Agenda - Council - 04/14/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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adequate cellular coverage across the nation. Over the past decade, the utilization of cellular phones has increased dramatically, with a majority of residents utilizing said services. With the number of residents utilizing said technology, it is also important from a public safety perspective to have adequate coverage. Ordinance #15-07 still maintains the 100 foot limit for most towers as currently prescribed by City Code and acknowledges the Planning Commission direction from January 8, 2015. The Ordinance will essentially create an exemption from those core utility servicesthat are required of all Ramsey development. The City Council introduced the ordinance on March 24, 2015. There was a question about potential conflicts where commercial and industrial districts are adjacent to residential areas. City Code does prescribe a setback that requires that the 'fall zone' in the unlikely event of failure be contained on site and said fall zone cannot encumber a residential area. From a safety perspective, existing zoning code should address safety concerns to the public. An aspect that is less readily measured is the visual impact of said towers. Towers in the community certainly will be highly visible. Staff has prepared an exhibit that indicates a radius of 199 feet (equal to the height being discussed with this ordinance) and one-quarter mile surrounding commercial and industrial districts. This buffer area is where the City could expect most complaints about the aesthetic quality arise from, based on previous experience. Please note, many of these parcels would not qualify due to soil conditions and required setbacks, so the overall impact indicated on this exhibit is anticipated to be much less. Alternatives Alternative #1. Adopt Ordinance # 15-07. This will start the process to allowing certain communications towers as defined in the ordinance to be a maximum height of 199 feet. Alternative #2. Deny Ordinance #15-07. This would retain the current height limitation of 100 feet. Funding Source: The Applicant is responsible for all costs with processing the Application. Recommendation: The Planning Commission recommends that the City adopt Ordinance # 15-07. Minor recommended language amendments to Ordinance #15-07 have been incorporated into the ordinance Additionally, by separate ordinance, the Planning Commission requested that the City Council reconsider the limitation of 100 feet in commercial and industrial districts. The Planning Commission supports this height limitation in residential districts and parks; however, stated a desire to allow taller towers in the commercial and industrial districts. This request will be reviewed at a later date as time permits in current work plans. Action: Motion to waive the City Charter requirement to read the ordinance aloud and adopt Ordinance #15-07. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Johns Councilmember Kuzma Councilmember Shryock Councilmember Riley Councilmember LeTourneau Councilmember Williams Mayor Strommen Attachments