PC RES 2017-031 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-31
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING, WITH
CONDITIONS, MAJOR WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
FACILITY ASG NO. 55 TO ALLOW THE REPLACEMENT OF AN
EXISTING 25' TALL STREETLIGHT WITH A 26' TALL
STREETLIGHT WITH TWO 21.4" SIDE-MOUNTED PANEL
ANTENNAS FLUSH-MOUNTED WITH THE POLE WITH
RELATED VAULTED MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AT 30001
AND 30002 VIA RIVERA.
WHEREAS, Chapter 12.18 of the Rancho Palo Verde Municipal Code (RPVMC
or Municipal Code) governs the permitting, development, siting, installation, design,
operation and maintenance of wireless telecommunications facilities ("WTF5") in the
city's public right-of-way ("PROW") (RPVMC § 12.18.010);
WHEREAS, beginning in May of 2016, Crown Castle (the "Applicant") applied to
the City for an Wireless Telecommunications Facility Permit ("WTFP"), pursuant to
Section 12.18.040(A) of the Municipal Code, to install 26 antennas in the public right-of-
way (PROW) to service AT&T customers throughout the City (the "Project") including
ASG No. 55 located at 30001 and 30002 Via Rivera;
WHEREAS, the Project originally submitted by the Applicant proposed to
decommission an existing 25' tall streetlight pole with a mast arm and luminaire to be
replaced with a 26' tall streetlight pole with two 21.4" side-mounted panel antennas flush
to the streetlight pole;
WHEREAS, the Project calls for an existing 25' tall marbelite octagonal street
light with a mast arm and luminaire to be decommissioned and replaced with a 28'-7"
tall (total height) marbelite octagonal street light with panel antennas encased in a 2' tall
canister with a 3' tall tapered canister sleeve mounted at the top of the new pole with
accessory equipment to be vaulted in the PROW;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after considering different design options,
indicated that the least intrusive design for a replacement streetlight pole would be side-
mounted antenna panels that are flush-mounted to the pole with clipped-up cables and
modifications to the pole color and installation technique;
WHEREAS, because the Project's location is within a residential zone and within
the PROW of local streets as identified in the General Plan, approval of a WTFP also
requires an exception under Section 12.18.190 of the Municipal Code;
WHEREAS, the Project is exempt from review under the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because the Project constitutes a small scale
installation of new a new facility (14 CCR § 15303(d)).
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WHEREAS, on September 21, 2017, the Planning Commission held a duly
noticed public hearing, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to
be heard and present evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The proposed project is a request to:
A. Install a WTF at 30001 and 30002 Via Rivera,
B. Removal of an existing 25' tall marbelite street light with a mast arm and
luminaire to be decommissioned and replaced with a 26' (total pole height) tall
streetlight pole with two side-mounted 21.4" panel antennas that are flush-
mounted with clipped-up cables to the new streetlight pole,
C. Install vaulted mechanical equipment in the PROW.
Section 2: Approval of a WTFP is warranted because the Project meets the
findings required by Section 12.18.090 of the Municipal Code:
A. All notices required for the proposed installation have been given.
Crown Castle and the City have provided all notices required by the RPVMC. On
June 2, 2017 property owners within 500' of the proposed facility were notified of
the WTF mock-up which occurred at least 30 days in advance of the public
hearing. Further, on September 5, 2017, a public notice announcing the
September 21, 2017 public hearing was provided to property owners within 500'
of the proposed WTF.
B. The proposed facility has been designed and located in compliance with all
applicable provisions of this chapter.
12.18.080(A)(1)(a): The applicant shall employ screening, undergrounding and
camouflage design techniques in the design and placement of wireless
telecommunications facilities in order to ensure that the facility is as visually
screened as possible, to prevent the facility from dominating the surrounding area
and to minimize significant view impacts from surrounding properties all in a
manner that achieves compatibility with the community and in compliance with
Section 17.02.040 (View Preservation and Restoration) of this code.
The project employs screening and a camouflage design with the use of a 21.4"
tall antenna panels that will be flush-mounted and side-mounted, with clipped-up
cables, to the replacement streetlight pole at a total of 26' in height as measured
from grade to the top of the pole (maximum total height of 25' to the top of the
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panel antennas). The Project presents a slim side view that blends cleanly with
the verticality of the light pole. The light standard is designed to match the light
standard being replaced and other light standards in the immediate area. The
proposal places all of the related mechanical equipment underground in a vault.
The proposed installation will not have any significant view impairment to
surrounding properties pursuant to Chapter 17.02.040 of the RPVMC.
12.18.080(A)(1)(b): Screening shall be designed to be architecturally compatible
with surrounding structures using appropriate techniques to camouflage, disguise,
and/or blend into the environment, including landscaping, color, and other
techniques to minimize the facility's visual impact as well as be compatible with
the architectural character of the surrounding buildings or structures in terms of
color, size, proportion, style, and quality.
The proposed WTF will be affixed to a replacement streetlight pole that matches
other streetlight poles in the area, and the replacement streetlight pole will utilize
similar color, size, proportion, style, and quality to other street poles in the area.
