HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 2011-27A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
NO. PL 2011-349 TO INSTALL A MICRO -CELLULAR ANTENNA AND
ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT TO A NEW 31'-6" HIGH, ROUND CONCRETE
POLE. THE SUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-
OF-WAY ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF CHINO HILLS PARKWAY, SOUTH
OF CHINO AVENUE.
A. RECITALS
1. Applicant, NextG Networks of California, Inc., has filed an application for
Conditional Use Permit No. PL 2011-349 to install a micro -cellular antenna
and ancillary equipment to a new 31'-6" high, round concrete pole. The
subject site is located within the Public Rights -of -Way along the west side of
Chino Hills Parkway, City of Diamond Bar, County of Los Angeles, California.
Hereinafter in this Resolution, the subject Conditional Use Permit shall
collectively be referred to as the "Project."
2. The subject property is located along the west side of Chino Hills Parkway,
South of Chino Avenue.
3. On December 2, 2011, notification of the public hearing for this project was
published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Inland Valley Daily
Bulletin newspapers, Public hearing notices were mailed to property owners
within a 500 -foot radius of the Project site and public notices were posted at
the City's designated community posting sites. In addition to the published
and mailed notices, the project site was posted with a display board.
4. On December 13, 2011, the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond
Bar conducted a duly noticed public hearing, solicited testimony from all
interested individuals, and concluded said hearing on that date.
B. RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined and resolved by the Planning
Commission of the City of Diamond Bar as follows:
1 The Planning Commission hereby specifically finds that all of the facts set
forth in the Recitals, Part A, of this Resolution are true and correct;
2. The Planning Commission hereby determines the Project to be Categorically
Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to the provisions of Article 19, Section 15303 (new
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construction of srnall structure) of the CEQA Guidelines. Therefore, no
further environmental review is required.
Based on the findings and conclusions set forth herein and as prescribed under
Diamond Bar Municipal Code (DBMC) Section 22.58, this Planning Commission
hereby finds as follows:
Conditional Use Permit Findings (DBMC Section 22.58)
The proposed use is allowed within the subject zoning district with the
approval of a conditional use permit and complies with all other applicable
provisions of the Municipal Code;
Wireless telecommunications facilities are allowed in the public FLOW. The
location of the proposed micro -cellular antenna conforms to DBMC
Section 22.42.130 (G. 6. F. 1), by locating the proposed site at a pre -approved
location.
2. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable
specific plan;
The site is proposed in the public right-of-way. The proposed use is
consistent with the General Plan Land Use Goal 2, Strategy 2.2.3. "Where
land uses of significantly different intensity or use are planned adjacent to
each other; ensure that individual site designs and operations are managed
in such a manner as to avoid the creation of nuisances and hazards."
The proposed facility meets Strategy 2.2.3 because it will not create a new
source of noise and will generate a very minimal amount of traffic by
infrequent maintenance visits. The micro -cellular antenna and ancillary
equipment will be affixed to a new 31'-6" high, round concrete pole painted to
match the color of the pole and shall be a noncorrosive nonmetallic finish
that is conductive to reflection or glare. In addition, staff is recommending a
condition of approval requiring the applicant to make upgrades to the site
when and if development occurs in the future. Currently, the surrounding
area is in a remote undeveloped area with no buildings, trees, or street lights
along Chino Hills Parkway. However, if and when development occurs and a
street lighting plan is proposed, the applicant shall be required to remove the
concrete pole and replace it with a structure that is compatible with
development such as a street light pole along Chino Hills Parkway.
Therefore, the proposed facility will have no adverse effects in the
surrounding area.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27
The site is not subject to the provisions of any specific plan.
3. The design, location, size and operating characteristics of the proposed use
are compatible with the existing and future land uses in the vicinity;
A micro -cellular antenna and ancillary equipment attached to a new 31'-6"
high, round concrete pole along the west side of Chino Hills Parkway in the
public ROW is being proposed.
Currently, the surrounding area is in a remote undeveloped area with no
buildings, trees, or street lights along Chino Hills Parkway. There are no
plans in the near future to make any type of improvements to the area, which
is why a concrete pole is an acceptable design at this time. In addition, staff
is recommending a condition of approval requiring the applicant to make
upgrades to the site when and if development occurs in the future with a
structure that is compatible with development along Chino Hills Parkway.
4, The subject site is physically suitable for the type and density/intensity of use
being proposed including access, provision of utilities, compatibility with
adjoining land uses, and the absence of physical constraints;
The subject site is physically suitable because a micro -cellular antenna and
ancillary equipment attached to a new 31'-6" high, concrete pole will not
interfere with pedestrian access. Currently the surrounding area is in a
remote undeveloped area with no sidewalks, buildings, trees, or street lights
along Chino Hills Parkway, which makes a concrete pole appropriate at this
location.
