15SN0605
CASE NUMBER: 15SN0605
APPLICANT: Robert Steele, President Board of Trustees
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA
STAFF’SANALYSISMagisterial District: MIDLOTHIAN
AND
RECOMMENDATION
Board of Supervisors (BOS)
Public Hearing Date:
FEBRUARY 11, 2015
BOS Time Remaining:
365 DAYS
Applicant’s Agent:
JOSIE LODDER
(704-560-1422)
Applicant’s Contact:
ROBERT STEELE
(840-272-8745)
Planning Department Case Manager:
RYAN RAMSEY (804-768-7592)
APPLICANT’S REQUEST
Conditional use to permit a communications tower(data nodeantenna) in a Residential (R-15)
District).
An antenna (data node/small cell) mounted on existing recreational light pole is planned.
(NOTES: A. Conditions may be imposed or the property owner may proffer conditions.
B. Under the Federal Telecommunications Act, localities cannot regulate cell towers on the basis of
possible health or environmental effectsof radio frequency emissions.
C. Proffered conditions are located in Attachment 1.)
RECOMMENDATION
PLANNING RECOMMEND APPROVAL
COMMISSION
(1/20/15)
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Complies with Comprehensive Plan
STAFF
Consistent with Telecommunications Tower Siting Policy
criteria
Providing a FIRST CHOICE community through excellence in public service
SUMMARY OF IDENTIFIED ISSUES
DepartmentIssue
PLANNING-
FIRE-
CDOT-
VDOT-
UTILITIES-
ENVIRONMENTAL
-
ENGINEERING
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Map 2: Comprehensive Plan(The Bon Air Community Plan)
Classification: PUBLIC/SEMI-PUBLIC
The designation suggests the property is appropriate for public/semi-publicuses.
Map 3: Surrounding Land Uses & Development
Single-family
Residential
St. Michael’s
Episcopal Church
Bon Air
Community
Rockaway Rd
House
Single-family
Residential
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PLANNING
Staff Contact: Ryan Ramsey (804-768-7592) ramseyrp@chesterfield.gov
PROPOSAL
An antennae (data node/small cell) mounted to an existing recreational light pole within the Bon
Air CommunityHouse complex is planned.
This proposal consists of a cylindrical antenna, approximately fifteen (15) inchesin diameter
and two (2) feet in height, top-mounted onto a five (5) foot mast on the topof a recreational
light pole. To minimize visibility, the antenna will be painted to match the utility pole.
(Proffered Condition 2.b.)
PUBLIC FACILITIES PLAN
The Public Facilities Plan, an element of the Comprehensive Plan, encourages:
co-location on existing telecommunications towers, or
architectural incorporation into existing building features
Where co-location or architectural incorporation is not feasible, in areas designated for
residential development, the Plan suggests that towers should be located and designed to
conceal these facilities to the greatest degree feasible and minimize their visual impact.
TOWER SITING POLICY
The Policy establishes guidelines for design, setbacks and security. Elements of the Policy
applicable to the proposal are as follows:
Prohibits signs, except as required by state or federal guidelines
Provides for screening of ground mounted equipment
Requires certification of structural integrity
Requires removal when communications use ceases for more than twelve (12)
consecutive months
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The following provides an overview of proffered conditions to mitigate the impact of the tower
on area properties:
General Overview
Requirements Details
Not permitted, unless otherwise required by
applicable (federal or state) law
Signage
Proffered Condition 1
Policy
Located on existing light pole, as shown on
Attachment 2
Designed as shown on Attachment 3
Location, Design, Colorand Lighting
Painted to match recreational light pole
Lighting not permitted
Proffered Condition 2
Plan and Ordinance
Mechanical equipment screened per ordinance
Screening
Proffered Condition 3
Policy
Provide certification prior to use
Structural Integrity
Proffered Condition 4
Policy
Not to exceed 35feet
Height
Proffered Condition 5
Required if use ceases for more than 12 consecutive
months
Removal
Proffered Condition 6
Policy
As proffered, the proposed communications tower complies with the Comprehensive Planand is
consistent with the Telecommunications Tower Siting Policyand Ordinance criteria.
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PUBLIC FACILITIES
FIRE SERVICE
Staff Contact: Greg Smith (804-706-2012)smithgd@chesterfield.gov
Nearby Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS)Facilities
Fire Station The Buford Fire Station, Company Number 9
EMS Facility The Forest View Volunteer Rescue Squad
When the property is developed, the number of hydrants, quantity of water needed for fire
protection, and access requirements will be evaluated during the plans review process.
COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Staff Contact: Jim Banks (804-748-1037)banksj@chesterfield.gov
The Comprehensive Plan, which includes the Thoroughfare Plan, identifiescounty-wide
transportation needs that are expected to mitigate traffic impacts of future growth. The
anticipated traffic impact of the proposal has been evaluated and it is anticipated to be
minimal.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Staff Contact: Brian Lokker (804-674-2384) brian.lokker@vdot.virginia.gov
VDOT Land Use Regulations
-
Traffic Impact Analysis (24VAC30-155)
-
Access Management (24VAC30-73)
-
Subdivision Street Acceptance (24VAC30-91/92)
-
Land Use Permit (24VAC30-151)
VDOT has no comment on this case.
Summary
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COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS
Staff Contact: Robert Vest (804-717-6950) vestr@chesterfield.gov
The system installation may be approved when meeting the standard conditions regarding
interference to Chesterfield County Radio and Microwave Systems.
COUNTY AIRPORT
Staff Contact: Jeremy Wilkinson (804-768-7700) wilkinsonj@chesterfield.gov
This request will have no impact on the County Airport.
WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Staff Contact: Jamie Bland (804-751-4439) blandj@chesterfield.gov
The proposal’s impacts on the County’s utility system are detailed in the chart below:
Water and Wastewater Systems
Currently Sizeof Existing LineConnection Required by County Code?
Serviced?
WaterYes 8”Yes
WastewaterNoN/A No
Additional Information:
The proposed request will not impact the public water and wastewater systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Drainage, Erosion and Water Quality
Staff Contact: Doug Pritchard (804-748-1028)pritchardd@chesterfield.gov
Environmental Engineeringhas no comment on this request.
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CASE HISTORY
Applicant Submittals
10/31/14Application submitted
12/23/14Proffers were submitted
Community Meeting
12/2/14Issues Discussed
Midlothian Planning Commissioner, applicant, agentand staff attended this
meeting at the Bon Air Community House
Location, size and shape of antenna
Planning Commission
1/20/15 Citizen Comments
No citizens spoke to this case.
Commission Discussion
The Commission noted their support for this case:
Community meeting attended by adjacent landowners where the
applicant was able to explain nature of the request
No opposition to request
Recommendation – APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE
PROFFERED CONDITIONS IN ATTACHMENT 1
Motion: Waller; Seconded: Brown
AYES:Gulley, Waller, Brown, Patton and Wallin
The Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, beginning at 6:30 p.m., will
consider this request.
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ATTACHMENT 1
PROFFERED CONDITIONS
Note:
“STAFF/CPC” – Recommended by both staff and Planning Commission
(STAFF/CPC) 1.There shall be no signs permitted to identify this use other than those
required by applicable law and regulation. (P)
(STAFF/CPC) 2.The color, design and lighting system for the communications tower (data
node antenna) shall be as follows:
a.The communications tower shall be a small cell/data node
structure mounted onto the top of utility (light) pole, generally as
located on Attachment 2 and designed on Attachment 3.
b.The components of the small cell equipment shall have a durable
finish color that matches the utility pole upon which it is located,
as approved by the Planning Department. The finish color shall be
maintained to address fading, flaking, or other finish issues, as
determined by the Planning Department, to include matching any
repainting of the utility structure upon which it is mounted.
c.The communications tower (data node antenna) shall not be
lighted. (P)
(STAFF/CPC) 3.Other than the data node antenna,any mechanical equipment shall
comply with the Zoning Ordinance relative to screening of mechanical
equipment in O, C and I Districts. (P)
(STAFF NOTE: The Zoning Ordinance requires the screening of mechanical
equipment located on the building or ground from adjacent properties
and public rights of way.)
(STAFF/CPC) 4.Prior to use of this communications tower (data node antenna), the
owner of the communications tower (data node antenna) shall obtain
approval of the structural integrity by a registered professional engineer
licensed in Virginia and a copy of the report filed with the Planning
Department. (P)
(STAFF/CPC) 5.The communications tower (data node antenna), located on top of a
utility (light) pole, shall not exceed a height of 35 feet. (P)
(STAFF/CPC) 6.At such time that the communications tower (data node antenna) 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)
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ATTACHMENT 2
SITE LAYOUT
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ATTACHMENT 3
TOWER ELEVATION
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ATTACHMENT 4
PHOTO SIMULATION
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