99sn0109.pdfDecember 16, 1998 BS
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
99SN0109
Sprint PCS
Clover Hill Magisterial District
South line of Walmsley Boulevard
REOUEST: Conditional Use Planned Development to permit a communications tower and
height exception in an Agricultural (A) District.
PROPOSED LAND USE:
A communications tower with an initial height of 160 feet, plus accessory
equipment, is planned.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS ON PAGES 2 THROUGH 4
AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROFFERED CONDITIONS ON PAGE 4.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval for the following reasons:
The proposed tower site lies within the boundaries of the Central Area Plan which
suggests the request property and surrounding area are appropriate for residential
use of 1.00 to 2.5 units per acre. The request site, however, is densely wooded
and includes sufficient acreage to accommodate a buffer of mature trees around the
tower enclosure, thereby minimizing views of the tower. Further, the applicant has
proffered conditions which will further mitigate the tower's visual impacts. Subject
to the recommended buffer condition and proffered conditions, the tower conforms
to the siting criteria of the Public Facilities Plan and Guidelines for Review of
Substantial Accord Determinations and/or Zoning Approval for Communications
Tower Locations which suggests that communications towers should generally be
located away from areas of anticipated residential development or otherwise be
designed to minimize the visual impacts of the tower on such areas of development.
The recommended conditions minimize the possibility of any adverse impact on
existing or future area development, as well as on the Chesterfield County Public
Safety Trunked System or the County Airport.
(NOTE: CONDITIONS MAY BE IMPOSED OR THE PROPERTY OWNER MAY PROFFER
CONDITIONS. THE CONDITIONS NOTED WITH "STAFF/CPC" WERE AGREED UPON
BY BOTH STAFF AND THE COMMISSION. CONDITIONS WITH ONLY A "STAFF" ARE
RECOMMENDED SOLELY BY STAFF. CONDITIONS WITH ONLY A "CPC" ARE
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION.)
CONDITIONS
(STAFF/CPC) 1.
A 100 foot buffer shall be maintained around the perimeter of the
request site. Except for one (1) access driveway and utilities which
may be extended generally perpendicular through this buffer,
existing healthy trees 2.5 inches in caliper or greater within this
buffer shall be preserved and maintained. Existing trees shall be
supplemented where necessary to minimize the views of the tower
and associated equipment from the request site boundaries. Any
cleared areas of 300 square feet or greater shall be planted with
trees of species having an average minimum mature crown spread
of greater than thirty (30) feet and a minimum caliper of 2.5 inches
at the time of planting, to achieve minimum density of one (1) tree
for each 300 square feet of cleared area. At the time of site plan
review, a landscaping plan depicting this requirement shall be
submitted to the Planning Department for review and approval. (P)
(STAFF/CPC)
2. There shall be no signs permitted to identify the tower use. (P)
(STAFF/CPC)
gL
The base of the tower shall be enclosed by a minimum six (6) foot
high fence, designed to preclude trespassing. A detailed plan
depicting this requirement shall be submitted to the Planning
Department for approval in conjunction with t-mai site plan review.
(P)
(STAFF/CPC)
In conjunction with site plan submission, the owner/developer shall
submit documentation as to whether FAA approval is required for
the erection of the tower. If FAA approval is required, a copy of
FAA approval shall be submitted to the Planning Department prior
to the release of a building permit. (P)
(STAFF/CPC)
The tower and equipment shall be designed and installed so as not to
interfere with the Chesterfield County Public Safety Tnmked System.
2
99SN0109/WP/DEC 16H
(STAFF/CPC)
(STAFF/CPC)
(STAFF/CPC)
(STAFF/CPC)
(STAFF/CPC)
10.
The developer shall perform an engineering study to determine the
possibility of radio frequency interference with the County system.
Prior to release of a building permit, the study shall be submitted to,
and approved by, the Chesterfield County Communications and
Electronics staff. (GS)
The developer shall be responsible fbr correcting any frequency
problems which affect the'Chesterfield County' Public Safety Tmnked
System caused by this use. Such corrections shall be made
immediately upon notification by the Chesterfield County
Communications and Electronics staff. (GS)
The treatment, color and lighting system for the tower shall be as
follows:
The tower shall be gray or another neutral color, acceptable
to the Planning Department.
