03-25-2026 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 evaluate whether a proposal is compatible with its surroundings and consistent with the intent of the zoning regulations. Unlike a variance, a Conditional Use Permit addresses uses or development features that are allowed by the City Code, subject to site-specific review. Approval may include conditions to mitigate impacts, ensure compatibility, or address site-specific circumstances. The applicable standards and detailed analysis of the proposal’s compliance with those standards are provided in Attachment A – Planning and Zoning Analysis Memo, which is intended to serve as the technical record for the application. Outside Agency Review Because the proposed project would disturb less than 20,000 square feet of land and the property is not located on a County roadway, no outside agency review is required. The City’s Building Official, Department of Public Works Director, and City Engineer reviewed the application materials in coordination with the Community Development Director and identified no immediate concerns. Public Comment Staff mailed notice of the Conditional Use Permit request to all property owners and occupants within 350 feet of the subject property. Notice was also published in the Pioneer Press on Friday, March 6, 2026, in accordance with statutory requirements. As of the date of this report, staff have received no written public comments. A couple residing in a single-family home across Park Street from the subject property spoke in opposition to the proposed tower at the Planning Commission meeting. They expressed concerns regarding potential impacts to property values and possible health effects associated with the tower’s presence. An additional commenter, residing on County Road C, stated that the site was previously a wetland area prior to its redevelopment as a mini-storage facility. Planning Commission The Planning Commission unanimously supported the Conditional Use Permit at their March 12, 2026, meeting with Staff’s recommended conditions. Applicant Narrative The applicant states that the proposed telecommunications tower is intended to address a gap in wireless service capacity in this portion of Little Canada. As part of the application materials, the applicant submitted a statement from a licensed radio frequency engineer indicating that existing towers within the City are not technically feasible to serve the target coverage area and that a new facility is required to meet service needs. Additionally, the applicant states that there will be space for two additional providers to use the tower. Lastly, the proposed height of the tower represents the minimum height necessary for the facility to function effectively within the surrounding service area. Staff Findings The proposed telecommunications tower is permitted in the C-1 General Commercial zoning district through approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Staff’s review of the submitted materials finds that the