PC - Item 4A - 7839 Emerson PlaceROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: MARCH 2, 2009
SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07-1111 (MODIFICATION)
7839 EMERSON PLACE
SUMMARY
T-Mobile USA has submitted an application to modify Conditional Use Permit 07-1111;
requesting to increase the height of an unmanned wireless monocypress tree from 40'-
0" to 44'-6", located at 7839 Emerson Place in the R-2 (Light Multiple Residential) zone.
Environmental Determination:
Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines exempts
projects that consist of the installation of new equipment in small structures.
Accordingly, Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification) is classified as a Class 3
Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 of CEQA and therefore exempt from
further environmental analysis.
Municipal Code Requirements
Section 17.112.020 (15) of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) allows "professional
radio, microwave and television transmitters and broadcasting stations" in any zone,
upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by the Planning Commission.
Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.112.010 sets the following criteria that must be
met:
• That the Conditional Use Permit applied for is authorized by the provisions of this
title; and
That the granting of such Conditional Use Permit will not adversely affect the
established character of the surrounding neighborhood or be injurious to the
property or improvements in such vicinity and zone in which the property is
located; and
• That the establishment, maintenance or conduct of the use for which the
conditional use permit is sought will not, under the particular case, be detrimental
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Paqe 2 of 13
to the health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or welfare of persons residing
or working in the neighborhood; and
Not be detrimental or injurious to the property and improvements in the
neighborhood or the general welfare of the city; and
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Conditional Use Permit
07-1111 (Modification) for a period of six (6) months and adopt Resolution 09-04,
subject to conditions outlined in Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
ANALYSIS
Property History and Description
The subject site is located on the north side of Emerson Place, between Del Mar
Avenue and Kelburn Avenue. The site has a total lot area of 28,984 square feet and is
developed with two existing buildings. Building Department records indicate that the
building located in the front of the property is 4,958 square feet and consists of a
sanctuary, kitchen, dining, office, library, and storage areas. The rear building is 3,815
square feet and consists of memorial hall, dining hall, library, kitchen, and storage
areas.
Planning Division records indicate that a total of eight (8) entitlements have been
approved for this property since 1993. On January 4, 1993, Conditional Use Permit 92-
573 was approved to expand an existing temple with living quarters and a library. On
October 4, 1993, Tentative Parcel Map 023864 was approved to consolidate two (2)
parcels into one (1) parcel and a modification of Conditional Use Permit 92-573 was
also approved to expand the temple. A second modification to Conditional Use Permit
92-573 was approved on October 2, 1995, for the removal of two existing eucalyptus
trees. Zone Variance 00-295, and a third modification to Conditional Use Permit 92-573
was approved on May 1, 2000, to demolish existing living quarters and build a new two-
story building in the rear of the lot with less than required amount of parking.
Conditional Use Permit 92-573 was modified a fourth time on September 5, 2000, for
design changes from a two-story building in the rear of the lot to a one-story building.
Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 was approved on May 5, 2008, for the installation of a
40-foot tall unmanned wireless monocypress tree. '
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 3 of 13
South Elevation
Site & Surrounding Land Uses
The project site is designated in the General Plan as Medium Density Residential and
on the zoning map, it is designated R-2 (Light Multiple Residential). The site is
surrounded by the following land uses:
North:
General Plan:
Medium Density Residential
Zoning:
R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use:
Vacant School Site
South:
General Plan: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use: Residential
East:
General Plan:
Public Facilities
Zoning:
R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use:
Garvey Park
West:
General Plan: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use: Residential
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 4 of 13
Administrative Analysis
The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 on May 5, 2008,
for the installation of a 40-foot tall unmanned wireless telecommunication facility. The
approved project consisted of a wireless facility to resemble a live cypress tree and
consisted of six (6) panel antennas, one (1) 2'-0" diameter microwave dish antenna and
one (1) Global Positioning Systems (GPS) antenna. The project also proposed five (5)
equipment cabinets which are located within the 17'-9" by 20'-2" leasehold space. The
leasehold space is surrounded by a 6-0" high stucco finished concrete block wall. A copy
of the staff report for Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 has been attached as "Exhibit E."
On June 9, 2008, the applicant was issued building permits from the Building and Safety
Division. The Planning Division received a request for a final inspection in September
of 2008. At this inspection, staff determined that the monocypress tree did not match
the photographic simulations that were submitted and approved by the Planning
Commission on May 5, 2008. The applicant has submitted a photo comparing the
actual constructed monocypress with a photo simulation of the proposed modification to
the height of the monocypress tree, attached as "Exhibit C."