5, Granting the conditional use permit will not be detrimental to the public
interest, health, safety, convenience, and zoning district in which the property
is located; and
Before the issuance of any City permits, the proposed project is required to
comply with all conditions within the approved resolution, and the Building
and Safety Division and Public Works Departments, and Los Angeles County
Fire Department requirements, The referenced agencies through the permit
and inspection process will ensure that the proposed project is not
detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare or materially injurious to the
properties or improvements in the vicinity.
6. The proposed project has been reviewed in compliance with the provisions of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth under Article 19
Section 15303 (new construction of small structure) of the CEQA Guidelines.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27
Wireless Facilities (DBMC Section 22.42.130)
1. Environmental integration. To the extent which the proposed facility blends
into the surrounding environment and is architecturally integrated into a
concealing structure, taking into consideration alternative sites that are
available.
The project proposes a micro -cellular antenna and ancillary equipment
attached to a new 31 '-6" high, round concrete pole. The proposed design for
the site is the least intrusive on the community since it is being proposed at a
pre -approved location within the public right-of-way and there is no
development in the surrounding area as prescribed by the General Plan and
Diamond Bar Development Code (DBDC) Section 22.42.130 (G. 6. F. 1).
2 Screening: To the extent which the proposed facility is screened or
camouflaged by existing or proposed topography, vegetation, buildings or
other structures.
Camouflaging is provided by attaching the antenna and ancillary equipment
to a new concrete pole and painted to match the color of the concrete pole
and shall be a noncorrosive nonmetallic finish that is conductive to reflection
or glare.
Chino Hills Parkway is located at the east end of the City limits, south of the
60 Freeway. The area is surrounded by hills and prairies in a remote
undeveloped area with no buildings, trees, or streetlights. Therefore, a
concrete pole with an antenna affixed to the top is an acceptable design.
However, staff is recommending a condition of approval requiring the
applicant to make upgrades to the site when and if development occurs in
the future with a structure that is compatible with development proposed
along Chino Hills Parkway.
3. Size. The total size of the proposed facility, particularly in relation to
surrounding and supporting structures.
The proposed installation of a micro -cellular antenna and ancillary equipment
are to be attached to a new 31-6" high, round concrete pole.
4. Residential proximity. Proximity of the proposed facility to residential
structures and to the boundaries of residential districts.
The proposed wireless telecommunications facility is approximately 3,025
feet from the nearest residences, which is located outside City boundaries.
5. Access. Proposed ingress to and egress from the site of the proposed
facility.
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Planning Commission Resolution No, 2011-27
Access to the proposed project is situated along the west side of Chino Hills
Parkway.
6, Location. The location of the proposed facility and the extent to which it
conforms to the following in order of preferences — co -location or located at a
pre -approved location, attached to existing structure such as building,
communication tower, church steeple or utility pole or tower, and located in
industrial, business park or commercial zoning districts.
As previously mentioned, the proposed micro -cellular antenna and ancillary
equipment will be affixed to a new 31'-6" high, round concrete pole and
complies with factors considered in approving a wireless telecommunications
antenna pursuant to DBDC Section 22.42.130 (G. 6, F. 1).
There is a coverage gap that extends along Chino Hills Parkway between
Chino Avenue and the city boundary. Service to cellular customers is
affected by this coverage gap, which is why NextG Networks has proposed a
cell site in the proposed location. By closing the existing coverage gap, the
proposed telecommunications facility will improve coverage to all existing
and future cellular customers.
The project area is located along Chino Hills Parkway, which is located at the
east end of the City limits, south of the 60 Freeway. The area is surrounded
by hills and prairies in a remote undeveloped area with no trees, building, or
streetlights in sight.
Staff is recommending a condition of approval requiring the applicant to
make upgrades to the site when and if development occurs in the future,
However, if and when development occurs and a street lighting plan is
proposed, the applicant shall remove the concrete pole and replace it with a
structure that is compatible with development proposed along Chino Hills
Parkway.
D. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Based on the findings and conclusions set forth above, the Planning Commission
hereby approves the proposed project subject to the following conditions and the
attached standard conditions:
1. All antennas, structural components and other apparatus attached to a new
31'-6" high, round concrete pole shall be painted to match the new pole and
shall be a noncorrosive nonmetallic finish that is conducive to reflection or
glare.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27
2. The applicant shall make upgrades to the site when and if development
occurs in the future with a structure that is compatible with development
along Chino Hills Parkway. An example of compliance with this condition
includes, but is not limited to, removing the support structure upon which the
equipment is located, and relocating or replacing the equipment on a
streetlight.
