01/14/1998 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Planning & Zoning Board January 14, 1998 Page 9 communities who wanted to establish a model so that they could offer similar standards to prospective service providers. The language in the proposed ordinance embodies that of these other communities. Mr. Herr asked if the 100- to 120 -foot height requirement currently being proposed is adequate to provide service for a 2 -mile radius area. Mr. Brixius indicated that in other rural areas similar to Lino Lakes 160 -foot antennas provides much more extensive coverage than the 2 -mile radius. Chair Schaps asked how many antennas /towers Lino Lakes might expect. Mr. Brixius explained that a figure has not been determined, and that the total number of antennas will depend greatly upon how many providers come into the area. Mr. Herr pointed out that Bloomington currently accommodates six providers with three additional applications pending. He added that he was informed it is unlikely that more than three providers can be located on a given structure. Mr. Dunn first requested clarification as to the definition of "tower ". He then asked if there are any anticipated situations in any districts where a tower can be installed without a conditional use permit. Mr. Brixius explained that in districts where towers are allowed one can be installed by administrative use permit. Mr. Dunn requested the provisions whereby an administrative use permit can be approved. Mr. Brixius indicated that this information could be provided. He added that administrative use permits would be limited to public /semi - public and industrial areas, as such antennas can only be attached to existing structures. Mr. Dunn then asked if the proposed ordinance is more restrictive with regard to personal wireless service antennas than for commercial service. Mr. Brixius indicated that it is only more restrictive with regard to location. He then pointed out that the ordinance requires a conditional use permit for commercial service, which is more restrictive than for personal wireless service. Mr. Dunn asked if there is any ratio of area coverage to height of structure. Mr. Brixius indicated that coverage depends upon a number of factors, such as topography and population density. Peter Beck of AT &T Wireless Service addressed the Board, explaining that he has considerable experience with wireless service to the Twin Cities area. He explained that with regard to cellular service each cell is assigned an area of coverage. Height of each set of antennas is not necessarily determined solely on the size of each cell. With regard to Mr. Dunn's question, Mr. Beck added that in fairly flat areas fewer towers may be sufficient. However, he expressed concern about the proposed ordinance prohibiting service to most of the Lino Lakes area, as it is a prime candidate for co- location but without sufficient height service providers will not be able to co- locate.