HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201100021 Application Special Use Permit 2011-09-19 111: z 11 Albemarle C)..,Jnt Community Development Department
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville,VA 22902-4596
>, Planning Application Voice: (434)296-5832 Fax:(434)972-4126
PARCEL/ OWNER INFORMATION
TMP 05300-00-00-00600 Owner(s):
Application # SP201100021 HERRING, JAMES M ]R OR JULIE ANN
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Legal Description ACREAGE
Magisterial Dist. White Hall Land Use Primary Agricultural
Current AFD Not in A/F District Current Zoning Primary Rural Areas
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Street Address 8268 NEWTOWN HTS GREENWOOD, 22943 Entered By
Todd Shifflett
Application Type Special Use Permit 09/19/2011
Project Verizon Wireless / Herring Property
Received Date 09/19/11 Received Date Final Submittal Date 09/19/11 Total Fees 1000
Closing File Date Submittal Date Final Total Paid 1000
Revision Number
Comments
ARS OK
Legal Ad
SUB APPLICATION(s)
Type Sub Applicati Comment
New Special Use Permit 109/19/11
APPLICANT/ CONTACT INFORMATION
ContactType Name Address CityState I Zip Phone PhoneCell
Owner/Applicant HERRING,JAMES M JR OR JULIE ANN P 0 BOX 1243 VERONA VA 24482
Primary Contact STEPHEN WALLER,AICP 536 PANTOPS CENTER- PMB CHARLOTTESVILL 22911 :4348250617
Applicant VERIZON WIRELESS - C/O MAYNARD SI :123 EAST MAIN STREET CHARLOTTESVILL 22902 4342453437
Signature of Contractor or Authorized Agent Date
ittsor
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY SP# SIGN#
Fee Amount$/G0IJ) XDate Paid i By who? •. J j �(► : ° # 2-4—f- Ck# /q j By. u 1 .
ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
Application for k j .
Special Use Permit \, r►.
IMPORTANT: Your application is considered INCOMPLETE until all of the required attachments listed on page 3 have been submitted.
Also,please see the list on page 4 for the appropriate fee(s)related to your application. Staff will assist you with these items.
PROJECT NAME: (how should we refer to this application?):Verizon Wireless- Herring Property/"1-64 West"-Tier III Replacement
PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Replacement of an existing Treetop Monopole to allow LTE (4G) service upgrades and improve coverage
EXISTING COMP PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: Rural Area 3
LOCATION/ADDRESS OF PROPERTY FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT:
8270 Newtown Heights- From Green Hill Lane take right onto Newtown Heights and then left accros railroad up to site
TAX MAP PARCEL(s): 05300-00-00-00600
ZONING DISTRICT: Rural Areas
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: White Hall
#OF ACRES TO BE COVERED BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT(if a portion it must be delineated on a plat): 1,200 sq. ft.
Is this an amendment to an existing Special Use Permit? If Yes provide that SP Number. $f YES ❑ NO
Are you submitting a preliminary site plan with this application? ❑ YES B( NO
Contact Person(Who should we call/write concerning this project?): Stephen Waller, AICP
Address 536 Pantops Center- PMB#405 city Charlottesville State VA Zip 22911
Daytime Phone(434)825-0617 Fax 4(757) 282-5811 E-mail stephen.waller(�gdnsites.com
Owner of Record Alltel Communications d/b/a Verizon Wireless (Leasehold Insterest for PWSF compound)
Address 1833 Rady Court City Richmond State VA Zip 23222
Daytime Phone(434) 825-0617 Fax#( ) E-mail
Applicant(Who is the Contact person representing?): Verizon Wireless - CIO Maynard Sipe
Address 123 East Main Street City Charlottesville State VA Zip 22902
Daytime Phone(434)245-3437 Fax 4( ) E-mail maynard.sipe(a.leclairryan.com
Does the owner of this property own(or have any ownership interest in)any abutting property? If yes,please list those tax map and parcel numbers:
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY History:
❑ Special I Ise Permits ❑ ZMAs&Proffers
❑ Variances
Concurrent review of Site Development Plan?
