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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWIRELESS TELECOM. EQUIP. (SPRINT PCS) AT HAMPTON INN - PDP/FDP - 20-97 - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSNo Text r k .. The need for a site is governed by capacity and coverage requirements for the specific area to be served. PCS sites operate at a lower power and a higher frequency than cellular, and therefore, rely more on line -of -site coverage. To accomplish the goal of providing the highest quality of uninterrupted service, the sites must be placed in precisely calculated positions. Because all the sites in the network function together, the location of one site will affect not only the coverage surrounding that particular site but also the coverage areas of all adjacent network sites. In summary, the selection of a specific site in a target area is determined by the following factors: local topographic and geographic factors, ability to mitigate the antenna mounting structure's visual impact, compatibility with existing land uses, the ability to integrate the site into the overall PCS network, and the ability to negotiate a mutually beneficial lease with a landlord. Appendix A Personal Communication Services Personal Communication Services (PCS) is the name given to the band of radio spectrum located between 1850 and 1990 Mhz. PCS enables the next generation of wireless telecommunications; including familiar technologies such as mobile phones, paging, and wireless fax as well as new innovations such as wireless PBX( Private Branch Exchange), wireless Local Area Network (LAN), and mobile data. Sprint PCS's network uses a digital technology as opposed to the analog technology typical of today's cellular systems. The advantages of digital are higher voice quality, increased privacy, and a significant increase in call capacity. Unlike major broadcasting systems, which operate at very high power in an attempt to reach as many people as possible, PCS facilities operate at very low power in an attempt to limit the signal to only the small area or cell it is intended to cover. The repeated use of the same channel increases the number of telephone calls that can be handled by the system and makes PCS possible for a mass market. The PCS system uses a lightweight, multi -function, portable telephone. This telephone will offer a number of features such as call waiting, call screening, voice mail, and text paging. Sprint PCS's goal is to integrate mobile services with fixed communication networks by combining local, and long distance and wireless services. Sprint PCS's Site Selection Process To ensure development of a community -compatible network, Sprint PCS has engaged in an innovative "pre -design" process. Traditionally, development of communication networks have been driven primarily by Radio Frequency (RF) engineering requirements. Engineers determined where the network needed sites, regardless of local zoning and community planning. Sprint PCS has retained the services of SBA of Denver, Inc. for the acquisition and planning of PCS sites in the Fort Collins area. SBA's innovative, community -friendly approach considers the existing zoning to form the basis for the design of the network. The first step was to identify favorable zoning districts which allow or encourage PCS facilities. Secondly, site acquisition specialists inventoried all existing structures in each jurisdiction that were community -friendly and realistic from a leasing standpoint. RF Engineers were able to use the inventory of existing favorable structures to design the PCS network to fit the needs and desires of the community. Through this process, Sprint PCS is able to build a network that provides maximum coverage while minimizing the impact on the community. Utilities Power and telephone service is already available to the Hampton Inn site. DEVELOPMENT ASSURANCES 1. The proposed equipment will emit no noxious odors, noise or other pollutants. 2. Traffic to the equipment will be negligible. Local, full-time, trained employees of Sprint PCs will be responsible for regular inspection and maintenance of the site. Access to the site will be restricted. 3. Construction of the equipment will meet or exceed industry standards, and all construction will comply with all applicable local and state building codes and regulations. 4. The proposed equipment has been designed with local wind and weather conditions in mind. 5 The proposed equipment will comply with all applicable FCC and FAA regulations. 6. The equipment will not interfere with television or radio reception. 