HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201100023 Legacy Document 2011-11-29 (5)VERIZON WIRELESS
GOLD EAGLE (HUDSON PROPERTY)
EXTENSION OF FORMER ALLTEL MONOPOLE
TIER III PERSONAL WIRELESS FACILITY
Project Description:
Alltel Communications LLC, trading as Verizon Wireless, respectfully requests approval
of a special use permit to allow the extension of an existing steel monopole in order to
support the attachment of a second vertical array with three new antennas to be located
above an existing array with three antennas. This proposed monopole extension and
associated equipment upgrade is part of a larger project to improve Verizon Wireless'
existing network of facilities by adding fourth generation ( "4G ") services to the existing
Cellular services that once were operated by Alltel, as well the company's Personal
Communications Service ( "PCS "), which is already available to residents in most parts of
Albemarle County.
Verizon Wireless currently owns the existing Personal Wireless Service Facility
( "PWSF" or "Facility ") located on property identified in Albemarle County records as
Tax Map 76 Parcel 21A (the "Property "). It lies in the Samuel Miller Magisterial District
of Albemarle County, just off of the southern side of Interstate Highway 64 and is
addressed as 1097 Teel Lane.
Verizon Wireless' facility, which was originally owned by Alltel, includes an 88 -foot tall
steel monopole tower fitted with existing antennas that are approximately 8 feet above
the tree tops immediately surrounding the facility. The proposed 8 -1/4 -foot extension,
using a cluster mount will place the highest array of antennas on the monopole at new top
height of the 96.5 -foot tall monopole tower. The lower antenna array will be located at a
centerline mounting height of 84.75 feet in order to ensure that signals supporting all
services will clear the tree tops. Each array will use three flush -mount brackets and pipes
to support the six antennas needed to deploy the three different technologies for which
the company is licensed in Albemarle County. The new antennas will be painted
Sherwin Williams ( #6090) Java Brown to match the dark -brown color and finish of the
existing monopole. Verizon Wireless' proposed new ground equipment, consisting of a
LTE transmitting equipment rack and back -up battery cabinet will also be painted the
same color. Combined, these improvements will provide expanded services to nearby
residences and businesses as well as reliable in -car coverage for those who are travelling
along U.S. Route 29, south of the Interstate 64 interchange and other local roads.
This application requires a special use permit under the Personal Wireless Facilities
Ordinance because the final height of the monopole with the extension will be more
than 10 feet above the reference tree. For siting and design review, it may be helpful
to note that the proposed monopole extension will still meet most of the design
criteria set forth for a Tier II PWSF. Because this is an existing facility, we are
requesting approval to allow external mounting of any coaxial cables for which
there is not enough room to conceal within the existing structure. Such cables will
be affixed to the back side (away from I -64) of the monopole or painted to match it.
Verizon Wireless Page 1 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
Network Objectives:
Verizon Wireless is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to
provide state -of -the -art wireless communications services within Albemarle County,
including 4G services which will be delivered through Long Term Evolution (LTE)
wireless technology (which utilizes the 700 MHz frequency band). Verizon Wireless
plans to launch new 4G service in Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville and
surrounding counties during the first quarter of 2012 if zoning approvals can be timely
obtained. 4G will offer data upload, download and transmission speeds up to ten times
faster than current technologies.
It is important to note that, though the antennas for Verizon Wireless' PCS (which
utilizes the 1900 MHz frequency band) and Cellular (utilizing the 850 MHz frequency
band) services can be combined in one set of flush - mounted antennas, LTE utilizes a
frequency band which is too close to the Cellular band's frequency in the federally
government's licensed radio spectrum. This makes it impossible to combine the LTE and
Cellular signal transmissions within a single set of flush - mounted antennas without
interference between the signals. Therefore, the LTE and Cellular antennas must be
physically separated on the monopole, requiring either additional height to achieve
vertical separation, or a much wider horizontal distance between the two antennas. In
this case, Verizon Wireless is proposing that the antennas be split between two vertical
arrays in order to meet the County's preference for flush - mounting.
In order to integrate all three of these technologies into the network's existing PWSFs, all
of Verizon Wireless' existing sites, including former Alltel sites, must be upgraded and
modified to accommodate the new antennas and equipment required for these services.