For aesthetic reasons, staff and the applicant agreed that a modification to the
unmanned wireless monocypress tree is necessary. Over the last couple of months,
staff has worked with the applicant to resolve these issues. The proposed modification
consists of increasing the overall height of the existing monocypress tree from 40'-0" to
44'-6". This will be accomplished by replacing the existing 3'-0" tall top-crown with a
new 8'-0" tall top crown section. By increasing the height of the tree by 4'-6," the tree
will look more like a cypress tree, thus improving the overall aesthetics of the wireless
facility.
The telecommunication equipment (panel antennas, GPS, and microwave dish
antenna) on the tree, which was originally approved by the Planning Commission on
May 5, 2008, will not be modified. Therefore, the wireless telecommunication facility will
continue not to impact any of the surrounding uses. The proposed facility is unmanned
and will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The federal and state governments set
strict regulations to safeguard health and safety issues, and to insure that people living
and residing in the area of a telecommunications facility, are not affected.
Conclusion
Staff finds this request to' be consistent with the land uses in the general area, with no
foreseeable negative impacts to the surrounding properties. Furthermore, the
unmanned wireless monocypress tree was approved by the Planning Commission on
May 5, 2008. The applicant has taken the appropriate measures to minimize visual
impacts by camouflaging the tower as a cypress tree and hiding the antennas within the
proposed monocypress branches. Staff has incorporated conditions of approval to
minimize potential negative impacts to the adjacent neighborhood. Therefore, staff
recommends that the Planning Commission approve this project with the attached
conditions.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 5 of 13
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process, which
includes a 300' property owner public hearing notice, and postings of ttie notice at the
five (5) public locations and on the subject site.
Prepared by~
Lily Trifih\
Assistant Planner
Submitted by:
Sheri Bermejo
Principal Planner
EXHIBITS:
A. Resolution 09-04
3. Conditions of Approval
C. Photo Simulation and Structural Analysis
D. Assessor Parcel Map (5287-020-039)
E. CUP 07-1111 Planning Commission Staff Report, dated May 5, 2008
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 6 of 13
EXHIBIT "A"
PC RESOLUTION 09-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07-1111 (MODIFICATION),
TO INCREASE THE HEIGHT OF AN UNMANNED WIRELESS
MONOCYPRESS TREE FROM 40'-0" TO 44'-6," LOCATED AT 7839
EMERSON PLACE IN THE R-2 (LIGHT MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL)
ZONE. (APN: 5287-020-039)
WHEREAS, on February 4, 2009, T-Mobile USA filed an application to modify
Conditional Use Permit 07-1111, to increase the height of an unmanned wireless
monocypress tree from 40'-0" to 44'-6," located at 7839 Emerson Place; and
WHEREAS, 7839 Emerson Place is located in the R-2 (Light Multiple
Residential) zone; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.112.020(15) of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC)
allows "professional radio, microwave and television transmitters and broadcasting
stations" in any zone, upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Section
17.112.010 sets criteria required for granting such a permit. These criteria require that
the proposed use is deemed:
The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use so applied
for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the
health, safety, peace, morals, comfort or general welfare of persons residing or
working in the neighborhood thereof, not be detrimental or injurious to the
property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the
city.
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 & 65900 of the California Government Code and
Section 17.112.010 of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorize the Planning
Commission to approve, conditionally approve or deny conditional use permits; and
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2009, forty-three (43) notices were sent to property
owners within a 300-foot radius from the subject property, in addition to notices posted
in five (5) public locations and on-site, specifying the availability of the application, plus
the date, time and location of the public hearing for Conditional Use Permit 07-1111
(Modification); and
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 7 of 13
WHEREAS, on March 2, 2009, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed and
advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Conditional
Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification); and
WHEREAS, the Rosemead Planning Commission has sufficiently considered all
testimony presented to them in order to make the following determination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of Rosemead as follows:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission HEREBY DETERMINES that Conditional
Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification) is Categorically Exempt from environmental review
as a Class 3 Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES
that facts do exist to justify approving Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification)
according to the Criteria of Chapter 17.112.010 of the Rosemead Municipal Code as
follows:
A. The Conditional Use Permit applied for is authorized by the provisions of this
title and that the granting of such conditional use permits will not adversely affect the
established character of the surrounding neighborhood or be injurious to the property or
improvements in such vicinity and zone in which the property is located.
FINDING: Staff finds this request to be consistent with land uses in the general
area with no foreseeable negative impacts to the adjacent neighborhood. The applicant
is proposing to increase the height of an unmanned wireless monocypress tree from
40'-0" to 44'-6." The telecommunication equipment (panel antennas, GPS, and
microwave dish antenna) on the tree, which was originally approved by the Planning
Commission on May 5, 2008, will not be modified. The applicant has taken appropriate
measures to minimize visual impacts to the surrounding properties by camouflaging the
tower as a cypress tree and hiding the antennas within the proposed monocypress
tower branches.
