HomeMy WebLinkAboutWIRELESS TELECOM. FACILITY (US WEST) - PDP/FDP - 11-97E - REPORTS - RECOMMENDATION/REPORT W/ATTACHMENTSConclusion
US West's commitment to a long-term presence in the community 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 services to the consumer.
The proposed PCS facility is essential for US West to construct a seamless PCS wireless network serving
the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County. Increasingly, consumers rely on advanced technology to
meet their communication needs. US West is pleased to have this opportunity to introduce its regional
PCS network to the area and stands by the fact that the construction, maintenance and operation of this
facility will in no way be detrimental to the health, safety or well-being of the community.
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Facility Specifications
Equipment Cabinets
The two proposed equipment cabinets contain all the PCS equipment necessary to run a communication
site, including radio transceivers, batteries, cooling fans and an interior monitoring system. The cabinets
are pre -fabricated, weather -resistant, self-contained units specifically manufactured to house PCS
equipment. Each cabinet is approximately 2' 6" square and 5' 0" tall.
Monopole/Antenna
The site will contain one 60' monopole designed to be self-supporting and designed to support multiple
carriers with an engineered foundation. The monopole will be equipped with nine panel -type antennae
(six initially, three future). The antennae will be arranged in a three sector configuration with two to three
antennae per sector. Each antenna is 5" w x 42" h x 4" d and mounted to the top of the monopole with
mounting brackets.
Perimeter Fencing
The facility and lease parcel will be completely surrounded by an 8' high cedar fence. An 8' high access
gate will be added to the northern side of the lease parcel.
Facility Maintenance
The facility is generally serviced once a month by a small passenger vehicle. The service visit will take up
to two hours and is typically for preventative maintenance purposes.
Access/Easements
The PCS facility will be accessed through a 20' wide ingress-egress/utility easement from Palmer Drive.
Grading/Utilities
Minimal grading will be required to construct the equipment platform and monopole. Power and telephone
utilities will be extended in the lease area from existing pedestals on the property.
Development Assurances
1. The proposed facility will emit no noxious odors, heat, noise or other pollutants.
2. Traffic to the facility will be negligible. Local, full-time trained employees of US West will be
responsible for regular inspection and maintenance of the site (approximately once a month or in
an emergency). Access to the site will be restricted.
3. Construction of the facility will exceed industry safety standards, and all construction will comply
with all applicable local and state building codes and regulations.
4. The proposed facility has been designed with consideration to local wind and weather conditions.
5. The proposed facility will comply with all applicable FCC and FAA regulations.
6. The facility will not interfere with television or radio reception.
7. Normal household electric service (single phase 220 volt/100 amp) will be brought to the facility.
8. The facility will not require sewage disposal, water or garbage service.
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US West's PCS system requires that a customer be in contact with two facilities at any given time to
reduce dropped calls. Therefore, PCS sites must be within close proximity of one another. Finally,
although coverage will extend beyond major traffic corridors, locating sites along those major corridors is
preferred due to the high volume of wireless communication use.
In summary, the selection of a specific site in a target area is determined by the following factors:
• Local topographic and geographic features
• Ability to mitigate the antenna mounting structure's visual impact
• Compatibility with existing land uses and zoning
• Ability to negotiate a mutually beneficial lease with a landlord
To accomplish this goal, 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 area surrounding
that particular site, but also the coverage areas of all adjacent network sites. Integrating the proposed
PCS facility into the network will ensure that US West is able to meet both its FCC mandate and its
commitment to the public to provide the highest quality uninterrupted service.
US West proposes to construct a PCS facility in the Northeast corner of the parcel located at 4820 South
College Avenue. The applicant will lease a 450 square foot area.
The lease area will be developed with a 60' monopole supporting up to nine panel antennas (six initially,
three future). Two equipment cabinets will be placed on a 9' 6" x 11' 6" concrete pad located beneath the
monopole. A proposed 8' cedar fence will secure the entire PCS facility and lease area.
