98SN0288.PDFSeptember 23, 1998 BS
REQUEST ANALYSIS
AND
RECOMMENDATION
98SN0288
Triton PCS, Inc.
Dale Magisterial District
West line of Salem Church Road
REOUEST: Conditional Use to permit a communications tower in an Agricultural (A) District.
PROPOSED LAND USE:
A 140 foot communications tower and associated improvements are plarmed within
a Virginia Power electrical transmission line easement. However, with approval
of this request, the tower could be as tall as 150 feet. Specifically, the tower will
be incorporated into the structure of an existing electrical transmission structure
located on the property.
pLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
RECOMMEND APPROVAL SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS ON PAGES 2 AND 3.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval for the following reasons:
The Public Facilities Plan suggests that communications towers should generally
be located to minimize the impact on existing or planned areas of development, and
that energy and communications facilities should co-locate whenever feasible. The
tower is incorporated into an existing, permitted Virginia Power electrical
transmission structure. The addition of communications facilities into the existing
transmission structure does not generate a visual impact on area residences or roads
that is significantly greater than the visual impact of the existing Virginia Power
electrical transmission structure and conforms to the co-location criteria of the
Plan.
Incorporating the corranunications facilities into ma existing Virginia Power electrical
transmission structure will eliminate the need for an additional freestanding
communications tower in the area, thereby minimizing tower proliferation.
Similar communications tower/Virginia Power structure co-locations have occurred
throughout the County, with no known adverse impacts on nearby development.
The recommended conditions will minimize the possibility of any adverse impact
on area development, 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. There shall be no signs permitted to identify this use. (P)
(STAFF/CPC) 2.
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, prior to
release of a building permit, a copy of FAA approval shall be
submitted to the Planning Department. (P)
(STAFF/CPC) 3.
The tower and equipment shall be designed and installed so as not
to interfere with the Chesterfield County Public Safety Trunked
System. At the time of site plan review, the owner/developer shall
submit information as deemed necessary by the Chesterfield County
Communications and Electronics staff to determine if an engineering
study should be performed to analyze the possibility of radio
frequency interference with the County system, based upon tower
location and height, and upon the frequencies and effective radiated
power generated by tower-mounted equipment. Prior to release of
a building permit the study, if required, shall be submitted to, and
approved by, the Chesterfield County Communications and
Electronics staff. (GS)
(STAFF/CPC) 4.
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)
2
98SN0288/WP/SEPT230
(STAFF/CPC)
5. The 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.
b. The tower shall not be lighted. (P)
(STAFF/CPC)
All driveways and parking areas shall be graveled or paved and
maintained to minimize dust problems and provide ease of ingress
and egress. (P)
(STAFF/CPC)
Any building or mechanical equipment shall comply with Sections
19-570 (b) and (c) and 19-595 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, or associated with, any building from
adjacent properties and public rights of way. Screening would not
be required for the tower or tower-mounted equipment or ground-
mounted equipment cabinets.)
(STAFF/CPC)
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)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
Fronts the west line of Salem Church Road, south of Sir Sagamore Drive. Tax ID 778-
671-2430 (Sheet 22).
Existing Zoning:
A
~ize:
3.2 acres
3 98SN0288/WP/SEPT230
Existine Land Use:
Single family residential and Virginia Power transmission line easement
A4iacent Zoning & Land Uses:
North - A; Virginia Power transmission line easement or vacant
South - A; Single family residential or vacant
East - R-9; Single family residential and Virginia Power transmission line easement
West - A; Single family residential and Virginia Power transmission line easement
UTILITIES
The tower and associated equipment wilt not require the use of the public water and wastewater
systems.
ENVI~
Drainage and Erosion:
No existing or anticipated on- or off-site drainage or erosion problems with the
improvements to accommodate the tower. A land disturbance permit is not required if less
than 2,500 square feet of land area is disturbed by the construction of the tower and
associated improvements.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Fire Service and Transportation:
This use will have no impact on these facilities.
County Communications:
The Development Standards Manual 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 communication system; however, as a further precaution, if this request
is approved, 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 3). Once the tower is in operation, if interference occurs, the
owner/developer should be required to correct any problems. (Condition 4)
4
98SN0288/WP/SEPT230
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 this request
is approved, any necessary FAA approvals for this facility should be obtained prior to the
release of a building permit. (Condition 2)
LAND USE
Comprehensive Plan:
The request property lies within the boundaries of the Central Area Land Use Plan which
suggests the property is appropriate for residential use of 1.00 to 2.5 units per acre.
The Public Facilities Plan, an element of the Comprehensive Plan, suggests that energy and
communications uses should be located to minimize impacts on existing and future areas
of development and that such uses should co-locate whenever feasible.