3. The project shall substantially conform to Title Sheet, Site Plan, Antenna and
Layout Plan, Elevations, and Details as submitted to, amended herein, and
approved by the Planning Commission.
4. Applicant shall comply with all Federal, State, and City regulations.
5. To ensure compliance with all conditions of approval and applicable codes,
the Conditional Use Permit shall be subject to period review. If non-
compliance with conditions of approval occurs, the Planning Commission
may review the Conditional Use Permit. The Commission may revoke or
modify the Conditional Use Permit.
6. When an emergency generator is used on site, the noise level of the
generator shall comply with the City's noise standards in DgMC
Chapter 22.28.
7. Signs and advertising shall be prohibited on the antenna array.
8. No lighting shall be installed on the wireless antennas or associated
equipment.
9. The site shall be maintained in a condition free of trash, debris, refuse, and
undesirable vegetation. All graffiti must be removed within 24 hours. In the
event that the applicant does not remove all graffiti from the said structure,
the city will remove all graffiti and shall be reimbursed for all expenses.
10. In the event that the antenna becomes inoperable or ceases to be used for a
period of six consecutive months, the applicant shall remove the
telecommunications facility within 90 -days of notification by the City.
11. All cables and wiring for the telecommunications facility shall be
underground.
12. Prior to submitting for building plan check, submit detailed engineering
calculations for foundation and wind loads, plus documentation that the
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from the proposed wireless
telecommunications antenna facility will be within the limits approved by the
FCC.
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Planning Commission Resolution No. 2011-27
The Planning Commission shall:
(a) Certify to the adoption of this Resolution-, and
(b) Forthwith transmit a certified copy of this Resolution, by certified mail
to: Rafael Nunez, NextG Networks of California, Inc., 2125 Wright
Avenue, Suite C9, La Verne, CA 91750, and Randy Dimacali, Coastal
Communications, 3355 Mission Avenue, Suite 234, Oceanside, CA
92058.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 13th DAY OF DECEMBER 2011, BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR.
BY:
'Jack S ah, Chairman,
1, Greg Gubman, Planning Commission Secretary, do hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly introduced, passed, and adopted by the Planning Commission of the
City of Diamond Bar, at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 13th
day
of December 2011, by the following vote:
AYES; Commissioners: Nelson, Torng, VC/Lee, Chair/Shah
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSTAIN- Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Lin
ATTEST.
Greg Gubman, AICP
Community Development Director
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CUP No PL 2011-349
■
r.
SUBJECT: Install a micro -cellular antenna and ancillary equipment
to a new 31'-6" high, round concrete pole in the public
right-of-way along the west side of Chino Hills Parkway.
APPLICANT: NextG Networks of California, Inc
LOCATION: Public Right -of -Way on along the west side of Chino
Hills Parkway, Diamond Bar, CA •
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS APPLY TO YOUR PROJECT.
APPLICANT SHALL CONTACT THE PLANNING DIVISION AT (909) 839-7030, FOR
COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
A. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Government Code Section 66474.9(b) (1), the applicant
shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, and its officers, agents
and employees, from any claim, action, or, proceeding to attack, set-aside,
void or annul, the approval of Conditional Use Permit No. PL 2011-349
brought within the time period provided by Government Code
Section 66499.37. In the event the city and/or its officers, agents and
employees are made a party of any such action:
(a) Applicant shall provide a defense to the City defendants or at the
City's option reimburse the City its costs of defense, including
reasonable attorneys fees, incurred in defense of such claims.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27
(b) Applicant shall promptly pay any final judgment rendered against the
City defendants. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any
claim, action of proceeding, and shall cooperate fully in the defense
thereof.
2. This approval shall not be effective for any purpose until the applicant and
owner of the property involved have filed, within twenty-one (21) days of
approval of this Conditional Use Permit No. PL 2011-349, at the City of
Diamond Bar Community Development Department, their affidavit stating
that they are aware of and agree to accept all the conditions of this approval.
Further, this approval shall not be effective until the applicants pay remaining
City processing fees, school fees and fees for the review of submitted
reports.
3. All designers, architects, engineers, and contractors associated with this
project shall obtain a Diamond Bar Business License and zoning approval for
those businesses located in Diamond Bar.
4. Signed copies of the Planning Commission Resolution No. 2011-27,
Standard Conditions, and all environmental mitigations shall be included on
the plans (full size). The sheet(s) are for information only to all parties
involved in the construction/grading activities and are not required to be wet
sealed/stamped by a licensed Engineer/Architect.
5. Prior to the plan check, revised site plans and building elevations
incorporating all Conditions of Approval shall be submitted for Planning
Division review and approval.
6. Prior to any use of the project site or business activity being commenced
thereon, all conditions of approval shall be completed.