Letter of Authorization E]YES ❑NO
County of Albemarle Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville,VA 22902 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4126
Revised 1/1/2011 Page 1 of4
AORP Section 31.6.1 of the County Zoning Ordinance states that, lire 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 not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property, that the character of the district will not be
changed thereby and that such use will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of this ordinance, with
the uses permitted by right in the district, with additional regulations provided in section 5, and with the
public health, safety and general welfare."
The items that follow will be reviewed by the staff in their analysis of your request. Please complete this
form and provide additional information which will assist the County in its review of you request. If you
need assistance filling out these items, staff is available.
How will the proposed special use affect adjacent property?
Please see attached
How will the proposed special use affect the character of the district(s)surrounding the property?
Please see attached
How is the use in harmony with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance?
Please see attached
How is the use in harmony with the uses permitted by right in the district?
Please see attached
What additional regulations provided in Section 5.0 of the Zoning Ordinance apply to this use?
Please see attached
How will this use promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community?
Please see attached
Revised 1/1/201 1 Page 2 of 4
Describe your request in detail and include all pertinent information such as the number of persons involved in
the use, operating hours, and any unique features of the use:
The existing Personal Wireless Service Facility is unmanned and only reauires periodic visits for
routinue maintenance, except when service has been interrupted. This will not change once the
proposed monopole extension and other site modifications have been completed.
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
A 1. Two copies of the recorded plat or recorded boundary survey of the property requested for
the permit. If there is no recorded plat or boundary survey, please provide legal description of the
property and the Deed Book and page number or Plat Book and page number.
A 2. Two copies of ownership information (if applicant is not also the owner). If ownership of the
property is in the name of any type of legal entity or organization including, but not limited to, the name
of a corporation, partnership or association, or in the name of a trust, or in a fictitious name, a document
acceptable to the County must be submitted certifying that the person signing below has the authority to
do so.
If the applicant is a contract purchaser, a document acceptable to the County must be submitted
containing the owner's written consent to the application. If the applicant is the agent of the owner, a
document acceptable to the County must be submitted that is evidence of the existence and scope of the
agency. Please attach the owner's written consent.
See Attachment A in the Land Use Law Handbook for more information.
123 3. Sixteen copies of a concept plan.
PLEASE CONSULT THE LIST OF ITEMS WHICH WILL BE REVIEWED BY STAFF
FROM THE COUNTY'S WEBSITE BELOW:
STAFF ANALYSIS OF ZMA & SP REQUESTS
Revised 1/1/2011 Page 3 of 4
f
Naor
wner/Applicant Must Read and Sign
I hereby certify that I own the subject property, or have the legal power to act on behalf of the owner in filing this application.
I also certify that the information provided on this application and accompanying information is accurate,true,and correct to
the best of my knowledge.
40/ September 19, 2011
Sig ature of Owner,Contract Purchaser Date
Stephen Waller, AICP 434-825-0617
Print Name Daytime phone number of Signatory
Required FEES to be paid at time of application:
What type of Special Use Permit are you applying for?
❑ New Special Use Permit $2,000
n.:..n.:'.v::..-;:•..::ro.,�.::zx.;.:roux'iYnre;.,.°'�r..w-::..• - ... .....- ., ... .- sx ._ ,. ...� ..Sr..,....,., - -., ..
❑ Additional lots under section 10.5.2.1 $1,000
❑ Public utilities $1,000
❑ Day care center 51,000
❑ Home Occupation Class B $1,000
Zi To amend existing special use permit $1,000
❑ To extend existing special use permit $1,000
❑ Signs under section 4.15.5 (reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals) $500
To be paid after staff review for public notice:
Most applications for a Special Use Permit require at least one public hearing by the Planning Commission and one public
hearing by the Board of Supervisors. Virginia State Code requires that notice for public hearings be made by publishing
a legal advertisement in the newspaper and by mailing letters to adjacent property owners. Therefore,at least two fees
for public notice are required before a Special Use Permit may be heard by the Board of Supervisors. Applications
reviewed by the Board of Zoning Appeals,however,only require one public hearing and therefore require just one fee for
public notice.
