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CUP No. 2016 -26 <br />March 27, 2017 <br />Page 3 <br />On November 28, 2016 the Planning Commission held a public hearing for Conditional Use Permit <br />No. 2016 -26 for the subject facility. After a discussion, the Planning Commission recommended that <br />the applicant provide additional branches to help stealth the existing facility. The applicant elected <br />to provide a total of 24 new branches similar to the existing branches in order to help give mono - <br />pine a fuller and healthier look. The item was scheduled to return to the Planning Commission on <br />January 23, 2017 in order to discuss the new improvements but was then continued to a date <br />uncertain. <br />Proiect Analvsis <br />In July 1998, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. NS -2356, which established regulations for <br />wireless communication facilities throughout the City. Major wireless communication facilities such as <br />the ATC Sequoia LLC facility are required to have a stealth design and be located in an area that <br />provides the greatest amount of visual screening. Further, these major facilities require the approval <br />of a conditional use permit. <br />Staff has reviewed the applicant's request to operate a major wireless communication facility at this <br />location. In analyzing the conditional use permit request, staff believes that the following analysis <br />warrants staff's recommendation of approval for the conditional use permit. <br />As part of the development review of the project, staff worked closely with the applicant to identify <br />improvements to enhance the overall appearance of the site. These improvements include <br />maintenance of existing landscape to comply with SAMC standards. Pursuant to provisions contained <br />within Section 6409(x) of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act [47 U.S.C. § 1455(a)], local agencies are <br />preempted from requiring additional screening or stealthing of the facility if such screening or <br />stealthing was not required at the time of original construction. However, following the Planning <br />Commission hearing on November 28, 2016 the applicant has agreed to construct additional <br />Improvements to the mono -pine by adding 24 additional branches to the existing mono -pine to <br />enhance its appearance. <br />This location is optimal to provide the coverage necessary for existing and expanding service. The <br />proposed facility will provide a benefit to Santa Ana residents, businesses and motorists who subscribe <br />to ATC Sequoia LLC services by expanding cellular and data coverage in the area. The proposed <br />facility will be in compliance with Federal law that governs health related issues for wireless facilities, <br />including safety regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal <br />Aviation Administration (FAA). <br />Finally, the use will continue to comply with all provisions pertaining to the construction and installation <br />of wireless facilities identified in Chapter 41 (Zoning Code) of the SAMC. The facility will not adversely <br />affect the General Plan as cellular facilities that are designed to be compatible with the surrounding <br />environment are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Land Use Element. <br />31A-5 <br />