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Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-34 June 13, 2005 Page 2 with a pod below the crown of the leaves that will allow for future colocation (Exhibit 3). The monopalm will be located in the parking lot behind the existing industrial building. The monopalm is adjacent to the LOSSAN Scenic Corridor and will be mitigated by the planting of two 35- foot brown trunk Date Palms and 20 five-gallon size Bougainvillea vines, a hedge of Chinese Nandina, and Star Jasmine groundcover to buffer the facility from the rail passenger corridor (Exhibit 4). Analysis of the Issues In July 1988, the Planning Commission and City Council adopted an ordinance that regulates 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, camouflaged to resemble a live date palm, will be located behind the existing industrial building. Further, new landscaping will be added along the east property line to screen the facility from the LOSSAN Scenic Corridor. The proposed monopalm is designed to allow for future colocation by another provider. The applicant has explored alternatives to the monopalm structure, such as locating the cellular antenna on the roof of an existing building in the area. Structures in the area, however, are not tall enough to meet the coverage needs of Sprint PCS. A 58-foot tall facility is needed in order to improve cellular coverage and increase call capacity and quality. The proposed antenna will provide a benefit to Santa Ana residents, businesses and motorists who subscribe to Sprint PCS by closing service gaps in the area and providing additional calling capacity. Equipment for the monopalm will be located inside an equipment room within the leased area. All wiring and conduit will be underground or hidden in the interior of the trunk of the monopalm. The power source connection will be 150 feet of conduit mounted under the existing beams of the industrial building's roof (Exhibit 5). The proposed monopalm complies with the City's Wireless Communications Facility Ordinance and will provide needed service to the central and eastern area of the City. Based upon the above analysis and findings, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-34 as conditioned (Exhibits 6 and 7) . 31 E-3