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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT October 13, 2005 Page 2 3.2 LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS (WESTWIND BARN), 27210 Altamont Road (177-05-ZP-SD-CUP-VAR); Verizon Wireless requests a Conditional Use Permit for a wireless communications facility consisting of six (6) antennae mounted on a 65' monopole and a setback variance for a 289 square foot equipment shed at the Westwind Barn site (staff-Brian Froelich). Commissioner Clow stepped down from the hearing due to the proximity of his residence to the project site. Planner Froelich introduced this item by summarizing the staff report and providing overhead views of the proposed area for a 65' tall, 12" diameter telecommunications pole to the rear of the barn structure. The pole is supported by a 289 square foot equipment shed that houses the ground cabinets and was designed to be architecturally compatible with the barn. These structures are located approximately 300 feet away from the nearest residential building. This application requires a setback variance because the equipment shed is proposed along an interior property line between the barn site and Byrne Preserve. Verizon has presented the Town with two design options; a slim-line pole or a mono-pine that resembles a tree with artificial branches to screen the antennas. Technically, the difference between these two designs is related to the potential for co-location. The slim-line pole has potential for two additional carriers while the mono-pine is limited to one additional carrier because the branches cause difficulties with transmission and therefore mounting possibilities. Verizon did explore alternative locations for this target service area. The Town's Wireless Communications Policy notes that Town owned properties are priorities when it comes to this type of installation and the nearest Town owned property not designated as Open Space is the Little League fields which are over a mile away from the proposed site. With the exception of Foothill College, the Town has only two wireless facilities west of the I-280 and those are also located directly adjacent to the freeway. Froelich further discussed the Initial Study, Notice of Intent and the Telecommunications Act which restricts the Town's authority with respect to radio frequency impacts on the environment and human exposure. Only the FCC can regulate this and the Town can only request documentation that the proposed installations comply. Planning Director Cahill stated that it has been the Council's expressed desire to improve cellular communication service in the Town. The Town regularly receives complaints by residents of poor cellular service. Verizon has been invited by the Town to make this application. He felt the proposed location for the monopole complies with the Wireless Communication Policy. The cell phone antenna will provide a public service for this area. The Friends of the Barn were notified of the application. Further discussion ensued regarding the location of the proposed equipment shed. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING