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HomeMy WebLinkAboutA. Case No. CUP 07-13 - Omnipoint Communicatons Inc. CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Approval of new T-Mobile telecommunications facility to be comprised of 12 new panel antennas and one parabolic dish mounted inside a new pineapple on a 65' high mono-palm; and construction of a new 209 square foot CMU wall enclosure, 6'6" tall to house four accessory equipment cabinets, one GPS unit and attendant utility panels with an emergency generator receptacle; to be installed at the Holiday Inn Palm Desert property located at 74- 675 Hwy 111. SUBMITTED BY: Renee Schrader, Associate Planner APPLICANT: Omnipoint Communications, Inc. A Subsidiary of T-Mobile USA, Inc. 3257 E. Guasti Rd. Suite 200 Ontario, CA 91761 CASE NO.: CUP 07-13 DATE: March 4, 2008 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Approval of the proposed Conditional Use Permit would allow the installation and operation of a 65' tall mono-palm and 6'6" tall CMU wall enclosing a 290 square- foot utility yard. The proposal will require the Planning Commission to grant an exception to the required separation distances listed in Chapter 25.104 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. The facility was approved for its aesthetic and landscape impacts by the Architectural Commission at its January 22, 2008 meeting. II. BACKGROUND: A. Property Description: The property is located on the south side of Highway 111 between Hospitality Row and the eastern shared boundary between Palm Desert and the city of Indian Wells. The hotel property has an existing front parking lot that faces South Palm Desert Drive, a frontage road on the south side of Staff Report Case No. CUP 07-13 March 4, 2008 Page 2 of 7 Highway 111. The proposed mono-palm and CMU wall enclosure would be located adjacent to the northwest edge of the hotel building. B. Zoning and General Plan Designation: Zone: PC-4 Planned Commercial/Hotels and restaurants General Plan: C-C Community Commercial C. Adjacent Zoning and Land Use: North: PC-4 Planned Commercial Resort Center South: PC-4 Planned Commercial Resort Center East: PC-4 Planned Commercial Resort Center West: C-1/SP General Commercial/Scenic Preservation D. The applicant originally proposed to place the cellular panels on the building roof, but the request was denied by the Architectural Review Commission for a lack of style consistency. (See Architectural Review Commission Action Letter dated September 25, 2007.) The applicant was asked to return with a mono-palm as the most suitable method for achieving the necessary coverage at the required height of 65 feet. III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant proposes to install a 65' tall mono-palm adjacent to an un- landscaped northwest corner of the building on the Holiday Inn Hotel property. (See sheet A-1.) After the preliminary denial from the Architectural Review Commission, Planning and Public Works Department staff visited the site with the applicant to analyze the best placement for a cell tower since effective reception requires the proposed height. The project also proposes to install a 6'6" CMU wall to enclose equipment, which would be located in an unused rear portion of the building grounds and has minimal visibility from the hotel's front parking lot. The equipment enclosure does not propose to modify the existing sidewalk. (See sheet A-1). Site Plan: A. CMU wall: The site plan proposes a new CMU wall, to enclose a 209 square-foot area that would house/screen equipment servicing the telecommunications facility. The wall is proposed to be vine-covered to visually soften the effect. G:\Planning\Renee Schrader\Planing Case Files\CUP 07-13 T-MobileVnarch4 planning commision\03-04.08 PC Staff Report-Final.doc Staff Report Case No. CUP 07-13 March 4, 2008 Page 3 of 7 New landscape is also proposed for the sidewalk area that surrounds the enclosure. B. Mono-palm: The mono palm is proposed to be located at the northwest corner of the existing Holiday Inn hotel building. The mono-palm is proposed to simulate a tree and is sited to compatibly integrate with existing architecture, landscape and the overall atmosphere of the hotel grounds. A visual simulation of its appearance illustrates its blending with the existing hotel architecture. Elevations of the mono-palm are illustrated on sheet A-4 of the plans. IV. ANALYSIS: This project will require the Planning Commission to approve an exception as the proposed mono-palm would be 65 feet in height and as proposed would be located approximately 250 feet southwest of an existing cell tower within a Southern California Edison (SCE) substation. The following findings responding to Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 25.104 Commercial Communication Tower Regulations explain the justification for granting the exception: Findings of Approval: In accordance with Section 25.104.050 (Exceptions process), any reduction in the 1,000-foot separation distance for towers over 50 feet in height is prohibited unless an exception is granted. Pursuant to Section 25.104.050 for separation distances between commercial communication towers, the Planning Commission must find: A. That there is a unique land use characteristic or nearby geographic feature which results in a compelling technological need to locate the commercial communication towers and/or commercial communication antennas in the location and/or at the height proposed. The land use that characterizes a compelling technological need to locate at the height and location proposed is the existing inability to provide sufficient coverage specific to the geographic site and the inability to co- locate with existing towers. The request for a 65-foot tall mono-palm is the result of failed efforts by the applicant to co-locate with two other existing carriers on nearby cell sites. An existing mono-palm is located in a Southern California Edison substation property approximately 250 feet to the southwest of the proposed mono-palm at the Holiday Inn. This cell tower houses one carrier's antennas, with a second carrier's antennas G:\Planning\Renee Schrader\Planing Case Files\CUP 07-13 7-Mobile\march4 planning commision\03.04-08 PC Staff Report-Final.doc Staff Report Case No. CUP 07-13 March 4, 2008 Page 4 of 7 permitted