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3.3 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS December 9, 2004 Staff Report to the Planning Commission RE: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A 79.8' FOOT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA: 60 -FOOT LATTICE TOWER WITH A 2 - FOOT MAST, AND SIX (6) ANTENNAS; LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS, 26379 FREMONT ROAD; FILE# 162-04-ZP-SD. FROM: Debbie Pedro, Associate Planner-.,,,? APPROVED BY: Carl Cahill, Planning Director RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: 1. Approve the request for a Site Development Permit to install an emergency communications antenna as proposed by the Emergency Communications Committee: 60' tall antenna tower with a 2' tall mast, one (1) 17.8' tall antenna and five (5) 5.5' tall antennas (maximum overall height 79.8'); OR 2. Consider an alternative antenna design and direct the Emergency Communications Committee to revise the antenna system proposal utilizing a retractable tower or a lower height. BACKGROUND On July 15, 2004, the City Council unanimously approved a funding proposal from the Emergency Communications Committee's to install an amateur (ham) radio antenna system at the Los Altos Hills Emergency Operations Center (LAH-EOC). The purpose of the antenna is to provide radio communications during emergencies and disasters. Ham radio operators are a vital part of the emergency communication system. In the event of an emergency where landlines and cellular telephone lines may not be available, ham radio operators can provide emergency radio communications between the Los Altos Hills Emergency Operation Center (LAH-EOC), Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services (OES), and other emergency personnel and service groups such as the Red Cross. CODE REQUIREMENTS As required by Section 10-2.301.c.7 of the Zoning Ordinance, this application for an EOC antenna system has been forwarded to the Planning Commission for review and approval. The Zoning and Site Development sections of the Municipal Code are used to evaluate the antenna including siting, development area limitations, grading, height, setbacks, and visibility.