Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/08/2015

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 01/08/2015 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development 5. 5. Information Title: Review Concept Plan for a Telecommunications Tower of at least 200 Feet in Height; Case of Connexus Energy Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to review a concept from Connexus Energy to construct a communications tower of at least 200 feet in height on the Connexus Energy Campus located at 14601 Ramsey Blvd NW. The proposed tower would be of monopole design, similar to most recent cell towers constructed. The most common alternative to monopole design is a lattice design. The purpose of this tower, according to Connexus Energy Staff, is to implement 'smart -grid' communications that would allow Connexus Energy to instantly communicate with various equipment such as sub -stations and customers' electric meters. This is not an official request for a land use application but an opportunity for the City to provide policy feedback to assist Connexus Energy in preparing a request to the City. Notification: Notification is not required at this time. A telecommunications tower such as this would require the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit, which does require notification in the City's Official Newsletter and notifications to adjacent Property Owners. Observations/Alternatives: The proposed tower would be subject to City Code Section 117-428. This Section provides minimum design standards for towers to balance public safety, aesthetics, and adequate telecommunications coverage. The intent for constructing the proposed Connexus Energy Tower would provide benefit to a majority of the City's residents, as Connexus Energy provides electric service to a majority of the community, as well as a larger geographic area surrounding its headquarters. In 2008, the City amended City Code standards related to telecommunications towers. Concerns had been raised due to the construction of a tower located in Alpine Park providing mobile phone coverage to the area. The policy direction from that ordinance was to lower the maximum height of telecommunications towers to 100 feet and adjust which locations are suitable for said towers. Per the Federal Telecommunications Act, the City cannot restrict all locations within the City from construction of telecommunications towers. The City can, however, provide restrictions on location and design standards. Many similar communities allow maximum height ranges of 100 feet to 150 feet. The proposed tower would be the second tallest structure in the community, second to an existing radio tower on Bunker Lake Boulevard near Saint Francis Boulevard which is approximately 300 feet in height. Staff has met with representatives of Connexus Energy to discuss the proposal. Staff has discussed the potential to co -locate on other existing towers in the area, and will continue these discussions moving forward to ensure that all alternatives have been exhausted before moving forward with a new, separate tower. Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. If a land use application is submitted, all costs associated with processing said Application are the responsibility of the Applicant.