The tower shall not be lighted unless lighting is required by
the FAA. If lighted, lighting during daylight hours shall be
limited to medium intensity strobe lights with upward
reflection and lighting during night time hours shall be
limited to soft blinking lights. (P)
All driveways and parking areas shall be graveled or paved and
maintained to minimize dust problems and provide ease of ingress
and egress. (P)
Any building or mechanical equipment shall comply with Sections
19-570 (b) and (c) of the Zoning Ordinance relative to architectural
treatment of building exteriors and screening of mechanical
equipment. (P)
(NOTE: This condition would require the screening of mechanical
equipment located on the building or ground from adjacent properties
and public rights of way. Screening would not be required for the
tower or tower-mounted equipment.)
At such time that the tower ceases to be used for communications
purposes for a period exceeding twelve (12) consecutive months, the
owner/developer shall dismantle and remove the tower and all
associated equipment from the property.. (P)
3 99SN0109~WP~DEC 16H
(STAFF/CPC) 11.
With the approval of tiffs request, a ten (I0) foot exception to the 150
foot height limitation for towers in Agricultural (A) Districts shall be
granted. (P)
PROFFERED CONDITIONS
(STAFF/CPC) 1.
~[gj~. The communications tower shall be of a
monopole design.
(STAFF/CPC) 2.
Mounting Eouipment. Antenna mounting equipment shall not extend
more than five feet, six inches (5' 6") from the monopole, exclusive
of antennas.
(STAFF/CPC) 3.
Tower Capacity. The initial tower foundation, base and structure
shall be designed and constructed to accommodate a maximum
height of 199 feet and a minimum capacity of four (4) sets of panel
or sectored array antennas typically used by cellular/PCS type
wireless communications service providers. In addition, the tower
site shall be designed to accommodate the equivalent of four (4),
nine (9) by fifteen (15) foot ground-mounted equipment platforms.
At the time of site plan approval, documentation of these
requirements shall be submitted to the Planning Department for
review and approval.
(STAFF/CPC) 4.
Notice to 360 Corridor Committee. The owner/developer of the
tower shall notify in writing the last known contact/representative
of the Route 360 Corridor Committee on file with the Planning
Department of any request to increase the tower height over 160
feet. Such notification shall occur no later than twenty-one (21)
days prior to the Planning Commission's initial consideration of the
request to increase the tower height. The owner/developer shall
provide a copy of the notification letter to the Planning Department.
(STAFF/CPC) 5.
Height Limitation. The communications tower shall not exceed a
height of 160 feet.
(Note: Any tower in excess of 160 feet would require amendment of
the Conditional Use Planned Development.)
4
99SN0109/WP/DEC 16H
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
South line of Walmsley Boulevard, east of Summerbrook Drive. Tax ID 762-692-Part of
4200 (Sheet 15).
Existing Zoning:
A
1.7 acres
Size:
Existing Land Use:
Vacant
Adjacent Zoning & Land Use:
North - A with Conditional Use; Public/semi-public (church)
South - A; Single family residential
East - A; Vacant
West - A; Single family residential
UTILITIES
The proposed tower and associated equipment will not necessitate a manned facility; therefore, the
public water and wastewater systems are not required.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Drainage and Erosion
No existh~g or anticipated on- or off-site drainage or erosion problems. A land disturbance
permit will not be required if less than 2,500 square feet of land area is disturbed by the
construction of the tower and associated improvements.
5 99SN0109/WP/DEC 16H
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Fire Service and Transportation:
The proposed tower and associated equipment will have a minimal impact on these facilities.
County Communications:
The Zoning Ordinance requires that any structure over eighty (80) feet in height be
reviewed by the County's Public Safety Review Team for potential detrimental impacts the
structure could have on the County's Radio Communications System microwave paths.
This determination must be made prior to erection of the proposed communications tower.