to be developed in the near future, and is not a viable co- location site due to lack of additional space for any future antennas or equipment on the substation grounds. A second existing cell site is located in the Ralph's shopping center on the southwest corner of Cook Street and Highway 111 and is comprised of panel antennas fitted within an architectural cupola. There is no additional space for antennas or equipment at this location and co-location is not possible. Propagation studies submitted with the T-Mobile application materials demonstrate that the installation of six panel antennas at a centerline height of 52 feet 9 inches is necessary to ensure comprehensive wireless phone coverage for Highway 111 to the east and west of the proposed cell site, and to the surrounding commercial and residential uses. To realize as natural- looking a "tree" as possible, installation of panel antennas at this centerline height will result in a mono-palm that is 65 feet at the top of the fronds. B. That the unique land use characteristics or geographic features mitigate any negative aesthetic concerns. The surrounding area is developed with commercial (PC Planned Commercial) and multi-family (R-3) buildings. The site itself is lushly landscaped and is set back considerably from the Highway 111 corridor. The existing hotel building is approximately 46 feet high and will provide a solid backdrop for the mono-palm. Existing living palm trees adjacent to the proposed mono-palm stand at mature heights ranging from 30' to 45' and will ensure the mono-palm blends with the environment. Additionally, palm trees on the Highway 111 parkway appear to potentially reach 100 feet in height. The proposed 65' tall mono-palm and 6'6" tall vine-covered CMU equipment enclosure wall would combine well with existing development patterns to mitigate any negative aesthetic concerns. Additional findings for the approval of commercial communication towers are stated in Municipal Code Section "25.104.030 Permitted Commercial Communication Towers and Commercial Communication Antennas in Zoning Districts of City" as such: New freestanding commercial communication towers/commercial communication antennas shall not be allowed unless the applicant substantiates to the satisfaction of the planning commission: A. That existing towers and buildings do not technologically afford the applicant the ability to provide service to the service area of the applicant or service provider. G:\Planning\Renee Schrader\Planing Case Files\CUP 07-13 T-Mobilevnarch4 planning commision\03-04-08 PC Staff Report-Final.doc Staff Report Case No. CUP 07-13 March 4, 2008 Page 5 of 7 A Project Description Letter has been submitted by the applicant and attached to the Staff Report to provide documentation as to the service need in the proposed service area. Signal propagation studies were conducted by the T-Mobile RF Engineer to analyze the optimum placement for the cellular panel antennas. These studies indicate that the Holiday Inn property location is an optimum site to provide coverage for Highway 111 and the surrounding commercial and residential uses. Adjacent co-location sites were considered by the applicant and include an existing site in a cupola on a building at the Ralph's shopping center to the east, and an existing mono-palm at a Southern California Edison substation to the southwest. Both existing sites are fully inhabited and are not viable co-location sites for reasons of lack of available antenna and equipment cabinet space. B. That the geographical boundaries of the proposed service area cannot technologically be bifurcated to avoid the necessity for a freestanding tower/antenna at the height proposed. As provided in the signal propagation studies, there are four (4) existing T- Mobile sites currently providing wireless signal coverage to the geographical area surrounding the proposed cell site. The existing sites are located to the east, west, northwest and north of the proposed facility. The area immediately surrounding the proposed cell site is currently provided with only marginal wireless coverage and T-Mobile subscribers will experience dropped calls or episodes of "no coverage" in this area. The existing cell sites cannot provide the needed signal to the area lacking coverage and an additional cell site is needed. The proposed Holiday Inn site location will provide the needed wireless phone service in an area that currently experiences a "gap" in coverage. Because a large "gap" in the existing T-Mobile coverage exists, a new cell site of a minimum height of 52 feet 9 inches is needed. As determined by the Architectural Review Committee, a screen wall addition to the existing building is not a feasible architectural solution and a new freestanding tower is necessary for this reason. C. That the applicant shows compelling technological or economic reason(s) for requiring a new freestanding facility. The applicant's reason for the request of a new freestanding facility is technologically motivated. As described above and depicted in the RF signal propagation studies, the vicinity around the proposed cell site currently experiences "marginal" wireless phone coverage. The addition of a new freestanding facility will enhance the coverage to the area surrounding the proposed site and will ensure that commuters along Highway 111 and surrounding commercial and residential T-Mobile G:\Planning\Renee Schrader\Planing Case Files\CUP 07-13 T-MobileVnarch4 planning cornmision\03-04-08 PC Staff Report-Final.doc Staff Report Case No. CUP 07-13 March 4, 2008 Page 6 of 7 customers experience continuous wireless phone service with limited dropped calls and/or areas of no coverage. The Planning Commission has the ability to approve exceptions based on"unique land characteristics or geographic features that result in a compelling technological reason to locate a commercial communications tower in the location and/or at the height proposed." The Commission can also make the finding that characteristics of the proposed site mitigate any negative aesthetic concerns. The proposed mono-palm tower meets all development standards excluding the requested exception. The proposed wireless communications mono-palm is located in a cluster of existing mature palm trees ranging from 40 to approximately 100-feet in height as seen in the submitted photosimulation. The Architectural Review Commission has approved this request based on the surrounding terrain of existing landscaping and the proposed equipment enclosure has been designed to not interfere with circulation or visual continuity of the grounds. With regard to landscape requirements, the City's landscape specialist has preliminarily approved the landscape plant materials. However, it is recommended that the plans meet all planting and irrigation design requirements prior to obtaining construction permits. V. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The project is a Class 32 Categorical Exemption for the purposes of CEQA and no further review is necessary. VI. CONCLUSION: Staff has determined that the proposed mono-palm and wall enclosure would be compatible with adjacent properties; is architecturally consistent with adjacent properties; and would create no adverse visual impact on adjacent properties, including visual access of adjacent properties to sunlight. The proposed enclosure wall and its effect would be softened by proposed vines. During the field visit when staff met with the applicant, it was ascertained that the placement of the mono-palm against the side of the building would meet the City's visual standard. The proposed 65' height meets the standards in Municipal Code Chapter 25.104 Commercial Communication Tower and Commercial Antenna Regulations. The approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the installation of a 65' high mono-palm and a 6'6" high CMU wall to enclose a 209 square-foot attendant G:\Planning\Renee Schrader\Planing Case Files\CUP 07-13 T-MobileVnarch4 planning commision\03-04-08 PC Staff Report-Final.doc Staff Report Case No. CUP 07-13 March 4, 2008 Page 7 of 7 equipment area would allow T-Mobile to expand its network of telecommunications facilities in a manner consistent with current market demand. VII. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt the findings and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. , approving CUP 07-13, subject to conditions attached. VIII. ATTACHMENTS: A. Draft Resolution B. Legal Notice C. Architectural Review Commission Notice of Action and Minutes D. Exhibits: Aerial vicinity maps, Plans and Photo-simulations E. Propagation Study F. Applicant Project Description Letter Submitted by: Department Head: Wnee Schrader Lauri Aylaian Associate Planner Director of Community Development Approva • Homer Croy ACM for Development Services G:\Planning\Renee Schrader\Planing Case Files\CUP 07-13 T-Mobile\march4 planning commision\03-04-08 PC Staff Report-Final.doc PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW: 1) A NEW T-MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY TO BE COMPRISED OF 12 NEW PANEL ANTENNAS AND ONE PARABOLIC DISH MOUNTED INSIDE A NEW PINEAPPLE ON A 65' HIGH MONO-PALM; AND 2) CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 209 SQUARE FOOT CMU WALL ENCLOSURE 6'6" TALL TO HOUSE FOUR ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT CABINETS, ONE GPS UNIT, AND ATTENDANT UTILITY PANELS WITH AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR RECEPTACLE; TO BE INSTALLED AT THE HOLIDAY INN PALM DESERT PROPERTY LOCATED AT 74-675 HIGHWAY 111. CASE NO. CUP 07-13 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 4th day of March, 2008, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by Omnipoint Communications / A Subsidiary of T-Mobile USA, Inc., for the above noted conditional use permit; and WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act', Resolution No. 06-78, in that the Director of Community Development has determined that the project is a Class 32 Categorical Exemption for purposes of CEQA and no further documentation is necessary; and WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify approval of said request: 1. That there is a unique land use characteristic or nearby geographic feature which results in a compelling technological need to locate the commercial communication towers and/or commercial communication antennas in the location and/or at the height proposed. 2. That the unique land use characteristics or geographic features mitigate any negative aesthetic concerns. 3. That buildings and other wireless towers in the vicinity do not technologically afford the applicant the ability to locate wireless facilities to serve wireless customers in the area. 4. That the geographical boundaries of the proposed service area cannot technologically be bifurcated to avoid the necessity for a freestanding tower/antenna at the height proposed; and 5. That the applicant shows compelling technological or economic reason(s) for requiring a new freestanding facility. PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the Commission in this case. 2. That approval of Conditional Use Permit 07-13 is hereby granted, subject to the attached conditions. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission, held on the 4th day of March, 2008, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: DAVID E. TSCHOPP, Chairperson ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, Secretary Palm Desert Planning Commission 2 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL CASE NO. CUP 07-13 Department of Community Development: 1. The development of the property shall conform substantially with exhibits on file to the department of community development/planning, as modified by the following conditions. 2. Construction of a portion of said project shall commence within one year from the date of final approval unless an extension of time is granted; otherwise said approval shall become null, void and of no effect whatsoever. 3. The development of the property described herein shall be subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth herein which are in addition to all municipal ordinances and state and federal statutes now in force, or which hereafter may be in force. 4. Prior to issuance of a building permit for construction of any use contemplated by this approval, the applicant shall first obtain permits and/or clearance from the following agencies: Planning Department Fire Department Public Works Department Evidence of said permit or clearance from the above agencies shall be presented to the Department of Building and Safety at the time of issuance of a building permit for the use contemplated herewith. 