After Verizon Wireless merged with Alltel Communications in January of 2009, the
company evaluated former Alltel 850 MHz Cellular Service resources and facilities in
this market. In this particular case, the existing monopole is too short to install new
antennas below those existing antennas and still propagate a signal above the surrounding
trees. Because the LTE antennas must be physically separated on any monopole, thus
requiring additional height, this application is a request to allow a monopole extension of
sufficient height supporting two antenna arrays that can propagate the signal of all three
wireless technologies above the trees.
It is Verizon Wireless' 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.
Without the additional height, both the new LTE (4G) service will have less of an
opportunity to connect with any existing sites and possible future sites planned for the
area.
Character of the Area:
The Property is zoned Rural Areas (RA) and is located in the Entrance Corridor (EC)
overlay district. All of the surrounding properties are zoned Rural Areas (RA) or Planned
Residential Development (PRD). The proposed modifications to this PWSF will not
substantially impact the character of the surrounding area because the monopole is only
Verizon Wireless Page 2 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
visible through the trees for a short distance, and the wooded slope to the south of the
Norfolk Southern railway provides a backdrop for the PWSF.
The existing PWSF is located approximately 36 feet south of the right -of -way of the
ramp onto I -64 (at Exit 118) in a wooded area below, just north of the railway. Access to
the facility is provided from Teel Lane approximately 1/3 -mile from the intersection with
U.S. Route 29, and a gravel road that extends beyond the end of state maintenance sign to
the northeast. Verizon Wireless' PWSF is located on the south side of the gravel road
within a small grove of trees, and a slope north of the compound is lined with trees that
run parallel with the entrance ramp onto I -64. The nearest off -site dwelling unit is in
Redfields, and nearly 490 feet south of the Verizon Wireless facility site.
Compliance with Special Use Permit Criteria (Zoning Ordinance Section 31.6.1):
A Tier III facility requires approval of a special use permit issued pursuant to Section
31.6.1 of the Zoning Ordinance, which states "The board of supervisors hereby reserves
unto itself the right to issue all special use permits permitted hereunder. Special use
permits for uses as provided in this ordinance may be issued upon a finding by the board
of supervisors that such use will: (1) not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property:
(2) that the character of the district will not be changed thereby; and, (3) that such use
will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of this ordinance; (4) with the uses
permitted by right in the district, (5) with additional regulations provided in section 5;
and, (6) with the public health, safety and general welfare."
Verizon Wireless will address these six criteria as below:
1. Will the use be of substantial detriment to the adjacent property?
The existing Alltel PWSF has been in place for approximately five years without
disrupting the daily activities or quality of life for any of the neighboring residents and/or
property owners. Aside from the construction to install the proposed equipment, the
monopole extension will not impose any additional activity, such as noise or traffic, upon
the immediate area. The monopole's location will not be changed and it does not
encroach upon any of the property lines. Further, it is already well screened from
Redfields and other nearby residential properties by an abundance of trees that surround
the site and are also spread throughout the area. Therefore, this proposal to modify the
facility, which includes extending the existing monopole, will not be of any substantial
detriment to adjacent properties.
2. Will the use change the character of the district surrounding the property?
As stated in the previous section, the existing PWSF has been in place since 2006, prior
to Verizon Wireless' merger with Alltel. At that time, the facility was reviewed and
approved by the Planning Commission as a Tier II PWSF, because the top height is
currently within 10 feet of the top of the reference tree. Although the proposed extension
will be more than 10 feet above the reference trees, the new antennas will be painted
brown and will blend in with the backdrop and foreground screening. No additional
ground disturbance or tree removal will be necessary, as all of Verizon Wireless' licensed
technologies will be deployed from a single monopole (as opposed to having to install a
second monopole to accommodate the three antennas for LTE service which would
Verizon Wireless Page 3 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
require additional clearing, grading and removal of existing trees). Therefore, the
proposed modifications and tower replacement will not change the character of the area.
