HomeMy WebLinkAboutT MobileCITY OF CHUBBUCK
CITY COUNCIL
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION
This matter comes before the City Council on twelve (12) appeals filed in objection to the
Land Use and Development Commission decision granting the application of T Mobile
(hereinafter referred to as "Applicant") for a conditional use permit to place an 80 ft cell tower on
the grounds at Chubbuck Elementary School on the real property located at 600 West Chastain
Drive.
The Council reviewed the Commission's findings of facts and conclusions of law, and
having heard and reviewed testimony from the appealing parties and the Applicant, and being
fully advised, now makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Applicant has applied for a conditional use permit as particularly described above.
2. All legal requirements for notice of public hearing have been met.
3. The property in question is zoned R-2 Limited Residential pursuant to the Land Use
Ordinance of the City of Chubbuck.
4. The property is designated as Medium Density in the duly adopted Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Chubbuck.
5. Relevant criteria and standards for consideration of this application are set forth in
Idaho Cade section 67-6512 and in Chubbuck Code section 18.28.040 (C).
6. The facts relevant to an evaluation of the relevant criteria and standards are as follows:
A. Chapter 18.13 of the City Code regulates Wireless Communications Facilities and
state as its purpose to:
"These standards were developed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to
protect property values and minimize visual impact while furthering the development of
enhanced telecommunication services in the city."
B. While the Commission found this site complies with Code section 18.13.080 on site
selection Priority because Applicant has demonstrated sites for collocation were not viable and
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW - Page 1
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this site on Public Property that borders a commercial use (Hawthorne Animal Hospital), the
property is still in a residentially zoned area.
The Council frids under Chubbuck Municipal Code § 18.13.080 (A) this site is not a
paragraph 2 priority site but is instead a paragraph 10 priority site.
The Council is not satisfied that Applicant has demonstrated there are not other sites with
in the area of T Mobil's area that needs additional cell coverage that would be of a higher
priority, paragraphs 2 though 9 of Code § 18.13.080 (A).
Additionally Applicant has not demonstrated this residential location is proper under
Code § 18.13.080 (B) (1).
C. The proposed location does not meet the tower height set back from adjoining
property and Applicant has not demonstrated why the set back should be waived.
D. This site does not pose a safety risk as Applicant will maintain compliance with FCC
RF emission standards and the monopole will be constructed in accordance with applicable
engineering standards.
E. While the property owner, School District No. 25, has indicated support for this site,
Applicant at this time does not have a written agreement with School District no. 25 for use of
this site. Applicant fails to comply with Chubbuck Municipal Code § 18.28.020 (A) which
requires an Applicant to either own or have a contractual interest in real property in order to
submit an application under Title 18.
F. Several of the appellants have a general complaint about the proposed use but have
failed to show their real property interests are actually impacted by the proposed use.
G. Those appellants that have demonstrated their real property is impacted show impact
due either to failure to meet the required set back from the property line or for aesthetic reasons.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS OF FACT, the City Council hereby
enters the following:
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. Applicant has failed to show there are not other site that would fit Applicant's
needs within Applicant's area of poor coverage that would have a higher priority under
Chubbuck Municipal Code § 18.13..080 (A) or that this residential location is proper under Code
§ 18.13.080 (13)(1).
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2. Applicant does not have the ownership or contractual interest in the proposed site
required to proceed under Title 18 of the Chubbuck Municipal Code.
DECISION
The Land Use and Development Commission decision is overruled and the request of the
Applicant for a conditional use permit is denied.
Adopted the q'lhday of January, 2015, as the findings of fact and
conclusions of law of the Chubbuck City Council.
By: Vi Gtl �4,6 —
Clerk
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CITY OF CHUBBUCK
LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION
This matter having come before the Commission for public hearing pursuant to public
notice as required by law, on April 14, 2015, upon the application of T Mobile (hereinafter
referred to as "applicant") for a conditional use permit to place a 80 ft cell tower on the grounds
of Stuart Park on the real property located at 5161 Stuart Avenue and the Commission having
heard testimony from interested parties, obtained an independent third party review of
Applicant's proposal from CityScape Consultants, Inc., and being fully advised in the matter,
now makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Applicant has applied for a conditional use permit as particularly described above.