5. That where co-location may effectively be accomplished without violation of the provisions of proposed Municipal Code Chapter 25.104 and without reasonable interference with applicant's existing use, applicant shall allow third party co-location onto the tower erected under this permit. 6. Applicant agrees to maintain the landscaping required to be installed pursuant to these conditions. Applicant will enter into an agreement to maintain said landscaping for the life of the project, which agreement shall be notarized and which agreement shall be recorded. It is the specific intent of the parties that this condition and agreement run with the land and bind successors and assigns. The final landscape plan shall include a long- term maintenance program specifying among other matters appropriate watering times, fertilization and pruning for various times of the year for the specific materials to be planted, as well as periodic replacement of materials. All to be consistent with the Property Maintenance Ordinance (Ordinance No. 801) and the approved landscape plan. 3 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. Department of Public Works: 1. In accordance with Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 27, complete grading plans and specifications shall be submitted to the Director of Public Works for checking and approval prior to the issuance of any permits associated with this project. 2. Proposed equipment pad elevations are subject to review and modification in accordance with Chapter 27 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. 3. Any landscape plans shall be reviewed and approved concurrently with construction plans ad no permits shall be issued prior to Landscape plan approval. 4. Applicant shall comply with provisions of Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 24.12, Fugitive Dust Control, as well as Section 24.20, Stormwater Management and Discharge Control. Department of Building and Safety: 1. Project must conform to the current State of California Codes adopted at the time of plan check submittal. The following are the codes enforced at this time: 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (Based on 2006 UBC) 2007 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE (Based on 2006 UMC) 2007 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE (Based on 2006 UPC) 2007 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (Based on 2005 NEC) 2007 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE 2007 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE 2007 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 2. All contractors and subcontractors shall have a current City of Palm Desert Business License prior to permit issuance per Palm Desert Municipal Code, Title 5. 3. All contractors must submit, or have on file, a valid Certificate of Worker's Compensation Insurance coverage prior to the issuance of a building permit per California Labor Code, Section 3700. 4. Structural plans and calculations will be required for the mono-palm structure. Design parameters are currently 85 mph wind speed; exposure C (due to height) and seismic design category as determined by CBC Chapter 16 Requirements. 4 CITY Of Hill DESERT I 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE " lyi PALM DESERT,CALIFORNIA 92260-2578 TEL:760 346-0611 •.,;�1.=;�' j FAX:760 341-7098 .. � in(oCrpalm-desert.org CITY OF PALM DESERT LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. CUP 07-13 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Palm Desert Planning Commission to consider a request by Omnipoint Communications, Inc., to construct a new T- Mobile telecommunications facility to be comprised of 12 new panel antennas and one parabolic dish mounted inside a new pineapple on a 65' high mono-palm; and construction of a new 209 square-foot, 6'6" tall CMU wall enclosure proposed to house four accessory equipment cabinets, one GPS unit and attendant utility panels with an emergency generator receptacle; to be installed at the Holiday Inn Palm Desert property located at 74-675 Hwy 111. 1r 'w0-0 — w-- u7t, 4I ►a ;Wi" ►� � ■ : ■. ■. ■■ ■ ;�►. tN1►_ 1�►�ii, A ■ 0 ■E " Si _ eel : r '/R•YA CAHY•M "1 w ..I i ■ OMMEM• ■■ ■I r40 Ro tro hr��%1 tittAita 2 04 I/►*11 41 1 Io / p�7 iig i�►p III 1► �1J ,��� ,r# ` i i "Pt j ♦♦ 0 Tr D 441 4 �,cW IIIIII % II ., Y r' --o, 1111 • —u r • --I silk J 1Ai Elsi l i i, j Qj ° l' STATE HWY 111 itSTATE HWY 111 r_icPALNDESERTD S I� 1 1;, ,,:isji 0 3 r-. Et.CAAWT '• �Ws _.e.....c. 1.811 I> IU I , af_i_i , s0 ATM _ ����1���1 �®e i t �i U 1�0 1 j LI l I l 0 II 2 HfCOc1RYtS.■ . `, I �IM1U { 1La , 0 EiO� S \iIiII 1IIipII E 4PRO ELtA YUCCATRER CiFtrff411i [ ) 1 * Cc r =D REOC D SAID public hearing will be held on March 4, 2008, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California,at which time and place all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard.Written comments concerning all items covered by this public hearing notice shall be accepted up to the date of the hearing. Information concerning the proposed project and/or negative declaration is available for review in the Department of Community Development at the above address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you challenge the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to,the public hearing. PUBLISH: Desert Sun LAURI AYLAIAN,Secretary February 19,2008 Palm Desert Planning Commission ~~ CITY OF MIA DESERT ...: -.. 1 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578 'l TEL: 76o 346-0611 ...ill! \._ %✓ FAX: 760 341-7098 info@palm-desert.org January 24, 2008 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION ACTION CASE NO: CUP 07-13 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): OMNIPOINT COMMUNICATINS, INC. a subsidiary of T-mobile USA, Inc., 3257 E. Guasti Road, Suite 200, Ontario, CA 91761 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of installation of a 65 foot tall monopalm and a 290 square foot CMU wall enclosure; T-Mobile. LOCATION: 74-675 Highway 111 ZONE: PC-4 Upon reviewing the plans and presentations submitted by staff and by the applicant, the Architectural Review Commission granted approval by minute motion. Date of Action: January 22, 2008 Vote: Motion carried 6-0 (An appeal of the above action may be made in writing to the City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert within fifteen (15) days of the date of the decision. Any amendments to this approved plan would need to be re-submitted to Commission for approval.) STAFF COMMENTS: It is your responsibility to submit the plans approved by the Architectural Review Commission to the Department of Building and Safety. CONTINUED CASES: In order to be placed on the next meeting's agenda, new or revised plans must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. the Monday eight days prior to the next meeting. 