01-20-2004 - AT&T Wireless - Wireless Telecommunications Facility at Cameron Park•
TO: Andrew G. Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council
FROM: Douglas N. McIsaac, Planning Director
City of West Covina
Memorandum
AGENDA
ITEM NO. B-6 d
DATE January 20, 2004
SUBJECT: AT & T Wireless -Wireless Telecommunications Facility at Cameron
Park
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Council concur with the direction of the Planning Commission
regarding the proposed Wireless Telecommunications Facility at Cameron Park to:' (1)
enhance the design of the proposed clock tower and move it closer to the street corner (see
potential location on Attachment 3); or (2) change the design of the facility as a
"monopine" (artificial pine'tree) in its current approved location (see current location on
Attachment 3).
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AT & T Wireless is requesting the approval of a conditional use permit to allow the
installation of a 56-foot, 6-inch high wireless communications tower that will be constructed
as a clock tower. On October 7, 2003, the City Council voted to approve a lease agreement
with AT & T to allow the use of Cameron Park as the site for a wireless communications
tower. At that time, the Council concurred on a clock tower design proposed to be located
near the restrooms on the easterly side of the park. Part of the reason for this location was
that it would allow the small equipment shelter to "blend in" with the nearby restrooms.
PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on December 9, 2003. At that time, the
Commission expressed some concerns regarding the design and location of the structure.
The Commission felt that a clock tower should be a focal point for the park and therefore
placed in a more prominent location in the park. Secondarily, the Commission felt that the
design of the clock tower should be enhanced and suggested that a "wall of honor" could be
created at its base to replace the one at the former Cameron Park Community Center.
Alternatively, the Commission discussed that a monopine (a pole disguised as a tree) might
be more appropriate in the proposed location as it could blend in with the other trees at the
park. They felt that a 70-foot tall monopine would be best to allow for the colocation of other
wireless providers on the structure.
The Commission decided to continue the public hearing in order to request feedback and
concurrence from the City Council with AT & T and whether the Council felt strongly about
the clock tower in the proposed location. The hearing was continued to January 27, 2004, in
order to get further direction from the City Council with the Planning Commission's concept
before further proceeding with the final design.
ZACase Files\CUP\2003\CUP 03-08 Clock tower -Cameron park\Council Staff Report.doc
Cameron Park Clock Tower
January 20, 2004- Page
FISCAL IMPACT:
Pursuant to 'the City's lease agreement with AT & T, the City receives $1,700 per month
for the use of Cameron Park as a site for a telecommunications facility. This revenue,
however, is fixed and a will not be affected by the final design and location of the facility.
Prepared by: ichael z Reviewed pproved by: Douglas McIsaac
Plamu ssistant Planning Director
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Attachments:
Attachment 1 — Planning Commission Staff Report
Attachment 2 — Planning Commission Minutes 12/9/03
Attachment 3 — Site Plan indicating possible locations
ZACase Files\CUP\2003\CUP 03-08 Clock tower -Cameron park\Council Staff Report.doc
tTTACHMENT 1 �
AGENDA
ITEM NO. C-4
DATE: 12/09/03
PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.03-08
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: , AT & T Wireless -City of West Covina
LOCATION: 1305 E. Cameron Avenue (Cameron Park)
I. DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATION
The applicant is requesting the approval of a conditional use permit to allow the installation
of a 56-foot 6-inch high wireless communications tower that will be constructed as a clock
tower. Three sets of four antennas will be located behind the clock fagade and a new
equipment building will be constructed on site. The proposed tower and shelter will be
located at the northeast portion of the park property adjacent to the existing park restrooms
near the parking lot. The property is zoned "Open Space" (O-S).
II. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving Conditional
Use Permit No. 03-08.
III. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
Pursuant to Section. 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the
proposed project is considered to be Categorically Exempt (Class 3, New Construction of
Small New Facilities) in that it consists of a wireless communications antenna and a
210-square foot communications equipment shelter.
IV. HISTORY
The Cameron Park Specific Plan was adopted by the City Council on July 14, ,1980. On
September 19, 1995, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9255 approving Cameron
Park Specific Plan Amendment No. 1, allowing for the installation of a field lighting system
on the existing softball field. Cameron Park Specific Plan Amendment No. 1 included
conditions restricting the use of ballfield lighting and requiring the Traffic Committee to
review traffic and parking issues adjacent to the park. Cameron Park Master Plan
Amendment No. 2 was approved on December 12, 2000, and modified the times allowed for
the use of lights at the existing ballfield and the parking restrictions.
In February 2002, plans were reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City
Council for the construction of the Community Center/Gymnasium. The facility is currently
under construction.
Z:\Case Files\CUP\2003\CUP 03-08 Clock tower -Cameron park\CUP 03-08 stfrpt 12.09.03.doc
Conditional Use Permit No. 03-08
1305 East Cameron Avenue
December 9, 2003 - Page 2
V. SUMMARY OF DATA
REQUIRED/
STANDARD
EXISTING
PROPOSED
ALLOWED
LOT AREA
6.33 acres
No Change
BUILDING AREA...
