HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.43,4
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS January 27, 2005
Staff Report to the Plannin Commission
RE: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
ALLOW A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY CONSISTING OF
THREE (3) ANTENNAS MOUNTED INSIDE A 50' TALL FLAGPOLE AND
ASSOCIATED GROUND EQUIPMENT AT TOWN HALL; LANDS OF LOS
ALTOS HILLS (CINGULAR WIRELESS); 26379 FREMONT ROAD; FILE#
173 -04 -CUP -IS -ND.
FROM: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Senior Planner --t>Q.
APPROVED BY: Carl Cahill, Planning Director C, C,
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission:
Review and forward a recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Initial
Study and Negative Declaration and approve the requested Site Development Permit and
Conditional Use Permit to operate a wireless communications facility on the property.
On August 24, 2004, Cingular Wireless submitted an application to install a wireless
communications facility at Town Hall located at 26379 Fremont Road. The purpose of
the flagpole antenna is to improve service coverage in an area where coverage is currently
weak.
The subject property is located on the west side of Fremont Road. Existing buildings on
the property includes the new Town Hall which is currently under construction, the
Purissima Hills Water District office, and the Heritage House which will serve as the
Town's Emergency Operations Center. Surrounding uses include single-family residences
on adjacent properties to the west and north, and single-family homes across Esperanza
Drive to the south and across Fremont Road to the east.
The proposed wireless communications facility consists of three (3) panel antennas
mounted inside a 12" diameter x 50' tall flagpole and ancillary ground equipment housed
in a 4'W x 12'L cabinet. The antennas will be inside the flagpole and completely
screened from public view. The 50' flagpole will be installed in front of the southwest
-comer of the Town Hall building facing Fremont Road. The equipment cabinet will be
located at the northwest (rear) comer of the building adjacent to the Town Hall offices.
The cabinets will be painted to match the building exterior and is generally not visible
from off-site.
CODE REQUIREMENTS
As required by Sections 10-1.1104 and 10-1107(1) of the Zoning Ordinance, conditional
use permit applications are to be reviewed by the Planning Commission with a
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Cingular Wireless
26379 Fremont Road
January 27, 2005
Page 2 of 6
recommendation forwarded to the City Council. The findings for approval of the
conditional use permit have been attached for the Commissions' review (Attachment 4).
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACIIITIES POLICY
The proposal is consistent with the Town's Wireless Communications Facilities Policy
because the facility is located on Town-owned, non-residential property. Visual impacts
of the wireless communications facility is minimal because the antennas are hidden inside
a flagpole and the equipment cabinets are proposed in a location generally not visible
from public view and painted to match the exterior of the existing building.
DISCUSSION
Based on the analysis contained in the Initial Study, potentially significant impacts of the
proposed project can be mitigated and reduced to a level where clearly no significant
impact will occur. (Attachment 5) The discussion below summarizes the impacts
identified in the Initial Study and Mitigation Measures that will reduce those impacts to a
less than significant level.
Noise- According to the applicant, the proposed equipment operating at full capacity will
generate a minimal, steady noise level comparable to a refrigerator or HVAC equipment.
As required by recommended mitigation measure XI-a, when installation of the
equipment cabinet is complete, the applicant will conduct an acoustical analysis of the
equipment to demonstrate compliance with the Town's noise ordinance.
Furthermore, temporary construction noise levels during the installation of the antenna
facility can be held to less than significant by adherence to the Town of Los Altos Hills
policies of 8:OOAM to 5:30PM hours of operation on Monday through Saturday with no
heavy equipment on Saturdays. (Mitigation Measure )a-d)
Public Service -The Cingular antennas will be located approximately 250 ft. from the
amateur (ham) radio antennas in the Town's EOC at the Heritage House. According to
the applicant, the antennas should not cause any interference to the operation of either
facilities. As required by recommended mitigation measure XIH-a, the applicant shall
conduct testing of the Cingular and amateur radio antenna facilities upon project
completion and implement corrective measures if necessary to ensure satisfactory
Operations of both facilities.
Mandatory Findings of Significance- The applicants have submitted a report prepared
by Hammet & Edison, Inc. dated July 2, 2004 indicating the project is in compliance
with federal radiofrequency emissions standards. (Attachment 7) In addition, since the
antennas are mounted on a 50' tall flagpole and are not accessible to the general public,
no mitigation is necessary to comply with the FCC public exposure guidelines.
However, to prevent occupational exposures in excess of the FCC guidelines during
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Cingular Wireless
26379 Fremont Road
January 27, 2005
Page 3 of 6
maintenance work by Cingular personnel on the facility, no access within 5 feet directly
in front of the Cingular antennas should be allowed while the base station is in
operation.
Mitigation Measure XVII-c will require warning signs (in compliance with ANSI
C95.2) to be posted at the antennas and/or on the pole below the antennas to comply
with FCC guidelines.
Landscaping: The proposed project does not incorporate any additional site landscape or
landscape screening into the plan because the antennas are not visible from public view
and the ancillary equipment will be painted to match the building exterior. As a result, the
project will have a less than significant impact on the aesthetic quality and visual
character of the site and its surrounding. Therefore, staff does not believe additional
landscaping is required for this project.
CEOA STATUS
In conformance with CEQA requirements, staff has prepared an Initial Study/Negative
Declaration.
