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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201200067 Legacy Document 2013-02-21COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AGENDA TITLE: SDP2012 -67 Houchens/ Verizon Wireless- Tier II Personal Wireless Service Facility SUBJECT /PROPOSAL /REQUEST: To install a Tier II personal wireless service treetop facility with a steel monopole that would be approximately 100 feet tall (10 feet above the reference tree) and associated ground equipment. STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs. Cilimberg and Nelson PRESENTER (S): N/A LEGAL REVIEW: No AGENDA DATE: February 6, 2013 ACTION: INFORMATION: CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: X INFORMATION: ATTACHMENTS: Yes REVIEWED BY: W. Cilimberg BACKGROUND: The only planning /zoning history for this parcel is the administrative approval for the mobile home located on the property. There are no existing Personal Wireless Service Facilities on this parcel or adjoining parcels. The proposed lease area forthe PWSF under review is located on the edge of a heavily wooded mountainside in a rural setting of large lot, single family dwellings and farms. STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal: 2: Provide community facilities that meet existing and future needs. Goal: 5: Ensure health and safety of the community. DISCUSSION: This is a proposal to install a Tier II personal wireless service treetop facility with associated ground equipment. Tier II tower reviews were previously approved by the Planning Commission and now must be approved as special exceptions by the BOS. The standard staff report for tower reviews is attached (Attachment I) and provides a more detailed analysis of this proposal. This proposal also includes a waiver request to disturb critical slopes. Staff has identified the following regarding this proposal: Factors favorable to this PWSF request: 1. The monopole is located so that it is only visible for a short duration from sections of Route 29 South directly across and just north and south of the site. From locations north and south of the site, the balloon was seen through trees. From locations across from the site, the balloon was seen above trees butwith a significant wooded mountainside backdrop. 2. The proposed ground equipment is not expected to be visible from nearby roadways and properties. Factors unfavorable to this PWSF request: 1. None identified. Factors favorable to this Critical Slope Waiver request: 1. The amount of total disturbance is limited. 2. Proper slope construction, control of drainage, and vegetative stabilization should prevent any movement of soil. 3. Proper stabilization and maintenance can help long term stability. No septic effluent concerns. 4. Approval of the critical slopes waiver would better serve public welfare than strict application of the regulations. 5. Minimal loss of aesthetic resource is expected. Factors unfavorable to this Critical Slope Waiver request: The disturbance of critical slopes is to a larger system of critical slopes. BUDGET IMPACT: No budget impact RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval for the following: • Monopole 10' above the reference tree • Critical slopes waiver • Tier II Facility with recommended condition of approval ATTACHMENTS: I — Staff Analysis