0'WO a rtnua nnr ...**............. 140.-.... ... .. .- •. : . CITY OF 1111 DESERT ",r 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE ! PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260-2578 */11 II TEL: 760 346-0611 ,, FAX: 760 341-7098 '+��=/ info@Palm-dcscrr.org September 26, 2007 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION ACTION CASE NO: CUP 07-13 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): OMNIPOINT COMMUNICATIONS, INC., 3257 E. Guasti Road Suite 200, Ontario, CA 91761 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a new wireless telecommunications facility for T-Mobile USA, Inc. LOCATION: 74-675 Highway 111 ZONE: PC-4 Upon reviewing the plans and presentations submitted by staff and by the applicant, the Architectural Review Commission continued Case No. CUP 07-13 subject to allowing applicant to redesign plans to include a monopalm and submit landscape plant materials for the 209 square foot enclosure to be reviewed by Landscape Specialist. Date of Action: September 25, 2007 Vote: Motion carried 7-0 (An appeal of the above action may be made in writing to the City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert within fifteen (15) days of the date of the decision. Any amendments to this approved plan would need to be re-submitted to Commission for approval.) STAFF COMMENTS: It is your responsibility to submit the plans approved by the Architectural Review Commission to the Department of Building and Safety. CONTINUED CASES: In order to be placed on the next meeting's agenda, new or revised plans must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. the Monday eight days prior to the next meeting. :)nxnm ok unnto nKU ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: CUP 07-13 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): OMNIPOINT COMMUNICATIONS, INC., 3257 E. Guasti Road Suite 200, Ontario, CA 91761 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of for a new wireless telecommunications facility for T-Mobile USA, Inc. LOCATION: 74-675 Highway 111 ZONE: PC-4 Ms. Schrader presented a proposal for 12 cellular panels to be located along a new ten-foot parapet screen, proposed to be constructed atop the existing Holiday Inn. It would be ten feet at its highest and would step down to meet the roof, with four (4) panels on each of the parapets for a total of 12 facing east, west and north directions. Included in the request are four (4) cabinets on the ground with two (2) GPS antennas that would be screened by a six and a half foot block wall in a new 209 square feet enclosure. The issue the staff has is the visual impact with both the block wall and the roof element. The parapet element, while it requires that height in order to receive proper reception has a step down appearance that is a little intrusive and the block wall would require additional screening and softening. In its construction they would remove a few trees and demolish some of the existing landscape there that softens the property and screens the restaurant that is next door. Commissioner DeLuna asked why the block wall had to be placed in an area where trees would be removed. Ms. Laura Bishop, Representative, stated that the building is a narrow rectangular structure that is located on the west of the property towards the front property line, and the equipment would have to be located reasonably close to the antenna; otherwise the extension of the cables would be far too long for it to be usable. It could not be located on the rooftop because the roof wouldn't be able to support it. What they propose to do for mitigation is to place three (3) Golden Rain Trees in 48-inch G\Piannmg\Janne Judy\Word FileskARC Minules\2007\AR07O925.min DOC Page 5 of 8 r ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 boxes on the front of the property. Two (2) of those trees would be located adjacent to the wall and in front of the T-Mobile compound and one (1) would be located on the other side of the concrete walk. They are also proposing a hedge around the block wall that would grow in sufficiently thick to screen it, and the removal of two (2) Flowering Pear Trees that are not doing well on the north side of the building. Ms. Hollinger, Landscape Specialist stated that she would review the landscape plan and then give her recommendations. Commissioner DeLuna asked why the step down of the parapet was being constructed in a style that was not compatible with the existing architectural design. Ms. Bishop stated that was what Verizon proposed years ago for this building, however the design was flexible. The only thing T-Mobile needs is the height for the antenna because they were not putting in an antenna structure such as a palm tree. Commissioner DeLuna stated that the step down was radical and rigid looking and something that would catch the eye. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if they could relocate their antennas back from the face of the building, away from the parapet edge. Ms. Bishop stated that they would run into structural issues if they move it away from the wall of the building. She didn't know if it was possible or not to move the antennas back and would have to explore that. Currently they are set against the wall and in order to screen them they would need to build the walls up. Commissioner Van Vliet felt that was where the problem was and the parapets would not work. Commissioner Hanson stated that the parapets didn't go with the building and adds a degree of oddness to a building that is already a relatively odd structure. She indicated that it be moved more towards the center to look more like an enclosure on top of a building that is set back. Ms. Bishop stated that they couldn't move the antennas totally in the middle of the building because they would have what is called foreshadowing. If they move the antennas farther back on the building you start getting an effect where the antennas are actually hitting the rooftop. They can move it back a certain distance, but usually if they move it back they would have to increase the height to account for that. G:\Plannng\Janine Judy\Word FIIes'ARC Minutes\2007\AR070925.n,n.DOC Page 6 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION .•00 MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it might be an inappropriate place to locate it. She stated there were no other locations for that site and indicated that there was an existing palm tree on SCE substation immediately north of the property that currently does not have room for another site. Commissioner Gregory asked if there was some way it could be moved back from the edge and somewhat visual from the street, but not nearly as unattractively visible as with the proposed parapet. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that if it was far enough back it probably would be okay. The Commission discussed the height of the building, line of sight and location of the panels and screening. Commissioner Vuksic asked if it would be possible to put in a monopalm. Ms. Bishop stated that if the City approves a tree, they would prefer that. The Commission was agreeable to a monopalm. Ms. Bishop and the Commission discussed the size of the monopalm and it being tall enough to rise above the rooftop. Commissioner DeLuna asked how high they would have to go. Mr. Bagato stated that the code is 65 feet, however they approved the Edison monopalm at 75 feet and at that time the Planning Commission indicated they would be willing to approve taller ones if the antenna was in the vault and not on the outside. Ms. Bishop stated that it wouldn't need to be that high and thought the building was around 40 feet. Commissioner Gregory stated that the City typically would require some real palms of the same variety to compliment the monopalm so that it doesn't stand out. Ms. Bishop stated that there were live palms at that location currently, and said that if the Commission prefers a monopalm that is typically the carrier's preferred design. Action: It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, to grant a continuance subject to allowing applicant to redesign plans to include a monopalm and submit landscape plant materials for the 209 square foot enclosure to be reviewed by Landscape Specialist. Motion carried 7-0. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\Word FilesWRC Minules\2007WR070925.min.DOC Page 7 of 8 `'✓ T �I 01-ili( IN Omnipoint Communications,Inc.,a subsidiary of T-Mobile USA Inc. 3257 E.Guasti Road,Suite 200,Ontario,CA 91761 Application Submitted by: Laura Bishop,Hannah Consulting 22751 El Prado,#2313 Rancho Santa Margarita,CA 92688 Phone: (949)212-9005 Facsimile: (866)291-5828 Project Description and Request for a Conditional Use Permit Approval for a new T-Mobile Wireless Communications Facility Applicant: Omnipoint Communications, Inc. a subsidiary of T-Mobile USA Inc. Representative: Laura Bishop, Independent Consultant, Hannah Consulting, Inc. Address: 74675 Hwy 111,Palm Desert, California 92260 APN: 625-430-062 and 625-430-065 Zone: PC-4(Planned Commercial - Resort Center) Introduction to T-Mobile USA Inc. Omnipoint.Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of T-Mobile USA Inc. (T-Mobile) is currently in the process of leasing property and obtaining necessary permits for the development of a new wireless telecommunications facility that will provide coverage to the community surrounding the subject property in the City of Palm Desert. The new wireless site will be an integral part of the T-Mobile system serving the City of Palm Desert. The Project Description provided herein is provided as an accompaniment to the land use application for a Conditional Use Permit and describes the proposed site, providing necessary details relating to the proposed development. Site Description Proposed Antenna Structure and Equipment Area The wireless facility will be comprised of 12 panel antennas installed behind new parapet wall extensions on the rooftop of an existing Holiday Inn building situated immediately south of Highway 111. Accessory equipment will be installed within a new block wall enclosure to be located on the ground on the west side of the property. All elements of the proposed facility will be fully screened from view. r Application for a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommuni Tons Facility Submitted by T-Mobile U.S.A Inc. August 28,2007 The existing building rooftop parapet reaches an overall height of 38 feet above ground and the proposed parapet wall extensions will reach 46 feet above ground. The new antenna screens will result in an overall 8 foot(20%)height increase above of the highest point of the existing building parapet walls along the northeast and northwest corners of the building. The new parapet screen wall extensions will be finished with stucco materials to match the existing building color and texture. The screens have been "stepped down" to provide a lower profile along the north face of the building. Each screen will be constructed of RF transparent material which will allow the RF signal from the antennas to propagate to the surrounding area and provide the intended wireless phone coverage. Fach antenna will be serviced by two coax lines,which will run inside a new chase to be installed on the north face of the building. The chase will be textured and painted to match the existing building and will not be a visually obtrusive element on the face of the existing building. The coax lines will extend from the chase in conduit installed below-ground, into the new equipment enclosure to connect the cabinets and antennas. Four(4)accessory equipment cabinets,two(2) GPS antennas,and attendant utility panels will be located within a new 22' x 9' — 6" (209 S.F.) equipment to be located along the west side of the property. The equipment enclosure will be secured by a 6' — 6" tall CMU block wall with a wrought iron access gate. The CMU block wall will be finished to match the existing building texture and color and will fully screen the accessory equipment from view. The existing walkway on the