3. Will the use be in harmony with the purpose and intent of the zoning ordinance?
The "Purpose and Intent" are set forth in Section 1.4 of the Zoning Ordinance. Verizon
Wireless' request to amend this special use permit will allow additional 4G services to be
provided by this existing facility. The purposes and intents that most closely match these
improvements include, but are not limited to the following sections:
• 1.4.3 - To facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious
community: In recent years, as more and more people have forgone the use of in-
home telephone service lines in exchange for reliable access to the quality options
that are now available in the wireless communications market, the demand for
reliable in- building and on- street service has increased. Recent independent studies
have indicated a growing correlation between home sales and access to wireless
communications in a given area. In addition to the standard voice options, several
wireless carriers now plan to deploy wireless internet service packages (such as
Verizon Wireless' LTE service), that approach broadband speeds as another option
competing with similar to those of DHL and cable internet. The federal government's
National Broadband Plan recognizes that broadband service access is a key
component in educational advancement growth in today's society, which will rely
heavily on instant access to information and various research tools. In fact, many
school systems (including Albemarle County's) are replacing textbooks with tablet
computers and instructional websites and/or requiring homework assignments to be
uploaded to designated web portals and sent via e-mail. By providing another mobile
option for these services at the most effective Personal Wireless services, should be
viewed as furthering the County's goal of fostering a convenient, attractive, and
harmonious community.
• 1.4.4 - To facilitate the provision of adequate police and fire protection, disaster
evacuation, civil defense, transportation, water, sewerage, flood protection,
schools, parks, forests, parks, forests, playgrounds, recreational facilities,
airports and other public requirements: The provision of comprehensive wireless
coverage and sufficient call capacity is essential for effective emergency services.
FCC statistics show that more than 70% of 911 calls are now being made over
wireless networks from mobile handsets. The proposed modifications, including the
extension of the monopole to implement 4G LTE service, will provide greater
capacity, reliability and thus enhance E -911 services. Approving these PWSF
improvements, therefore, furthers the public safety and services purpose of the
ordinance.
• 1.4.7 To encourage economic development activities that provide desirable
employment and enlarge the tax base: Whereas technological advances such as
cellular and broadband services were once largely viewed as a mere conveniences,
access to reliable Personal Wireless services are becoming an essential component to
economic growth in several ways. Many companies now rely heavily on these
services, as they do on other essential utilities such as power, water and gas, as
essential for a successful business. Often, companies that provide services on the
road or do most of their work in the field no longer use two -way radio systems,
Verizon Wireless Page 4 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
instead opting for mobile phones and computers to send information and pictures to
headquarters using instant texting or e -mail. Additionally, a growing number of
home -based small businesses, as well as established companies which are allowing
telecommuting as an alternative to transferring their employees regionally and
nationally, place increasing demands on wireless systems. All of these activities
illustrate ways that the proposal represented in this and similar requests will
contribute to economic development in the County.
• 1.4.8 To provide for the preservation of agricultural and forestal lands and other
lands of significance for the protection of the natural environment: Verizon
Wireless' proposed modifications at this site promotes the achievement of this
objective by combining all three of the company's federally licensed services and
frequencies on a single monopole within the confines of the existing lease area
without additional clearing and grading. Otherwise, the installation of a second
monopole at a significant distance away would be required in order to provide the
necessary horizontal separation of two shorter flush - mounted arrays to prevent
interference. The disturbance that would be required in order to construct a second
site would likely require the removal of several trees as well as a significant amount
of grading and fill to provide access and a building site for the expanded facility.
It should also be noted that PWSFs are permitted uses in the RA zoning district, and thus
are generally deemed compatible with the purpose of the RA district. This application
meets the purpose of the RA district to preserve agricultural and forestal lands and natural
resources as noted above, and also serves to protect the rural character and scenic quality
of the district by using the least obtrusive method of providing the additional 4G service
to the area. Provision of 4G service to the Albemarle community will also serve not only
residents, travelers and business users, but also greatly aid those engaged in agricultural
or forestal activities which are encouraged in the RA zoning district.
4. Will the use be in harmony with the uses permitted by right in the district?
The design and siting aspects of the existing facility were all allowed under the
requirements for a Tier II Personal Wireless Service Facility, as permitted by -right in the
Rural Areas District. However, because the proposed extension would now place the top
of the monopole at 16 -1/4 feet above the top of the reference tree, the modification of this
facility requires a special use permit. The increased height and possible attachment of
cables on the exterior of the monopole are the only deviations from the Tier 11
requirements. Any increase in visibility will not have a significant visual impact, and the
proposed changes will only be marginal compared to the alternative of installing two
monopoles and removing additional trees. Therefore, the proposed facility modifications
will be in harmony with other by -right uses in the RA district.
5. Will the use comply with the additional regulations provided in Section 5.0 of this
ordinance?