A Notice of Intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was published in the Town
Crier on January 5, 2005. The notice was also submitted to the Santa Clara County
Clerks Office for a 20 day public review period which began on January 7 and ended on
January 27, 2005.
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Cingular Wireless held a neighborhood outreach meeting at Town Hall on January 11,
2005 to answer any questions that neighbors may have about the proposal. A notice was
mailed to all residents within 500' of the project site. Although the applicant had
received several telephone inquiries regarding the project prior to the meeting, no
member of the public was present at the neighborhood outreach meeting.
As of this date, the Town has not received any comments from the public regarding the
subject proposal.
CONCLUSION
The proposed project will expand and improve cellular telephone coverage within the
Community and complies with the Town's Wireless Communication Facilities Policy.
The applicant has submitted a study indicating that the project is in compliance with
federal RF emissions standards. (Attachment 6) Based on the Initial Study, staff
concluded that the proposed project, as mitigated, will not have a significant effect on the
environment.
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Cingular Wireless
26379 Fremont Road
January 27, 2005
Page 4 of 6
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Recommended Conditions of Approval
2. Photo Simulation of the proposed flagpole antenna
3. Cingular Wireless Antenna Master Plan within the project vicinity
4. Findings for Approval of the Conditional Use Permit prepared by the applicant
dated August 24, 2004
5. Initial Study/Negative Declaration and Mitigation Measures
6. Report by Hammet & Edison dated July 2, 2004
7. Report by Hammet & Edison dated October 5, 2004
8. Development plans: site, topographic, elevations
cc: Tony Kim
The Alaris Group
185 Berry Street, Suite 5300
San Francisco, CA 94107
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Cingular Wireless
26379 Fremont Road
January 27, 2005
Page 5 of 6
ATTACHMENT 1
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
26379 Fremont Road; Lands of Los Altos Hills (Cingular Wirless)
File #173 -04 -CUP -IS -ND
1. Any changes or revisions to the telecommunications facility or its use shall require
an amendment to the applicable conditional use permit(s). Additionally, the
Planning Director may, at any time, schedule a review or revocation hearing
before the Planning Commission regarding the use permit, if any condition of
approval is not being met or the facility is being used inconsistently with the
approved use or in violation of Town development codes.
2. The use permit shall expire five (5) years from the date of approval. Renewal of
the permit must be requested in writing, with appropriate fees, prior to the
expiration date.
3. The equipment cabinet shall be painted to match the exterior of the Town Hall
building prior to final inspection.
4. The dimensions of the flagpole shall not exceed 12" in diameter and 50' in height.
5. The applicant shall submit a construction operation schedule subject to the review
and approval of the City Engineer prior to acceptance of plans for building plan
check.
6. The applicant shall submit a legal description of the area to be leased prior to
acceptance ofplans for building plan check.
7. The site leasing agreement with the Town shall be executed prior to acceptance of
plans for building plan check.
8. The applicant shall submit a signed agreement to the Town, agreeing that, should
the use be discontinued by the carrier, all facilities will be removed not later than
ninety (90) days after discontinuance of the use or abandonment. The agreement
shall be drafted by the City Attorney, and must be signed by the applicant and
submitted to the Town prior to acceptance ofplans for building plan check.
9. Not later than thirty (30) days after installation and initial operation of the antenna
facility, and on or prior to January I" of each year thereafter, testing of radio
frequency emissions shall be conducted by qualified professionals and the reports
of such testing shall be provided in writing to the Planning Department, with a
Staff Report to the Planning Cotnnussion
Cingular Wireless
26379 Fremont Road
January 27, 2005
Page 6 of 6
comparison of applicable Federal emission standards. If at any time the emission
levels are shown not to comply with Federal standards, the use permit shall be
scheduled for a revocation hearing before the Planning Commission.
10. Any, and all, changes to the proposed grading and drainage shall first be approved
by the Town Engineering Department. No grading shall take place during the
grading moratorium (November 1 to April 1) except with prior approval from the
City Engineer. No grading shall take place within ten feet of any property line.
11. Final grading and drainage shall be inspected by the Engineering Department and
any deficiencies corrected to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department prior
to final approval.
12. Any, and all, areas on the project site that have the native material disturbed shall
be protected for erosion control during the rainy season and shall be replanted
prior to final inspection.
CONDITION NUMBERS 5, 6, 7 AND 8 SHALL BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED
OFF BY THE PLANNING DIRECTOR AND THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PLAN CHECK BY THE
BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
Upon completion of the construction, a final inspection shall be required to be set with
the Planning and Engineering Departments two weeks prior to final building inspection
approval.
ATTACHMENT,)-
ATTACHMENT 3
RECE47TIjCHMENT 4
AUG 2 4 2004
FINDINGS
Findings. Conditional use permits shall be granted by the City Council only when it is
found that:
The proposed use or facility is properly located in relation to the
community as a whole, land uses, and transportation and service facilities
in the vicinity;
2. The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to
accommodate the proposed use and all yards, open spaces, walls and
fences, parking, loading, landscaping, and such other features as may be
required by this chapter or, will be needed to assure that the proposed use
will be reasonably compatible with the land uses normally permitted in the
surrounding area;
3. The site for the proposed use will be served by streets and highways of
adequate width and pavement to carry the quantity and kind of traffic
generated by the proposed use; and
The proposed use will not adversely affect the abutting property or the
permitted use thereof.
Conditions. Every conditional use permit granted may be subject to such conditions as
are deemed necessary to protect the public health, safety and general welfare and secure
the objectives of the General Plan and this chapter.
-7-
CONDMONALUSEYEKWA UCATION
R .1/99
1) The proposed use is an unmanned wireless facility for Cingular Wireless. The
wireless facility would not be a detriment to the existing land use and it would
not create additional vehicular traffic than already exists. The proposed
facility would provide necessary coverage to the general vicinity including the
residents as well the occupants of Town Hall. Cingular's installation is
designed to be unobtrusive and visually blend with the existing character and
scale of the neighborhood.
2) The proposed use would be insignificant in size and shape and does not
trigger new open space, walls, fences or parking. The facility will help
provide essential communications to improve public safety and promote
commerce and industry of the business community. In addition, Cingular's
network and service will increase the capability of emergency
communications during natural disasters such as earthquakes and fires when
existing landline telephone systems become non-functional. Furthermore, it
has been recognized that police, fire fighters, and other emergency personnel
heavily rely on wireless communications for fast and dependable
communications at all times, especially during times of natural disasters.
3) Unlike typical commercial uses such as office buildings or retail
establishments, the proposed facility will be unmanned. A one- to two- person
maintenance personnel will visit the project site once a month for two to four
hours to service and maintain the facility. The maintenance visit will nor
increase traffic congestion, adversely impact public transportation, or place a
burden on the existing supply of on -or off-street parking.
4) The proposal will not be detrimental to the health, safety, convenience, or
general welfare of persons residing, working in the vicinity. The site has been
designed to minimize any visual impact and be unobtrusive to the general
area.
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS ATTACHMENTS
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
PROJECT TITLE: Cingular Wireless Communications Facility at Town Hall
PREPARED BY: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Senior Planner
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PROJECT SPONSOR:
Cingular Wireless
4420 Rosewood Drive
Building 2, P Floor
Pleasanton, CA 94588
LOCATION OF PROJECT: 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit to allow an
unmanned wireless communications facility consisting of three
(3) antennas mounted inside a 50' tall flagpole and associated
ground equipment at Town Hall.
FINDING: The Town of Los Altos Hills has completed a review of the
proposed project, and on the basis of the attached Initial Study,
has determined that the project, as mitigated, will reduce impacts
to a less than significant level.
MITIGATION MEASURES INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT TO AVOID
POTENTIALLY SIGNICIANT EFFECTS:
XI -a. The applicant shall conduct an acoustical analysis of the equipment upon project
completion to demonstrate compliance with the Town's noise ordinance.
XI -d. Interim construction noise impacts can be reduced to less than significant by
adherence to the Town of Los Altos Hills policies of 8:OOAM to 5:30PM hours of
operation on Monday through Friday, 9:OOAM to 5:30PM on Saturday, and no
construction on Sundays or Holidays.
XIII -a. Upon project completion, the applicant shall conduct testing of the Cingular and
amateur radio antenna facilities to ensure satisfactory operation of both facilities, identify any
interference requiring mitigation, and implement corrective measures if needed.
XVII -c. Warning signs (in compliance with ANSI C952) shall be posted at the antennas
and/or on the pole below the antennas to comply with FCC guidelines.
Carl Cahill, Planning Director Date
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
Circulated on: January 5, 2005 Adopted on:
Town of Los Altos IBM
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
INITIAL STUDY
In accordance with the policies regarding implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act
of 1970, this document, combined with the attached supporting data, constitutes the initial study on the
subject project. This initial study provides the basis for the determination of whether the project may
have a significant effect on the environment. If it is determined that the project may have a significant
effect on the environment, an environmental impact report will be prepared which focuses on the areas
of concern identified by this initial study. If it is determined that the project would not have a
significant effect on the environment, it is eligible for a Negative Declaration. If it is determined that the
proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, however, the significant effects of
the project have been reduced to a less -than -significant level because revisions in the project have been
made by or agreed to by the project applicant, then the project would be eligible for a Mitigated
Negative Declaration.
1. Project Title:
Cingular Wireless Communications Facility at Town Hall
2. Lead Agency Name and Address:
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California 94022
3. Contact Person and Phone Number:
Carl Cahill, Planning Director (650) 941-7222
Initial Study prepared by:
Debbie Pedro, AICP, Senior Planner
4. Project Location:
26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
5. Project Sponsors Name and Address:
Cingular Wireless
4420 Rosewood Drive
Building 2, 3rd Floor
Pleasanton, CA 94588
6. General Plan Designation:
Institutions
7. Zoning:
R -A (residential - agricultural)
8. Description of Project:
Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit to
allow an unmanned wireless communications facility
consisting of three()) antennas mounted inside a 50' tall
flagpole and associated ground equipment at Town Hall.
9. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: The subject property is located on the west side of Fremont
Road. Existing buildings on the property include the new
Town Hall which is currently under construction, the
Purissima Hills Water District office, and the Town's
Emergency Operation Center (Heritage House).
Surrounding uses include single-family residences on
adjacent properties to the west and north, and single family
homes across Esperanza Drive to the south and across
Fremont Road to the east,
lo. other public agencies whose approval is required: None
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one
impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
0 Aesthetics
❑ Biological Resources
❑
Hazards & Hazardous
❑
Materials
❑
Mineral Resources
ZPublic
Services
❑ Utilities / Service Systems
❑
Agriculture Resources
❑
Cultural Resources
❑
Hydrology / Water Quality
0
Noise
❑
Air Quality
❑
Geology/Soils
❑
Land Use/Planning
❑
Population / Housing
❑ Recreation Z Transportation/Traffic
QMandatory Findings of Significance
This Initial study has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Information and
conclusions in the Initial Study are based upon staff research and the Town's General Plan and Municipal Code.
On the basis of this initial evaluation
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE ❑
DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a
significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet have been added
to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. ❑
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the environment, but at least one effect I)
has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been ❑
addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets, if the effect is a
"potentially significant impact" or " potentially significant unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT
be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately ❑
in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that
earlier FIR, including revisions or mitigadon measures that are imposed upon the proposed project.
Signature: I -' VV 1 Date: January 5 2005
Carl ahill,Planning irect� or
3
Potendally
Less Than Less Than No Impact
Significant
Significant Significant
Impact
with Impact
control
Mitigation
may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
Inn.,pom"at
1. AESTHETICS — Would the project
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees,
❑
❑
❑
0
rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a stale scenic highway?
control
district
may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and
❑
❑
0
❑
its surroundings?
❑
0
b) Violate any ab quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or
❑
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely
❑
❑
❑
0
affect day or nighttime views in the area?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant
❑
IMPACT 4c: The proposed wireless facility includes three (3) panel antennas mounted inside a 12" diameter x 50' tall flagpole.
in front of the new Town Hall. The 50' tall flagpole will replace an existing 40' tall flagpole located in the turnabout east of the
parking lot. The antennas within the flagpole will be completely screened from public view. The associated ground equipment will
be housed in a 4'W x 12' L equipment cabinet located behind the Town Hall building. The equipment cabinet is generally not
visible from off-site and will be painted to match the building exterior. The project will have a less than significant impact on the
aesthetic character and quality of the site and its surrounding.
MITIGATION: No mitigation is
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES
In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the
California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as
an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and famdand. Would the project
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources
Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
contract?
c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?
III. AIR QUALITY
Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution
control
district
may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan?
❑
❑
❑
0
b) Violate any ab quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or
❑
❑
❑
0
projected air quality violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant
❑
❑
❑
0
for which the oroiect region is non -attainment under an aoolicable federal or
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat
Potentially
Less Than
Less Than
No Impact
resource as defined in
Significant
Significant
Significant
❑ ❑ ❑
natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations
Impact
with
Impact
Service?
resource pursuant to
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as
Mitigation
defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological
❑
In rnpocati
❑
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or
for which the project region is non -attainment under an applicable federal or
migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery
state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which
0
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological
❑ ❑ ❑
resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
I) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or
❑ ❑ ❑
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations?
❑
❑
❑
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?
❑
❑
❑
0
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat
❑ ❑ ❑ I�f
IJ
modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special
❑
status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
resource as defined in
California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive
❑ ❑ ❑
natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations
❑
or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife
❑
Service?
resource pursuant to
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as
❑ ❑ ❑
defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological
❑
interruption, or other means?
❑
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or
❑ ❑ ❑
migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
0
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological
❑ ❑ ❑
resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
I) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or
❑ ❑ ❑
state habitat conservation plan?
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES -- Would the project
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical
'15064.5?
❑
❑
❑
O'
resource as defined in
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological
'15064.59
❑
❑
❑
resource pursuant to
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or
❑
❑
❑
unique geologic feature?
d) Distant, any human remains, including thou interred outside of formal cenretaies?
0
❑
❑
61
Potentially
Less Than Less Than No Impact
Significant
Significant Significant
Impact
with Impact
❑
Mitigation
❑
Incorporation
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist
for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer Ll Ll L)to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. 10
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
❑
❑
❑
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction?
❑
❑
❑
iv) Landslides?
❑
❑
❑�
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
❑
❑
❑
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would
❑
❑
❑
become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off-
site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse?
❑
❑
❑
0
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform
❑
❑
❑
Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or
for
Ll
Ll
Ll
z
wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available
the disposal of wastewater?
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS --Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the
❑
❑
❑
routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through
❑
❑
❑
reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release
of hazardous materials into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazazdous or acutely hazardous
❑
❑
❑
0
materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials
❑
❑
❑
z
sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a
result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan
❑
❑
❑
0
has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
0 For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project
El
❑
J
result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted
J
❑
❑
emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death
❑
C3
❑
involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent m
❑
LJ
❑
urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements?
❑
❑
❑
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with
❑
❑
U
groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume
or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of
pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support
existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area,
❑
LJ
❑
including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a
manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area,
Ll
❑
❑
including through the alteration of the course of a steam or river, or
substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which
would result in flooding on- or off-site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of
❑
11
❑
existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
❑
LJ
❑
Z
g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal
0
L]
LJ
Z
Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard
delineation map?
h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede
Ll
Ll
❑
or redirect flood flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death
U
❑
U
involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or
dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
❑
L]
❑
7
Potentially
Less Than Less Than No Impact
Significant
Significant Significant
Impact
with Impact
Mitigation
Incorporation
IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the project
a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ 0
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an ❑ ❑ ❑
agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the
general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural ❑ ❑ ❑
community conservation plan?
