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Planning Commission: September 23, 1998 Nextel: SMR Antennas Page 2 provision for removal of the antennas if they are no longer used, and requirements to provide annual monitoring reports regarding radio frequency emissions. The applicant has provided an analysis of existing and projected RF emissions indicating that expected exposure levels at the ground would amount to no more than 0.9% of the applicable Federal limit. Conditional Use Permit Pursuant to Section 10-1.703(h) of the Zoning Code, public utility and service uses may be permitted in the Town with a conditional use permit, and wireless communications facilities are included in that definition. In order to approve a conditional use permit, the Planning Commission must make four fmdings, as outlined in Section 10-1.1107(1)(a) of the Zoning Code. The Commission's action on a use permit is a recommendation to the City Council. The required findings relate to the compatibility of the facility with its surrounding area, adequacy of the site to accommodate the proposed use, adequacy of access to the site, and impacts of the use on abutting property. Staff believes that the antennas' location on a college campus (public property), over 400 feet from .the-- freeway and substantial distances from neighboring residences, and mounted on the roof parapets of existing buildings, would satisfy the criteria for approval of the use permit. If the panel antennas are painted to match the color of the buildings, they should be unobtrusive visually. The small equipment unit enclosure would have no impact from a visibility or traffic perspective. Attachment 1 contains conditions of approval to reflect the requirements to paint the antennas to match the building colors and to comply with provisions of the wireless communications policy. Attachment 2 outlines proposed findings for approval. Comments from Other Staff and Committees A condition of approval has been added to require Fire District approval of the building enclosure details prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. The Engineering Department requested no conditions. The Environmental Design Committee commented that the antenna colors should match the existing building, which is a condition of approval. Environmental Review In accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), staff has determined that the project is categorically exempt. In particular, Class 1 of the CEQA Guidelines exempts minor alterations to existing buildings and small accessory structures. Staff is available to respond to questions from the Commission or the public. ATTACHMENTS - 1. Exhibit A: Conditions of Approval 2. Exhibit B: Findings for Approval for Conditional Use Permit 3. Application Submittal Package 4. Wireless Communications Policy 5. Project Plans (separate cover)