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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201100072 Presentation 2012-01-19VERIZON WIRELESS: MOORES CREEK (CANODY PROPERTY) EXTENSION OF FORMER ALLTEL MONOPOLE TIER II PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITY Project Description: Alltel Communications LLC, trading as Verizon Wireless, respectfully requests approval of a Tier II application to allow the extension of an existing metal monopole tower for the attachment of a new set of antennas mounted on a second array. The proposed monopole extension and facility upgrades are 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 were once operated by Alltel, as well as the Personal Communications Services ( "PCS ") that are already available to residents in most parts of Albemarle County. Verizon Wireless currently owns and operates one of two existing Personal Wireless Service Facilities ( "PWSF" or "Facility ") on property identified in Albemarle County records as Tax Map 89 / Parcel 4 (the "Property "). The site is located in the Samuel Miller Magisterial District of Albemarle County, just off of U.S. Route 29, approximately 3 -1/4 miles south of the Interstate 64 interchange and is addressed as 1633 Monacan Trail Road. Verizon Wireless' mounting structure, which was originally owned by Alltel, consists of an approximately 89 -foot tall steel monopole tower, fitted with existing antennas that do not fully clear the surrounding tree canopy. The existing antenna array is located below the top of the monopole at a centerline mounting height of approximately 85.42 feet above ground level (AGL) and supports three flush -mount brackets and pipes. The proposed extension of nearly 7 feet would use "pipe- mount" extensions to bring the top of the new antennas to an approximate height of 96 feet AGL, so the new antennas will very slightly clear the surrounding tree tops. Both the existing and proposed arrays are necessary for Verizon Wireless to deploy the three different technologies that the company is licensed for in Albemarle County. All antennas and the pipe- mounts will be painted Sherwin Williams ( #6090) Java Brown to match the dark -brown color and finish of the proposed monopole. Verizon Wireless' proposed new ground equipment, consisting of a LTE transmitting equipment rack and backup battery cabinet will be painted the same color in order to blend well with the vegetation providing screening from the right -of -way. Combined, these upgrades will provide expanded wireless services to nearby residences as well those travelling along U.S. 29 in this area, and other nearby state and local roads. 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 that 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 PCS (which utilizes the 1900 MHz frequency band) and Cellular (utilizing the 850 MHz frequency band) can be combined Verizon Wireless Page 1 Moores Creek (Tier II Extension) within 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 vertically spaced 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 2009, the company evaluated former Alltel 850 MHz Cellular Service resources and facilities in this market. For this particular Facility, the proposed tower extension and new antennas will provide for expanded services that include all three of the combined technologies (Cellular, PCS and LTE). It is also 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. In doing so, Verizon Wireless has identified this particular area as one that already has some coverage issues becaise at least one of the trees near the site is taller than the monopole at its existing height. Therefore, instead of mounting the new antennas below the existing antennas, an extension of this monopole will be necessary so the new antennas can provide the best coverage possible to the residents of this area. Without the additional height, the signal from the new antennas would not connect well with existing sites and possible future sites planned for the area. Even with the additional height proposed in this particular application, coverage from this Facility may not be optimal compared with coverage that could be obtained by adding even more height to this monopole to allow the existing antennas to clear the surrounding trees. Character of the Area: The Property is zoned Rural Areas (RA) and located in the Entrance Corridor (EC) overlay district, and all of the surrounding properties are zoned Rural Areas. The proposed modifications to this PWSF will not substantially impact the rural character of the surrounding area because: (1) the proposed new set of antennas will not extend 10 feet above the reference tree, (2) no trees will need to be removed and (3) there will not be any disturbance beyond the bounds of the area currently leased for this Facility . The PWSF is located approximately 22 feet east of the right -of -way for I -64, on a hill above the northbound lane, in a wooded area. Access is provided to the existing facility from a gravel road that begins on the eastern side of the road, across from the Eltzroth and Thompson Nursery, which is located on the opposite side of the median. The area where the proposed PWSF will be located