X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would ❑ ❑ ❑
be of value to the region and the residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally -important mineral resource ❑ ❑ ❑
recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land
use plan?
XI. NOISE — Would the project result in
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of
❑
❑
❑
standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies?
to Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration
❑
❑
❑
or groundborne noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project
❑
❑
❑
vicinity above levels existing without the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in
❑
❑
❑
the project vicinity above levels existing without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan
❑
❑
❑
has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project
area to excessive noise levels?
t) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose
❑
❑
❑
people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?
8
Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact
Significant Significant Significant
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
Incomornitioll
IMPACT XI -a: According to the applicant, the proposed equipment operating at full capacity will generate a minimal, steady
noise level comparable to a refrigerator or HVAC equipment. When installation of the equipment cabinet is complete, the
applicant will conduct an acoustical analysis of the equipment to demonstrate compliance with the Towns noise ordinance.
MITIGATION: The applicant shall conduct an acoustical analysis of the equipment upon project completion to demonstrate
compliance with the Town's noise ordinance.
IMPACT XI -d: Temporary construction noise levels during the installation of the antenna facility will periodically exceed
5OdB(A) but the impact can be held to less than significant by adherence to the Town of Los Altos Hills policy on hours of
construction.
MITIGATION: Interim construction noise impacts can be reduced to less than significant by adherence to the Town of Los Altos
Hills policies of B:OOAM to 5:30PM hours of operation on Monday through Friday, 9:OOAM to 5:30PM on Saturday, and no
construction on Sundays or Holidays.
XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING -- Would the project:
❑
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for U
LJ 0
example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for
Police protection?
example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
❑
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the Ll
❑ Ll
construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
❑
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of Ll
❑ L
replacement housing elsewhere?
Parks?
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives
for any of the public services:
Fire protection?
❑
❑
❑
Police protection?
❑
❑
❑
Schools?
❑
❑
L
Parks?
L]
❑
❑
Other public facilities?
Ll
0
Ll
❑
I
potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact
Significant Significant Significant
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
Incoryorenon
PUBLIC SERVICES
IMPACT XIII -a: The Cingular antennas will be located approximately 250 ft. from the amateur (ham) radio antennas in the
Town's Emergency Operations Center at the Heritage house. According to the applicant's engineer, the Cingular antennas and
the ham radio antennas operate at different frequency bands and should cause no unndtigable interference m the operation of
either facilities. However, in the unlikely event that interference shall occur, mitigation measures including proper positioning
of the antennas and the installation of simple transmitter and/or receiver filters will enable satisfactory operations of both
facilities. It is recommended that testing be conducted once Cingular is ready to commence operations to identify any
interference requiring mitigation.
MITIGATION: The applicant shall conduct testing of the Cingular and amateur radio antenna facilities to ensure satisfactory
operations of both facilities, identify any interference requiring mitigation, and implement mitigation measures if needed.
XIV. RECREATION
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional ❑ ❑ ❑
parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical
deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?
to Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction ❑ ❑ ❑
or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical
effect on the environment?
XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC -- Would the project
a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing
❑
❑
❑
traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial
increase in either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on
roads, or congestion at intersections)?
b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard
❑
❑
❑
established by the county congestion management agency for designated
roads or highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in
❑
❑
❑
traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
❑
❑
❑
dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
❑
❑
❑
0
U Result in inadequate parking capacity?
❑
❑
z
❑
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative
❑
❑
❑
xQ
transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)?
10
Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact
Significant Significant Significant
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
Incorporation
TRANSPORTATION/ TRAFFIC
IMPACT XV -f: The proposed use is an unmanned wireless communications facility which can be accessed and serviced through
the existing parking lot. Maintenance personnel will visit the site once a month for a period of two to four hours to service and
maintain the facility. The maintenance visits wilt not increase traffic congestion or create any significant adverse impact to parking
on site.
MITIGATION: No mitigation is necessary.
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS - Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional
❑
Ll
Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment
❑
❑ El
1-7f
facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could
Ll
cause significant environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities
❑
El
or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing
Ll 0
entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which
❑
L) L
serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing
commitments?
t) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate
❑
❑ ❑
the project's solid waste disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to
13
LJ LJ
solid waste?
XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the Ll Q
environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species,
cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or
restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but ❑ ❑ Ll 0
cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the
incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
11
Potentially
Less Than Less Than No Impact
significant
Significant Significant
Impact
with Impact
Mingalion
Incorporation
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial ❑ ❑ ❑
adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?
IMPACT XVIII: The applicants have submitted a report prepared by Hammel & Edison, Inc. dated July 2, 2004 indicating the
project is in compliance with federal radiofrequency emissions standards. In addition, since the antennas are mounted on a 50' tall
flagpole and are not accessible to the general public, no mitigation is necessary to comply with the FCC public exposure
guidelines. However, to prevent occupational exposures in excess of the FCC guidelines during maintenance work by Cingular
personnel on the facility, no access within 5 feet directly in front of the Cingular antennas should be allowed while the base station
is in operation.