7. Normal household electric service (single phase 220 volt/ 110 amp) will be brought to the equipment. CONCLUSION Sprint PCs's commitment to a long term presence is the driving force behind its system design and site selection process. Its Engineers are actively involved in testing new technologies, which will provide significant benefits and better service to the consumer. The proposed PCs equipment is essential for Sprint PCs to construct a seamless PCs wireless network serving Fort Collins. Increasingly, consumers rely on advanced technology to meet their communication needs. Sprint PCs is pleased to have the Opportunity to introduce its regional PCs network to the area and stands by the fact that the construction and operation of this equipment will in no way be detrimental to the health, safety or well-being of the community. SITE ANALYSIS Existing Zoning, Land Use, and Site Conditions The Hampton Inn is located in the Harmony Corridor zone district with a three story hotel currently on the property. Impact on Surrounding Development The selection of this site for a PCS equipment site was made with the goal of minimizing the impact to the citizens of Fort Collins. To minimize visual impact, Sprint PCS has proposed to locate the equipment on an existing building. The antennae will be mounted to the building's pitched roof and painted to match in order to blend in with the roof. SITE SPECIFICATIONS Equipment Cabinets (BTS) The five equipment cabinets contain all necessary PCS equipment to run the communication site, including radio transceivers, batteries, cooling fans an interior monitoring system, and connections to power and telephone lines. The cabinets are pre- fabricated, weather resistant, self-contained units specifically manufactured to house PCS equipment. Each cabinet measures approximately 60"h x 30"w x 30"d and will be enclosed by screening and painted to match the existing roof. Antennae The proposed antennae will be mounted on the existing roof. The antennae will be mounted in a three sector configuration with three antennae per sector. Each antenna is approximately 5.5"w x 2"d x 55"h and will be painted to match the existing roof. The height of the antenna will not exceed the height of the existing roof line. Site Maintenance The site is generally serviced once a month by a small passenger vehicle. The service will take up to two hours and is typically for preventative maintenance purposes. Access/Easements Access to the rooftop equipment will be via a ladder on the top floor of the building. A locked cover will prevent unauthorized access. No additional access or utility easements will be needed. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project Summary The proposal is to mount nine panel antennae, each measuring approximately 5.5"w x 2"d x 55"h, on the Hampton Inn roof. The proposed antennae are arranged in a three sector configuration with three antennae per sector. The three sectors are orientated and located to the north, southwest, and southeast corners of the roof. Total height of all antennas will not exceed the height of the existing roof line. Base transceiver station (BTS) equipment will be located on the roof and screened and painted to match the existing roof. Coverage Objectives Sprint PCS's objective is to provide seamless coverage to Fort Collins and Larimer County and existing thoroughfares such as Interstate 25 and Harmony Road. Property Development Information Legal Description: Oakridge Business Park, Twenty -First Filing Property Address: 1620 Oakridge Dr. Ft. Collins, CO. 80525 Ownership: The Summit Group Lessor: Sprint PCS Zoning: Harmony Corridor Current Use: Three Story Hotel Surrounding Zoning and Existing Land Uses: North: HC- Commercial Buildings East: HC- Business Park South: HC- Business Park West: HC- Business Park Application for Site Plan Approval for a Wireless Personal Communication Services Facility Hampton Inn Oakridge Business Park 21st Filing INTRODUCTION This narrative accompanies the application for approval of a Site Development Plan to authorize Sprint PCS to construct and operate a wireless communication services site at the existing Hampton Inn, 1620 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado. The details of Sprint PCS's request are fully set forth in the attached application and drawings. PROJECT CONTACTS Applicant: Sprint PCS 4700 South Syracuse Street, Suite 600 Denver, CO. 80237 (303)488-9396 Contact: Jill Jelinek Agent: SBA of Denver, Inc. 7600 Arapahoe Rd. Suite 210 Englewood, CO. 80112 (303) 770-3080 ext. 325 Contact: Jerry Feathers Property Owner: Summit Group of Fort Collins 5100 S. Tennis Lane Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605)336-8197 Contact: Craig