2. All legal requirements for notice of public hearing have been met.
3. The property in question is zoned R-2 Limited Residential pursuant to the Land Use
Ordinance of the City of Chubbuck.
4. The property is designated as Medium Density in the duly adopted Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Chubbuck.
5. Relevant criteria and standards for consideration of this application are set forth in
Idaho Code section 67-6512 and in Chubbuck Code section 18.28.040 (C) and Chapter 18.13.
6. The facts relevant to an evaluation of the relevant criteria and standards are as follows:
A. Chapter 18.13 of the City Code regulates Wireless Communications Facilities and
state as its purpose to:
"These standards were developed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to
protect property values and minimize visual impact while furthering the development of
enhanced telecommunication services in the city."
B. This site complies with Code section 18. 13.080 on site selection Priority because
Applicant has demonstrated sites for collocation were not viable and this site on Public Property
has the least impact on residential areas. Of the other sites considered, the approval of the
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Chubbuck Elementary site was denied by the City Council. Given the lack of alternative sites,
this site in Stuart Park is the best fit for Applicant's needs. The third -party review by CityScape
concluded the four existing towers nearest to the proposed site were justified in being eliminated
from Applicant's consideration. Co -location on any existing tower will not fit the Applicant's
needs to eliminate the gap in coverage.
C. Applicant's use will further the development of enhanced telecommunication
services in the city by eliminating a wide area of poor coverage for this wireless provider.
D. While other providers of wireless service provide coverage to this area, Chubbuck
Code Section 18.13.010 A indicates: "This chapter shall not be applied in such a manner as to
unreasonably discriminate between providers of functionally equivalent personal wireless
services."
E. In accordance with City Code 18.13.120, the proposed 80 ft tower in a Residential
zone requires a Conditional Use Permit.
F. This site is needed by Applicant to provide reliable service to Customers as shown by
Applicant's coverage maps and will close a gap in coverage.
G. The proposed Tower will be an 80 ft monopole with flush mount antennas, similar to
other towers in the City which have posed no threat to public safety. Applicant, by flush
mounting the antennae, has mitigated the visual impact of the tower.
H. The Cell site would be surrounded by a fence.
I. Ground equipment would be contained in an enclosure.
J. 100% of tower height setback from adjoining property is not met but this is mitigated
by the distance to any structures on this property and the need to locate the tower in this isolated
comer of the park so as to minimize interference with other uses of the park.
K. Applicant will maintain compliance with FCC RF emission standards.
L. Pursuant to Chubbuck Municipal Code §18-13.090, the special requirement for parks
are met by Applicant on the following basis:
The Applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City that visual impacts
have been mitigated to the fullest extent reasonably possible and that
accommodations have been included in the design and placement so that there
would be no disruption of normal public use of the park. Specifically locating the
tower in the far northwest corner of the park will have the least impact to park
users.
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2. The Applicant has clearly demonstrated that placement of the facility in a public
park is necessary for the effective operation of Applicant's services and for the
elimination of Applicant's coverage gap. Applicant indicates alternative
placement is not possible and such has been confirmed by City's independent
third -party review by CityScape.
M. The third -party review by CityScape agreed with the elimination of the nearest four
towers as alternate sites for placement and further concluded that the selected location in Stuart
Park was compliant with the hierarchy [for location of cell towers] as defined in the City's
ordinance.
N. CityScape and its third -party review has determined, after consideration of the
technical specifications of the submitted application, that, with the exception of the landscaping
and setbacks, the application is compliant with the requirements and the City's ordinance and
CityScape recommended approval of the application with certain suggested conditions.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS OF FACT, the Land Use and
Development Commission hereby enters the following:
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. The use for which the permit is sought will not be injurious to the neighborhood
or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
2. No credible evidence has been submitted as to loss of economic value; the permit
sought will not produce an adverse impact on the economic values of adjacent properties.
3. The permit sought will not produce a negative impact on transportation facilities,
public utilities, schools, public parks, or the natural environment.
4. The noise and traffic conditions generated by the use for which the permit is
sought, when analyzed in conjunction with the noise and traffic conditions now existing does not
indicate that the permit should be denied.
