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Conditional Use Permit No. 2015 -06 August 24, 2015 Page 2 Project Background In February of 2004, Sprint PCS submitted plans to install the current wireless facility at Monte Vista Elementary. In January of 2005, Conditional Use Permit No. 2004 -29 was approved for the project. The conditional use permit allowed for the construction of the current monopine and equipment enclosure. The monopine was designed to mimic an evergreen tree and was located near an existing group of 20 -foot tall evergreen California Pepper and Bisbane Box trees. Additionally, two 24 -inch box Canary Island Pines were planted to screen the monopine, while materials used to construct the equipment enclosure were selected to match those found on the nearby concession stand building located in Jerome Park, ensuring architectural consistency with the existing structures near the site. In March of 2015, Sprint PCS, represented by Core Development Services, proposed to modify the existing monopine to replace obsolete antenna panels and equipment with antennas and equipment that reflect current technology. Staff review of the proposal revealed that Conditional Use Permit No. 2004 -29 that allowed for the establishment of the wireless facility on the site had expired. SAMC Section 41- 198.13 states that major wireless communication facilities shall be approved for a period not to exceed five years, although subsequent Federal legislative acts have required that such facilities be approved for a period not less than 10 years. As the current facility is more than 10 years old, the applicant was required to apply for a new conditional use permit in order to proceed with the proposed modifications and upgrades as required by the SAMC. After a review of the proposal, staff acknowledged that the submittal met all SAMC requirements for wireless facilities. General Plan and Zonina Consistenc The General Plan land use designation for the site is Institutional (INS), which allows for City facilities and institutions such as schools. Uses such as wireless facilities are consistent with this General Plan land use designation. The zoning for the site is Open Space (0). The Open Space zoning district allows for school buildings and facilities, public utilities, and quasi - public and service facilities. The proposed use is also consistent with the zoning designation. Project Analysis In July 1998, the City Council adopted Ordinance No, NS -2356, which established regulations for wireless communication facilities throughout the City. Major wireless communication facilities such as the Sprint PCS facility are required to have a stealth design and be located in an area that provides the greatest amount of visual screening. Further, these major facilities require the approval of a conditional use permit. Also, Section 41 -198.4 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) identifies several site improvements that may be required at sites with major wireless facilities. 31A-4