Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/03/1996

Home

CASE REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A PERSONAL COMMUNICATION SERVICE TOWER; CASE OF AMERICAN PORTABLE TELECOM By: Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Background: The 'City ha~ received an application from American Portable Telecom (APT) to construct and operate a personal communication service (PCS) tower on Lot 1, Block 1, HY-10 Ramsey. The following items are enclosed for your information: a) b) c) d) e) Site location map Proposed site plan Letter from A. Keith Dyer dated August 12, 1996 Proposed findings of fact Proposed conditional use permit Notification: In accordance with State law, properties within 350 feet of the subject property were notified of the public hearing pertaining to the request. Observations: The applicant is proposing to construct a 165 foot self-supporting lattice tower on a 50' x 50' section of the subject property. The site operations include a maximum of six 5' x 3' x 3' equipment, cabinets placed on a 10' x 20' cement pad. The tower and cabinets will be encompassed with an 8 foot high chain link fence topped with 3 strands of barbed wire. The site and access to it will be prepared with a gravel surface. There will be no personnel stationed at the site. The site and surrounding sites are zoned Industrial. In information gained from the League of Minnesota Cities, it has been determined that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 bars cities from actions that prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting provisions for personal wireless services. However, the information provided indicates that;it is appropriate for cities to establish reasonable performance standards for towers, including amateur radio towers. Recommendation: City Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission review the enclosed materials and consider the proposed findings of fact and conditional use permit. In the near future, the Planning Commission should work with City Staff to prepare an ordinance to establish regulations for towers. ?!