The total fee for public notice will be provided to the applicant after the final cost is determined and must he paid before
the application is heard by a public body. Staff estimates the total cost of legal advertisement and adjacent owner
notification to he between$350 and$450 per hearing. This estimate reflects the average cost of public notice fees for
Special Use Permit applications,but the cost of certain applications may be higher.
i> Preparing and mailing or delivering up to fifty(50)notices $200+actual cost of first-class postage
$1.00 for each additional notice+actual
r� Preparing and mailing or delivering each notice after fifty(50) cost of first-class postage
Actual cost
Legal advertisement(published twice in the newspaper for each public hearing) (averages between$150 and$250)
Other FEES that may apply:
❑ Deferral of scheduled public hearing at applicant's request $180
Resubmittal fees for original Special Use Permit fee of$2,000
❑ First resubmission FREE
❑ Each additional resubmission (TO BE PAID WHEN THE RESUBMISSION IS MADE TO INTAKE STAFF) ) $1,000
Resubmittal fees for original Special Use Permit fee of$1,000
❑ First resubmission FREE
❑ Each additional resubmission(TO BE PAID WHEN THE RESUBMISSION IS MADE TO INTAKE STAFF) $500
The full list of fees can be found in Section 35 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Revised 1/1/2011 Page 4 of 4
VERIZON WIRELESS: 1-64 WEST (HERRING PROPERTY)
REPLACEMENT OF FORMER ALLTEL MONOPOLE
TIER III PERSONAL WIRELESS FACILITY
Project Description:
Alltel Communications LI,C, trading as Verizon Wireless, respectfully requests approval
of an amendment to SP-00-30 to allow the replacement of an existing wood monopole
tower with a new steel monopole to support the attachment of six new antennas in two
vertical arrays. TIhis proposed monopole replacement 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 and operates one of four existing Personal Wireless
Service Facilities ("PWSF" or "Facility") on property identified in Albemarle County
records as Tax Map 53 / Parcel 6 (the "Property"). Verizon Wireless' mounting
structure, which was originally owned by Alltel, consists of a 52.7-foot tall wood
monopole tower fitted with existing antennas that do not fully clear the tree canopy to the
front (southern) side of the facility in many spots. The proposed 97-foot tall replacement
tower will be located off of Newtown Heights in the Newtown area. The site lies in the
White Hall Magisterial District of Albemarle County and is addressed as 8270 Green Hill
Lane.
The proposed new monopole meets all of the design criteria for a Tier II PWSF.
However, this application requires a special use permit because the new monopole
proposed to serve this existing facility will be located in close proximity to three
other existing PWSFs (see Zoning Ordinance Section 5.1.40(d)(4)). In addition, to
satisfy the preference for concealing cables within metal monopoles, we are
requesting approval of monopole diameters large enough to ensure cable
concealment; these based and top diameters are larger than those permitted under
the Tier It criteria. Therefore, we are requesting the approval of an amendment to
the existing special use permit, SP-00-30 (September 21, 2000).
The highest array of antennas on the proposed new monopole will be attached at the 93-
foot center mounting level, with antennas matching the top height of the 97-foot tall
monopole tower. The lower antenna array will be located at a centerline mounting height
of 84.5 feet in order to ensure signals will clear the treetops and avoid interference with
any antennas on other nearby monopoles. 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. All antennas will be painted
Sherwin Williams (46090) Java Brown to match the dark-brown color and finish of the
proposed monopole. Verizon \Vireless' proposed new ground equipment, consisting of a
LIE transmitting equipment rack and back-up battery cabinet will also be painted the
same color. Combined, these upgrades will provide expanded services to residences and
businesses in Greenwood and the surrounding area, as well as more reliable in-car
coverage for those who are travelling along Interstate 64 and other local roads.