5. The use for which the permit is sought shall not work an unreasonable hardship
upon surrounding property owners by virtue of its physical natures or by the impact of changes
made in the landscape of the land.
6. On balance, while recognizing the aesthetic qualities of the proposed use in
comparison with the aesthetic qualities of the surrounding lands and recognizing the purpose of
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furthering the development of enhanced telecommunication services in the city, the aesthetic
conflict has been minimized by siting in a public park adjacent to an arterial street with a church
and public library across the street and by using flush mount antennae.
7. The adverse impact of the proposed use on other development within the City has
been minimized by Applicant as much as is reasonably possible.
8. Owners of adjacent property have not expressed approval of the issuance of the
requested conditional use permit and are opposed to this permit, primarily on the grounds that a
park is not a proper site for such a Tower. Chapter 18.13 permits location of a tower in a public
park if certain criteria are met which this Applicant has met.
10. The requested conditional use permit should be maintained subject to the
conditions set forth below.
DECISION
1. The Land Use and Development Commission, pursuant to the foregoing, finds that the
request of the applicant should be approved.
2. The following conditions, if any, are hereby imposed upon the granting of said
conditional use permit and applicant, by taking advantage of said conditional use permit agrees to
the imposition of the same:
A. The request waiver for setbacks is justified.
B. The Landscaping, fence and screening shall comply with the City Code.
C. The Applicant shall provide the required Historical documentation (NEPA/SHOP)
results.
D. The emergency power generator, if/when installed, shall be tested only between
the hours of 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the noise level
shall not exceed 65 dB at the closest boundary.
E. The Tower Owner shall attest that all feed lines for this installation including
collocation feed lines and all future installations shall be concealed inside the
spine of the support structure (tower).
3. The conditional use permit requested by the Applicant is granted, subject to the
foregoing conditions.
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4. The time to appeal this decision begins as of the date of the hearing, April 14,
2015, and the affirmative vote by the Commission to grant the permit, with conditions.
5. Takings. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-8001 et seq., the Commission makes the
following findings with respect to the decision in this action:
A. This Action does not result in a permanent or temporary physical occupation of
private property.
B. This Action does not require the property owner to dedicate a portion of the
property or to grant an easement.
C. This Action does not deprive the owner of the property of all viable uses of the
property.
D. This Action does not have a significant impact on the landowner's economic
interest.
E. This Action does not deny a fundamental attribute of ownership.
F. This Action does not serve the same purpose that would be served by directly
prohibiting the use or action; nor does the condition imposed substantially
advance such purpose.
Adopted the day of May, 2015 as the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the
Land Use and Development Commission.
Y:
erk
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW - Page 5
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CITY OF CFIUBBUCK
LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION
This matter having come before the Commission for public hearing pursuant to public
notice as required by law, on November 12, 2014, upon the application of T Mobile
(hereinafter referred to as "applicant') for a conditional use permit to place a 80 ft cell tower on
the grounds at Chubbuck Elementary School on the real property located at 600 West Chastain
Drive and the Commission having heard testimony from interested parties and being fully
advised in the matter, now makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Applicant has applied for a conditional use permit as particularly described above.
2. All legal requirements for notice of public hearing have been met.
3. The property in question is zoned R-2 Limited Residential pursuant to the Land Use
Ordinance of the City of Chubbuck.
4. The property is designated as Medium Density in the duly adopted Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Chubbuck.
5. Relevant criteria and standards for consideration of this application are set forth in
Idaho Code section 67-6512 and in Chubbuck Code section 18.28.040 (C).
6. The facts relevant to an evaluation of the relevant criteria and standards are as
follows:
A. Chapter 18.13 of the City Code regulates Wireless Communications Facilities and
state as its purpose to:
"These standards were developed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to
protect property values and minimize visual impact while furthering the development of
enhanced telecommunication services in the city."
B. This site complies with Code section 18.13.080 on site selection Priority because
Applicant has demonstrated sites for collocation were not viable and this site on Public Property
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW - Page 1
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that borders a commercial use (Hawthorne Animal Hospital) has the least impact on residential
areas. Of the other sites considered, Stuart Park and the Hawthorne Animal Hospital property,
the Chubbuck School site was the best fit for the Applicant's needs. No other appropriate
location in a non-residential zone is available.
