7C, Ordinance 2010-002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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antenna, the greater the range, thus potentially reducing the number of antennas that are necessary to accomplish the same level of service. Moreover, permitting antennas on existing towers at heights greater than 75 feet would allow better utilization of existing tower space and may reduce the need for new towers elsewhere in the City. The need for suitable antenna sites is anticipated to increase with the growing demand for wireless services. While some older technologies are consolidating antenna sites, the newer high-speed services are requiring additional antennas. It is reasonable to expect increasing demand from wireless internet and cellular services. Conditional Use Pe�mit Amendment Request The applicant is requesting that the original CUP be amended to allow the owners to add, relocate, or replace antennas on the Reiling Tower as needed, provided the tower can structurally accommodate the antennas. Any change to equipment on the tower would require a building permlt and administration review, but a CUP amendment for changes would not be required. Under the current procedures, someone requesting to relocate or add antennas to the Reiling Tower would be required to come before the Planning Commission and City Council for a CUP amendment. Since it is the same process for placing an antenna on this existing structure as it would be for constructing a new antenna tower, there may be less incentive to consider the existing tower for new antennas. If this request is approved, the applicant would be subj ect to an administrative review to relocate or add antennae, which would require the following �nformation: • An independent structural engineering review to determine if the tower can accommodate the additional antennas; • An independent RF engineering review to clearly demonstrate why the antenna is not proposed for the City water tower site; • Conformance with all other City regulations; and, • A building permit. In addition to allowing the current configuration of the tower to remain and add new antennas in the future, this CUP amendment is also intended to encourage the placement of antennas on existing towers instead of building new towers. The result would be in keeping with the goal of the Zoning Code to reduce the demand for future new towers in the Cit . The administrative Y review process for existing sites is common in other communities, including Shoreview, Roseville, and Minnetonka. If someone were to propose constructing a new antenna tower or placing an antenna on a private building, a conditional use permit and public hearing would still be required along with the administrative review requirements. The CUP process is important for new towers because the potential impacts to the public health, safety, welfare, and aesthetics would need to be fully evaluated. City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 22, 2010 C: IDocuments nncl Settingslbecky.brazyslLocal Settingsl Temporary Internet FileslOLKl SFI02-22-10 - Regulc�r Meeting - Memo - Reiling Tower CUP Amena'.n'oc Page 4 of 8