A preliminary review of this tower proposal has indicated that the facility will not interfere
with the County's commmtication system; however, as a further precaution, a condition
should be imposed to ensure that the tower is designed and constructed so as not to interfere
with the Chesterfield County, Public Safety Trunked System (Condition 5). Once the tower
is in operation, if interference occurs, the owner/developer should be required to correct any
problems. (Condition 6)
County.- Airport:
A preliminary review of this tower proposal has indicated that the facility will not interfere
with the operation of the County Airport; however, as a further precaution, if FAA approval
is required, a copy of such approval should be submitted to the Planning Department prior
to the release ora building permit. (Condition 4)
LAND USE
General Plan:
The request property lies within the boundaries of the Central Area Plan which suggests the
request property and surrounding area are appropriate for residential use of 1.00 to 2.5
units per acre.
Area Development Trends:
The request property is located in an area characterized by single family residences on
acreage parcels, a church and by vacant, agriculturally zoned land. It is anticipated that
area properties will eventually be zoned and developed for residential use.
6
99SNO109/WP/DEC16H
The tower site consists of an acreage parcel lying approximately 450 feet south of
Watmsley Boulevard. Access to the property will be provided via a driveway to Walmsley
Boulevard. The request property is heavily wooded. Given the anticipated visibility of
the proposed tower and its proximity to anticipated future area residential development and
consistent with the Guidelines for Review and Approval of Towers, the tower should be
located such that existing, mature vegetation can serve to minimize the view of the tower
from area residences and public rights of way. (Condition 1)
Given the proximity of existing and anticipated area residential development, the tower
should not be lighted unless lighting is required by the FAA. (Condition 7.b.)
Consistent with past actions on similar facilities, the base of the tower should be secured
with a fence to discourage trespassing. (Condition 3)
Architectural Treatment:
The request property lies within an Emerging Growth Area. Given the potential for future
development in the area, a condition should be imposed to require compliance with
Emerging Growth requirements relative to architectural treatment of buildings and
screening of mechanical equipment. (Condition 9)
Given the potential for residential development in proximity to the tower site, the applicant
has proffered that the tower will possess features designed to mitigate its utilitarian
appearance and visibility (Proffered Conditions 1 and 2). Specifically, Proffered Condition
1 would require the tower to be of a monopole design. Proffered Condition 2 would
require antenna mountings to extend no more than five feet, six inches (5' 6") from the
tower. The applicant has also proffered to notify the last known contact or representative
of the Route 360 Corridor Committee on file with the Planning Department of any future
zoning request to increase the height of the tower over 160 feet. (Proffered Condition 4)
The applicant has proffered to design and build the proposed tower and tower enclosure
so as to accommodate a mininmm of four (4) cellular/PCS type wireless communications
service providers (Proffered Condition 4). In this manner, the potential for tower
proliferation along this portion of the Route 360 Corridor can be mininfized.
Consistent with past actions on similar facilities, the tower should be removed at such time
that it ceases to be used for communications purposes, to ensure that the tower does not
become a maintenance problem or an eyesore. (Condition 10)
7 99SN0109/WP/DEC16H
CONCLUSIONS
The proposed tower site lies within the boundaries of the ~ which suggests the
request property and surrounding area are appropriate for residential use of 1.00 to 2.5 units per
acre. The request site, however, is densely wooded and includes sufficient acreage to
accommodate a buffer of mature trees around the tower enclosure, thereby minimizing views of
the tower. Further, the applicant has proffered conditions designed to further mitigate the tower's
visual impacts.
Subject to the recommended buffer condition and proffered conditions, the tower conforms to the
siting criteria of the Puli -ties Plan and Guidelines for Review of Substantial Accord
Determinations and/or Zoning Approval for Communications Tower Locations which suggests that
communications towers should generally be located away from areas of anticipated residential
development or otherwise be designed to minimize the visual impacts of the tower on such areas
of development. In addition, the recommended conditions will further minimize the possibility
of any adverse impact on existing or future area development, as well as on the Chesterfield
County Public Safety Trunked System or the County Airport.
Given these considerations, approval of this request is recommended.
CASE HISTORY
Applicant (9/3/98):
The applicant requested a deferral to the Commission's October 20, 1998, meeting.
Planning Commission Meeting (9/15/98):
The applicant requested a deferral to November 17, 1998.