C. Applicant's use will further the development of enhanced telecommunication
services in the city by eliminating a wide area of poor coverage for this wireless provider.
D. While other providers of wireless service provide coverage to this area, Chubbuck
Code Section 18.13.010 A indicates: "This chapter shall not be applied in such a manner as to
unreasonably discriminate between providers of functionally equivalent personal wireless
services."
E. In accordance with City Code 18.13.120, the proposed 80 ft tower in a Residential
zone requires a Conditional Use Permit.
F. This site is needed by Applicant to provide reliable service to Customers as shown by
Applicant's coverage maps.
G. The proposed Tower will be an 80 ft monopole with flush mount antennas, similar to
other towers in the City which have posed no problem to public safety. Applicant, by flush
mounting the antennae, has mitigated the visual impact of the tower.
H. The Cell site would be surrounded with a chain link fence. Applicant's landlord,
School District No. 25 has stated a preference for chain link for visibility of intruders.
I. Ground equipment would be contained in an enclosure.
J. 100% of tower height setback from adjoining property was not met but this is
mitigated by the distance to any structures on this property which is a commercial use.
K. Applicant will maintain compliance with FCC RF emission standards.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS OF FACT. the Land Use and
Development Commission hereby enters the following:
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. The use for which the permit is sought will not be injurious to the neighborhood
or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
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2. The permit sought will not produce an adverse impact on the economic values of
adjacent properties.
3. The permit sought will not produce a negative impact on transportation facilities,
public utilities, schools, public parks, or the natural environment any greater than had the strict
terms of the Land Use Ordinance been complied followed.
4. The noise and traffic conditions generated by the use for which the permit is
sought, when analyzed in conjunction with the noise and traffic conditions now existing does not
indicate that the permit should be denied.
5. The use for which the permit is sought shall not work an unreasonable hardship
upon surrounding property owners by virtue of its physical natures or by the impact of changes
made in the landscape of the land.
6. On balance, while recognizing the aesthetic qualities of the proposed use in
comparison with the aesthetic qualities of the surrounding lands and recognizing the purpose of
furthering the development of enhanced telecommunication services in the city, the aesthetic
conflict has been minimized by siting on a large public area bordering a commercial use and
using flush mount antennae.
7. The adverse impact of the proposed use on other development within the City has
not been minimized by Applicant as much as is reasonably possible.
8. Owners of adjacent property have not expressed approval of the issuance of the
requested conditional use permit.
10. The requested conditional use permit should be maintained subject to the
conditions set forth below.
DECISION
1. The Land Use and Development Commission, pursuant to the foregoing, finds that
the request of the applicant should be approved.
2. The following conditions, if any, are hereby imposed upon the granting of said
conditional use permit and applicant, by taking advantage of said conditional use permit agrees to
the imposition of the same:
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A. Apply 80' set back condition that will move playground and other permanent
structures away from the base of the tower. The height of the tower will be the
radius
B. Landscaping requirement as outlined in city code be met in the design criteria,
including a 8' chain link fence.
3. The conditional use permit requested by the Applicant is granted, subject to the
foregoing conditions.
4. Takings. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-8001 et seq., the Commission makes the
following findings with respect to the decision in this action:
A. This Action does not result in a permanent or temporary physical occupation of
private property.
B. This Action does not require the property owner to dedicate a portion of the
property or to grant an easement.
C. This Action does not deprive the owner of the property of all viable uses of the
property.
D. This Action does not have a significant impact on the landowner's economic
interest.
E. This Action does not deny a fundamental attribute of ownership.
F. This Action does not serve the same purpose that would be served by directly
prohibiting the use or action; nor does the condition imposed substantially advance such
purpose.
Adopted the I day of December, 2014 as the findings of fact and
conclusions of law of the Land Use and Development CommissiogK --\
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW - Page 4
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CITY OF CHUBBUCK
CITY COUNCIL
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION
This matter comes before the City Council on appeals filed in objection to the
Land Use and Development Commission decision on April 14, 2015 granting the application of
T Mobile (hereinafter referred to as "Applicant") for a conditional use permit to place an 80 ft
cell tower on the grounds of Stuart Park on the real property located at 5161 Stuart Avenue.
