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Staff Recommendation <br />For the CUP Amendment criteria, Staff expects that the proposed cellular tower is expected to <br />have some visual impact on nearby properties. The fairly wooded nature of the site, coupled with <br />the rising eastward topography, would limit visibility from Trunk Highway 51 and immediately <br />adjustment properties. However, the proposed tower would have easy visibility to portions of the <br />Bethel University campus and direct line -of -sight with the Trunk Highway 51 / Interstate 694 <br />intersection to the northeast. The 75 -foot height of the tower would likely extend beyond the <br />height of nearby trees, meaning the top portion of the tower may be visible from surrounding <br />properties. In recognition of the potential visual impact, Staff is adding a condition of approval <br />allowing the City to require additional screening, either through painting or additional plantings, <br />to help minimize visibility of the tower off of the Bethel University campus. <br />The proposed tower is not expected to present any conflicts with land uses in the vicinity. <br />Cellular towers are a conditional accessory use within the B-1 Zoning District that Bethel <br />University is located. The I -Flex Zoning District on the opposite side of Trunk Highway 51 also <br />permits cellular towers as a conditional use and contains the City's southern water tower, which <br />has four existing leases for cellular antennas and equipment storage. <br />Based on the findings, Staff recommends approval of Planning Case #09-009 for a Conditional <br />Use Permit at 3900 Bethel Drive subject to the following five conditions: <br />1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by <br />the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by <br />the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and <br />City Council. <br />2. A building permit shall be obtained for all proposed antennas prior to installation. <br />3. A building permit shall be obtained for all proposed structures prior to installation. <br />4. A Conditional Use Permit drafted by the City Attorney shall be signed by the <br />applicant prior to the issuance of any building permits. <br />5. Additional measures, including vegetative screening or repainting, may be required <br />by the city to reduce the visibility of the tower from Trunk Highway 51 and other <br />nearby properties. <br />Options & Proposed Motion Language <br />1. Recommend Approval with Conditions: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case <br />09-009 for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment at 3900 Bethel Drive based on the findings <br />of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the five conditions in the June 3, 2009, <br />planning case report. <br />2. Recommend Approval as Submitted: Motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 09- <br />009 for a Conditional Use Permit Amendment at 3900 Bethel Drive based on the findings of <br />fact and the submitted plans as presented in the June 3, 2009, planning case report. <br />City of Arden Hills <br />Planning Commission Meeting for June 3, 2009 <br />P: IPlanninglPlanning Casesl2009109-009 Bethel CUP Amend with AT&T (pending)1060309 -PC Report -Bethel AT&T CUP Amendment. doc <br />Page 7of8 <br />