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Conditional Use Permit No. 2006-02 February 27, 2006 Page 2 The proposed wireless facility would include 12 panel antennas in three sectors plus a four-foot diameter microwave dish camouflaged as a Canary Island Pine Tree (Exhibits 4 and 5). The equipment cabinets would be screened by a seven-foot high block wall using the same rock aggregate material as the existing block walls and building exterior (Exhibit 6). There are two existing eight-foot Canary Island Pine Trees that will be relocated east of the proposed wireless facility. The site is screened at the south edge of the property abutting the freeway entrance/exit with mature pine trees. Analysis of the Issues In July 1998, 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 wireless facility is located within an enclosed storage area that is screened by mature trees from the SR55 Freeway, the freeway entrance/exit and Village Way. The proposed monopine is designed to allow for future collocation by another provider. The applicant has explored alternatives to the monopine 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 50-foot tall facility is needed in order to improve cellular coverage and increase call capacity and quality. The proposed cellular 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 monopine will be located in new constructed cabinets within the leased area. All wiring and conduit will be underground or hidden in the interior of the monopole. The proposed wireless facility complies with the City's Wireless Communications Facility Ordinance and will provide needed service to the southeast section of the City. Based upon the above Planning Commission conditioned. analysis and findings, staff recommends that approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2006-02 the as 31A-3