Verizon Wireless Pane 1 1-64 West (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 hand). 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 he 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
hand) services can he combined in one set of flush-mounted antennas, LTE utilizes a
frequency hand 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 for existing
antennas to propagate signal above the surrounding trees. Also, a structural analysis and
inspection of this particular wood monopole determined that it cannot be extended for the
purpose of adding the new antennas. Because the LTE antennas must be physically
separated on any monopole, thus requiring additional height, this application proposes a
replacement monopole that will be of sufficient height and strength to support two sets of
arrays and propagate the signal of all three wireless technologies above the trees.
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
pursuing this goal, because many of the trees surrounding the site are as tall (if not much
taller) than the existing monopole, this new monopole will be required in order to allow
this site to serve the Greenwood area more reliably and connect with existing and
possible future PWSF sites in Albemarle County to the south, cast and west. Without the
additional height, both the new and existing antennas and services they provide 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. The proposed
Verizon Wireless Pace 2 1-64 West (Tier III Extension)
modifications to this PWSF will not substantially impact the rural character of the
surrounding area due to the extensive amount of backdrop that is provided by the wooded
slope to the north of the facility.
The existing PWSF is located approximately 570 feet north of the right-of-way for 1-64 in
a wooded area below the ridgeline of Afton Mountain. The site of this facility is an open
area that runs from east to west between two tree lines. Access to the facility is provided
from Green Hill Lane by way of Newtown Sleights, a gravel road that crosses over the
CSX railroad and continues up a slope to the clearing where this existing facility is
located alongside three other PWSFs, all in close proximity to one another. Verizon
Wireless' PWSF is located in the second position when entering the property from the
east. The nearest off-site dwelling unit is nearly 1175 feet east of the Verizon Wireless
facility site.
Compliance with Section 31.6.1 of the Zoning Ordinance:
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 nearly 10 years alongside three other
similarly designed facilities that were subsequently installed without disrupting the daily
activities or quality of life for any of the neighboring residents and/or property owners.
Aside from the construction that will be needed temporarily, the replacement monopole
will not impose any additional activity, such as noise or traffic, upon the immediate area.
The proposed replacement monopole will be located very close to the existing monopole
and will not encroach upon any of the property lines. Therefore, the proposal to modify
this site, including replacing the existing wood monopole with a new, more structurally
sound steel monopole, will not he 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 Alltel facility has been in place for many years
along with three other PWSFs. In 2008, prior to the merger with Alltel, the Board of
Supervisors approved Verizon Wireless' request to allow the construction of a fifth
facility on this property, thus reconfirming that this an acceptable location for PWSFs so
long as certain design and siting criteria are implemented in order to mitigate visual
impacts. The proposed replacement monopole would provide a single facility to support
the deployment of the new services that Verizon Wireless is introducing as well as those
it already offers to this district, and it will reduce the total number of PWSFs at this
Verizon Wireless Page 3 1-64 West (Tier iii Lxtension)
location. Furthermore, no additional ground disturbance or tree removal would he
necessary, as all of Verizon Wireless' licensed technologies could he deployed from a
single PWSF. The applicant is confident that 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 increases to both the area
covered and the range of Personal Wireless services 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
carriers now plan to deploy wireless internet service packages (such as Verizon
Wireless' LTE service), that approach broadband speeds in rural areas such as this
one that are not fully served by DHL and/or 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. Access to the most effective
level of Personal Wireless services furthers 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 impact of this statement becomes even
greater when coupled with the fact that many of the County roads that have the
highest number of annual traffic incidents are also the same ones that experience
marginal to no coverage from existing Personal Wireless Service Facilities.
Inadequate coverage results from the low structure and antenna heights combined
with other factors such as the rolling terrain, tree growth and the curving of those
particular roads. The proposed modifications and monopole replacement at the
subject site will not only improve coverage for non-essential services but will also
expand the site's service area for the federally-mandated E-91 I services. Approving
these PWSF improvements, therefore, would be a definitive move in support of this
particular safety- and service-oriented purpose / intent of the ordinance.
