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Conditional Use Permit No. 2007-03 September 24, 2007 Page 2 California Edison is requiring that no landscaping be planted around the wireless facility or the equipment lease area due to future development of this parcel as part of the electrical sub-station (Exhibit 5). The equipment cabinets and GPS antenna will be enclosed by a six-foot high block wall. The existing five-foot landscaped setback along Lyon Street would be supplemented with one 36-inch box tree and Boston Ivy vines on the chain link fence (Exhibit 6). T-Mobile would have access to the site from Lyon Street. Analysis of the Issues In July 1998, the 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 and requires the approval of a conditional use permit. The proposed wireless facility is located within an enclosed leased area and the equipment cabinets are screened by a six-foot block wall. A 36-inch box Canary Island Pine and Boston Ivy vines will be planted in the existing landscaped setback to provide additional visual screening along Lyon Street. The proposed monopine is designed to allow for future co- location 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 T-Mobile. The applicant was asked to explore co- location on an existing wireless facility within the electrical sub- station at 1241 South Grand Avenue. This is not feasible due to physical restrictions (existing overhand electrical power lines) at the location (Exhibit 7). A 55-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 T-Mobile by closing service gaps in the area and providing additional calling capacity. Equipment for the monopine will be located in metal 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 east and central sections of the City. Based upon the above analysis and findings, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2007-03 as conditioned. 31 A-3