At the request of the applicant, the Commission deferred this case to November 17, 1998.
Staff (9/16/98):
The applicant was advised in writing that any new or revised information should be
submitted no later than October 9, 1998, and that a $150.00 deferral fee was due.
8
99SNO l O9 /WP/D EC16H
Area Residents. Applicant and Staff (9/16/98):
A meeting was held on site to discuss the proposal. The applicant agreed to proffer
conditions to address visibility concerns and potential shared use of the tower.
Applicant (10/6/98):
The $150.00 deferral fee was paid.
Applicant (11/6/98):
Proffered conditions were submitted.
Applicant (11/9/98):
Revised proffered conditions were submitted.
Applicant (11/16/98):
To address concerns of area residents that any increase in the height of the proposed
communications tower, over 160 f~et, be subject to review and approval by the Planning
Commission, the applicant submitted an additional proffered condition which would limit
the height of the tower to 160 feet unless an amendment is approved by the Board of
Supervisors through some subsequent action.
Planning Commission Meeting (11 / 17/98):
The applicant accepted the recommendation. There was no opposition present.
On motion of Mr. Gulley, seconded by Mr. Miller, the Commission recommended
approval of this request subject to the conditions on pages 2 through 4 and acceptance of
the proffered conditions on page 4.
AYES: Unanimous.
Further, the Commission found this proposal to be in substantial accord with the
Comprehensive Plan.
9 99SN0109/WP/DEC 16H
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, December 16, 1998, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will take
under consideration this request.
10
99SNO l O9 /WP /D EC16H
C
ZC
WYNTREBROOK,
587 M~
)LD CREEK WEST,
CREEKWOOD
)109
iUo P. D.
(SU;WEY~£UN[)
OWNER: WALMSLEY ASSOCIATES
TAX ID; 752-691-400 (NEW)
TAX ID: 040-09-04-00-000-006 (OLD)
DB. 14.7,~-, PG. 850
ARE~ 250,470 SQ, FT.
ZONING: A
PROPOSED MONOPOLE
LON = W77'32'13.710'
N
547.203
~ 9 SNoloq- I
99SN0109
In Clover Hill Magisterial District, SPRINT PCS requested
Conditional Use Planned Development and amendment of zoning
district map to permit a communications tower and height
exception in an Agricultural (A} District. A 160 foot
communications tower is planned. The density of such
amendment will be controlled by zoning conditions or
Ordinance standards. The Comprehensive Plan suggests the
property is appropriate for residential use of 1.0 to 2.5
units per acre. This request lies on 1.7 acres fronting
approximately 35 feet on the south line of Walmsley
Boulevard, approximately 1,200 feet east of Summerbrooke
Drive. Tax ID 762 692 Part of 4200 (Sheet 15).
Mr. Jacobson presented a summary of Case 99SN0109 and stated
that the Planning Commission and staff recommend approval
subject to conditions and acceptance of the proffered
conditions. He noted that the proposed request conforms to
the siting criteria for towers.
Mr. Chuck Rothenberg, representing the applicant, stated
that the recommendation is acceptable. He expressed
appreciation to everyone involved for their efforts
regarding this request.
There was no opposition present.
Mr. Warren entered into the record a copy of a letter from
Mr. Alan Barnes, Chairman of the 360 Corridor Committee, in
support of the request.
Mr. Warren then made a motion, seconded by Mr. McHale, for
the Board to approve Case 99SN0109 subject to the following
conditions:
A 100 foot buffer shall be maintained around the
perimeter of the request site. Except for one (1)
access driveway and utilities which may be extended
generally perpendicular through this buffer, existing
healthy trees 2.5 inches in caliper or greater within
this buffer shall be preserved and maintained.