Aniszewski Architect / Engineer: Merrick & Company 2450 S. Peoria Street Aurora, CO 80014 (303) 751-0741 Contact: Pat Horn Page Two Mr. Ted Shepard July 23, 1997 Please do not hesitate to contact me at (303) 770-3830 ext. 325 if you require any additional information. I look forward to working with you and the Planning Department on this project. Sincerely, Jerry R. Feathers SBA of Denver, Inc. Enclosures cc: Jill Jelinek, Sprint PCS Jett Wunsche, SBA July 23, 1997 Mr. Ted Shepard City of Ft. Collins 281 N. College Avenue Ft. Collins, CO 80522 Re: Hampton Inn / Sprint PCS Co -Location Site Plan Approval Dear Mr. Shepard: SBA of Denver, Inc. is the authorized agent for Sprint PCS in their request to locate a Personal Communication Services Site at 1620 Oakridge Drive, Ft. Collins, Colorado. The proposal is to co -locate nine panel antennae, each measuring approximately 5.5" w x 2" d x 55" h on the Hampton Inn roof. The antennae will be painted to match the existing roof. In order to further minimize visual impact, the antennae will not extend above the existing roof line. The base transceiver station (BTS) equipment will be located on the roof and enclosed by screening that will be painted to match the existing roof. Co -location is permitted within the Harmony Corridor zone district. I have enclosed the following materials t6support this request: • Completed City of Fort Collins Current Planning Department Application Form • Check in the amount of $208.00 payable to the City of Fort Collins (filing fee and label fee) • 16 copies of the project narrative, including a detailed project description, site analysis, and information pertaining to the PCS technology for your reference • 2- 8'/2 x 11 copies of the legal description • 5 copies of architectural elevations • 16 copies of site plans No Text �L Wireless Telecommunication Equipment Review - Hampton Inn, Administrative Review, PDP/FC, #20-97 September 18, 1997 Page 4 and material. As stated previously, the equipment located atop the roof (approximately in the center of the roof) will be screened with an 8' metal screening which will be designed so that it is similar to the mansard roof in color and design. There are no other standards from the Land Use Code which are applicable to this proposal. 2. Findings of Fact: In the review and consideration of this request, Staff makes the following findings of fact: A. The proposed panel antennae arrays are defined as wireless telecommunications equipment. B. Wireless telecommunications equipment is permitted in the HC, Harmony Corridor, Zone District. C. The proposed panel antennae arrays are to be flush -mounted as technically as possible on the north, west and east elevations of the existing mansard roof of the Hampton Inn. D. The proposed equipment meets the applicable standards of Section 3.8.13(C) of the Land Use Code. ,. Wireless Telecommunication Equipment Review - Hampton Inn, Administrative Review, PDP/FC, #20-97 September 18, 1997 Page 3 The antennae are proposed to be mounted to the north, east and west elevations on an existing mansard roof. They will be painted to match the existing dark green mansard roof. Whenever a wireless telecommunication antenna is attached to a building roof, the height of the antenna shall not be more than fifteen (15) feet over the height of the building. All wireless telecommunication equipment shall be located as far from the edge of the roof as possible. Even if the building is constructed at or above the building height limitations contained in Section 3.8.17, the additional fifteen (15) feet is permissible. As stated previously, the panel antennae arrays will be mounted to the surface of the mansard roof deck and will not project over the height of the building. The proposed base transceiver station is located approximately in the middle of the rooftop and will be screened with an 8' metal screening which matches the design and coloration of the existing mansard roof. The approximate size of this transceiver station is 9' x 17' (the approximate dimensions on the enclosed area.) Whenever wireless telecommunication equipment is mounted to the wall of a building or structure, the equipment shall be mounted in a configuration as flush to the wall as technically possible and shall not project above the wall on which it is mounted. Essentially, the mansard roof operates as a parapet wall with approximately a 60' angle. The standard states that the equipment be mounted to the wall as flush as technically possible. The technology used for the panel antennae necessitates that these cannot be mounted in any manner other than a vertical alignment. To be mounted flush to the mansard