
visit the site. The final issued letters often provide recommendations for any post -construction tree care techniques
in addition to granting approval for all proposed land disturbance techniques, vegetation protection fencing
locations, and otherdesignelements thatrnightaffectthehealthoftreesthatsurroundthissite.
4. Creation of slopes stee er than 2:1.
Upon the completion ofthis project, none ofthe remaining slopes will be greater than 2:1 as a result of
construction and land disturbing activities for theproposed facility.
5. Ground equipment shelter; fencin .
Verizon is proposing the installation of a 8-foot high wooden stockade fence in order to prevent trespassing, while
also providing additional screening the from nearby properties during the fall and winter. The location and design
details of the proposed screening fence are provided in the construction drawings /site plan being submitted with this
application.
6. Screening and siting to minimize visibility.
Although the facility will be located twenty-eight (28) feet five (5) inches from the right-of-way line for
Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route 250), there are mature trees along the north property line that will screen views of
the monopole from Route 250 and the adjacent properties to the north. Mature trees on the property will
screen the tower from the neighboring property to the west, and VZW will be adding screening
trees along the west property lines. Two trees southeast of the proposed site will be removed in
order to install the PWSF and related access. Based on the results of the balloon test conducted on
January 16, 2020, the site shall be adequately screened and sited to minimize visibility along Route
250, which is both an Entrance Corridor and state -designated Scenic Byway. Views of the top of
the facility are expected to visible from only a few locations at a distance.
7. Open mace lanresources.
Aside from the fact that this site in the Entrance Corridor Overlay District, which requires the need forArchitectural
Review Boardapproval, Verizonhas identifiedno otheropenspace, natural,man-made or other specifically identified
resources that would be adversely impacted by approval of this application.
8. Horizontal separation of multiple facilities.
The proposed PWSFwillbea*the3rd facility located on the property and will meet the two hundred (200)
foot radius required for horizontal separation of multiple facilities.
9. Diameter ofmono ole.
As indicatedintheattachedconstructiondrawings, Verizon'sproposedmonopolewill bedesigned and constructed so
that it is 30 inches at its base and tapers to 18 inches at its top.
10. Height ofmononole.
At 116.7feettall(784 feetAboveMeanSeaLevel-AMSL),theproposedmonopoiewill be approximately
10 feet above the top elevation of the reference tree, which is identified as a 24" diameteroakthat is l 13 feet tall
(774 feetAMSL), andhas adrip linethatis25 feet south of where the monopole will be installed.
11. Color of monopole, antennas and a ui went.
The monopole and all antennas will be painted Sherwin Williams Java Brown #6090, a color that has been applied
Verizon PWSF (Wild Turkey — Cross Property) 3
topir,viously approvedTierll and treetop PWSF monopoles inAlbemarle County. All ofthe base station equipment
that is installed to support this facility will also be painted the same color and enclosed within a wooden
screening and security fence as well.
12. Placement of cables, wires and similar attachments.
The proposed monopole will be designed and constructed to contain all of Verizon Wireless's coaxial and fiber
optic cables thatwill run from the ground equipment to all antennas and their supporting devices.
Section 5.1.40 c - Applicability of other regulations in this cha ter Items 1-6 :
1. Building site exem tion.
Verizon acknowledges this exemption from the standard building site requirements for Personal Wireless Service
Facilities.
2. Vehicular access.
Verizon will utilize the current paved existing access (Wild Turkey Lane) off of Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route
250) and no improvements will be required at this time.
3. Setbacks.
Verizon has selected a location for this proposed monopole that is approximately 136 feet (116% of its height) away
from the nearest boundary line to the v►A 186 feet 1 irk to The van property line and 1178 freer 9 irides to &
property line. These setbacks exceed the minimum required setback distance for towers and similar structures,
which is equal to 100% of the rnonopole's height from the parcel lines shared with adjoining parcels. The
distance to the right-of-way for Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route 250) is approximately 28 feet 5 inch.
4. Area, bulk and minimum yards.
Verizon acknowledges this exemption that allows relief to Personal Wireless Service Facilities from the standard
area, bulk and minimum yard requirements.
S. Re uired yards.
Verizon acknowledges this exemption that allows reliefto Personal Wireless Service Facilities from the required
yard standards.