is surrounded by several trees that screen the existing ground based equipment from views off of the poperty, with even taller trees being located to the north and west of the monopole. Compliance with Tier II Criteria (Section 5.1.40 of the Zoning Ordinance): This facility was originally approved for Alltel with a special use permit (SP- 2003 -066), prior to the adoption of Section 5.1.40. However, under these current regulations, both the existing PWSF and the extension proposed qualify for approval as a Tier II by -right facility. Verizon Wireless Page 2 Moores Creek (Tier II Extension) The County's specific design criteria for Tier II Facilities, as 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): After the proposed extension, this PWSF will still be in compliance with the zoning district 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 for a minimum distance of 95 feet from all parcel lines shared with adjoining lots. As the public road right -of -way for U.S. 29, rather than a privately -owned parcel, is within that distance, no easement or other recordable document is required for a setback exemption. Rather, the Virginia Department of Transportation must be included in staff review. 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 extension of the monopole will not require the installation of guy wires, nor will it be fitted with any whip antennas without any further County approvals. In order to extend effectively above and protect the new antennas, Verizon Wireless must replace the existing grounding system with a new rod that will extend above the newly proposed height, while also complying with the County's size requirements. ♦ The facility will only have one low - powered outdoor lighting fixture attached to a short pole and it will only be turned on when service is being performed at the site at night. The light will be adjustable, as required by Verizon Wireless' safety standards, and will satisfy Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations requiring that "each work area and walkway is adequately lighted whenever an employee is present." Maintenance and repairs are most often during events such as extremely bad weather or after tree limbs, ice or other materials have fallen onto equipment. 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 vertically spaced in two separate arrays one above the other. The proposed extension will hold the second array of 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 be mounted above the existing antennas. These antennas will be installed using pipe -mount extensions that will allow a certain 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, Verizon Wireless Page 3 Moores Creek (Tier II Extension) n I J t 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 facility be discontinued at any time 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): Owing to the limited heights allowed for monopoles serving Tier II "Treetop" PWSFs, it is unlikely that any additional carriers could be added to this specific facility. However, if deemed necessary, then Verizon Wireless will 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): All work will take place on the existing tower and in an area that is already fenced, with level ground that provides adequate space for the proposed ground equipment. Therefore, no new slopes greater than 2:1 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 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 monopole and installing Verizon Wireless' supporting equipment at this site will not require the removal of any trees. Therefore, the existing wooded area around the site will continue to screen Verizon Wireless' ground equipment and the lower portions of the monopole from points off of the property. • Section 5.1.40(d)(3) - Verizon Wireless is currently proposing the modification of this existing facility rather than propose a second monopole that would require the removal of several trees just to accommodate new LTE antennas. Therefore, the proposed 7 -foot extension will not impose any additional or significant impacts upon the resources identified in the County's open space plan. • 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) - Neither the base diameter or the top of the existing monopole will be increased in any way, so this section is not applicable to this request. • Section 5.1.40(d)(6) - At 96 feet tall (and 759 feet Above Mean Sea Level - AMSL), the proposed pipe -mount extension will place the antennas approximately 1 foot above the top elevation of the reference tree. The drip line of that tree, which is identified as an 101 -foot tall (AGL), 18" diameter tree that has a drip line that is situated approximately 5 feet away from the monopole. • Section 5.1.40(d)(7) - The monopole's cluster -mount extension and all antennas will be painted Sherwin Williams Java Brown 46090. This is a color that has been applied to previously approved PWSF monopoles. The proposed equipment that will be installed to support the new LTE antennas will also be painted this same color. Verizon Wireless Page 4 Moores Creek (Tier II Extension) Section 5.1.40(d)(8) - The existing monopole was constructed so that cables