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access will be granted. They recommend access be gained through 177~ Ave or finding an <br />alternate, safer site. The applicant has since amended their site plan to reflect a safer access to <br />the site from 177* Ave. <br /> <br />The proposal was also forwarded to an independent consultant for confirmation that there are no <br />other structures within a ½ mile radius that would accommodate the proposed antenna. A letter <br />was submitted on January 4, 2000 stating that there are no other suitable existing structures <br />within ½ mile of the proposed location. W.M. Montgomery did not have a sufficient amount of <br />time to verify that the Applicant's submittal supports that an increase in tower height is necessary <br />because of surrounding topography and vegetation. <br /> <br />There are currently four cell towers in Ramsey, all of which are located on commercial or <br />industrial parcels. The height limit in commercial districts is 165 feet and 175 feet in industrial <br />zones. One of the towers is 120 feet in height and the other three are 165 feet in height. The cell <br />tower in Rum River Plaza on 167~ Avenue is on commercial property but adjacent to a <br />residential zone and is one of the 165 foot towers. <br /> <br />Staff surveyed other communities for tower height restrictions in residential districts and <br />determined the following: <br /> <br />Andover- 150 feet (parcel must be 20 acres in size) <br />Ham Lake - allowed on City owned property <br />Blaine - not allowed in or within 1,000 feet of a residential zone <br />East Bethel - 120 feet with special permit (199 feet in agdculturaI zones) <br />Oak Grove - 175 feet .- <br />Burns - 200 feet <br />Champlin-not allowed in a defined residential area <br />Elk River - 150 feet if required rezoning is achieved (199 feet for multi-user towers) <br /> <br />The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on January 4 and several residents were <br />present in opposition to the tower on the basis that it is not a compatible use or structure in a <br />residential district. The residents also expressed concern with health hazards related to tower <br />emissions. The FCC Act of 1996 states that if a tower complies with FCC requirements, then it <br />cannot be denied on the basis of health hazards. <br /> <br />The Planning Commission forwarded findings of fact for Council consideration and <br />recommended denial of the application. <br /> <br />Notification: <br /> <br />State law requires that properties within 350 feet of the subject property be notified of the public <br />hearing. Staff attempted to notify properties within 1,000 feet of the public hearing pertaining to <br />the request. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />At the January 25, 2000 City Council meeting, Council tabled the request by US West for a <br />conditional use permit to construct a personal communication system tower and referred it back <br /> <br /> <br />