The antenna panels will be professionally painted a concrete color to blend with
the pole. The mechanical equipment will be vaulted under the existing parkway.
12.18.080(A)(1)(c): Facilities shall be located such that views from a residential
structure are not significantly impaired. Facilities shall also be located in a manner
that protects public views over city view corridors, as defined in the city's general
plan, so that no significant view impairment results in accordance with this code
including Section 17.02.040 (View Preservation and Restoration). This provision
shall be applied consistent with local, state and federal law.
The Project does not result in a significant view impairment to surrounding
residences on Via Rivera. This finding remains unchanged with the replacement
pole. The proposed WTF is not located in a view corridor identified in the City's
General Plan or Coastal Specific Plan.
12.18.080(A)(3): Traffic Safety. All facilities shall be designed and located in such
a manner as to avoid adverse impacts to traffic safety.
The Project involves a replacement streetlight pole with the placement of
antennas that will be flush side-mounted to the pole. Additionally, the related
mechanical equipment will be vaulted avoiding traffic safety impacts, including an
infringement on Via Rivera.
12.18.080(A)(4): Blending Methods. All facilities shall have subdued colors and
non-reflective materials that blend with the materials and colors of the surrounding
area and structures.
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The proposed streetlight pole and affixed equipment will consist of colors and
materials that are subdued, non-reflective and are the same as the other light
poles in the immediate area.
12.18.080(A)(5): Equipment. The applicant shall use the least visible equipment
possible. Antenna elements shall be flush mounted, to the extent feasible. All
antenna mounts shall be designed so as not to preclude possible future
collocation by the same or other operators or carriers. Unless otherwise provided
in this section, antennas shall be situated as close to the ground as possible.
The project consists of a replacement streetlight pole with the installation of two
21.4" panel antennas that will be side-mounted to a pole which would result in an
overall height of 26'. The project proposes a slim side view that blends cleanly
with the verticality of the light pole and is the least visible of the options
presented.
The height of the street pole may have to be increased by up to 5' to
accommodate collocation because of the size of the panel antennas combined
with there being a need to provide a separation of at least 1' between antenna
panels for functionality purposes. Future location of additional antennas on this
street light pole would detract from the overall appearance.
12.18.080(A)(6)(a): Facilities shall be located consistent with Section 12.18.200
(Location Restrictions) unless an exception pursuant to Section 12.18.190
(Exceptions) is granted.
The proposed location is within the PROW of local residential streets as identified
in the City's General Plan and the Planning Commission finds that an Exception
shall be made.
12.18.080(A)(6)(d): Light Poles. The maximum height of any antenna shall not
exceed four feet above the existing height of a light pole. Any portion of the
antenna or equipment mounted on a pole shall be no less than 16% feet above
any drivable road surface.
The side-mounted panel antennas will not exceeds 2' above the height of the
replacement streetlight pole. No portion of the antenna or equipment is less than
16'h ' above the drivable road surface.
12.18.080(A)(6)(e): Replacement Poles. If an applicant proposes to replace a pole
in order to accommodate a proposed facility, the pole shall be designed to
resemble the appearance and dimensions of existing poles near the proposed
location, including size, height, color, materials and style to the maximum extent
feasible.
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The replacement street light pole will match the appearance, in terms of color,
height, size and dimensions of other light poles in the immediate area.
12.18.080(A)(6)(i): All cables, including, but not limited to, electrical and utility
cables, shall be run within the interior of the pole and shall be camouflaged or
hidden to the fullest extent feasible.
All cables and wires are required to be short, clipped-up and directly routed to the
pole in order to be hidden from view with no loops, exposed cables, splitters or
unsightly wires.
12.18.080(A)(7): Space. Each facility shall be designed to occupy the least
amount of space in the right-of-way that is technically feasible.
The replacement streetlight pole is similar in dimension to the existing streetlight
pole. The placement of the antennas on the side of the pole will occupy limited air
space above the right-of-way. The accessory structure will be undergrounded and
the vault necessary to house the equipment measures approximately 43 square
feet in area and consists of three separate vaults. This space is the least amount
of space that is technically feasible for vaulted equipment owned by AT&T. The
space that will be occupied is below the surface with minimum exhaust vents that
will be flush to the surrounding ground.
12.18.080(A)(8): Wind Loads. Each facility shall be properly engineered to
withstand wind loads as required by this code or any duly adopted or incorporated
code. An evaluation of high wind load capacity shall include the impact of
modification of an existing facility.
Based on the information submitted by the Applicant and as confirmed by the
City's consultants, the Planning Commission finds that the proposed installation
complies with all building codes related to wind loads.
12.18.080(A)(9): Obstructions. Each component part of a facility shall be located
so as not to cause any physical or visual obstruction to pedestrian or vehicular
traffic, incommode the public's use of the right-of-way, or safety hazards to
pedestrians and motorists and in compliance with Section 17.48.070 (Intersection
Visibility) so as not to obstruct the intersection visibility triangle.
The proposed installation will not cause an obstruction to the public's use of the
PROW, constitute a safety hazard and/or does not interfere with the City-defined
intersection visibility triangle. The proposed location of the mechanical equipment
will be vaulted under a parkway and sidewalk or walking area established for
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regular pedestrian use, and the replacement pole provides the same lighting,
height and setback parameters applicable to other streetlights.