Coverage Objective
US West's objective is to provide seamless coverage to the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County and
existing thoroughfares such as Harmony Road and College Avenue. The development of this network is
expected to fulfill consumer demand for several years.
Site Analvsis
Zoning and Land Use
The US West site is located within a Commercial District. Currently the parcel contains an office building
and a parking lot. The PCS facility is an appropriate use for this property because it is a permitted use in
a Commercial District.
Impact on Surrounding Residents
The selection of this site for a PCS facility was made with the goal of minimizing the impact to the citizens
of Fort Collins. To minimize impact, US West has proposed to locate the facility in a Commercial District
where it is permitted by right.
The monopole will look much like a light standard and will be painted light brown. In addition, the
monopole will be placed behind an existing structure and will be fenced for increased safety.
Visual impact of the proposed monopole will be minimized by existing trees on the North and East sides of
the property. US West has proposed to landscape the West, South and East sides of the facility with
seven T Australian Pines spaced evenly apart.
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INTRODUCTION
Personal Communication Services
PCS (Personal Communication Services) is the name given to the band of radio spectrum located
between 1850 and 1990 MegaHertz (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.
US West's PCS network is based on digital technology as opposed to the analog technology that has
historically been used for wireless communications. The advantages of digital technology are higher voice
quality, increased privacy, and a significant increase in call capacity.
Unlike major broadcasting systems, which operate at high power to reach as many people as possible,
PCS facilities operate at a low power (10 to 100 watts), limiting the signal to the small areas they are
intended to cover.2 With PCS, repeated use of the same channels increases the number of telephone
calls handled by the system, making PCS available for everyone.
The PCS system uses a lightweight, multi -function, portable telephone. This telephone will offer a number
of features such as call screening, call waiting, voice mail, and text paging. US West's goal is to integrate
mobile services with fixed communication networks by combining local, long distance, and wireless
services.
US West's Site Selection Process
To ensure development of a community -compatible PCS network, US West engaged in an innovative
"pre -design" process. Traditionally, development of communication networks has been driven strictly by
Radio Frequency (RF) engineering requirements. Engineers determined where the network required sites
regardless of zoning, community, and strategic planning needs.
US West retained the services of Wireless Solutions. for the acquisition and planning of PCS sites in the
Northern Colorado area. Wireless Solutions' innovative, community -friendly approach utilizes the existing
zoning and land uses 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 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 structures to fit the network to the communities. If
no existing structure was available or appropriate, a monopole or tower was proposed. Through this
process US West will build a network that provides maximum coverage while minimizing the impact on the
community.
The need for a site is governed by capacity and coverage requirements for the specific area to be served.
Since PCS facilities operate at a lower power and a higher frequency than cellular facilities, they rely more
on line -of -sight coverage (the ability to overlap signals with the next site in the network).
' Standard cellular facilities operate within 800 and 900 MHz.
2 Standard cellular facilities generally operate at over 100 watts.
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PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION
Ownership:
US West Communications
Lessor:
US West Communications
Space under lease: 450 SF
Lessee:
US West Communications
Zoning:
C - Commercial
Current Use:
Currently being used as an office building
Surrounding Zoning and Existing Land Uses:
North:
C (Commercial) zoned property: Strip mall
HC (Harmony Corridor) zoned property: Gas Station
East:
Larimer County zoned property: Fairway Estates neighborhood
South:
C (Commercial) zoned property: Various single -story office buildings
West:
C (Commercial) zoned property: Wal-Mart strip mall
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PROJECT CONTACTS
Applicant: US West Communications
4301 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80216
(303)398-8394
Contact: Jeanne Richins
Agent: Wireless Solutions
7600 East Arapahoe Road, Suite 210
Englewood, Colorado 80112
(303) 741-5978
Contact: Bob Przybylo
Property Owner: US West Communications
4301 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80216
(303)398-8394
Contact: Jeanne Richins
Construction Mgmt: Bechtel National, Inc.