Section 5.1.40, sets forth the provisions by which Personal Wireless Service Facilities are
to be permitted, with an emphasis on mitigating any adverse "visual impacts" (not simply
visibility) that may affect the surrounding area. It should first be noted that adverse
visual impact is often subject to the perception of the specific individual that is viewing a
Verizon Wireless Page 5 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
facility at any given point or distance within a scope of 360 degrees surrounding a
facility. Further, when focusing on the visual impact of a particular facility, the judgment
of potential impact made by those people tasked specifically with finding and
remembering where these sites are located, such as telecommunications consultants and
county staff, is often over - sensitized. Therefore, a more objective way of considering
whether the perceived impact is truly adverse, even when a facility is clearly visible, is to
consider whether or not it would be obtrusive to the average person driving past the site,
or who might glance at it by chance from static points.
In this particular case, the existing facility is visible from the on -ramp to I -64 East and for
a very short distance when traveling on I -64 in the east- and westbound lanes. However,
the existing dark brown monopole is situated within groups of trees that have similar top
elevation in the foreground and at its sides. The structure also has backdrop from trees on
the hill to the south. Therefore, any visual impact from increasing the tower's height
while still keeping it below many of the peripheral trees and terrain will be minimal,
especially when viewed from I -64 at normal driving speeds.
6. Will the public health, safety and general welfare of the community be protected
if the use is approved?
The existing facility and all wireless handsets are required to support the federally -
mandated E -911 calling and location services. Verizon Wireless currently provides these
emergency services locally through licenses for the company's Cellular (850 MHz)
network, and growing PCS (1900 MHz) network. In order to ensure that there is no
interference between the Cellular and new LTE service, the antennas must have vertical
separation at a minimum of six inches, as proposed with this application.
Compliance with Tier II Criteria (Zoning Ordinance Section 5.1.40):
The County's specific design criteria for Tier II "Treetop" Facilities, set forth in Section
5.1.40(d), are addressed as follows:
• 5.1.40(d)(1) - The facility shall comply with subsection 5.1.40(b) and subsections
5.1.40(c)(2) through (9).
♦ Subsection 5.1.40(b) (1 -5): The proposed extension on this steel monopole will be
in compliance with the setback regulations and all other area and bulk regulations
and minimum yard requirements. This location exceeds the required setbacks
(equal to 100% of the structure's height) for towers and similar structures distance
of 96 -1/4 feet from all parcel lines shared with adjoining lots. Although there are
no setbacks from public roads, right -of -way for the ramp from U.S. Route 29
approximately 36 feet away from this facility. The attached site drawings,
antenna and equipment specifications are being provided to demonstrate that the
relevant PWSF regulations and site plan requirements, set forth in Section 32 of
the zoning ordinance, are being met with this proposal.
Subsection 5.1.40(c)(2): The proposed monopole extension will not require the
installation of guy wires, nor will it be fitted with any whip antennas without
further County approvals. The proposed grounding rod complies with the
County's size requirements. The facility will only have one low- powered outdoor
Verizon Wireless Page 6 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
light fixture attached to a short pole and it will only be turned on when service is
being preformed at the site at night. The light must be adjustable Under Verizon
Wireless' safety standards, as well as Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) regulations requiring that "each work area and walkway
is adequately lighted whenever an employee is present." This will help to ensure
that technical operations staff can safely move about the facility during the times
when maintenance of the site is necessary. Please note that these times are most
often during events of extremely bad weather or after tree limbs, ice or other
materials have fallen onto equipment.
♦ Subsection 5.1.40(c)(3): The proposed antenna configuration must be mounted
vertically in two separate arrays one above the other. The proposed extension will
hold the second array panel antennas for the LTE service (identified as Amphenol
Antel Model # BXA- 70063/8CF(94.6" x 11.2" x 4.5" - approximately 1,060
square inches) to mounted above the existing antennas. These antennas will be
installed using a "cluster- mounts" that will allow a necessary amount of down -
tilting while meeting the County's requirements for flush - mounts (twelve inches
maximum between the face of the monopole and the face of the antenna). All
antennas will be painted to match the color of the monopole.
♦ Subsection 5.1.40(c)(4 and 5): Installation of the proposed extension and all
supporting ground equipment will be kept within the cleared and level area of the
existing facility compound. Therefore, the redevelopment of this particular
facility will not involve the removal of any trees, or necessitate completion of a
conservation plan.