6. Site plan.
Please refer to the attached constructiondrawings with site plan details and the specification sheets forproposed
antennas and equipment that all demonstrate compliance with the Tier III PWSF criteria, set forth in Section
5.1.40(a)(4) - Plans and Supporting Documents. Any other supporting information that is deemed relevant to the
requirements set forth in Section 32 of the zoning ordinance for site plans can be submitted upon request.
Compliance with Section 33.40 of the Albemarle Coppty Zoning Ordinance
Section 33.40 B — Factors to be Considered for Special Use Permits.
In acting on a special use Dernlit, the Board shall consider the following factorsprovided that the Board is
not Leguired to make s ecific findin sin su ort of its actions.
1. No substantial detriment: This proposal meets all the design criteria for a Tier II PWSF currently
required by section 5.1.40 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance. The property is screened by
Verizon PWSF (Wild Turkey — Cross Property) 4
a large buffer of mature trees that will screen the facility from views from adjacent properties and
Route 250. The PWSF is unmanned (no water and sewer) and only requires monthly trips by a
technician to maintain the facility. Lastly, the PWSF will not requiring any lighting on the structure
or emit noise or odors which would affect any adjacent property owners' quiet enjoyment of their
property.
2. Character of the nearby area is unchanged: The area surrounding this facility is a mix of rural
residential with large unimproved parcels being used for agricultural purposes, and single family
residential units. Only one mature tree on the property is scheduled to be removed by the installation
of this PWSF and its removal will not affect any views from adjacent properties as an already existing
mature buffer currently exists. A mature tree buffer along Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route 250) will
remain unchanged and therefore the PWSF will be adequately screened from view for those traveling
along the road.
3. Harmony The RA (Rural Area) district was established to preserve agricultural and forestal land
activities, water supply protection and conservation of natural, scenic, and historic resources. Per
Section 10.2.1 — By right uses allowed include residential, commercial and outdoor uses including
Tier I and Tier 11 PWSF (10.2.1(22)). The proposed Facility meets the design criteria of a Tier II
facility, except the property is located within 200' of a state -designated Scenic Byway and therefore
is within a defined "Avoidance Area," causing it not to meet the definition of a Tier II PWSF. A
mature tree buffer along Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route 250) will adequately screen the facility from
the view of travelers along the Scenic Byway. In addition, the facility will increase access to public
safety as demand and usage of the network has grown due to additional residential developments in
the area.
4. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan: Per the adopted Albemarle County 2015 Comprehensive
Plan a Virginia Byway is an existing road with high aesthetic or cultural value leading to or lying
within an area of historic, natural, or recreational significance. Rockfish Gap Turnpike (Route 250)
is one such designated byway located in Albemarle County. The designation does not place
restrictions upon properties located along the Byway, but the Zoning Ordinance provides by
definition that a facility that would otherwise be classified as a Tier 11 PWSF will be classified as a
Tier III PWSF requiring a special use permit. The PWSF meets the design criteria for a Tier II facility
required by the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance and the mature tree buffer located along the
property line will further screen the PWSF view from passing vehicles. Therefore, the proposed
PWSF is consistent with the current comprehensive plan.
Conclusion:
Approval ofthis PWSF application will contribute to the expansion of Verizon's coverage to the rural areas,
existing and future residents and businesses in the nearby planned developments, as well as travelers on two
maj orroadways (I-64 and US 250). This facility will also help to reinforce network capacity and relieve some
of the high levels of traffic that has been experienced at Verizon's existing neighbor facilities due to the
increased demands for service inthe nearby 90 y-gvMng development area.
Installation ofthis PWSF will improve wireless coverage within an area of the county that experiences high levels
of network tragic but is currently underserved, especially during times when network traffic peaks. The
monopole tower serving this PWSF will meet the County's design preference for monopoles that extend just above
the treetops with dark brown finishes and well -screened base station compounds. Therefore, Verizon is confident
Verizon PWSF (Wild Turkey — Cross Property) 5
that the proposed Personal Wireless Service Facility will meetthe design criterianecessary for approval ofa Tier
III facility, and that it does not conflict with any ofthe goals and objectives set forth in the Albemarle County
Comprehensive Plan.
Sincerely, �
<=//--
Nathan Holland
GDNsites
Site Development Consultants to Verizon
Verizon PWSF (Wild Turkey — Cross Property)
Verizon — Wild Turkey (Cross Property) -- Balloon Test Photos
Verizon — Wild Turkey (Cross Property) — Balloon Test Photos
Verizon — Wild Turkey (Cross Property) — Balloon Test Photos