. . .... .
Existing Building
No Change
Equipment Shelter
None
100 s . ft.
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Proposed Monopole
Antenna Height-
56'-6" ft.
60 ft. or 72 ft.*
Clock tower
Antenna Setback
,
Cameron Avenue
310 ft.
No standard
(south)
Park Boundary
145 ft.
No standard
(north)
Lark Ellen Avenue
96 ft.
No standard
(east)
Park Boundary
407 ft.
No standard
(west)
Setback from
145 ft.
100 ft.
antenna to nearest
residential structure:
Equipment Shelter
Setback
Cameron Avenue
309 ft.
No Standard.
(south)
Park Boundary
144 ft.
No Standard
(north)
Lark Ellen Avenue
72 ft.
No Standard
(east)
Park Boundary
416 ft.
No Standard
(west),
*20% height increase may be approved if the design will minimize the visual impact of
the facility.
ZACase Files\CUP\2003\CUP 03-08 Clock tower -Cameron park\CUP 03-08 stfrpt 12.09.03.doc
Conditional Use Permit No. 03-08
1305 East Cameron Avenue
December 9, 2003 - Page 3
Surrounding Zoning and Land Use:
North: "Public Building" (P-B); and "Single -Family
Residential" (R-1); single-family homes.
South:' "Single -Family Residential' (R-1); and "Residential
Agriculture" (R-A) single-family homes.
East: "Single -Family Residential' (R-1); West Covina High
School.
West: "Single -Family Residential' (R-1); Cameron School �!
Notices of Public Hearing have been mailed to 49 owners and occupants of properties located
within 300 feet of the subject site.
VI. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS
The proposal consists of a conditional use permit to allow the installation of a cellular tower
designed as a clock tower in Cameron Park. Three sets of four antennas will be located
behind the clock facade and a new equipment building will be constructed onl site. The
proposed tower and shelter will be located at the northeast portion of the park property adjacent
to the existing park restrooms near the parking lot. The proposed 210-square foot, 11-foot
high equipment shelter and the clock tower will be located 42 feet to the south of the
existing park restrooms and 10 feet from the parking lot to the east. The applicant is
proposing to construct the equipment shelter and tower to be consistent in appear with the
park restrooms. II
The proposed clock tower and equipment shelter will be constructed adjacent to the parking lot
and park restrooms in a park approximately 96 feet from the easterly property line (Lark Ellen
Avenue) and 145 feet from the southerly property line (Residential property.) Parking may be
impacted during the construction of the clock tower, however the parking will not be
permanently reduced by this proposal.
The property is surrounded by residential properties immediately to the north,, Cameron
Avenue and residential properties to the south, Lark Ellen Avenue and West Covina High
School to the east and Cameron Elementary School to the west. The nearest residential
property is separated clock tower by more than 100 feet. The Zoning Code permits the
development of wireless telecommunication facilities in the "Open Space" zone when
developed with a permitted nonresidential use and a conditional use permit is approved for the
use.
The applicant is proposing a 56-foot 6-inch tall wireless telecommunications tower designed as
a clock tower. The maximum height allowed without a deviation is 60 feet. All, proposed
conduit (wiring) connecting the cellular tower to the equipment shelter would be placed
underground. The clock tower will be constructed of steel and painted brown to match the
existing park restrooms. The clock structure will have a three foot clock face on the',l north and
south elevation and a faux window design on the east and west elevations. The 210-square
foot, 11-foot high equipment shelter will be located directly adjacent to the clock tower. It will
be constructed of slumpstone painted beige to match the park restroom building and a dark
brown shingle roof painted to match as well. Approximately 25 shrubs are proposed to be
planted around the tower and equipment shelter to help minimize visual impacts. Conditions of
approval have been included in the resolution requiring that the buildings be designed to match
the existing park restroom building in terms of color and materials and that a landscape plan be
approved.
The City Council approved a contract with AT & T for the clock tower facility at, Cameron
Park. The facility will'provide cellular coverage for AT & T customers near the intersection of
Cameron Avenue and Lark Ellen Avenue. As -the cell phones become more common, the
number of subscribers increases creating a strain on the existing network. In order to alleviate
this strain, new sites are implemented into the network to accommodate the increase in
customer demand when surrounding sites have reached their practical channel limits. The site
requires no on -site supervision and is serviced monthly as needed.
ZACase Files\CUP\2003\CUP 03-08 Clock tower -Cameron park\CUP 03-08 stfrpt 12.09.03.doc
Conditional Use Permit No. 03-08
1305 East Cameron Avenue
December 9, 2003 = Page 4
Staff feels that the location and design of the facility will blend in with the park and the clock
tower will be an attractive addition. The applicant has worked with planning staff and
Communications Department staff to design the facility and finalize agreements. There is a
benefit to the City in terms of better service to AT & T subscribers and the economic benefit in
the lease of the property. The clock tower design adds a practical feature to the park without
reducing park space.