MITIGATION: Warning signs (in compliance with ANSI C95.2) shall be posted at the antennas and/or on the pole below the
antennas to comply with FCC guidelines.
Sources: Los Altos Hills General Plan
Los Altos Hills Municipal Code
12
HAMMETT & EDISON, INC.
s' CONSULTING ENGINEERS
RADIO AND TELEVISION
BY E-MAIL TKIM@THEALARISGROUP.COM
July 2, 2004
Mr. Tony Kin
Planner
The Alaris Group, LLC
San Francisco, California 94107
Dear Tony:
ATTACHMENT
(p
AWWLLiAh1 F.U&ET1. P.E.
DANEE. E_RIO'�KyyS'E��NP,,...E.
Iut GF'�`aivlsrl $b�z1•gyy.
ROBERT D. WELLER. P.E.
MARK D. NEUMANN, P.E.
ROBERT P. SMITH, JR.
RAiAT MATHUR
ROBERT L. HAM64.TT, P.E.
1920 aw
EDWARD EDISON, P.E.
As you requested, we have analyzed the RF exposure conditions near the Cingular Wireless
base station (Site No. SF -972-01) proposed to be located at 26379 West Fremont Road in Los
Altos Hills, California. An electronic copy of our report is enclosed. As expected, fields in
publicly accessible areas at the site are calculated to be well below the applicable limits.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service and would welcome any questions on this
material. Please let me know if we may be of additional assistance.
\�Sincerely yours,
William F. Hammett
cb
Enclosures
e-mail bhammetteh-e.com
US Mai I:
Cingular Wireless • Proposed Base Station (Site No. SF -972-01)
26379 West Fremont Road • Los Altos Hills, California
Statement of Hammett & Edison, Inc., Consulting Engineers
The firm of Hammett & Edison, Inc., Consulting Engineers, has been retained on behalf of Cingulu
Wireless, a wireless telecommunications carrier, to evaluate the base station (Site No. SF -972-01)
proposed to be located at 26379 West Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California, for compliance
with appropriate guidelines limiting human exposure to radio frequency ("RF") electromagnetic fields.
Prevailing Exposure Standards
The U.S. Congress requires that the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") evaluate its actions
for possible significant impact on the environment. In Docket 93-62, effective October 15, 1997, the
FCC adopted the human exposure limits for field strength and power density recommended in Report
No. 86, "Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields,"
published in 1986 by the Congressionally chartered National Council on Radiation Protection and
Measurements ("NCRP"). Separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure conditions,
with the latter limits generally five times more restrictive. The more recent Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers ("IEEE") Standard C95.1-1999, "Safety Levels with Respect to Human
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz," includes nearly identical
exposure limits. A summary of the FCC's exposure limits is shown in Figure 1. These limits apply
for continuous exposures and are intended to provide a prudent margin of safety for all persons,
regardless of age, gender, size, or health.
The most restrictive thresholds for exposures of unlimited duration to radio frequency energy for
several personal wireless services are as follows:
Personal Communication ("PCS")1,950
MHz
mmituitsil Limit
5.00 mW/cm2
Public Limit
1.00 mW/cm2
Cellular Telephone
870
2.90
0.58
Specialized Mobile Radio
855
2.85
0.57
[most restrictive frequency range]
30-300
1.00
0.20
General Facility Requirements
Base stations typically consist of two distinct parts: the electronic transceivers (also called "radios" or
"cabinets") that are connected to the traditional wired telephone lines, and the passive antennas that
send the wireless signals created by the radios out to be received by individual subscriber units. The
transceivers are often located at ground level and are connected to the antennas by coaxial cables about
I inch thick. Because of the short wavelength of the frequencies assigned by the FCC for wireless
services, the antennas require line -of -sight paths for their signals to propagate well and so are installed
at some height above ground. The antennas are designed to concentrate their energy toward the
FIAMMETI' & EDISON, INC.
- cronrscc.rmcewcm�sses
. m'.:` srry ra,wasco CG0972596
Page 1 of
Cingular Wireless • Proposed Base Station (Site No. SF -972-01)
26379 West Fremont Road • Los Altos Hills, California
horizon, with very little energy wasted toward the sky or the ground. Along with the low power of
such facilities, this means that it is generally not possible for exposure conditions to approach the
maximum permissible exposure limits without being physically very near the antennas.
Computer Modeling Method
The FCC provides direction for determining compliance in its Office of Engineering and Technology
Bulletin No. 65, "Evaluating Compliance with FCC -Specified Guidelines for Human Exposure to
Radio Frequency Radiation," dated August 1997. Figure 2 attached describes the calculation
methodologies, reflecting the facts that a directional antenna's radiation pattern is not fully formed at
locations very close by (the "near -field" effect) and that the power level from an energy source
decreases with the square of the distance from it (the "inverse square law"). The conservative nature
of this method for evaluating exposure conditions has been verified by numerous field tests.
Site and Facility Description
Based upon information provided by Cingular, including zoning drawings by Diamond Services, dated
March 2, 2004, it is proposed to mount three Andrew Model 932QDG90VTE-M directional panel
antennas on a new 50 -foot flagpole to be located at 26379 West Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills. The
antennas would be mounted at an effective height of about 47 feet above ground and would be oriented
toward 90°T, toward 2100T, and with 10 downtilt toward 3300T. The maximum effective radiated
power in any direction would be 1,240 watts. There are reported no other wireless
telecommunications facilities nearby.
