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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4C - Communications Antennas _.~ STAFF AGENDA REPORT AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: SUBJECT: DATE: 4C JANE KANSIER, PLANNING COORDINATOR CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE #97-XX AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND CITY CODE AS IT PERTAINS TO THE TREATMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS AND EQUIPMENT BUILDINGS JANUARY 6, 1997 INTRODUCTION: On December 16, 1996, the Council considered an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance which addressed communications antennas and the accessory equipment buildings. At the meeting, there was discussion about what the appropriate size of the equipment buildings should be, and what the City could regulate. The Council directed the staff to prepare an ordinance for adoption that addressed these issue. DISCUSSION: The proposed ordinance is attached to this report. This ordinance is very similar to the ordinance reviewed at the December 16, 1996, Council meeting. The staff has eliminated any reference to requiring that two communication companies share the facility. The staff has also removed the provision relating to the maximum percentage area of equipment buildings on a lot. We can, however, establish a maximum building size which is proposed to be 336 square feet. This square footage is based on the size of the equipment shelter already located on the water tower sites. The staff has discussed this building size with some of the communications companies, and they do not foresee any problems. In fact, the preliminary site plans submitted by these companies indicate smaller buildings. We have also added a provision requiring site plan approval for the equipment buildings. This provision will allow us to address aesthetics as well as health and safety concerns. The site plan review will be administrative, with approval required by the City Engineer, the Planning Director and the Building Official. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Adopt Ordinance #97-XX as proposed. 1:196zoamndlcommuniI96107cc2.doc PAGE 1 16200 Eagle Creek Ave. S.E., Prior Lake. Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER RECOMMENDATION: ACTION REQUIRED: 1:\96zoamnd\communi\96107cc2.doc 2. Further discuss this issue and direct the staff to provide additional information to the City Council. 3. Deny the proposed amendment. The staff recommends Alternative #1. A motion and second to ad'opt the proposed ordinance. This action require 4lvote of the Council. /"'-' PAGE 2 ~ (I) t1ll ~~ ~tA-~..Jo lLU.- _O'{-4.-~t-L~ ~~ (1) An equipmeM shelter shall not exceed 336 s~uare feet in area. ~ k..L, .1A . _ ~ ~ I..u1. T lVV\V (2) Exterior building materials for equipment shelters shall be brick or a material which ~ simulates the appearance of a brick fascia, and shall be architecturally compatible with the surrounding area. ~~ (3) Equipment shelters must meet the setbacks listed in Section 5-4-1, Lot and Yard Requirements, for "Other Uses" in the A-I, R-l, R-2, R-3, R-4 and B-2 Districts, or for "All Uses" in the B-1, B-3, 1-2 and C-1 Districts, or for "Structures" in the B-P District, except that setbacks between equipment shelters may be varied so long as the proximity does not create a health safety issue. (4)) There shall be no outside storage of equipment or vehicles permitted as part of the eqyipment.shelter. (5) In order to avoid unsightliness and to mitigate against possible diminution in property values, the location and placement of an equipment shelter accessory to an essential service(s) shall be SUbje,;!.lo~e plan review. The site plan must receive approval of the Planning Director, t e Ity Engineer-and the Building Official. This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication. Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 6th day of January, 1997. ATTEST: City Manager Mayor Published in the Prior Lake American on the _ day of , 1996. Drafted By: I :\96zoamnd\communi\ord96xx.doc PAGE 2