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Conditional Use Permit No. 2007-10 June 11, 2007 Page 2 to match the symmetry of the church building. A 24-inch box size Flowering Pear and Indian Hawthorn shrubs will be added to the existing landscape (Exhibit 4). The existing church speakers located on the roof of the church will be relocated into the proposed church tower. The church tower matches the design and construction materials of the existing parish and is located at a prominent setting just to the north of the church structure near the intersection of Euclid Street and McFadden Avenue (Exhibits 5 and 6). Analysis of the Issues In July 1998, the Planning Commission and City Council adopted an ordinance regulating 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 and requires the approval of a conditional use permit. The proposed wireless facility is located adjacent to an existing church building and designed as a church tower that matches the architecture of the church building. The telecommunication equipment is screened behind a wall that matches the exterior architecture of the church and additional landscaping has been added to the site. The applicant has explored alternatives to the church tower 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 for T-Mobile and the adjacent properties are primarily residential which does not allow this type of use. The 60-foot tall facility is needed in order to improve cellular coverage and increase call capacity and quality because it is located in an area with limited access for wireless users. The proposed cellular antenna will provide a benefit to Santa Ana residents, businesses and motorists who subscribe to T-Mobile by closing service gaps in the area and providing additional calling capacity. Equipment for the monopine will be screened by a new wall with a partial roof for compatibility with the existing church building. All wiring and conduit will be underground or hidden in the interior of the proposed church tower. The proposed wireless facility complies with the City's Wireless Communications Facility Ordinance and will provide needed service to the west section of the City. The proposed upgrades and screening are required to accommodate the T-Mobile wireless facility antennas from public view. Based upon the above analysis and findings, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2007-10 as conditioned. 31 A-3