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6.5. & 6.6. SR 08-17-1998ity of iver MEMORANDUM Item# 6.5. & 6.6. TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistant~~ August 17, 1998 Request by U.S. West Wireless for Zone Change and Conditional Use Permit, Public Hearing Case No.'s ZC 98-5 and CU 98-16 Request Consider a request by U.S. West Wireless for a zone change to Antenna Overlay District (AT) and conditional use permit for a wireless communication antenna tower and equipment building. Location The property is located at 19050 Industrial Boulevard, Lot 4, Block 2, Elk River Industrial Park Zoning/Land Use I 1 (Light Industrial) / LI (Light Industrial) Attachments Location map · Site plan · Supporting documentation from applicant Overview U.S. West is proposing to lease an area approximately 32' by 32' in order to construct a 150 foot tall self supporting mono-pole which will support their wireless PCS antennas. The area the applicant is leasing is part of a 2 acre lot located in the Elk River Industrial Park. The building is currently used as office space and light manufacturing. The tower is proposed to be located near the rear or northeast corner of the building. 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425 Memo Mayor and City Council/CU 98-16 August 3, 1998 Page 2 The site is located in the middle of the industrial park. Adjacent businesses include Tescom, School District 728 maintenance building, E & O Tool and Plastics and Dynetics Systems. Rezoning In order to construct the proposed tower, a rezoning to AT is required. This overlay district was established to manage the proliferation of antenna towers and to insure there proper placement regarding health, safety and welfare of the community. This overlay district does not change the underlying I1 zoning district, all the uses allowed and the dimensional regulations in the I1 district will continue to be allowed on land zoned AT. In considering a rezoning request of this nature, consideration should be given to the existing conditions within the area directly and indirectly affected by the proposed rezoning as well as the compatibility with surrounding land uses. The rezoning request should not adversely impact and would be compatible with the zoning and current use of the property which is under consideration for rezoning and adjacent properties. The applicant has shown how this location will fit in with their plans for PCS coverage for this area The applicant investigated co-locating on the towers owned by AT&T and APT and found that they could not meet their coverage needs. Conditional Use permit Co-location requirements The applicant has submitted a letter explaining their co-location policy. They also examined the possibility of co-locating on other towers. They found they could not meet their coverage needs at the other towers. At a height of 150 feet the proposed tower has to have the capability for providing co-location opportunities for 2 other providers. In their supporting documentation the applicant indicates the proposed tower will have the ability to accommodate only one other set of antennas. The design should be modified to allow for two co-location opportunities. Construction requirements The applicant complies with the construction requirements outlined in the zoning code except for the following: \\elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\scottXcu9816cc.doc Memo Mayor and City Council/CU 98-16 August 3, 1998 Page 3 The applicant proposed landscaping and a 6 foot high fence; the zoning code requires an 8 foot high fence. Blue slates will be inserted into the chain link fence. Signs and advertising No signs or advertising are proposed. Accessory structures and equipment The accessory structures will be screened from view by landscaping and a chin link fence with slates. Illumination No lighting is proposed for the tower. Interference All applications for new service have to be accompanied by an intermodulation study which evaluates potential interference problems. Planning Commission Meeting At the July 28th Planning Commission meeting no one spoke at the public hearing. The Commission discussed possible colocation on other towers and the applicant explained why they would not meet their coverage needs. Recommendation Rezoning The Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve the rezoning request to AT based on the following findings: The rezoning is compatible with the surrounding land uses and would not adversely affect the property under consideration for rezoning. The proposed rezoning is necessary in order to provide effective wireless telecommunication coverage for the city. The rezoning is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for the city. \kelkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\scott\cu9816cc.doc Memo Mayor and City Council/CU 98-16 August 3, 1998 Page 4 Conditional Use permit The Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve the conditional use permit for a 150 foot wireless telecommunication tower and supporting equipment with the following conditions: 1. The tower be designed to accommodate 2 additional users. 