7. The project site shall be maintained and operated in full compliance with the
conditions of approval and all laws, or other applicable regulations.
8. Approval of this request shall not waive compliance with all sections of the
Developrnent Code, all other applicable City Ordinances, and any applicable
Specific Plan in effect at the time of building permit issuance.
9. All site, grading, and elevation plans shall be coordinated for consistency
prior to issuance of City permits (such as grading, tree removal,
encroachment, building, etc.,) or approved use has commenced, whichever
comes first.
10. Applicant shall remove the public hearing notice board within three days of
this project's approval.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27
11. The applicant shall comply with the requirements of City Planning, Building
and Safety Divisions, Public Works Department, and the Fire Department.
B. FEES/DEPOSITS
1. Applicant shall pay development fees (including but not limited to Planning,
Building and Safety Divisions, Public Works Department and Mitigation
Monitoring) at the established rates, prior to issuance of building or grading
permit (whichever comes first), as required by the City. School fees as
required shall be paid prior to the issuance of building permit. In addition, the
applicant shall pay all remaining prorated City project review and processing
fees prior to issuance of grading or building permit, whichever come first.
2. Prior to any plan check, all deposit accounts for the processing of this project
shall have no deficits.
C. TIME LIMITS
1. The approval of Conditional Use Permit No. PL 2011-349 shall expire within
two years from the date of approval if the use has not been exercised as
defined in accordance to Municipal Code Section 22.66.050 (b)(1). The
applicant may request in writing a one year time extension subject to
Municipal Code Section 22.60.050(c) for Planning Commission approval.
D. SITE DEVELOPMENT
1. The project site shall be developed and maintained in substantial
conformance with the approved plans submitted to, approved, and amended
herein by the Planning Commission, collectively labeled and referenced
herein as Exhibit "A" including: site plans, floor plans, architectural
elevations, and landscape plans on file in the Planning Division, the
conditions contained herein and Development Code regulations.
2. All ground -mounted utility appurtenances such as transformers, air
conditioning condensers, etc., shall be located out of public view and
adequately screened through the use of a combination of concrete or
masonry walls, berms, and/or landscaping to the satisfaction of the Planning
Division.
3. All structures, including walls, shall be maintained in a structurally sound,
safe manner with a clean, orderly appearance. All graffiti shall be removed
within 24 hours by the property owner/occupant.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27
1. The site shall be maintained in a condition, which is free of debris both during
and after the construction, addition, or implementation of the entitlement
approved herein. The removal of all trash, debris, and refuse, whether -
during or subsequent to construction shall be done only by the property
owner, applicant or by a duly permitted waste contractor, who has been
authorized by the City to provide collection, transportation, and disposal of
solid waste from residential, commercial, construction, and industrial areas
within the City. It shall be the applicant's obligation to insure that the waste
contractor used has obtained permits from the City of Diamond Bar to
provide such services.
APPLICANT SHALL CONTACT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, (909) 839-7040,
FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. A separate public works encroachment permit shall be obtained prior to the
start of work. The scope of work, traffic control, and fees will be assessed
separate from the Planning Conditional Use Permit.
2. The node installation is subject to all terms and conditions pursuant to the
Fright -of -Way Use Agreement between NextG Networks and the City of
Diamond Bar.
3. Installation of any above ground facilities in the public sidewalk must be
located such that a minimum clear walkway distance of 36" is maintained for
ADA clearance. In this case, since there is no sidewalk, the pole shall be
located entirely within the two -foot offset from the back of curb.
4. Any centerline ties and monuments that are removed as part of this
construction effort shall be replaced and recorded with the Los Angeles
County Recorder's Office.
APPLICANT SHALL CONTACT THE BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION,
(909) 839-7020, FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. Plans shall conform to State and Local Building Code (i.e., 2010 California
Building Code, California Plumbing Code, California Mechanical Code, and
the California Electrical Code) requirements and all other applicable
construction codes, ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of plan
check submittal.
2. The minimum design load for wind in this area is 85 M.P.H. exposures °C"
and the site is within seismic zone D or E. The applicant shall submit
drawings and calculations prepared by a California State licensed
Architect/Engineer with wet stamp and signature.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27
3. Grounding shall be provided for electrical equipment.
APPLICANT SHALL CONTACT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE PREVENTION FOR
COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
Emergency access shall be provided, maintaining free and clear, a minimum
28 foot at all times during construction in accordance with Fire Department
requirements.
2. Prior to the issuance of any building permits for combustible construction,
evidence shall be Submitted to the Fire Department that temporary water
supply for fire protection is available pending completion of the required fire
protection system.
3. All required fire hydrants shall be installed and tested and accepted prior to
construction. Vehicular access must be provided and maintained
serviceable throughout construction.
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Planning Commission Resolution No 2011-27