♦ Subsection 5.1.40(c)(6): Should the use of the antenna site in this location be
discontinued entirely anytime in the future, then Verizon and/or its assignee(s)
shall be required to remove the facility within 90 days.
♦ Subsection 5.1.40(c)(7): Verizon shall submit an annual report updating the user
status and equipment inventory of the facility in the required time period.
♦ Subsection 5.1.40(c)(8): Verizon Wireless' proposed extension and equipment
installation will not will not require any significant grading or fill therefore, no
slopes that 2:1 or greater will be created.
♦ Subsection 5.1.40(c)(9): Verizon Wireless is not currently proposing the
installation of fencing to surround this existing facility. However, should a future
need arise we reserve the right to install fencing that is found to be in compliance
with this section of the ordinance upon the approval of the Zoning Administrator
or any other authorized County staff person.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(2) - Extending the existing steel monopole and installation of
Verizon Wireless' supporting equipment at this site will not require the removal of
any trees. Therefore, the existing groups of trees along the roads and around the site
will continue to screen Verizon Wireless' PWSF. Furthermore the monopole will
continue to have adequate backdrop, as the top of it will remain below trees on the
hill to the south.
Verizon Wireless Page 7 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
• Section 5.1.40(d)(3) - Although the existing PWSF is located within the Entrance
Overlay District, this site is located well below the ridgeline to the south and some
trees located along the I -64 right -of -way. Therefore, even with the proposed 8-1/2 -
foot extension surrounding trees and the backdrop provided to the monopole will
continue to alleviate much of the concerns for visual impact upon the EC district.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(4) - This is an existing PWSF and there are no other facilities on
the property or within close proximity; therefore, this section is not applicable.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(5) — The existing monopole was required to be installed with base
and top diameters that meet these requirements and the extension will not change
those diameters.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(6) - At 96 -1/2 feet tall (and 540.25 feet Above Mean Sea Level -
AMSL), the proposed monopole extension will be approximately 16 -1/4 feet taller
than the reference tree, which is identified as an approximately 80 -foot tall (AGL)
and 20" diameter, double poplar having a drip line that is approximately 11 feet to the
east. Because the difference in the elevations of the monopole and reference tree will
exceed that allowed within the Tier II criteria, Verizon Wireless has submitted a
special use permit for this proposed extension.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(7) - The monopole and all antennas will be painted Sherwin
Williams Java Brown #6090. This color has been applied to previously approved
PWSF monopoles. The equipment that will be installed to support the new LTE
antennas will also be painted this same color.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(8) - Verizon Wireless will attempt to run all coaxial cables and
service lines located inside the monopole. However, given the thickness of the steel
on this existing monopole and the number of existing cables that it holds, it may not
be possible for it to contain all of the new coaxial cables that will run from the ground
equipment to the new set of antennas because the monopole tapers to a diameter of 18
inches. Therefore, Verizon Wireless is requesting approval to allow any cables that
don't fit inside the monopole to be run up the back of the pole, as is permitted by-
right for wooden monopoles.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(9 -13) - Verizon Wireless has reviewed and understands all of the
remaining criteria for Tier II and Treetop Personal Wireless Service Facilities and
will provide any additional information or assistance to ensure that these standards
are met.
Conclusion:
Although the PWSF modifications proposed in this application require special use permit
approval due to the proposed height, the existing facility will continue to comply with all
other design criteria for Tier II facilities and thus any potential visual impacts will be
mitigated. Further, this request meets the goals and objectives of the Albemarle County
Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance's criteria for a special use permit.
The proposed tower extension will meet the County's design preferences for flush -
mounted antennas on a natural dark brown tower. The new tower will also provide the
Verizon Wireless Page 8 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)
needed height above the nearby trees to allow the antennas to effectively provide the full
range of wireless services to the target coverage area using a single monopole.
Approval of this request will enable Verizon Wireless to provide County residents in the
area, as well as those traveling on nearby roads, access to high quality, high speed 4G
services which are more advanced than those currently available in this market.
Approval will also facilitate Verizon Wireless' development of an improved wireless
network offering such advanced services throughout Albemarle County.
Sincerely,
Stephen Waller, AICP
GDNsites
Site Development Consultants to Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless Page 9 Gold Eagle (Tier III Extension)