HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201100029 Legacy Document 2012-03-23 (4)COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596
Phone (434) 296 -5832 Fax (434) 972 -4126
March 9, 2012
Waller, Stephen, AICP
536 Pantops Center, PMB # 405
Charlottesville, Va. 22911
RE: SP201100029 "Keswick" Verizon Wireless, Tier III PWSF
TAX MAP /PARCEL: 09400 -00 -00 -041 Al
Dear Mr. Waller:
The Albemarle County Planning Commission, at its meeting on February 28, 2012, by a vote of 7:0,
recommended approval of the above -noted petition to the Board of Supervisors.
Please note that this approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. All work shall be done in general accord with what is described in the applicant's request and
conceptual plan, entitled "Keswick Johnson Property 4460 Richmond Road Keswick, VA Existing Co-
location LTE (4G) Upgrade" prepared by Stuart P. Patterson and dated 2/15/12
In addition, the Planning Commission recommends approval of granting the modifications, by a vote of 7:0, of
Sections 5.1.40(c)(3)i and (c)(3)ii for SP- 2011 -00029 Keswick Tower for reasons outlined in the staff report
and summarized as follows.
• Zoning Ordinance Modifications:
— Section 5.1.40(c)(3)i
— Section 5.1.40(c)(3)11
Section 5.1.40(c)(3)1 - The number of arrays proposed exceeds the three that are permitted by the
ordinance, however the previous Special Use Permit (SP2004 -39) modified this condition to allow for five
arrays and placed conditions on them requiring an amendment to the SP if a proposal to relocate any of
the antennas on the structure, increase the number or size of antennas, or increase the distance from the
structure. Thus this application requires an amendment of the SP conditions to address the proposed
addition of three new antennas and relocation of three existing antennas in an existing array on the
existing tower at the 90' elevation.
Section 5.1.40(c)(3)ii - Maximum standoff distance 12" from tower
Given the existing visual impact of the tower, the resulting additional impact of the 24 inch standoff
distance for the proposed antennas on the existing array is not seen as significant.
The Design Planner has indicated that the proposal will not create additional negative impacts to the
Entrance Corridor.
The proposal supports the use of an existing structure to provide for service needs, and staff can
recommend approval of the modification for this particular proposal.
Factors Favorable:
• No height increase of the existing 149' tower is proposed and no additional array is needed to provide
the additional service, rather only collocation on the existing tower at the 90' elevation.
• The proposal is on an existing facility and will not increase or cause any new impacts to adjacent
properties.
• The Design Planner has reviewed the proposal and has recommended approval. Given the size of the
existing tower and the distance from Route 64 an Entrance Corridor, the proposed 24" standoff
distance is not expected to create additional negative visual impact to the entrance corridor.
• According to the applicant, the only viable alternative to the 24" standoff distance is to allow a full -
sectored array similar to those that were approved for three of the carriers located higher on the
tower. It is staff's opinion that the alternative option would increase visibility far more than the current
proposal.
Staff is able to support all of the recommended modifications described in the staff report because the facility
is existing. The proposal does not appear to increase the visibility of the existing tower based on the existing
conditions of the site.
Factors Unfavorable:
• Alternative mounting style which increases the antenna standoff distance to 24" rather than the
permitted 12 ".
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the proposed changes to the existing personal wireless
service facility, and modifications, based on the analysis provided in the staff report.
Please be advised that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will review this petition and receive
public comment at their meeting on April 4, 2012.
If you should have any questions or comments regarding the above noted action, please do not hesitate to
contact me at (434) 296 -5832.
Sincerely,
Christopher P. Perez
Planner
Planning Division
cc: Crown Communication Inc PMB 353
4017 Washington Road
McMurray Pa 15317