2. Fencing shall be 8 feet tall and a color to match the existing building. o The tower shall be a color that blends in with the surrounding environment. 4. No signs, lighting or advertising are allowed on the tower. The applicant shall supply an intermodulation study to evaluate any potential interference problems. o An engineered fall zone analysis conducted by a qualified structural engineer shall be provided. This report shall specify in writing that any collapse of the tower will occur within a specified fall zone within a lesser distance than the setback. \ \elkriver\sys\shrdoc\planning\scott\cu9816cc.doc LOCATION ~~~ LOCATION ~,, MAP cu ~-I~ ~0~.~o,o~.o~=:~..,~:,.,.~o.-~o~-'?'~ CASa: ~/ ~t-~ SIT: PROPERTY UNE IN PARKING LOT R£UOV~ O LANDSCaP£ ROCK a, I I I IN~rAcL LANDSCAPE: FABRIC I MATCH [XISTING ROCK EXI~N$ TRLrE (2,) a,B. 2 BUILDING 2' HT. SHRUBS MATC EXISTING PARKING LOT 64' EOUIPUENT srrE PLAN ENL~''ED SITE PLAN z 38' PARKING LOT PROPOSED 6' HT. CHAll LINK FENCE AND LEASED AREA I PROPOSED US WEST EqJIP. CABINET PROPOSED US WEST MgNOPOLE EXISTING LAND~CAPE ROCK & PLANTS RE-INSTALL LANDSCAPE ROCK & PLANTS AROUND FENCE PERIMETER NG TREE (.2 )TAL) BE ITIOVED (TYP.) LOCATION OF RE- INSTALLED TREE (2 TOTAL) (I'YP.) LII,,.'YVE.N'T' SCL-00~ EQUIPMENT ENLARGED ~IT[ PLAN SCL-O05 LLJ ELEVATIONS Advanced PCS" SCL005 19050 Industrial Way Elk River, MN PRNATE Not for di~Jo~re outside o~ U S WEST Wtrele~, L.L.C. Do not distribute or rel:woduce without permission from U S WEST Wlrek~s, EL.C, Mr. Scott Harlicker City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway P.O. Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330 Planning Department RE: Application to Construct a One Hundred Fifty (150) Foot Antenna Support System at 19050 Industrial Blvd. N.W. Site No. SCL-005 Dear Mr. Scott Harlicker, This letter is designed to comply with application procedures for an administrative review in order to receive a permit for a PCS antenna support system to be located in Elk River. US WEST Wireless has been authorized by the landowner to present this application on their behalf. US WEST Wireless has been licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and is scheduled to deploy a wireless Personal Communications System (PCS) in Sherbume County and the surrounding areas in the third quarter of 1998. To fulfill its mandate from the Federal Communications Commission, US WEST Wireless will be developing a grid of antenna throughout its service area. These antenna must be spaced, depending on certain technical and geographical variables, at intervals approximately five (5) miles from each other and at a height of approximately seventy five (75) to one hundred eighty (180) feet above the ground. The intent of the deployed system will be to provide wireless services to all Twin City area communities. Since US WEST Wireless Communications intends to utilize PCS as an affordable Wireless Local Loop service, coverage at the neighborhood level is essential (unlike Cellular, which is typically a high- cost mobile service). PROPOSED USE: We propose to construct a one hundred fifty (150) foot antenna support system for a wireless Personal Communications Service (PCS). An unmanned prefabricated equipment rack measuring approximately 3'-0" x 12'-0" x 6'-0" will be located at the base of the system. No advertising will be attached or located on the antenna support system nor will the system be illuminated. The foundation for the antenna support system will be a concrete caisson design. The specifications take into account soils, local wind loading guidelines and the type of equipment to be attached to the antenna support system. A safety factor is included in the design parameters resulting in a pole that typically exceeds local building code requirements. We have included an structural integrity report of the antenna support system by a professional engineering detailing that the system is designed to bend but not fall. (Exhibit C). Drainage of the site will not be changed. This site will require single phase two hundred (200) amp electrical service and a T 1 telephone for utilities. US WEST Wireless agrees to remove the antenna support system in twelve (12) months after the cessation of use, unless a written exemption is granted to US WEST Wireless by the Zoning Administrator of Elk River. This site will enhance public safety and welfare because it will enable US WEST Wireless Communications to bring new CDMA cellular technology to the area. CDMA technology, which did not exist four years ago, now is considered the leading wireless access technology in the industry. Police, firefighters and motorists will have greater flexibility of wireless phone choices, which will allow them more security in placing emergency calls as needed. Additionally, CDMA encoding will virtually eliminate the possibility of phone number cloning and cell number theft. US WEST Wireless is willing to provide for and accommodate co-location on the proposed antenna support system. Screening of the equipment will be provided by trees and scrubs which is illustrated in the enclosed site