The Council reviewed the Commission's findings of facts and conclusions of law, and
having heard and reviewed testimony from the appealing parties and the Applicant, and being
fully advised, now makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Applicant applied for a conditional use permit as particularly described above.
2. All legal requirements for notice of public hearing were met.
3. The property in question is zoned R-2 Limited Residential pursuant to the Land Use
Ordinance of the City of Chubbuck.
4. The property is designated as Medium Density in the duly adopted Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Chubbuck.
5. Appeals were filed by the following individuals whose attendance at the hearing of
the appeals before the City Council is noted:
A. Suzanne Peck - not in attendance
B. Steve and Camille Gannon and Family - not in attendance
C. Dana Denning - not in attendance
D. Eliza Payne - not in attendance
E. Bree Lufkin - not in attendance
F. Emily Wright - not in attendance
G. Holly Lambson - not in attendance
H. Jeremy Lambson - not in attendance
Roger and Earlene Porter - Earlene Porter declined to comment.
Kjerstin Lind - not in attendance
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW - Page 1
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Roger Porter argued his appeal before the Council.
6. Relevant criteria and standards for consideration of this application are set forth in
Idaho Code section 67-6512 and in Chubbuck Code section 18.28.040 (C) and Chapter 18.13.
7. The facts relevant to an evaluation of the relevant criteria and standards are as follows:
A. Chapter 18.13 of the City Code regulates Wireless Communications Facilities and
state as its purpose:
"These standards were developed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to
protect property values and minimize visual impact while furthering the development of
enhanced telecommunication services in the city."
B. This site complies with Chubbuck Municipal Code Section 18.13.080 on site selection
Priority because Applicant has demonstrated sites for collocation were not viable and this site on
Public Property has the least impact on residential areas. Of the other sites considered, the
approval of the Chubbuck Elementary site was denied by the City Council. Given the lack of
alternative sites, this site in Stuart Park is the best fit for Applicant's needs. The third -party
review by Cityscape concluded the four existing towers nearest to the proposed site were
justified in being eliminated from Applicant's consideration. Co -location on any existing tower
will not fit the Applicant's needs to eliminate the gap in coverage.
This site additionally has priority under Chubbuck Municipal Code Section 18.13.0890 as
a use on public property since it is owned by the City of Chubbuck and thus has first priority for
siting on public property.
C. Applicant's use will further the development of enhanced telecommunication
services in the city by eliminating a wide area of poor coverage for this wireless provider.
D. While other providers of wireless service provide coverage to this area, Chubbuck
Code Section 18.13.010 A indicates: "This chapter shall not be applied in such a manner as to
unreasonably discriminate between providers of functionally equivalent personal wireless
services."
E. In accordance with City Code 18. 13.120 , the proposed 80 ft tower in a Residential
zone requires a Conditional Use Permit.
F. This site is needed by Applicant to provide reliable service to Customers as shown by
Applicant's coverage maps and will close a gap in coverage.
G. The proposed Tower will be an 80 ft monopole with flush mount antennas, similar to
other towers in the City which have posed no threat to public safety. Applicant, by flush
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mounting the antennae, has mitigated the visual impact of the tower.
H. The Cell site would be surrounded by a fence.
I. Ground equipment would be contained in an enclosure.
J. 100% of tower height setback from adjoining property is not met but this is mitigated
by the distance to any structures on this property and the need to locate the tower in this isolated
corner of the park so as to minimize interference with other uses of the park.
K. Applicant will maintain compliance with FCC RF emission standards.
L. Pursuant to Chubbuck Municipal Code §18-13.090, the special requirement for parks
are met by Applicant on the following basis:
The Applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City that visual impacts
have been mitigated to the fullest extent reasonably possible and that
accommodations have been included in the design and placement so that there
would be no disruption of normal public use of the park. Specifically locating the
tower in the far northwest corner of the park will have the least impact to park
users.
