HomeMy WebLinkAboutBackground ReportBACKGROUND REPORT
The project site is located at 2575 E. 8th Street on the Paradise Valley Hospital campus in
the Institutional (I) zone. The subject property is developed with a two-story skilled nursing
facility and a parking lot. The property directly adjacent to the nursing facility slopes
downward towards the interior of the lot.
The applicant proposes to install a 60-foot tall faux pine tree and an approximately 195
square -foot equipment shelter. The 11'-6" by 16'-10" shelter would be approximately 9
feet high and constructed of block. It would be built into the slope and exposed on two
sides. An electrical generator would be installed on a concrete pad adjacent to the
proposed equipment shelter. Tree -mounted equipment includes twelve 6-foot tall panel
antennas and a 4-foot diameter microwave dish. The facility is proposed approximately
55 feet to the east of the assisted living center. Additional landscaping is proposed in
the form of additional trees to help screen the faux tree.
The proposal is a good example of a stealth facility, consistent with City policy. The
antennas are proposed to project approximately three feet from the tree trunk but will be
obscured by tree branches. There are a variety of tree types and heights in the area of
the proposed wireless facility. The proposed 60-foot high faux pine tree is expected to
fit in well with the surrounding landscaping.
To be further consistent with City policy, co -location with existing facilities was
researched. Based on the `search ring', the applicant has stated that there was no
ability to locate on existing facilities nearby.
The facility is proposed to improve service in the area surrounding the hospital. Based
on the attached Coverage Map, the area currently has limited or weak service. The
facility is expected to generate only one to two vehicle trips per month for maintenance
staff and is unlikely to have any impacts on local traffic patterns.
Comments were received from the Building Department and require compliance with
current and new 2014 codes. Standard Conditions of Approval for wireless facilities are
also included, requiring compliance with local, state, and federal codes, and that any
external equipment is painted to match the surface on which it is mounted.
Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on December 2, 2013.
Commissioners asked questions regarding conditions of approval and the stealth design
of the facility. The Commission voted to approve the Conditional Use Permit based on
required findings and subject to Conditions of Approval.
Council reviewed the Notice of Decision of the Planning Commission's approval at their
meeting of December 17, 2013 and set the item for hearing in order to discuss the item.
The attached background report describes the proposal in detail.
The proposed project is consistent with the Land Use Code in that it meets all
applicable design requirements for wireless communication facilities. The project is
considered `stealth' and blends in with existing facilities and nearby development. The
new facility will help to provide coverage in an area with limited service and provide
additional reception for Verizon Wireless customers.