B. The establishment, maintenance or conduct of the use for which the
conditional use permit is sought will not, under the particular case, be detrimental to the
health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or welfare of persons residing or working in
the neighborhood.
FINDING: The site is designated in the General Plan as Medium Density
Residential. The proposed use is in conformity with the General Plan, in that the
policies of the General Plan encourage complementary uses that will not be in conflict
with established neighborhood districts. On the zoning map, it is designated as R-2
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 8 of 13
(Light Multiple Residential), which permits the construction of communication towers
with approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
C. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use so
applied for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case will not be detrimental
or injurious to the general welfare of the City.
FINDING: The proposed use is silent in nature and will not endanger or
otherwise constitute a menace to the surrounding properties. Furthermore, conditions
of approval have been incorporated upon the issuance of this permit requiring the
overall maintenance of the site. The applicant shall adhere to all requirements and
regulations of both the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) with respect to personal communication services.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Conditional Use
Permit 07-1111 (Modification), to allow the height modification of unmanned wireless
monocypress tree, from 40'-0" to 44'-6," located at 7839 Emerson Place, subject to
conditions listed in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4. This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on March 2, 2009, by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SECTION 5. The secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and
shall transmit copies of same to the applicant and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 2nd day of March, 2009.
Daniel Lopez, Chairman
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 9 of 13
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Rosemead at its regular meeting, held on the 2nd day of
March, 2009 by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SECTION 5. The secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and
shall transmit copies of same to the applicant and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 2nd day of March, 2009.
Sheri Bermejo, Secretary
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 10 of 13
EXHIBIT "B"
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07-1111 (MODIFICATION)
(APN: 5287-020-039)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
March 2. 2009
1. Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification) is approved to increase the
height of an unmanned wireless monocypress tree from 40'-0" to 44'-6", to
be developed in accordance with the photo simulation marked Exhibit "C",
dated February 4, 2009. Any revisions to the approved plans must be
resubmitted for review and approval by the City of Rosemead Planning
Division.
2. Approval of Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification) shall not take
effect for any purpose until the applicant has filed with the City of Rosemead
a notarized affidavit stating that he/she is aware of and accepts all of the
conditions of approval as set forth in the letter of approval and this list of
conditions, within ten (10) days from the Planning Commission approval
date. .
3. Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification) is approved for a period of
six (6) months from the Planning Commission approval date. The applicant
shall initiate the proposed use, or request an extension within 30-calendar
days before expiration of the initial 6 month approval period. Otherwise,
Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification) shall become null and void..
4. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make
or approve minor modifications to the approved Plans where necessary.
5. Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 (Modification) is granted or approved with
the City and its Planning Commission and City Council retaining and
reserving the right and jurisdiction to review and to modify the permit,
including the conditions of approval,-based on changed circumstances.
Changed circumstances include, but are not limited to, the modification of
the use, a change in scope, emphasis, size, or nature of the use, or the
expansion, alteration, reconfiguration, or change of use. This reservation of
right to review is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the right of the city, its
Planning Commission, and City Council to review and revoke or modify any
permit granted or approved under the Rosemead Municipal Code for any
violations of the conditions imposed on this Conditional Use Permit 07-1111
(Modification).
6. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Page 11 of 13
Rosemead or its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or
proceeding against the City of Rosemead or its agents, officers, or
employees to attack, set side, void, or annul, an approval of the Planning
Commission and/or City Council concerning the project, Which action is
brought within the time period provided by law.
7. All conditions of approval must be complied with to the satisfaction of the
Planning Division, prior to final inspection.
8. The conditions listed on this exhibit shall be copied directly onto any
development plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building
divisions for review.
9. The applicant shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws relative to
the approved use including the requirements of the Planning, Building, Fire,
Sheriff and Health Departments.
10. Construction activities shall be limited to take place between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No construction shall
take place on Sundays or any legal holidays.
11. The onsite public hearing notice posting shall be removed within 30 days
from the end of the 10-day appeal period of Conditional Use Permit 07-1111
(Modification).
12. No portion of the lot, outside of the building, shall be used for storage of any
type. All trash and debris shall be contained within approved trash
enclosure.
13. The site shall be maintained in a clean, weed, and litter free state in
accordance with Sections 8.32.010-8.32.040 of the Rosemead Municipal
Code, which pertains to the storage, accumulation, collection, and disposal
of garbage, rubbish, trash, and debris. All trash containers shall be stored
in the appropriate trash enclosure at all times. Any new litter and graffiti
shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours.