2. The Applicant has clearly demonstrated that placement of the facility in a public
park is necessary for the effective operation of Applicant's services and for the
elimination of Applicant's coverage gap. Applicant indicates alternative
placement is not possible and such has been confirmed by an independent third -
party review by Cityscape which was requested by the City.
M. The third -party review by CityScape agreed with the elimination of the nearest four
towers as alternate sites for placement and collocation and further concluded that the selected
location in Stuart Park was compliant with the hierarchy [for location of cell towers] as defined
in the City's ordinance.
N. CityScape and its third -party review determined, after consideration of the technical
specifications of the submitted application, that, with the exception of the landscaping and
setbacks, the application was compliant with the requirements and the City's ordinance and
CityScape recommended approval of the application with certain suggested conditions.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS OF FACT, the City Council hereby
enters the following:
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CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. The use for which the permit is sought will not be injurious to the neighborhood
or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
2. No credible evidence has been submitted as to loss of economic value; the permit
sought will not produce an adverse impact on the economic values of adjacent properties.
3. The permit sought will not produce a negative impact on transportation facilities,
public utilities, schools, public parks, or the natural environment.
4. The noise and traffic conditions generated by the use for which the permit is
sought, when analyzed in conjunction with the noise and traffic conditions now existing does not
indicate that the permit should be denied.
5. The use for which the permit is sought shall not work an unreasonable hardship
upon surrounding property owners by virtue of its physical natures or by the impact of changes
made in the landscape of the land.
6. On balance, while recognizing the aesthetic qualities of the proposed use in
comparison with the aesthetic qualities of the surrounding lands and recognizing the purpose of
furthering the development of enhanced telecommunication services in the city, the aesthetic
conflict has been minimized by siting in a public park adjacent to an arterial street with a church
and public library across the street and by using flush mount antennae.
7. The adverse impact of the proposed use on other development within the City has
been minimized by Applicant as much as is reasonably possible.
S. Owners of adjacent property have not expressed approval of the issuance of the
requested conditional use permit and are opposed to this permit, primarily on the grounds that a
park is not a proper site for such a Tower. Chapter 18.13 permits location of a tower in a public
park if certain criteria are met which this Applicant has met.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS OF FACT, the City Council hereby
enters the following:
DECISION
1. The City Council, pursuant to the foregoing, finds that the request of the applicant
should be approved and the appeals denied.
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2. The following conditions imposed by the Land Use and Development Commission are
sustained but modified and are hereby imposed upon the granting of said conditional use permit
and applicant, by taking advantage of said conditional use permit agrees to the imposition of the
same:
A. The request waiver for setbacks is justified.
B. The landscaping, fence and screening shall comply with the City Code, but the
fence shall be eight feet (8) in height and be brick in nature.
C. The Applicant shall provide the required Historical documentation (NEPA/SHOP)
results.
D. The emergency power generator, if/when installed, shall be tested only between
the hours of 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the noise level
shall not exceed 65 dB at the closest boundary.
E. The Tower Owner shall attest that all feed lines for this installation including
collocation feed lines and all future installations shall be concealed inside the
spine of the support structure (tower).
3. The conditional use permit requested by the Applicant is granted, subject to the
foregoing conditions.
4. The time to appeal this decision begins as of the date of the hearing, May 20,
2015, and the affirmative vote by the Council to deny the appeals.
5. Takings. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-8001 et seq., the Council makes the
following findings with respect to the decision in this action:
A. This Action does not result in a permanent or temporary physical occupation of
private property.
B. This Action does not require the property owner to dedicate a portion of the
property or to grant an easement.
C. This Action does not deprive the owner of the property of all viable uses of the
property.
D. This Action does not have a significant impact on the landowner's economic
interest.
E. This Action does not deny a fundamental attribute of ownership.
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F. This Action does not serve the same purpose that would be served by directly
prohibiting the use or action; nor does the condition imposed substantially
advance such purpose.
Adopted the L day of June, 2015 as the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the
Chubbuck City Council.