and wiring could be contained within the monopole. Given the. strict limitations in Section 5.1.40(d)(5) on the diameter of the monopole, there may not be room within the monopole to add additional cables. Verizon Wireless will attempt to run all new coaxial cables and service lines required for the new set of antennas inside the monopole. However, if any of the new cables do not fit within the pole, then they will be run vertically on the back side of the pole from the ground equipment to the antennas, facing the interior of the property as is required 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 with this request. Conclusion: Verizon Wireless is confident that modification of this existing wireless communications facility as proposed complies with the criteria for approval of a Tier II PWSF -- criteria which are geared toward mitigating visual impacts. Approval of this application will allow the extension of a steel monopole that is already shorter than the top of at least one of the trees immediately near the site. Furthermore, the proposed tower will meet the County's design preference for flush - mounted antennas on a natural dark brown tower, while allowing the new antennas necessary for Verizon Wireless' new LTE 4G service to extend slightly above the treetops. Approval of this request will enable Verizon Wireless to provide County residents in the vicinity of this Facility, as well as those traveling on nearby roads in this area access to high quality, high speed 4G services that 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, Ste en Waller, AICP GDNsites Site Development Consultants to Verizon Wireless Verizon Wireless Page 5 Moores Creek (Tier II Extension) Map is for Display Purposes Only • Aerial Imagery from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Other Sources January 9, 2012 SDP2011 -72 R8 -36 89 -1A 1 _ U - s9 -2A s9 ";r, Legend (Note: Some items on map may not appear in legend) C:LEMENTS_ HOD 0UIDV ate.. 1577 ©a -RES CUE 10N CB N_T ® POLICoFF1E " $8 34 I aSC�R,�RRaRSM f I Jill � _ •` � 89 -3 r R - RfFll -33 r 89 =9 2402 I „ ` ■ Lj TM: 8$ z 88 "32A 'v 89 -4 .. z p 1633 O ' 1031 C' 14"1 /1692 745 -A-3A' -... ■ /J I _ 6 89.5 • a - ,DOE GIS -Web Geographic Data Services 186 ft R ■ - •� ' ••� yy e,.. - J J • y.A 65 J. www.albemarle.org (434) 296 -5832 Map is for Display Purposes Only • Aerial Imagery from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Other Sources January 9, 2012 Map is for Display Purposes Only • Aerial Imagery from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Other Sources January 9, 2012 SDP2011 -72 Critical Resouces rn w !"=T r89 -2A ' f o Water Protection r f, 1 Legend 88 -34 r: a 4D IUf Do 4�7 Y� ' '� �o co o�i u� OrdinancerBuffer 1 (Note: Some items on map may not appear in legend) B wMMRIn��E�m UES,a,oe ©_RN 11. n w o ® °oLe�a��CES...1oe ®P�,orn�E a�.�Ra�asM >w�>,°,>uG�aa�a>� ' m° 88 33 m 89 C. d— .mo. o> N o -3 'COP 6t S � � o CO Wig. 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ALL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED BY CWS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LATEST EDITION ■ OF VIRGINIA EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL HANDBOOK AT Vert7on Wireless THE FIRST PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION AND CHECKED PERIODICALLY TO ENSURE THEY ARE FUNCTIONING AS 1831 RADY COURT INDICATED. RICHMOND, VA 23222 3. THE STOCKPILING OF EXCESS MATERIAL ON SITE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. 4. ANY VEGETATED AREA DISTURBED BY CONSTRUCTION SHALL `���Qs�'�x 0- Jj BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CWS TO SEED AND ESTABLISH A y* f PERMANENT VEGETATIVE COVER. Oz 5. THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MEANS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION. SAFETY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE O STUARTP.PATURSO CONTRACTOR. ALL WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED IN > ACCORDANCE WITH OSHA REQUIREMENTS. LTC, No. 41.047 6. THE CONTRACTOR'IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SITE LAYOUT CONSTRUCTION STAKING. EXISTING UTILITIES MUST CONFIRMED BYTHEICONTRACT R. AND �0� , ®•Pa•I� 1 �� 7. ALL WORK SHALL BE ACCOMPLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH I \ SyIONAL �1 ALL LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL CODES OR ORDINANCES. I \ AA , , , , SET SET SHEET NAME ENLARGED SITE GRAPHIC SCALE(S) PLAN FOR 24" X 36" PLOT - 1" = 2' 0 1' 2' 4' FOR 11" X 17" PLOT - 1" = 4' SHEET NO.: C -4 SITEINFO.: MOORES CREEK LTE (4G) ® CONSTRUCTION NOTES UPGRADE 1. EXISTING VERIZON WIRELESS MONOPOLE TOWER. SEE ELEVATION VIEW, SHEET C -3. 2. FUTURE 400 AMP DIESEL GENERATOR PAD. 3. 17' X 10' CONCRETE PAD. 1 633 MONACAN TRAIL ROAD 4. LTE RADIO & BB CABINET ON FLOOR STAND. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 5. LTE BBU ON WEATHERGUARD (BATTERY BACKUP UNIT). 22903 6. FUTURE CELLULAR 850 MHZ CABINET. ALBEMARLE COUNTY DESIGN: CCC DRAWN: KAW 7. FUTURE Z E PCS RADIO CABINET (1900 MHZ). REVIEW: SPP 8. UTILITY H- FRAME. TN DATE: 111 COMM. NO. 3036.EE 9. FIBER CABINET BY CENTURY LINK. SUBMITTALS 10. 2' ICE BRIDGE. 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