roof would result in the panel antennae placement at an approximate 60' angle which would not allow the proper functioning of the equipment. The applicant proposes that the vertical mounting of the panel antennae on the mansard roof is to be done with a top -mounted horizontal support behind the panel antennae to allow the bottom of each panel to touch the mansard roof deck. The result is that the top of each panel will project approximately two (2) feet from the mansard roof. This mounting technique allows the panel antennae to maintain the required vertical alignment while still being as flush to the 60-degree angle of the mansard roof as technically possible, and thus, meeting the requirement of the standard. In addition, staff has requested that the panel antennae be aligned with the vertical lines of the mansard roof as close as possible so as to limit to visual impact from the public view. Roof and ground mounted wireless telecommunications equipment shall be screened by parapet walls or screen walls in a manner compatible with the building's design, color, Aw Wireless Telecommunication Equipment Review - Hampton Inn, Administrative Review, PDP/FC, #20-97 September 18, 1997 Page 2 COMMENTS: 1. Land Use: A. Definition The Land Use Code defines "wireless telecommunications services equipment" as any equipment used to provide wireless telecommunication services, but which is not affixed to or contained within a wireless telecommunication services facility (monopole or tower), but is instead affixed to or mounted on an existing building or structure (or substantially similar replacement structure) that is used for some other purpose. Provided, however, such equipment shall also mean a ground mounted base station used as an accessory structure that is connected to an antenna mounted on or affixed to an existing building. This application consists of a request to mount wireless telecommunications equipment on the north, west and east elevations of the mansard roof of the existing Hampton Inn, located at 1620 Oakridge Drive. The proposal includes the location of nine panel antennae, each panel measuring approximately 5.5"w x 2"d x 55" h. The panel antennae are proposed to be located in arrays of three each, on the north, west and east elevations. In addition, base transceiver station equipment is proposed to he located on the roof to be enclosed by screening painted and designed to match the existing mansard roof. B. Zoning The site is zoned HC-Harmony Corridor Zone District. Wireless telecommunications equipment is permitted in this district subject to administrative review. Section 3.8.13 of the Land Use Code permits wireless telecommunications equipment to be attached to or mounted on any existing building or structure located in any zoning district in the city. Wireless telecommunications equipment shall not, however, be permitted to be attached to or mounted on any residential building containing four or fewer dwelling units. C. Standards The request meets the following applicable standards for wireless telecommunications equipment as found in the Land Use Code under Section 3.8.13: 3.8.13(C)(3)-Wireless Telecommunication Equipment. Wireless telecommunication equipment shall be of the same color as the building or structure to which or on which such equipment is mounted. City of Fort Collins Commui_ f Planning and Environmental,. . vices Current Planning STAFF REPORT ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING HELD ON 18 SEPTEMBER 1997 281 NORTH COLLEGE 3:30 PM PROJECT: Wireless Telecommunications Equipment Review - Hampton Inn, Administrative Review, PDP/FC, #20-97 APPLICANT: Sprint PCS C/o Mr. Ronald Hovland SBA of Denver, Inc. 7600 East Arapahoe road, Suite 210 Englewood, Colorado 80112 OWNER: Summit Group 5100 South Tennis Lane Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Request to mount wireless telecommunications equipment on the north, west and east elevations of the mansard roof of the existing Hampton Inn, located at 1620 Oakridge Drive. The proposal includes the location of nine panel antennae, each panel measuring approximately 5.5"w x 2"d x 55" h. The panel antennae are proposed to be located in arrays of three each, on the north, west and east elevations. The antennae will be painted to match the existing roof (a forest green color), and will not extend above the existing roof line. In addition, base transceiver station equipment is proposed to be located on the roof to be enclosed by screening painted and designed to match the existing mansard roof. RECOMMENDATION: Approval. 281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6750 FAX (970) 221-6378 • TDD (970) 224-6002