Existing trees shall be supplemented where necessary to
minimize the views of the tower and associated
equipment from the request site boundaries. Any
cleared areas of 300 square feet or greater shall be
planted with trees of species having an average minimum
mature crown spread of greater than thirty (30) feet
and a minimum caliper of 2.5 inches at the time of
planting, to achieve minimum density of one (1) tree
for each 300 square feet of cleared area. At the time
of site plan review, a landscaping plan depicting this
requirement shall be submitted to the Planning
12/16/98
98 946
Department for review and approval. (P)
There shall be no signs permitted to identify the tower
use. (P)
The base of the tower shall be enclosed by a minimum
six (6) foot high fence, designed to preclude
trespassing. A detailed plan depicting this
requirement shall be submitted to the Planning
Department for approval in conjunction with final site
plan review. (P)
In conjunction with site plan submission, the
owner/developer shall submit documentation as to
whether F~ approval is required for the erection of
the tower. If F~ approval is required, a copy of F~
approval shall be submitted to the Planning Department
prior to the release of a building permit. (P)
The tower and equipment shall be designed and installed
so as not to interfere with the Chesterfield County
Public Safety Trunked System. The developer shall
perform an engineering study to determine the
possibility of radio frequency interference with the
County system. Prior to release of a building permit,
the study shall be submitted to, and approved by, the
Chesterfield County Communications and Electronics
staff. (GS)
The developer shall be responsible for correcting any
frequency problems which affect the Chesterfield County
Public Safety Trunked System caused by this use. Such
corrections shall be made immediately upon notification
by the Chesterfield County Communications and
Electronics staff. (GS)
The treatment, color and lighting system for the tower
shall be as follows:
a. The tower shall be gray or another neutral color,
acceptable to the Planning Department.
b. The tower shall not be lighted unless lighting is
required by the F~. If lighted, lighting during
daylight hours shall be limited to medium
intensity strobe lights with upward reflection and
lighting during night time hours shall be limited
to soft blinking lights. (P)
Ail driveways and parking areas shall be graveled or
paved and maintained to minimize dust problems and
provide ease of ingress and egress. (P)
Any building or mechanical equipment shall comply with
Sections 19 570 (b) and (c) of the Zoning Ordinance
relative to architectural treatment of building
exteriors and screening of mechanical equipment. (P)
(NOTE: This condition would require the screening of
12/16/98
98 947
mechanical equipment located on the building or ground
from adjacent properties and public rights of way.
Screening would not be required for the tower or tower
mounted equipment.)
10. At such time that the tower ceases to be used for
communications purposes for a period exceeding twelve
(12) consecutive months, the owner/developer shall
dismantle and remove the tower and all associated
equipment from the property. (P)
11. With the approval of this request, a ten (10) foot
exception to the 150 foot height limitation for towers
in Agricultural (A) Districts shall be granted. (P)
And, further, the Board accepted the following proffered
conditions:
1 Monoeole Design. The communications tower shall be of
a monopole design.
2 Mountin~ Eeuiement. Antenna mounting equipment shall
not extend more than five feet, six inches (5' 6") from
the monopole, exclusive of antennas.
3 Tower Capacity. The initial tower foundation, base and
structure shall be designed and constructed to
accommodate a maximum height of 199 feet and a minimum
capacity of four (4) sets of panel or sectored array
antennas typically used by cellular/PCS type wireless
communications service providers. In addition, the
tower site shall be designed to accommodate the
equivalent of four (4), nine (9) by fifteen (15) foot
ground mounted equipment platforms. At the time of
site plan approval, documentation of these requirements
shall be submitted to the Planning Department for
review and approval.
4. Notice to 360 Corridor Committee. The owner/developer
of the tower shall notify in writing the last known
contact/representative of the Route 360 Corridor
Committee on file with the Planning Department of any
request to increase the tower height over 160 feet.
Such notification shall occur no later than twenty one
(21) days prior to the Planning Commission's initial
consideration of the request to increase the tower
height. The owner/developer shall provide a copy of
the notification letter to the Planning Department.
5. Height Limitation. The communications tower shall not
exceed a height of 160 feet.
(Note: Any tower in excess of 160 feet would require
amendment of the Conditional Use Planned Development.)
Ayes: Humphrey, Warren, Barber, Daniel, and McHale.
Nays: None.
Mrs. Humphrey recognized Mr. Henry Waller, representing
12/16/98
98 948
Sprint PCS, who was present at the meeting and expressed
appreciation for Sprint's contribution to the Manchester
Lancers trip to the Peach Bowl.
12/16/98
98 949