west side of the building will be relocated to run alongside the exterior of the new equipment enclosure wall. A hedge wall of new shrubs will be planted along the north and east faces of the proposed equipment compound wall to ensure the facility appears to be a part of the existing hotel development and to minimize views of the block wall from the Hwy 111 to the north. The proposed facility will be a completely stealth installation and will not be visible to the general public or residents in the community. The proposed design ensures the aesthetics of the existing building are not adversely affected and that new wireless phone service is provided in a manner that will not significantly alter the appearance of the existing hotel building. Access to the Facility Twenty-four hour, seven-day a week access to the site is required in the event of an emergency or equipment failure but the site will typically be un-manned and will only be visited by T-Mobile personnel approximately once per month, at which time the equipment will be serviced to ensure it is in working order. The antennas are not typically accessed once mounted on the building rooftop, unless an emergency failure occurs or reconditioning is required. The antennas will be accessed via a roof hatch 2 Site No.: IE04749B Site Name: Holiday Inn Palm Desert Application for a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommunications Facility Submitted by T-Mobile U.S.A Inc. August 28,2007 located on the south portion of the roof. The roof hatch is accessed via a ladder from the interior of the building. Access to/from the T-Mobile lease area will originate on Palm Desert Drive South, a public right of way located immediately north of the subject property, and extend into the existing parking area of the property. Maintenance vehicles will use an un-assigned parking space while the site is being serviced. An access easement will extend from Palm Desert Drive South to the new T-Mobile equipment compound and a grant of an access easement is provided in the Lease Agreement between T-Mobile and the property owner. Impact of the Proposed Site Development on Local Infrastructure The site will require power and telephone service, which will be secured from the local utility providers. All power and telephone lines providing service to the site will be installed in conduit below-ground. The facility will not require water, gas, waste management, sewer or off-site drainage facilities. The facility will not have a significant impact on the local power and telephone services, will be accessed only occasionally with a passenger vehicle, and will pose no adverse impact to the existing infrastructure for this area. Affect on the Health, Safety and Welfare of the Community Operation of the facility will not create any waste, noxious fumes or odors. The antennas will be constructed to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards and will pose no threat to human health, safety or welfare. The equipment will operate on electricity or back up battery power in the event of an emergency and will not produce noxious fumes or odors. The equipment will operate quietly and will emit less than 45 dB at the nearest property line. No hazardous waste will be generated or stored during the operation of the facility. The aesthetic impacts of the facility are discussed below. Surrounding Land Uses and Aesthetic Impact of the Proposed Development The subject property is zoned PC-4 (Planned Commercial — Resort Center) and is currently developed with a Holiday Inn hotel. The proposed facility will not significantly alter the appearance of the existing Holiday Inn building and the aesthetic impact to the property will be minimal. Palm Desert Drive South borders the property to the north, with Highway 111 lying north of Palm Desert Drive. A large commercial development is located north of Highway 111. The property to the east is zoned PC-4 (Planned Commercial — Resort Center) and 3 Site No.: IE04749B Site Name: Holiday Inn Palm Desert Application for a Conditions]Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommuniions Facility Submitted by T-Mobile U.S.A Inc. August 28,2007 is developed with a commercial hotel structure. The property to the south is zoned PR (Planned Residential)and is developed with single family residential uses. The proposed antennas and accessory equipment for the proposed wireless communication facility will be located a distance greater than 300 feet from the existing residential uses. The property to the west is zoned C-1 SP (General Commercial; Specific Plan) and is developed with a commercial use and also an SCE substation facility. An existing monopalm structure has been installed on the SCE substation facility but there is not sufficient room for a second facility at this location. The proposed facility will not adversely impact the existing surrounding land uses because it will be fully screened from view and will not produce audible noise, fumes or odors, nor will it significantly impact the existing infrastructure serving the community. Justification for Site Location and Proposed Height As depicted on the RF Signal Propagation Studies provided with this application, there currently exists a "gap" in the T-Mobile coverage in the vicinity of the proposed site location with only "marginal" coverage provided. This gap in coverage results in no coverage or "dropped" calls for residents and commuters in the area. To ensure comprehensive coverage for the area, T-Mobile requires a new site in the vicinity of the chosen location. The existing Holiday Inn building provides a structure that can be used as an antenna site but the rooftop is not tall enough for a site that will effectively propagate the RF signal to the surrounding proposed coverage area. For this reason, a height extension of 8 feet in the form of new parapet extensions on the rooftop is requested to allow as much height as possible for the antenna placement. The commercial development to the east, where an existing Sprint/Nextel site is located within a building cupola/tower, was approached regarding a possible site installation but no interest was expressed by the property owner. There are no other existing tall buildings, billboards, church steeples, free standing signs, existing communications towers, or water tanks that could serve as a possible site location for a new wireless facility in the subject search ring. For this reason,the Holiday Inn rooftop location has been chosen with a slight alteration of the existing building proposed. The search ring lies in an area that is predominantly level, developed with commercial and residential developments. The commercial development areas are the most feasible locations to develop a new wireless facility to provide coverage for this area. For this reason,the subject parcel has been chosen. 