Title
PLN160808 - PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD OF AMERICA CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA (LEASE TO VERIZON WIRELESS) (Continued from June 8, 2017)
Public hearing to consider the construction of a wireless telecommunication facility (WCF)
Project Location: 264 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas, Greater Salinas Area Plan
Proposed CEQA Action: Categorically Exempt per CEQA Section 15301(e)(1)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Zoning Administrator adopt a Resolution to:
a. Find the project Categorically Exempt per Section 15301(e)(1) of CEQA Guidelines; and
b. Approve a Use Permit and Design Approval to allow the construction of a telecommunication facility (WCF) consisting of the installation of a 57 foot high columnar monument design containing an electronic transceiver, eight antennae, and sixteen radio remote units.
A draft resolution includes findings and evidence for consideration (Exhibit C)
Staff recommends approval subject to 9 conditions.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Agent: Ben Hackstedde, Sequoia Development Services for Verizon Wireless
Property Owner: Pentacostal Church of God of America Central District of California
APN: 211-162-021-000
Parcel Size: 0.7 of an acre
Zoning: “MDR/5” (Medium Density Residential, 5 units per acre)
Plan Area: Greater Salinas Area Plan
Flagged and Staked: No
SUMMARY:
On 28 February 2017, Sequoia Development Services, Inc., on behalf of Verizon Wireless, submitted an application for the construction of an unmanned wireless telecommunication facility that will be attached to the south side of an existing single-story church building. The area comprises predominantly low-lying single family homes and row crops with very limited commercial properties available. Other sites in the area were analyzed by Verizon’s RF engineers for the greatest potential to reduce significant service gaps. With that objective, the alternative sites were not viable due to redundancy that would not improve wireless service for subscribers. Verizon prefers to pursue colocation opportunities; in this instance, no co-locatable sites were observed in the area.
The vertical visual effect of a 57-foot tall structure in this setting is a challenge to either integrate or screen; however, appropriate design of the structure could make a favorable visual impact. Staff determined that staking and flagging would be an excessive action for the purpose of visualizing the mass and form of the project; and it is not required because the project is not in “D” or “VS” zoning district, is not ridgeline development, and does not include a variance to height restriction. A photosimulation of a monopine that resembles a conifer tree was first submitted with the application. Upon Staff’s request, the applicant resubmitted a columnar monument design that is consistent with the character of the neighborhood and the adjoining church. Placement on the site is optimal for integration with the existing church building. Pursuant to the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc et seq., Planning Staff supports the discretion of Pentacostal Church of God and Verizon Wireless to decide whether or not to implement the cross into the design.
DISCUSSION:
Detailed discussion is provided in Exhibit B.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The following agencies have reviewed the project, have comments, and/or have recommended conditions:
Bureau of Environmental Health
RMA-Public Works
Water Resources Agency
RMA-Environmental Services
Monterey County Fire Protection District
Prepared by: Jaime Scott Guthrie, Associate Planner, ext. 6414
Reviewed by: Jacqueline R. Onciano, Chief of Planning
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, Director of RMA
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Project Data Sheet
Exhibit B - Discussion
Exhibit C - Draft Resolution, including:
• Conditions of Approval
• Site Plans, Elevations
• Photo simulations
Exhibit D - Vicinity Map
Exhibit E - Report:
• “Verizon Wireless Proposed Base Station (Site No. 262017)” (LIB170047) Hammett & Edison, Inc. 16 November 2016
cc: Front Counter Copy; Jacqueline R. Onciano, Chief of RMA-Planning, Ben Hackstedde, Agent; The Open Monterey Project (Molly Erickson); LandWatch (Michael DeLapa, Executive Director); Project File PLN160808.