Verizon Wireless Page 4 I-64 West (Tier III Extension)
• 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 can be seen as an essential component to
economic growth in several ways. Most companies now rely as heavily on these
services, as they do on other essential utilities such as power, water and gas, as
defining components for a successful business. Often, companies that provide
services on the road and/or do most of their work in the field no longer use two-way
radio systems, 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
are examples of ways that the proposal represented in this and similar requests can
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 promote 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.
Otherwise, the installation of a second monopole would be required at a significant
distance away in order to provide the necessary horizontal separation of the two
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.
4. Will the use he in harmony with the uses permitted by right in the district?
The design of the existing facility and its proposed upgrades would all be allowed under
the requirements for a Tier II Personal Wireless Service Facility, as allowed by-right in
the Rural Areas District. However, just because it is located in close proximity to three
other PWSFs, the modification of this facility requires an amendment of the existing
special use permit. Previous special use permit approvals for this facility and the others
located on the property confirm that a Treetop PWSF is indeed a used that is in harmony
with other uses permitted that are allowed by right 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 he permitted, with an emphasis on mitigating any adverse "visual impacts" (not simply
visibility) that may be upon the surrounding area. It should first be noted that the
adversity of any visual impacts are most often subject to the perception of the specific
individual that is viewing a facility at any given point or distance within a scope of 360
degrees surrounding a facility. Furthermore, when focusing on the visual impacts of a
particular facility, the least objective judgment of the impacts is likely to he made by
those people who are tasked specifically with finding and/or remembering where these
sites are located such as telecommunications consultants and county staff. Therefore, the
Verizon Wireless Pace 5 1-64 West (Tier III Extension)
•
more objective way of considering the whether the perceived impacts are truly adverse,
even when a facility is clearly visible, is to consider whether or not it would he obtrusive
to the average person driving past the site, or even at static points to those who might
glance at it by chance.
In this particular case, the existing facility already has extensive screening from the trees
in the forefront, as well as a backdrop from trees on the face of the mountain that is
hundreds of feet in elevation higher than the proposed dark-brown monopole. Further,
due to the nature of the terrain to the south of this site, Verizon Wireless' PWSF and
others around it can only be seen from a distance, hundreds of feet away. These points
make the case that the mere visibility of the dark-brown monopole against a backdrop of
trees and mountain does not create an adverse visual impact.
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. Because the proposed replacement
monopole would facilitate an expanded range of coverage from this facility, the proposed
modifications will support the greater promotion of public health, safety and general
welfare for the community in this area.
Compliance with Section 5.1.40 of the Zoning Ordinance:
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): Even though this proposal is for the replacement of an
existing wood monopole with a taller steel structure, Verizon Wireless notes that
the proposed PWSF will he 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 97 feet from all parcel lines shared with
adjoining lots. Further, there are no public road rights-of-way within a radius
equal to the monopole's height. 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 does not require the installation
of guy wires, nor will it he fitted with any whip antennas without any further
County approvals. The proposed grounding rod complies with the County's size
requirements. The facility will only have one low-powered outdoor light 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 must he adjustable Under Verizon
Wireless' safety standards, as well as Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) regulations requiring that "each work area and walkway
Vcrizon Wireless Page 6 I-64 West (Tier III Extension)
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 had 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 first array will contain
three panel antennas that will provide for continuing Cellular and PCS service at
this site. To avoid service interruption, the three existing panel antennas on the
wooden monopole will be removed following completion of the new monopole.
The new monopole will hold a second array mounted above the first array. This
second array will hold a new set 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)). These antennas will he installed using
"pipe-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 replacement monopole
will be kept within the cleared and level area the existing facility, and the lease
area has been slightly adjusted to ensure that the supporting ground equipment
can be accommodated without grading into the hillside. Additionally, the site is
accessed from an existing road that will not need to he widened. Therefore, the
redevelopment of this particular facility should not result in the removal of any
trees, or necessitate completion of a conservation plan.