4 Site No.: IE04749B Site Name: Holiday Inn Palm Desert Application for a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommunic ions Facility Submitted by T-Mobile U.S.A Inc. August 28,2007 The proposed height of 46 feet for the top of the parapet wall extensions will allow a centerline of antenna height of 43 feet, 8 inches. This is the minimum height that is acceptable in regards to RF signal propagation to ensure comprehensive coverage for the area surrounding the site and to ensure coverage effectively extends to the existing sites to the north, east and west. As provided in the RF propagation studies, coverage to the east will still not be optimal but will be considerably improved with the installation of the proposed development. Co-Location T-Mobile is amenable to co-location as a site alternative. However, there are no existing wireless communications facilities that could provide a possible co-location site in the immediate vicinity of the subject property. An existing monopalm antenna structure is located within an SCE substation facility immediately west of the subject property. Co- location on the monopalm facility will not allow the installation of 12 new antennas and 4 equipment cabinets, the minimum required by T-Mobile for effective coverage of the surrounding areas. A new antenna structure would need to be installed at this location but there is insufficient space on the SCE property for a second monopalm and 4 equipment cabinets. A Sprint/Nextel site is located on a commercial parcel to the east, within an existing building cupola, but the property owner for this parcel did not express interest or return phone calls in regards to a second wireless carrier facility on the property. For these reasons, co-location is not a feasible alternative for a T-Mobile site in the immediate vicinity and a new site is needed. The proposed T-Mobile site presents a site alternative that allows a fully stealth wireless facility installation in an area with limited T-Mobile coverage and no possible co-location alternatives. Conclusion The addition of new parapet wall extensions to the existing Holiday Inn building will provide a stealth solution for antenna installation and will allow T-Mobile to effectively service the community with wireless phone coverage. Neither the antenna structure nor the ground-based equipment will significantly change the appearance of the subject property. The proposed wireless telecommunications facility will provide local phone service and is a compatible use for a Commercial/Resort zone. The facility will be unmanned and will not have a detrimental effect on the health, welfare and character of the community because no audible noise will be produced, no waste or noxious fumes will be generated, no hazardous waste will be generated or stored, no significant impact 5 Site No.:IE04749B Site Name: Holiday Inn Palm Desert Application for a Conditional Use Permit for a New Wireless Telecommunications Facility Submitted by T-Mobile U.S.A Inc. August 28,2007 will be imposed on local power and telephone utility sources, minimal vehicular traffic will be realized as a result of the development of the facility, and the viewsheds in the area will not be adversely affected. T-Mobile requests consideration for the grant of a Conditional Use Permit approval for the new wireless communication facility proposed herein. Respectfully submitted, t Laura A. Bishop Hannah Consulting, Inc. Independent Contractor for T-Mobile USA Inc. 6 Site No.: IE04749B Site Name: Holiday Inn Palm Desert 3 Imperial Promenade Santa Ana,CA 92707 LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION for LAND USE AND BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS SITE NO: IE04749A SITE NAME: Holiday Inn Palm Desert ADDRESS: 74675 Hwy 111 APN : 625-430-062 and 625-430-065 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Servico Hotels III, Inc., a Florida corporation, owner of the above described property, authorizes T-Mobile' or their agent, to act as an agent on owner's behalf for the sole purpose of consummating any land-use entitlement or building permit applications necessary to ensure the ability to use the property for the purpose of constructing and operating a communications facility. Owner understands that this application may be denied, modified, or approved with conditions, and that such conditions or modifications must be complied with prior to issuance of building permits. Owner further understands that signing this authorization is not to he construed as a commitment of any kind, and that all land-use approvals obtained will be subject to the successful completion of lease negotiations and owner's approval of the project site plans. Owner: Servico Hotels III, Inc.,a Florida corporation By: Deix" 'c� - �` By: Name: CUGt a p� L'• C e(' r Name: Title: V+ ` c i? KS e "Title: Date: 8/i v/rJ 7 Date: Omnipoint Communications Inc.,a subsidiary of T-Mobile USA Inc Site Number: IE04749A Site Name: Holiday Inn Palm Desert • 3 Imperial Promenade Santa Ana,CA 92707 LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION for LAND USE AND BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS State of Liee)C-,Act..e1/4.- County of This instrument was acknowledged before me by_ a aCp„ti.t personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same. WITNESS my hand and official seal, this 16 day of T , 200/ NOTARY SEAL ttttttttttttt / Nor ti�y,,� Notary Publre� \��'L & _- ( ExPIRE GEORQ Print Name �t lxi 1—a--v -e _ A taaoto I My Commission Expires: k\N?-0 l0 S.CI Ali • covN,,, State of County of This instrument was acknowledged before me by personally known to me (or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same. WITNESS my hand and official seal,this day of , 200_. 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