Minutes - 1997/01/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 January 13, 199'7 Mounds View City Council Jim Erickson, Planning Associate, explained that this ordinance would amend Chapter 1124 of the Mounds View Zoning Code and will specify which districts and what height towers and antennas would be allowed either by right or by Conditional Use Permit. It addresses co-location requirements, identifies the screening and other requirements for the tower and accessory buildings, establish equal requirements for Conditional Use Permits and Building Permits, and specify requirements for non-conforming towers. Mr. Erickson noted that this ordinance was recommended for approval at the December 18th Planning Commission meeting. He proceeded to summarize the ordinance. Questions were asked as to the where one could expect to see these types of antennas, what one could expect them to look like, etc. Ms. Sheldon, Community Development Director provided information as to the aesthetics of these types of antennas/towers. Ms. Trude asked if these antennas could be installed on top of billboards. Mr. Erickson stated this would not be a permitted use, and agreed to add language to the ordinance regarding such. Mr. Stigney asked whose option it is to detenmine whether a separate tower is constructed or an existing tower is used. S Mr. Erickson stated the ordinance would require the applicant to go through a process that would eliminate the possibility of existing towers for co-location. Additional questions were addressed such as how far out the antennas could project from the top of an utility pole, if these antennas could affect television antennas in residential properties, how it could affect HAM Radio transmissions, whether the style of the antenna would be dictated by the city, etc. Mr. Matt Danielson, of SBA, Inc. and representing Sprint/PCS, Mr. Peter Coyle of Larkin, Hoffman, Daly & Lingren and representing APT, and Jay Littlejohn of Hessian, McKasy & Soderberg, representing AT & T were present and offered answers to various questions. They also offered concerns in regard to various requirements of the ordinance (maximum tower/antenna height, whether co-location accessory equipment is acceptable, etc.). Mr. Bob Long, City Attorney, stated if the council wishes to set the maximum height lower than what one company needs, the city could consider a variance for it. However, he does feel this issue warrants some fiuther consideration. Mayor McCarty feels it would be advantageous to the city to have some professional design criteria to set the height limitation. Ms. Sheldon noted that the height often is determined from the area they are trying to serve and the terrain that is within that cell. Therefore, perhaps the city may want to require a study to be completed prior to the time of application, showing the minimum height needed. Mayor McCarty closed the Public Hearing at 8:40 p.m. and re-opened the Council Meeting to consider Item 11(A}.