31D - 2810 3/4 S. FLOWER ST. - Laserfiche WebLink

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Conditional Use March 28, 2005 Page 2 Permit No. 2004-23 Project Description On July 19, 1999, the City Council approved Conditional Use Permit No. 99-10 to allow a 50-foot high cellular monopalm at this location with a condition that the conditional use permit would expire in five years (July 19, 2004). SpectraSite Communications, Inc. is proposing to continue the operation of the cellular communications tower for Verizon wireless. In addition, The Alaris Group, LLC, representing AT&T Wireless, is proposing to co-locate on the existing cellular facility. SpectraSite Communications, Inc. leases 1,500 square feet of ground space from the Santa Ana Unified School District for the cellular tower. AT&T Wireless proposes to lease an additional 250 square feet of open space to construct their equipment cabinets. Santa Ana Unified School District is in agreement with the wireless facility use and its location (Exhibi t 3). AT&T Wireless would add three sectors containing two antennas each to the existing 50-foot cellular facility as part of the co-location. The antennas will be camouflaged to resemble a Mexican Fan Palm Tree with a faux "petticoat" or skirt resembling dead palm fronds. The monopalm is located south and west of existing school buildings, south of the school athletic fields, and north of the existing Santa Ana Bike Trail and Southern Pacific Railroad spur. The monopalm is located in an existing grove of four trees consisting of two Canary Island Pines and two Mexican Fan Palms (Exhibits 4, 5 and 5) . Analysis of the Issues In July 1988, the Planning Commission and City Council adopted an ordinance that regulated wireless communication facilities throughout the City. Major wireless facilities are required to have a stealth design and be located on a building or in an area that provides the greatest amount of visual screening. These antennas also require the approval of a conditional use permit. The proposed monopalm will be located behind the building complex that fronts on Flower Street. In addition, the grove of existing trees will help screen the wireless facility. The applicants have explored alternatives to the monopalm structure, such as locating the cellular facility on the top of an existing building in the area. Structures in the area, however, are not tall enough to meet the coverage needs. The existing 50-foot tall facility is needed in order to improve cellular coverage, increase call capacity and quality. This facility will provide a benefit to Santa Ana residents, businesses and motorists who subscribe to Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless services by closing service gaps in the area and providing additional calling 31 D-3