Study Results
The maximum ambient RF level anywhere at ground due to the proposed Cingular operation is
calculated to be 0.0036 mW/cm2, which is 0.36% of the applicable public limit; levels inside nearby
buildings would be even lower. The maximum calculated level on the roof of the nearest building' is
0.83% of the public exposure limit. It should be noted that these results include several "worst-case"
assumptions and therefore are expected to overstate actual power density levels.
Recommended Mitigation Measures
Since they are to be mounted on a tall. flagpole, the Cingular antennas are not accessible to the general
public, and so no mitigation measures are necessary to comply with the FCC public exposure
guidelines. To prevent occupational exposures in excess of the FCC guidelines, no access within 5 feet
directly in front of the Cingular antennas themselves, such as might occur during maintenance work on
Located about 40 feet away, based on the drawings.
HAMMETT & EDISON, INC.
- " CONEIILTICIC ENGWEERS
CG0972596
Page 2 of 3
Cingular Wireless • Proposed Base Station (Site No. SF -972.01)
26379 West Fremont Road • Los Altos Hills, California
the pole, should be allowed while the base station is in operation, unless other measures can be
demonstrated to ensure that occupational protection requirements are met. Posting explanatory
warning signs' at the antennas and/or on the pole below the antennas, such that the signs would be
readily visible from any angle of approach to persons who might need to work within that distance,
would be sufficient to meet FCC -adopted guidelines.
Conclusion
Based on the information and analysis above, it is the undersigned's professional opinion that the base
station proposed by Cingular Wireless at 26379 West Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California, can
comply with the prevailing standards for limiting human exposure to radio frequency energy and,
therefore, need not for this reason cause a significant impact on the environment. The highest
calculated level in publicly accessible areas is much less than the prevailing standards allow for
exposures of unlimited duration. This finding is consistent with measurements of actual exposure
conditions taken at other operating base stations.
Authorship
The undersigned author of this statement is a qualified Professional Engineer, holding California
Registration Nos. E-13026 and M-20676, which expire on June 30, 2005. This work has been carried
out by him or under his direction, and all statements are true and correct of his own knowledge except,
where noted, when data has been supplied by others, which data he believes to be correct.
"r"�
Rk
YE-13D26 '-NM-20676William F. ett, P.E.July 2, 2004 E.v. 0-3"5 a
Warning signs should comply with ANSI C95.2 color, symbol, and content conventions. In addition, contact
information should be provided (e.g., a telephone number) to arrange for access to restricted areas. The selection of
language(s) is not an engineering matter, and guidance from the landlord, local zoning or health authority, or
appropriate professionals may be required.
- HAMMETT& EDISON, INC.
NNRANC cnvEEas
N
SA CG0972596
Page 3 of 3
FCC Radio Frequency Protection Guide
The U.S. Congress required (1996 Telecom Act) the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC')
to adopt a nationwide human exposure standard to ensure that its licensees do not, cumulatively, have
a significant impact on the environment. The FCC adopted the limits from Report No. 86, "Biological
Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," published in 1986 by the
Congressionally chartered National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, which are
nearly identical to the more recent Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard
C95.1-1999, "Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz." These limits apply for continuous exposures from all sources and are
intended to provide a prudent margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or
health.
As shown in the table and chart below, separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure
conditions, with the latter limits (in italics and/or dashed) up to five times more restrictive:
Frequency
Applicable
Range
(MHz)
0.3— 1.34
1.34— 3.0
3.0— 30
30— 300
300— 1,500
1,500— 100,000
111IIII1"
100
10
0
0.1
Electromaenetic Fields /f is frequency of emission in MHz
Electric
Magnetic
Equivalent Far -Field
Field Strength
Field Strength
Power Density
(V/m)
(A/-)
(mw/cm2)
614 614
1.63 1.63
l00 100
614 813.81f
1.63 1.19/f
100 180/1
1842/£ 813.81f
4.89/f 2.191f
900Y l' 180/f
61.4 27.5
0.163 0.0729
1.0 0.1
3.544f 1.59ff
`Tf/106 df/238
l/300 f/1500
137 61.4
0.364 0.163
5.0 1.0
Occupational Exposure
PCS
♦
FM Cell
♦
Public Exposure
0.1 1 10 100 101 104 10'
Frequency (MHz)
Higher levels are allowed for short periods of time, such that total exposure levels averaged over six or
thirty minutes, for occupational or public settings, respectively, do not exceed the limits, and higher
levels also are allowed for exposures to small areas, such that the spatially averaged levels do not
exceed the limits. However, neither of these allowances is incorporated in the conservative calculation
formulas in the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin No. 65 (August 1997) for
projecting field levels. Hammett & Edison has built those formulas into a proprietary program that
calculates, at each location on an arbitrary rectangular grid, the total expected power density from any
number of individual radio sources. The program allows for the description of buildings and uneven
terrain, if required to obtain more accurate projections.