Richard Morgan, City Clerk
FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW - Page 6
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CITY OF CHUBBUCK
CITY COUNCIL
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND DECISION
This matter comes before the City Council on appeals filed in objection to the
Land Use and Development Commission decision on April 14, 2015 granting the application of
T Mobile (hereinafter referred to as "Applicant") fora conditional use permit to place an 80 It
cell tower on the grounds of Stuart Park on the real property located at 5161 Stuart Avenue.
The Council reviewed the Commission's findings of facts and conclusions of law, and
having heard and reviewed testimony from the appealing parties and the Applicant, and being
fully advised, now makes the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Applicant applied for a conditional use permit as particularly described above.
2. All legal requirements for notice of public hearing were met.
3. The property in question is zoned R-2 Limited Residential pursuant to the Land Use
Ordinance of the City of Chubbuck.
4. The property is designated as Medium Density in the duly adopted Comprehensive
Plan of the City of Chubbuck.
5. Appeals were filed by the following individuals whose attendance at the hearing of
the appeals before the City Council is noted:
A. Suzanne Peck - not in attendance
B. Steve and Camille Gannon and Family - not in attendance
C. Dana Denning - not in attendance
D. Eliza Payne - not in attendance
E. Bree Lufkin - not in attendance
F. Emily Wright - not in attendance
G. Holly Lambson - not in attendance
H. Jeremy Lambson - not in attendance
I. Roger and Earlenc Porter - Earlene Porter declined to continent.
J. Kjerstin Lind - not in attendance
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Roger Porter argued his appeal before the Council.
6. Relevant criteria and standards for consideration of this application are set forth in
Idaho Code section 67-6512 and in Chubbuck Code section 18.28.040 (C) and Chapter 18.13.
7. The facts relevant to an evaluation of the relevant criteria and standards are as follows:
A. Chapter 18.13 of the City Code regulates Wireless Communications Facilities and
state as its purpose:
"These standards were developed to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, to
protect property values and minimize visual impact while furthering the development of
enhanced tclecommunicatioil services in the city."
B. This site complies with Chubbuck Municipal Code Section 18.13.080 on site selection
Priority because Applicant has demonstrated sites for collocation were not viable and this site on
Public Property has the least impact on residential areas. Of the other sites considered, the
approval of the Chubbuck Elementary site was denied by the City Council. Given the lack of
alternative sites, this site in Stuart Park is the best fit for Applicant's needs. The third -party
review by CityScape concluded the four existing towers nearest to the proposed site were
justified in being eliminated from Applicant's consideration. Co -location on any existing tower
will not fit the Applicant's needs to eliminate the gap in coverage.
This site additionally has priority under Chubbuck Municipal Code Section 18.13.0890 as
a use on public property since it is owned by tine City Of Chubbuck and thus has first priority for
siting on public property.
C. Applicant's use will further the development of enhanced telecommunication
services in the city by eliminating a wide arca of poor coverage for this wireless provider.
D. While other providers of wireless service provide coverage to this area, Chubbuck
Code Section 18.13.0 10 A indicates: "This chapter shall not be applied in such a manner as to
unreasonably discriminate between providers of functionally equivalent personal wireless
services."
E. In accordance with City Code 18, 13.120 , the proposed 80 ft tower in a Residential
zone requires a Conditional Use Permit.
F. This site is needed by Applicant to provide reliable service to Customers as shown by
Applicant's coverage maps and will close a gap in coverage.
G. The proposed Tower will be an 80 ft monopole with flush mount antennas, similar to
other towers in the City which have posed no threat to public safety. Applicant, by flush
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mounting the antennae, has mitigated the visual impact of the tower.
H. The Cell site would be surrounded by a fence.
1. Ground equipment would be contained in an enclosure.
J. 100% of tower height set back from adjoining property is not met but this is mitigated
by the distance to any structures on this property and the need to locate the tower in this isolated
corner of the park so as to minimize interference with other uses of the park.
K. Applicant will maintain compliance with FCC RF emission standards.
L. Pursuant to Chubbuck Municipal Code § 18-13.090, the special requirement for parks
are met by Applicant on the following basis:
1. The Applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City that visual impacts
have been mitigated to the fullest extent reasonably possible and that
accommodations have been included in the design and placement so that there
would be no disruption of normal public use of the park. Specifically locating the
tower in the far northwest corner of the park will have the least impact to park
users.