• Subsection 5.1.40(c)(6): The existing wood monopole will be removed after all
antennas have been relocated to the new steel monopole and services are
reconnected from the ground equipment. 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 he 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' work to install the new tower and
equipment will not extend beyond toe of the slope that was created/altered when
the site was originally installed. Therefore, no new slopes greater that 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 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.
Verizon Wireless Pace 7 1-64 West (Tier III Extension
• Section 5.1.40(d)(2) - Replacement of the existing wood monopole and installation of
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' PWSF and the facilities of other carriers as well as provide a
backdrop to the proposed tower.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(3) - Although the existing PWSF is located within the Mountain
Overlay District, this site is well below the ridgeline. Therefore, as demonstrated
with the existing PWSFs on the Property, there will be extensive backdrop for the
monopole which alleviates visual impact.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(4) As previously noted, because this existing facility will he
located where it and three other PWSF's could be enclosed within a circle that has a
200-foot radius, this proposal requires a special use permit. In 2007, prior to the
merger with Alltel, Verizon Wireless received approval to build a new PWSF with a
steel monopole and prefabricated shelter on the same parcel. Because this existing
site was acquired in that merger, the approved additional new facility is no longer
necessary and the total number of PWSFs on this property will remain at four.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(5) — Given the thickness of the steel, it is not probable that the
proposed monopole would be able to contain all of the coaxial cables that will run
from the ground equipment to both set antennas if the monopole must taper to a
diameter of 18 inches. Therefore, Verizon Wireless is requesting approval to allow
the monopole to have a larger diameter at its top, or allow any cables that don't fit to
be run up the back of the pole (interior to the property), as allowed for wooden
monopoles.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(6) - At 97 feet tall (and 1357 feet Above Mean Sea Level - AMSL),
the proposed replacement monopole will be at approximately the same top elevation
as the reference tree, which is identified as a 75-foot tall (AGL) and 18" diameter
poplar that sits immediately behind the site. This will be acceptable from a coverage
standpoint in this case because all of the areas to be covered are located on the same
side of the ridge where the monopole will be placed and at lower elevations. The
proposed height also helps to reduce the probability of interfering with other nearby
antennas at this site, by providing approximately 11 feet of vertical distance between
Verizon Wireless' lowest antennas (bottoming out at 80 feet AGL +/-) and the next
highest antenna array of other carriers which has a top height of approximately 69
feet AGL.
• Section 5.1.40(d)(7) - The monopole and all antennas will be painted Sherwin
Williams Java Brown #6090. This is a color that has been applied to previously
approved PWSF monopoles. The equipment that will he 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, there may he a lack of space due
to the tapering of the monopole toward its top and required thickness of the steel to
support the proposed loading. If this is the case, then Verizon Wireless is hereby
requesting that approval also be granted to allow the monopole to have a larger top
Verizon Wireless gave' R r-ti4 Woct rrie.r rrr Pvtnncinnl
diameter or any remaining cable to he run up the back of the pole to lace the
backdrop trees.
• Section 5.1.-10(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:
Verizon Wireless is confident that, though this application requests amendment to an
existing special use permit, the redevelopment of this existing wireless communications
facility site complies with all of the design criteria for a Tier II PWSF and thus any
potential visual impacts will be mitigated. Further, this request meets the goals and
objectives of the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance's criteria
for a special use permit.
Approval of this application will allow the replacement of a wooden monopole that is not
tall enough above the nearby treetops to provide adequate service within the targeted
coverage area. Further, the wooden pole is not structurally capable of supporting
additional antennas for Verizon Wireless' new LTE 4G service. The proposed tower will
meet the County"s design preferences for flush-mounted antennas on a natural dark
brown tower. The new tower will provide the needed height above the nearby trees to
allow the antennas to effectively provide the full range of wireless services to the target
coverage area, without interfering with the services provided by other carriers.
Approval of this request will enable Verizon Wireless to provide County residents in the
Greenwood area, as well as those traveling on local 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.
Sinc1rely,
Step en Waller, AICP
GDNsites
Site Development Consultants to Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless Pnae 9 t-64 Wect (Tier 111 Fvtencinn)