14. All utilities and connection cables shall be underground. The under-
grounding of these utilities shall consider all future connections to the
satisfaction of the Planning Division.
15. Safety standards developed by the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) shall be followed through all stages of construction and operation of
this facility.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Pace 12 of 13
16. The applicant shall adhere to all requirements and regulations of both the
Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) with respect to personal communication services.
17. The equipment shelter shall be 6'-0" high and be constructed of concrete
block with a stucco finish to match the existing building in texture and color.
18. All existing shade structures and canopies onsite shall be removed from the
site.
19. The landscape planter located along the north property line shall be
improved with additional landscaping (colorful and drought tolerant trees,
shrubs, flowers and ground cover). All landscape planters onsite shall be
maintained with adequate landscaping on a regular basis.
20. The applicant shall maintain a minimum clearance of five (5) feet (free of
any debris, storage, furniture, etc.) from any electrical/mechanical .
equipment and/or emergency exits.
21. All side and rear yard fencing height shall be increased to a total of six (6)
feet.
22. The parking area, including handicapped spaces, shall be paved and re-
painted periodically to City standards to the satisfaction of the Planning
Division. In accordance with Chapter 17.84 of the Rosemead Municipal
Code, all designated parking stalls shall be double striped and have wheel
stops. Such striping shall be maintained in a clear, visible, and orderly
manner.
23. At no time shall any travel trailer be utilized for living purposes.
24. A new trash enclosure shall be installed directly south of the equipment
shelter. The trash enclosure walls shall be 6'-0" tall and be constructed of
concrete block with a stucco finish to match the existing building in texture
and color. The trash enclosure shall aiso have steel self-closing doors. A
decorative trellis cover shall have decorative cut beams.
25. No start-up generators shall be permitted onsite.
26. Violation of the conditions of approval may result in citation. and/or the
initiation of revocation proceedings.
Planning Commission Meeting
March 2, 2009
Pace 13 of 13
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EXHIBIT "E"
ROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION
r
STAFF REPORT
~CRPORnIED 40 TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: May 5, 2008
SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07-1111
7839 EMERSON PLACE
Summary
T-Mobile USA has submitted a Conditional Use Permit application requesting to install
an unmanned wireless 40-foot high Monocypress tree with six (6) attached antennas,
one microwave dish antenna and one Global Positioning Systems (GPS) antenna
located at 7839 Emerson Place in the R-2 (Light Multiple Residential) zone.
Environmental Determination:
Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and local
environmental guidelines exempt projects that consist of the installation of new
equipment in small structures. Accordingly, Conditional Use Permit 07-1111 is
classified as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 of CEQA and
therefore exempt from further environmental analysis.
Municipal Code Requirements
Section 17.112.020 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) allows ".professional radio,
microwave and television transmitters and broadcasting stations" in any zone, upon
granting of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by the Planning Commission. Rosemead
Municipal Code Section 17.112.010 sets the following-criteria required for granting such
a permit. RMC criteria require that the proposed use be deemed:
• Essential or desirable to the public conveniences or welfare;
• In harmony with the elements or objectives of the General Plan, and;
• Not to be detrimental or injurious to surrounding properties.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Conditional Use Permit
07-1111 for a period of six (6) months and adopt Resolution 08-05, subject to conditions
outlined in Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
Planning Commission Meeting
May 5, 2008
Page 2 of 15
Property History and Description
The subject site is located on the north side of Emerson Place, between Del Mar
Avenue and Kelburn Avenue. The site has a total lot area of 28,984 square feet and is
developed with two existing buildings. Building Department records indicate that the
building located in the front of the property is 4,958 square feet and consists of a
sanctuary, kitchen, dining, office, library, and. storage areas. The rear building is 3,815
square feet and consists of memorial hall, dining hall, library, kitchen, and storage
areas:
Planning Division records indicate that a total of seven entitlements have been
approved for this property since 1993. On January 4, 1993, Conditional Use Permit 92-
573 was approved to expand an existing temple with living quarters and a library. On
October 4, 1993, Tentative Parcel Map 023864 was approved to consolidate two (2)
parcels into one (1) parcel and a modification of Conditional Use Permit 92-573 was
also approved to expand the temple. A second modification to. Conditional Use Permit
92-573 was approved on October 2, 1995 for the removal of two existing eucalyptus
trees. Zone Variance 00-295 for less than required parking, and a third modification to
Conditional Use Permit 92-573 was approved on May 1, 2000 to demolish existing living
quarters and build a new two-story building in the rear of the lot. Conditional Use Permit
92-573 was modified a fourth time on September 5, 2000 for design changes from a
two-story building in the rear of the lot to a one-story building.