12121 Grant Street, Suite 401
Thornton, Colorado 80241
(303)451-2864
Contact: Carl Hahn
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
Site Parcel Number: 96 012 05 928 828
A parcel of land located in the NW 1/4 Sec 1, T 6 N, R 69 W, more particularly described as follows:
Commencing at the NW Cor Sec 1, thence S 000 47' 04" W 660.18 feet; thence S 890 08' 00" E 53.98 feet
to point on East R/W Hwy No. 287, said point being P.O.B.; thence S 890 08' 00" E 299.85 feet; thence N
000 51' 00" E 330.88 feet; thence N 890 58' 00" W 299.90 to a point on the E RAN line Hwy 287; thence S
000 52' 00" W 318.72 feet to P.O. B.
I,JOWEmSr Communications - Wireless
OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING
V
FTC190: Monopole Site
PROPRIF,TARY
Not for disclosure outside of U S WEST Communications Wireless
Do not distribute or reproduce without permission from U S WEST Communications Wireless
16*6WESr Communications - Wireless
OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING
FTC190: Monopole Site
PROPRIETARY
Not for disclosure outside of U S WEST Communications Wireless
Do not distribute or reproduce without permission from U S WEST Communications Wireless
HC
Approved
Harmony Centre
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VICINITY MAP 04/21/97
11-97E 4620 South College Avenue "
Wireless Telecom Facility
Type I (NLUC) Review 1••=600r
Cultura ibrary and Recreational Servic(
Forestry Division
MEMORANDUM
DT: June 9, 1997
TO: Ted Shepard, Senior City Planner
FR: Tim Buchanan, City Forester T-S
RE: Wireless Tower 4620 South College
The seven Austrian Pines planted on this project should not need supplemental irrigation to
survive after the initial establishment period as described in the landscape notes. For optional
growth, occasional irrigation after the three year establishment period would be beneficial.
This project meets the xeric requirements that allows it to not have permanent automatic
irrigation.
281 North College Avenue • Fort Collins, CO 80524 • (970) 221-6361 • FAX (970) 221-6586
4620 South College Avenue (U.S. West Office Building) Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities, Administrative Review, #11-97E
June 10, 1997
Page 4
3. FINDINGS OF FACT:
In review and consideration of this request, Staff makes the following findings of fact:
A. The proposed tower is defined as wireless telecommunications facility.
B. A wireless telecommunications facility is permitted in the C, Commercial Zone
District as a project eligible for administrative review.
C. The proposed facility meets the applicable standards of Section 3.8.13 {C} of the
Land Use Code.
D. A neighborhood information meeting was held and the request is found to be
compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff finds that the request for a 60 foot high wireless telecommunications tower to
mount an array of nine antennas, in three groups of three, along with future capability
for an additional array of nine, for wireless telecommunications, including a small
Global Positioning Unit, is in compliance with the City's Land Use Code. Staff,
therefore, recommends approval of 4620 South College Avenue (U.S. West office
building) Wireless Telecommunications Facility, Administrative Review, #11-97E.
4620 South College Avenue (U.S. West Office Building) Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities, Administrative Review, #11-97E
June 10, 1997
Page 3
3.8.13 {C} (7) - Irrigation:
The standard requires that landscaping shall be equipped with automatic irrigation
systems meeting the water conservation standards of the city.
Since the landscaped area is relatively small, the applicant is proposing to hand water
the trees rather than install an automatic irrigation system. A letter from a landscape
contractor has been provided verifying the watering obligation.
Section 3.2.1 (J) (1) of the Land Use Code (Landscaping and Tree Protection) allows
for the City Forester to make an exception to the automatic irrigation requirement if the
landscape material can be certified as xeriscape which does not require irrigation for
survival. The City Forester has provided a memorandum allowing for the seven
Austrian Pines to be considered xeriscape since, after an initial period of establishment,
the species can naturalize and adapt to average annual rainfall for survival. Staff,
therefore, considers this standard to be satisfied.
3.8.13 {C} (8) - Color:
As mentioned, the color will be a "pallet tan" which is light tan color. This color was
selected to complement the red -brown brick on the office building. A red -brown tone
was not selected as this is considered too dark for a tower. "Pallet tan" is within the
family of colors which is softer and more muted than galvanized but not so dark as to
draw attention to itself.
3.8.13 {C} (9) - Lighting:
There is no lighting associated with the tower.
3.8.13 {C} (10) - Interference:
The wireless telecommunication facility will use a different broadcast spectrum than
radio and television and computers and, therefore, not cause interference.
All other standards are non-appplicable.
2. Neighborhood Compatibility:
A neighborhood information was held on April 30, 1997. No concerns were raised at
this meeting.
4620 South College Avenue (U.S. West Office Building) Wireless Telecommunications
Facilities, Administrative Review, #11-97E
June 10, 1997
Page 2
B. Zoning
The site is zoned C, Commercial. A wireless telecommunications facility is permitted
in this district subject to administrative review. Section 3.8.13 of the Land Use Code
permits wireless telecommunications facilities to be constructed subject certain
standards.
C. Standards
The request meets the following applicable standards for wireless telecommunication
facilities as found in the Land Use Code under Section 3.8.13:
3.8.13 {C) (1) - Setbacks:
The standard requires that the tower be setback a minimum of one foot for every foot of
tower height. The tower is 60 feet high. The setback from the north property line is 62
feet and the setback from the east property line is 74 feet. Therefore, the setbacks for
the tower meet the standard.
3.8.13 {C} (2) - Compatibility:
The standard requires that facilities be consistent with the architectural style of the
surrounding architectural environment considering exterior materials, roof, form, scale,
mass, color, texture, and character. With respect to the requested tower, since it is not
a building or structure with an architectural style, the only applicable standard is color.
The tower will be painted a "pallet tan" in order to blend in the red -brown brick exterior
of the office building.
3.8.13 {C} (4) - Landscaping:
The request complies with the standard by wrapping three sides of the six foot high
solid cedar perimeter fence with seven Austrian Pines planted on ten foot centers. The
planting bed is no less than 12 feet in any direction. This planting design will create a
total screen at the base upon maturity and provide year-round screening.
3.8.13 {C} (5) - Fencing:
The request complies with standard by providing a six foot high solid cedar perimeter
fence.
ITEM NO.
MEETING DATE G-10 - 97
STAFF TE,D S't,�PA�l�
Citv of Fort Collins PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
STAFF REPORT
PROJECT: 4620 South College Avenue (U.S. West Office Building)
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities, Administrative
Review, #11-97E
APPLICANT: U.S. West Corporation
c/o Mr. Bob Pryzbylo
S.B.A. - Wireless Solutions
7600 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite 315
Englewood, CO 80112
OWNER: U.S. West
4620 South College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80525
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Request to construct wireless telecommunications facility in the form of a 60 feet high
monopole tower in the northeast corner of the U.S. West office building property located
at 4620 South College Avenue. The site is located at the northeast corner of South
College Avenue and Palmer Drive. The property is zoned C, Commercial. The tower
would feature nine antennas mounted in three arrays of three. Future capability for one
additional set of nine antennas is also provided on the tower at a lower height. The
tower also features a small Global Positioning Unit.
COMMENTS:
1. LAND USE:
A. Definition
The Land Use Code defines "wireless telecommunications services facility " as any
freestanding facility, building, pole, tower or structure used to provide only wireless
telecommunication services, and which consists of, without limitation antennae,
equipment and storage and other accessory structures used to provide wireless
telecommunication services.
COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 281 N. College Ave. P.O. Box580 Fort Collins, CO80522-0580 (970)221-6750
PLANNING DEPARTMENT