HAMMETr & EDISON, INC. FCC Guidelines
. a mrvsur.nrvc sncm�reas
w -ii SAN FRANCISCO Figure I
RFR.CALC' Calculation Methodology
Assessment by Calculation of Compliance with FCC Exposure Guidelines
The U.S. Congress required (1996 Telecom Act) the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to
adopt a nationwide human exposure standard to ensure that its licensees do not, cumulatively, have a
significant impact on the environment. The maximum permissible exposure limits adopted by the FCC
(see Figure 1) apply for continuous exposures from all sources and are intended to provide a prudent
margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or health. Higher levels are allowed for
short periods of time, such that total exposure levels averaged over six or thirty minutes, for
occupational or public settings, respectively, do not exceed the limits.
Near Field.
Prediction methods have been developed for the near field zone of panel (directional) and whip
(omnidirectional) antennas, typical at wireless telecommunications cell sites. The near field zone is
defined by the distance, D, from an antenna beyond which the manufacturer's published, far field
antenna patterns will be fully formed; the near field may exist for increasing D until some or all of three
conditions have been met:
2
1) D>2 2) D>5h 3) D> 1.6X
where h = aperture height of the antenna, in meters, and
X = wavelength of the transmitted signal, in meters.
The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin No. 65 (August 1997) gives this formula for
calculating power density in the near field zone about an individual RF source:
power density S= I x rz x TD. uet ' in rnW,,m2'
where 0sw = half -power beamwidth of antenna, in degrees, and
Pnet = net power input to the antenna, in watts.
The factor of 0.1 in the numerator converts to the desired units of power density. This formula has
been built into a proprietary program that calculates distances to FCC public and occupational limits.
Far Field.
OET-65 gives this formula for calculating power density in the far field of an individual RF source:
power density S = 256 x 1.64 x 100 x RFF2 x ERP
4 x n x D2 , in mW/=2
where ERP = total ERP (all polarizations), in kilowatts,
RFF = relative field factor at the direction to the actual point of calculation, and
D = distance from the center of radiation to the point of calculation, in meters.
The factor of 2.56 accounts for the increase in power density due to ground reflection, assuming a
reflection coefficient of 1.6 (1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56). The factor of 1.64 is the gain of a half -wave dipole
relative to an isotropic radiator. The factor of 100 in the numerator converts to the desired units of
power density. This formula has been built into a proprietary program that calculates, at each location
on an arbitrary rectangular grid, the total expected power density from any number of individual
radiation sources. The program also allows for the description of uneven terrain in the vicinity, to
obtain more accurate projections.
=' HAMMETT& EDISON, INC.
corrsucrwc errctNreas
Methodology
Figure 2
a r. HAMMETT & EDISON, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
" RADIO AND TELEVISION
BY E-MAIL TKUSQTHEALARISGROUP.COM
October 5, 2004
Mr. Tony Kim
Planner
The Alaris Group, LLC
San Francisco, California 94107
Dear Tony:
ATTACHMENT '1
WIu,v F. HAMMErr, P.E.
DANE E. ERICKSEN, P.E.
STANLEY SALEK, P.E.
ROBERT D. WEUER. P.E.
MARK D. NEU MM P.E.
ROBERT P. SMITH, JR.
RA AT MATHUR
ROBERT L. HAMMETT, P.E.
1920-2002
EDWARD EDISON, P.E.
As you requested, we have analyzed the permanent Cingular Wireless base station (Site No.
SF -972-01) proposed to be located at 26379 West Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California
to determine whether the Cingular operation would be likely to interfere with the existing
amateur radio operations. We note that none of the amateur radio receive frequencies is in the
transmit frequency band used by Cingular (1,950-1,965 MHz). The amateur radio bands
nearest in frequency are 1,240-1,300 and 2,300-2,310 MHz.
There are two distinct modes of interference that can be involved in such circumstances, though
neither is likely in this case. The first arises from out -of -band spurious signals interfering with
reception of the amateur signals. Since the services operate in different frequency bands, such
interference would not be direct but would require the creation of intermodulation distortion
("IMD") products of sufficient magnitude to affect amateur receivers. Such products are caused
by the mixing of multiple radio signals in a non-linear device and can occur in three general
locations: a subject transmitter, an affected receiver, or a location external to both the
transmitters and receiver involved (the so-called `rusty bolt' phenomenon). In practice,
intenrlodulation products above the third order are very rare, and the inherently selective
characteristics of typical receiving systems serve to ensure that signals distant in frequency are
unlikely to enter the receiving system. By inspection, there can be no IMD products of low
order (3rd, 5th, or 7th) that would fall into any amateur band.
The second mode of interference can arise if the Cingular signal is so strong that it simply
overwhelms internal circuits in the amateur receiver, causing it to malfunction. This is called
"brute force overload" and would be possible only if the Cingular transmitting antennas are
located very close to the amateur antennas.
mail:
Mr. Tony Kim, page 2
October 5, 2004
in both interference situations, i.e., intermodulation and brute force, good engineering practices
can generally alleviate any problems that might arise. Proper antenna positioning and, if
appropriate, the installation of simple transmitter and/or receiver filters can be expected to
enable satisfactory operations. On/off testing may be conducted once Cingular is ready to
commence operations to identify any interference requiring mitigation.
Based on the foregoing analysis and assumptions, it is my professional opinion that the
proposed collocation of the Cingular Wireless base station should cause no immitigable
interference to the amateur radio facilities. Please let me know if any questions arise on this
analysis.
Sincerely yours,
�
William F. Hammett
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