VII. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt resolutions approving Conditional
Use Permit No. 03-08 1
Michael Hitz
Planning Assistan
REVIEWED AND APPROVED:
Douglas . McIsaac
Plannia Director
Attachment 1: CUP No. 03-08 Resolution
I
Z:\Case Files\CUP\2003\CUP 03-08 Clock tower -Cameron park\CUP 03-08 stfrpt 12.09.03.doc
Planning Commission Minutes* ATTAC H M E N TI
Page 7 — December 9, 2003
Motion. by York, seconded by. Warshaw, to adopt findings as recommended by staff.
Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by York, seconded by Warshaw, to waive further reading of the body of the
resolution and adopt Resolution No. 03-4906, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 03-
18. Motion carried 5-0. 11
Chairman Warshaw stated that these actions are final unless appealed to the City Council
within ten days.
(4)
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 03-08
II
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
APPLICANT: AT&T Wireless -City of West Covina II
LOCATION: 1305 East Cameron Avenue (Cameron Park)
REQUEST: The'applicant is requesting the approval of a conditional use permit
to install a 56-foot 6-inch high wireless telecommunications tower
that will be designed as a clock tower. Three sets of four 'antennas
will be located behind the clock fagade and a new equipment
building will be constructed on site.
Planning Assistant Michael Hitz presented the staff report. There was a short discussion
by the Commission regarding the location of the clock tower and the possibility of
placing it in the park so that it would be a focal point. During the discussion,
Commissioner Lane also suggested that it be incorporated into the design of a memorial
wall to replace the memorial wall that had been lost when the old Cameron Park
gymnasium was demolished.
Chairman Warshaw opened the public hearing.
PROPONENT:
Jack Barringer, representing the AT&T Wireless, stated that the design of the clock tower
was designed to be compatible with existing buildings in the park. In addition, he stated
that the location was chosen to provide easy access to utilities and provide better
screening of the equipment. Royall Brown also addressed the Commission in support of
the clock tower as proposed.
Planning Director Doug McIsaac informed the Commission that this location had been
previously approved by the Council at the time the contract was approved. There was
then a discussion by the Commission regarding the proposed color of the clock tower, the
feasibility of incorporating a memorial wall into the design and the proposed location of
the tower. Commissioner Tarozzi suggested that if a clock tower was proposed to stealth
the tower, it should be moved to a more visible location within the park.
Lengthy consideration was given to a variety of issues regarding the proposed location,
color and the feasibility of utilizing the clock tower in conjunction with a memorial wall
to replace the one that was lost with the demolition of the old Cameron Park gymnasium.
During the discussion, Commissioner Roe indicated he had to catch a flight and left the
meeting.
Chairman Warshaw closed the public hearing.
There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the proposal before them. Among
the matters discussed were the proposed location, whether or not to stealth the cell tower
using a clock tower or a tree and whether or not the clock tower could be incorporated
into the design of a memorial wall. It was the consensus of the ,Commission that they
ZAPLANCOM\MINUTES\2003 MINUTES\12 9 03 minutes reg mtg.doc
Planning Commission Minutes •
Page 8 — December 9, 2003
should request input and direction from the Council prior to approving, or disapproving,
the proposed clock tower.
Motion by Tarozzi , seconded by York, to continue the consideration of this matter to the
January 27, 2004 regular meeting to allow staff to ask for direction from the City Council.
Motion carried 4-0. (Roe absent)
D. NON -HEARING ITEM
None
E. OTHER MATTERS OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the
Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M.
Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staffs ability to respond to comments on
non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be
agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask
questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.
Royall Brown addressed the Commission regarding the special joint meeting scheduled for
5:30 on January 13, 2004. He stated that parents of the Boy Scouts wouldn't be able to
attend because the meeting was too early and some of them worked.
F. COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
This is the time when any member of the Commission may bring a matter to the attention of
the full Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. Any
item that was considered during the public hearing portion is not appropriate for discussion
in this section of the agenda. NO COMMISSION ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AT THIS
TIME. If the Commission desires to discuss an issue raised by a resident or take an action,
` the Commission may vote to agendize the matter for the next meeting. The Commission
may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.
Commissioner Tarozzi asked if the January 13, 2004 special joint meeting could be
scheduled for a later time. After a short discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission
to hold the meeting at the scheduled time but to consider the Cameron Park issue first,
Galster Park second and then adjourn to the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions of the listed meeting which
are in the Commission's area of interest.
Planning Director Doug McIsaac stated that the City Council community meeting was
attended by approximately 20 residents.
Mr. McIsaac also noted that the City Council would consider purchasing a portion of
Nogales High School property in closed session.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Mr. McIsaac asked for the Commission's direction regarding proposed additions to
homes located at 1021 Workman Avenue and 2112 Mardina. After a short discussion,
Chairman Warshaw appointed Commissioner Lane and Commissioner Tarozzi to sit on
the subcommittee. It was the consensus of the Commission to bring the two properties in
question before the subcommittee.
ZAPLANCOMWIINUTES\2003 MINUTES\12 9 03 minutes reg mtg.doc
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ATTAC H M ENT 3
SITE PLAN
CAMERON PARK
70-
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CAMERON AVENUE -
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Possible Locations for Wireless Telecommunications Facility