South Elevation
Planning Commission Meeting
May 5, 2008
Paqe 3 of 15
Site & Surrounding Land Uses
The project site is designated in the General Plan as Medium Density Residential and
on the zoning map, it is designated R-2 (Light Multiple Residential). The site is
surrounded by the following land uses:
North:
General Plan: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use: Margaret Duff Elementary School
South:
General Plan: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use: Residential
East:
General Plan: Public Facilities
Zoning: R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use: Garvey Park
West:
General Plan: Medium Density Residential
Zoning: R-2 (Light Multiple Residential)
Land Use: Residential
Administrative Analysis
The applicant is proposing to install an unmanned wireless 40-foot high monocypress
telecommunication tower that will consist of six (6) panel antennas, one .(1) 2'-0"
diameter microwave dish antenna and one (1) Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
antenna. The six (6) antennas will be mounted on the tower in three (3) sectors of two
(2) antennas each. Each individual antenna measures at approximately 1'-0" high. The
monocypress is designed to replicate a cypress tree. The antennas will be screened
with faux branches and a textured trunk to resemble a live tree; similar to the existing
trees already on-site. The five (5) equipment cabinets will be located within the 17'-9" by
20'-2" leasehold space. The leasehold space is surrounded by a new 6'-0" high concrete
block wall which will have with a stucco finish to match the existing building. A new metal
gate will also be installed.
The equipment on the monocyp~ess will be located at different heights on the pole. The
top of the branches are located at a height of 40'-0", the tops of the panel antennas are
located at a height of 36-1", the center of the antennas are located at a height of 34'-0"
and the center of the microwave dish is located at a height of 30'-5" from ground level.
On February 19, 2008, a public hearing was scheduled for Conditional Use Permit 07-
1111; however, the applicant requested continuance for additional time to work with
Planning Commission Meeting
May 5, 2008
Page 4 of 15
staff on aesthetic issues. Over the last couple of months, staff has worked with -the
applicant to resolve these issues.
The proposed location of the wireless telecommunication facility will not impact any of the
existing uses. The proposed facility is unmanned and will operate 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. The federal and state governments set strict regulations to safeguard health
and safety issues, and to insure that people living and residing in the area of a
telecommunications facility are not affected. To verify that this proposed facility complies
with the FCC limits for human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields, the
Planning Division has completed the Evaluation of Categorical Exclusion Checklist that the
FCC provides for local governments. This proposed telecommunications facility meets the
Commission's exclusion criteria.
Due to a growing number of cellular phone subscribers and increased usage in the
Rosemead area, T-mobile seeks to improve its existing network and expand coverage
by adding this wireless facility. This addition will improve coverage and off-load capacity
of neighboring sites, as well as improve voice and data transmission to Rosemead
residents and commuters who travel along and around the surrounding roadways.
Agency Review Comments
During the review process, staff compared the proposed site plan to an existing site
plan that was approved by the most recent modification of Conditional Use Permit 92-
573 in September of 2000. The final approved plans by the Planning, Building, and the
Los Angeles County Fire Departments revealed that a mandatory fire truck
hammerhead turnaround was required at the proposed location of the trash enclosure.
As. shown in the plans dated April 22, 2008, included in this report as "Exhibit C," the
area designated for this required turnaround has been striped with parking stalls. Staff
met with the Los Angeles County Fire Department regarding this matter and the Fire
Department has determined that a hammerhead turnaround is no longer required for
this site. Please find these comments by the Los Angeles County Fire Department in
"Exhibit H."
Conclusion
Staff finds this request to be consistent with the land uses in the general area, with no
foreseeable negative impacts to the surrounding properties. The applicant has taken
the appropriate measures to minimize visual impacts by camouflaging the tower as a
cypress tree and hiding the antennas within the proposed monocypress branches. Staff
has incorporated conditions of approval to minimize potential negative impacts to the
adjacent neighborhood. Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission
approve this project with the attached conditions.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process, which
includes a 300' property owner public hearing notice, and postings of the notice at the
five (5) public locations and on the subject site.
Planning Commission Meeting
May 5, 2008
Page 5 of 15
Prepare
Lily Trinh
Assistant Planner
Submitted by:
Matt Everling 4?9
City Planner
EXHIBITS:
A. Resolution 08-05
B. Conditions of Approval
C. Site Plan/Floor Plan/Elevations
D. Assessor Parcel Map (5287-020-039)
E. Photo Simulations
F. Map of Coverage
G. RF Emissions Checklist
H. Los Angeles County Fire Department Comments