plan. ZONING REQUIREMENTS The property is located at 19050 Industrial Blvd. N.W., Elk River and is zoned I-1 (Industrial). The placement of the antenna support system will have minimal impact on neighboring properties and will allow for the development of personal wireless service to serve the area of Elk River and the surrounding communities. This site does not meet the necessary setbacks from the property lines. This site is also over a mile from the nearest antenna support system. The establishment, maintenance or operation of this site will promote and enhance the general public welfare and will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, or comfort. PCS transmissions operate at very low power levels. A variance will be needed in order to meet the necessary setbacks. The proposed antenna support system is one hundred ninety (190) feet from the Southern property line, one hundred ten (110) feet from the Northern property line, ninety (90) feet from the Western property line and ninety (90) feet from the Eastern property line. The variance is needed because the zoning allows setbacks equal to or greater than the height of the pole which is one hundred fifty (150) feet. The ordinance/land use amendment will be needed to zone the proposed site to allow for antenna support systems - create an AT (antenna tower) district. Special arrangements need not be made to accommodate access to the site. The proposed use will cause no traffic congestion or interference with traffic on the surrounding public streets. Site visits will be rare and once the antenna has been installed. Parking will not be an issue because site visits will be infrequent and of limited duration. This site will have adequate utilities for the use and adequate access is provided to the site. US WEST Wireless hopes this correspondence and enclosures address all issues. Should you have additional questions regarding the attached information or would like to discuss PCS technology further, please contact us at 612/642-6016. US WEST Wireless appreciates the assistance that we have received from the Elk River staff and we look forward to working with you to better serve the citizens of your community. In conclusion, US WEST Wireless has designed a wireless Personal Communications System for the Twin Cities and area communities that attempts to work within the allowable zoning ordinances without compromising the intended service requirements of the system. Thank you for your time and consideration of this application. Res~ Mr. Kenneth Nielsen Real Estate Administrator for US WEST Wireless L.L.P. U S WEST Wireless, L.L.C. 426 North Fairview Avenue Room 101 St. Paul, MN 55014 June 3, 1998 Zoning Board City of Elk River Elk River, Minnesota Re: Coverage, capacity and interference study for US WEST Wireless site SCL005A located at 19050 Industrial Blvd. NW, Elk River. Dear Members: US WEST Communications is scheduled to deploy a wireless Personal Communications System (PCS) for the Minneapolis - St. Paul greater metropolitan area in the second quarter of 1998. The intent of the deployed system will be to provide ubiquitous wireless services to the Twin Cities and surrounding communities including St. Cloud and communities along 1-94 & Hwy. 10 corridor. In order to meet the requirements of continuous (seamless) coverage and to be able to carry the projected traffic, a cell site is currently designed to be built at 19050 Industrial Blvd. Elk River, Minnesota. In deploying a PCS system, distinguishing features from conventional Cellular services currently available will be the PCS system's voice quality, capacity and coverage depth. Utilizing Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, US WEST's system will provide voice quality that compares favorably to landline quality with site capacity capabilities of approximately six times that of an analog cell site. While choosing an appropriate location for a proposed cell site, we try to meet the coverage and capacity objectives of that particular service area. In a typical situation when a system designer is faced with a trade off between capacity and coverage, the RF design engineer applies the knowledge of the terrain and surrounding clutter to the site selection process. For the service area encompassing 19050 Industrial Blvd. NW, the analysis was as follows: Coverage: One of the major and most visible differences between PCS and Cellular systems is the area of coverage of an individual cell. Due to the higher frequency of operation, PCS cells will have considerably smaller coverage areas than Cellular cells. (For purely coverage, all things except frequency being equal, to cover a given area at the PCS frequency (1900 MHz) versus the Cellular frequency (900 MHz) requires, 2 - 3 times more cells.) In order to cover the traffic on the heavily traveled Hwy. 10, connecting the cities of Anoka and Big Lake to Elk River and to ensure proper connectivity to our proposed cell sites to the South - East and North- Access2TM Advanced PCSTM Paging Services U S WEST Wireless, L.L.C, 426 North Fairview Avenue Room 101 St. Paul, MN 55014 West respectively, while at the same time providing coverage to the surrounding community in the heart of Elk River, a cell site was deemed necessary to be situated in the vicinity of this location. To accomplish these coverage objectives our monopole has been designed to be situated at a height of 150 ft. at the proposed location. As the attached plot shows, both AT&T and APT/Aerial have antenna installations more than a couple of miles to the South-East and East of our proposed cell location. These two locations do not meet fully our coverage objectives imposed on the site at Elk River - specifically, situating a site at either of the two locations would jeopardize connectivity to US WEST Wireless cell sites to the South East and to the North West, without which there will not be seamless coverage. Capacity: CDMA technology has an inherent capacity advantage over comparable (current) analog technologies. A conservative calculation puts this capacity advantage at six times for comparable operating bandwidths. For a 1.23 MHz bandwidth ( the bandwidth to be utilized in US WEST's initial deployment), about 1000 subscribers per site can be supported during busy hour (with an acceptable call blocking probability). For the corridor along Hwy. 10 which SCL005A is designed to cover, the Minnesota DOT gives the traffic volume as approximately 31,000 automobiles per day, on average. A reasonable estimate of initial customer penetration puts the traffic carrying requirements for a particular US WEST site in this vicinity at approximately 250 mobiles during busy hour which equates to at least one PCS cell site. Interference: Our equipment manufacturer constructed our equipment to comply with FCC mandated regulations, and we will not cause any interference to any other broadcast systems. Site Selection: The site at 19050 Industrial Blvd. NW was selected because: (1) drive test results indicated that this site fulfilled all our coverage requirements; (2) mathematical analysis showed that it could meet the imposed capacity constraints; (3) city zoning ordinance showed that this site is centrally located within the City of Elk River's largest industrial area. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (612)642-6039 should you have any questions regarding the study. Sincerely, Khursheed Khan RF Design Engineer Access2TM Advanced PCSTM Paging Services 85 '57 Oi:13PM MILLERBEPJgD MII m FRBEPJgD "P.1 ~ 85 '97 8~:ldPM Scott Bsllance Bechtel US West Wirel~ Project 42~ North Fairvi~, Room 101 St. Paul, MN ~104 1~: lVlfll=b~ Mfg. Co. Ant~,,~ ldonopole 5u~ctuul htc~7 Thc Millerbemd lVif~. Co. monopoles used by US West for this proj¢ot meets or exceeds the requkcnmnts of EIA/TIA-222 "Structural Standards for Steel Ant~ Towers and An~e Supponin~ Suucturcs" specificafio~ This is ~e r~co~;~-ed specification Ibr these types of towers. When de~?~n§ the structure., wind & ice loading along wiIb. ~o n~mher, s~ze, he~gh~ and style of~um~g of the antenms sre tak~ ~to account to detem~ne ~¢ size of~e struc'tu~ requi~ed. The ~e wiil have an approximate ssL~y f~ctor o~ 1.~, or in o~r words, w~lbe 1.~ ~s stron§er tha~ it ne~s to be. Tho monopole h~s been desired withstand at least 100 MPH with a 1/2" thick coating of ice ~n the monopole Millcrbcrnd Mfg. Co. only uses Ame~an-Made carbon st~cl (ASTM A~72 or A607) which has a ~0,000 PSI ngn yield. All our steelis orcle~cl with rrn'll certificafim~ to vexify integrily oi'the mater~t The mill cerfif~athms are kept on file, should a copy b= requ~ed at some future date. Only AWS-D1.1 "Stmctund Welding Code" qualified personnel will be used dm-lng thc weJzli~_ of the stm~re. Wold inspections will be performed by SI~F-TC-1A quatified Non-Destructive Test Personnel to verify the soundness of the welds. With the pole designed and manufactured in accordance with the above criteris, MiIlerbcrnd Ivif~. Co. certi~s that the monopole writ not collapse. If far some reason, the wind loading exceeds the monopole catty capabilities, t~e pole w~l not collapse, but rather the top of the pole will start to bend over and the pole will begin to look like an upside down $. The bonding will contimie tmiI tt~ antennas at the top eric pole reach a position such tt~ thc wind is blowing ovc~ the antennas and not into the~ Once th;~ position is reached, the monopole will stop bending and maintain that position. For tho bending to happen, the wind would have to reach over 1751VIPH and be rn,intained for a length of time. MILLERBERND MANUFACTURING COMPANY * P.O. BOX 98 · I/VINSTED, MINNESOTA 65395 PHONE (320) 485..2f'/f · FAX (320) 485.4420 M/II~bemd Mfg. Co. hu b¢c~ in businoss ~ince 1933 and manufacturing monopoles dnce 1948. Since then, thousands ofmenopoles h~ve been'tnu~ width aze ropy sinn/rr to this type of m'ucture wkhou~ a sh~Je one collapsin~ Mtllerbemd has been in~ng antenna monopoles ~ 1990. In tl~ t~ne, 40 pins antenna monop~s have been bu~ and also whlun~ any If you have any questions or conconm, please call me ~t (320) 485.2111. Wado Linn~ P.E. I hexcby certify that rigs plan, specificalion, or report wu prepared by me or unde: my ~ supcna,i,,n and th~ I ama duly ltesis~d Professional Eu~eer under