Area Development Trends:
The request property is occupied by Virginia Power electrical transmission structures
within a Virginia Power electrical transmission easement. Surrounding properties are
zoned agriculturally and residentially and have been developed as single family residences
on acreage parcels or on lots in subdivisions or remain vacant. It is anticipated that
residential development will continue in the area, in accordance with the adopted Plan.
Site Design:
As noted herein, the request property is occupied by Virginia Power electrical transmission
structures. The proposed communications tower site is located within one (1) of these
transmission structures. Access for the tower site is provided via a driveway to Salem
Church Road.
Given the proximity of area residences or land designated on the Plan for residential use,
the tower should be gray or other neutral color and the tower should not be lighted.
(Condition 5)
Architectural Treatment:
The request property lies within an Emerging Growth 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 7).
However, imposition of Condition 7 would not require screening of the tower or tower-
mounted equipment.
5 98SNO288/WP/SEPT230
In addition, 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 8)
CONCLUSIONS
The Public Facilities Plan suggests that communications towers should generally be located to
minimize the impact on existing or planned areas of development and that energy and
conununications facilities should co-locate whenever feasible. The communications tower is
incorporated into an existing, permitted Virginia Power electrical transmission structure and
conforms to the co-location criteria of the Plan. The addition of communications facilities into the
structure of the existing transmission tower does not generate a visual impact on area residences
or roads that is significantly greater than the visual impact of the existing Virginia Power electrical
transmission structure and will eliminate the need for an additional freestanding communications
tower in the area, thereby minimizing tower proliferation. Similar co-locations have occurred
throughout the County with no known adverse impacts on area development. In addition, the
recommended conditions will further minimize the possibility of any adverse impact on 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
Planning Commission Meeting (8/18/98):
The applicant accepted the recommendation. There was no opposition present.
On motion of Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Gulley, the Con,mission recommended
approval of this request subject to the conditions on pages 2 and 3.
AYES: Unammous.
Further, the Commission found the tower to be in substantial accord with the
Comprehensive Plan.
The Board of Supervisors, on Wednesday, September 23, 1998, beginning at 7:00 p.m., will take
under consideration this request.
98SN0288/WP/SEPT230
MSL
SLAND WOOD
.ASHBY
WOODS
NORTH
N0288 ''~
RT. 288
98SN0288
In Dale Magisterial District, TRITON PCS, INC. requests
Conditional Use and amendment of zoning district map to
permit a communications tower. A 140 foot communications
tower incorporated into an existing Virginia Power
electrical transmission structure 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 1.00 to 2.5
9/23/98
98 693
units per acre. This request lies in an Agricultural (A)
District on 3.2 acres fronting approximately 440 feet on the
west line of Salem Church Road, approximately 100 feet south
of Sir Sagamore Drive. Tax ID 778 671 2430 (Sheet 22).
Mr. Jacobson presented a summary of Case 98SN0288 and stated
that the Planning Commission and staff recommends approval
subject to conditions. He noted that the proposed request
conforms to the Board's siting policy for communications
Mr. Ed Kidd, representing the applicant, stated that the
recommendation is acceptable.
There was no opposition present.
On motion of Mr. Daniel, seconded by Mr. McHale, the Board
approved Case 98SN0288, subject to the following conditions:
1 There shall be no signs permitted to identify this
use. (P)
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, prior to
release of a building permit, a copy of FAA approval
shall be submitted to the Planning Department. (P)
The tower and equipment shall be designed and
installed so as not to interfere with the Chesterfield
County Public Safety Trunked System. At the time of
site plan review, the owner/developer shall submit
information as deemed necessary by the Chesterfield
County Communications and Electronics staff to
determine if an engineering study should be performed
to analyze the possibility of radio frequency
interference with the County system, based upon tower
location and height, and upon the frequencies and
effective radiated power generated by tower mounted
equipment. Prior to release of a building permit the
study, if required, 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 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. (P)
9/23/98
98 694
6 All driveways and parking areas shall be graveled or
paved and maintained to minimize dust problems and
provide ease of ingress and egress. (P)
7 Any building or mechanical equipment shall comply with
Sections 19 570 (b) and e and 19 595 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, or associated with,
any building from adjacent properties and public
rights of way. Screening would not be required for
the tower or tower mounted equipment or ground mounted
equipment cabinets.)
8 At such time that the tower ceases to be used for com
munlcatlons purposes for a period existing twelve (12)
consecutive months, the owner/developer shall
dismantle
and remove the tower and all associated equipment from
the property. (P)
Ayes: Humphrey, Warren, Barber, Daniel, and McHale.
Nays: None.
9/23/98
98 695