2. The Applicant has clearly demonstrated that placement of the facility in a public
park is necessary for the effective operation of Applicant's services and for the
elimination of Applicant's coverage gap. Applicant indicates alternative
placement is not possible and such has been confirmed by an independent third -
party review by CityScape which was requested by the City.
M. The third -party review by CityScape agreed with the elimination of the nearest four
towers as alternate sites for placement and collocation and further concluded that the selected
location in Stuart Park was compliant with the hierarchy [for location of cell towers] as defined
in the City's ordinance.
N. CityScape and its third -parry review determined, after consideration of the technical
specifications of the submitted application, that, with the exception of the landscaping and
setbacks, the application was compliant with the requirements and the City's ordinance and
CityScape recommended approval of the application with certain suggested conditions.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS OF FACT, the City Council hereby
enters the following:
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CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
I. The use for which the permit is sought will not be injurious to the neighborhood
or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
2. No credible evidence has been submitted as to loss of economic value; the permit
sought will not produce an adverse impact on the economic values of adjacent properties.
3. The permit sought will not produce a negative impact on transportation facilities,
public utilities, schools, public parks, or the natural environment.
4. The noise and traffic conditions generated by the use for which the permit is
sought, when analyzed in conjunction with the noise and traffic conditions now existing does not
indicate that the permit should be denied.
5. The use for which the permit is sought shall not work an unreasonable hardship
upon surrounding property owners by virtue of its physical natures or by the impact of changes
made in the landscape of the land.
6. On balance, while recognizing the aesthetic qualities of the proposed use in
comparison with the aesthetic qualities of the surrounding lands and recognizing the purpose of
furthering the development of enhanced telecommunication services in the city, the aesthetic
conflict has been minimized by siting in a public park adjacent to an arterial street with a church
and public library across the street and by using flush mount antennae.
7. The adverse impact of the proposed use on other development within the City has
been minimized by Applicant as much as is reasonably possible.
8. Owners of adjacent property have not expressed approval of the issuance of the
requested conditional use permit and are opposed to this permit, primarily on the grounds that a
park is not a proper site for such a Tower. Chapter 18.13 permits location of a tower in a public
park if certain criteria are met which this Applicant has met.
BASED UPON THE FOREGOING FINDINGS OF FACT, the City Council hereby
enters the following:
DECISION
I. The City Council, pursuant to the foregoing, finds that the request of the applicant
should be approved and the appeals denied.
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2. The following conditions imposed by the Land Use and Development Commission are
sustained but modified and are hereby imposed upon the granting of said conditional use permit
and applicant, by taking advantage of said conditional use permit agrees to the imposition of the
same:
A. The request waiver for setbacks is justified.
B. The landscaping, fence and screening shall comply with the City Code, but the
fence shall be eight feet (8') in height and be brick in nature.
C. The Applicant shall provide the required Historical documentation (NEPA/SHOP)
results.
D. The emergency power generator, if/when installed, shall be tested only between
the hours of 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the noise level
shall not exceed 65 dB at the closest boundary.
E. The Tower Owner shall attest that all feed lines for this installation including
collocation feed lines and all future installations shall be concealed inside the
spine of the support structure (tower).
3. The conditional use permit requested by the Applicant is granted, subject to the
foregoing conditions.
4. The time to appeal this decision begins as of the date of the hearing, May 20,
2015, arid the affirmative vote by the Council to deny the appeals.
5. Takings. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 67-8001 ct seq., the Council makes the
following findings with respect to the decision in this action:
A. This Action does not result in a permanent or temporary physical occupation of
private property.
B. This Action does not require the property owner to dedicate a portion of the
property or to grant an easement.
C. This Action does not deprive the owner of the property of all viable uses of the
property.
D. This Action (foes not have a significant impact on the landowner's economic
interest.
E. This Action does not deny a fundamental attribute of ownership.
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This Action does not serve the same purpose that Would be served by directly
prohibiting the use or action; nor does the condition imposed substantially
advance such purpose.
Adopted the _ day of June, 2015 as the findings of fact and conclusions of law of the
Chubbuck City Council.
By:
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Richard Morgan, City Clerk