12.18.080(A)(10): Public Facilities. A facility shall not be located within any
portion of the public right-of-way interfering with access to a fire hydrant, fire
station, fire escape, water valve, underground vault, valve housing structure, or
any other public health or safety facility.
The proposed installation, including the undergrounding of the mechanical
equipment, will not interfere with fire hydrants, fire stations, water lines or any
other public health or safety facilities
C. If applicable, the applicant has demonstrated its inability to locate on
existing infrastructure.
Not applicable as the proposed WTF antennas are proposed to be installed on a
replacement street light pole that's currently an existing infrastructure.
D. The applicant has provided sufficient evidence supporting the applicant's
claim that it has the right to enter the public right-of-way pursuant to state
or federal law, or the applicant has entered into a franchise agreement with
the city permitting them to use the public right-of-way.
The Applicant has submitted to the City a Right of Way Use Agreement (RUA)
entered into with the City in 2011, which allows the Applicant to install wireless
antennas in the PROW. Further, the Applicant has submitted a Certificate of
Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) issued by the California Public
Utilities Commission (CPUC) which provides that the Applicant has been
authorized to install wireless telecommunications infrastructure in the PROW.
E. The applicant has demonstrated the proposed installation is designed such
that the proposed installation represents the least intrusive means possible
and supported by factual evidence and a meaningful comparative analysis
to show that all alternative locations and designs identified in the
application review process were technically infeasible or not available.
Alternative locations were identified in the application review process. The present
design, which includes the installation of two antenna panels to the side of the
streetlight pole is the least intrusive means of those alternatives. There is
technology that is possible to use but that would require a greater number of
facilities throughout the community to provide equal coverage and capacity. This
may require the introduction of new pole structures where there are no street
lights or utility poles and may require associated accessory equipment at every
location. The supporting mechanical equipment, even if placed in vaults
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underground, would require additional fans that may result in adverse cumulative
noise impacts negating the objective of installing the least intrusive systems.
Other locations and designs considered as part of the application process for
purposes of filling the coverage gap claimed by the Applicant and discussed by
the City's RF Engineer were found to be more intrusive then the proposed
project.
Section 3: Because the Project's location is within a residential zone and
within the PROW of local streets as identified in the General Plan, approval of a WTFP
also requires an exception under Section 12.18.190 of the Municipal Code. The Project
meets the findings for an exception as required by Section 12.18.190(B) of the
Municipal Code:
1. The proposed wireless facility qualifies as a "personal wireless -services
facility" as defined in United States Code, Title 47, section 332(c)(7)(C)(ii).
The WTF meets the definition of "personal wireless services facility" as defined
by the United States Code.
2. The applicant has provided the city with a clearly defined technical
service objective and a clearly defined potential site search area.
The "technical service objective" identified by the Applicant in all application
documents is the coverage of a "significant gap" in service along Via Rivera.
This application information was provided to the City's RF Engineer who
reviewed the information, as well as conducted both on-site walkouts of the
area and a computerized terrain study to determine if the proposed site will
address a coverage gap as identified in the application. Based on the terrain
profile characteristics and the field measurement data provided by Crown
Castle, the proposal as provided will address coverage deficiencies within the
target area. The Applicant has provided engineering details related to the
wireless bands that will be used for the DAS deployment, including identifying
transmitting equipment, power levels for each band and specifics regarding the
radiation patterns of the antennas to be installed.
Crown Castle has provided engineering measurement data defining gaps in
AT&T coverage in small pocketed areas. This has been independently
examined by the City's consultant who determined that the signal levels are
lower than industry recommended levels to support modern 3G/4G customer
needs. The engineering design provided by Crown Castle supports that, if
constructed, DAS site ASG 10 will provide ample signal intensity (signal level in
excess of-95 dBm) to support AT&T's 3G/4G wireless services.
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3. The applicant has provided the City with a meaningful comparative
analysis that includes the factual reasons why any alternative location(s)
or design(s) suggested by the city or otherwise identified in the
administrative record, including but not limited to potential alternatives
identified at any public meeting or hearing, are not technically feasible
or potentially available.
The Applicant has provided comparative analysis for possible similar antennas
on at the following 4 locations:
• Alternative No. 1 (location B). Replacement of an existing street sign on
the cul-de-sac approximately 18 feet north and opposite of the primary
location on Via Rivera.
• Alternative No. 2 (location C). Replacement of a street light approximately
175 south of the Primary on the same side of Via Rivera.
• Alternative No. 3 (location D). Collocating on an existing street light pole
with existing wireless facility located approximately 450 feet southwest of
the Primary on the north side of Rue Godbout.
• Alternative No. 4 (location E). Replacement of a street light approximately
583 feet southwest of the Primary on the east side of Via Victoria.
Two of the alternative sites meet the RF coverage objective as confirmed by
the City's RF Engineer. Alternative No. 1 utilizes a replacement street sign
which is significantly shorter than the existing street light poles which will be
more noticeable than utilizing the replacement street light pole. Thus, the
primary location was found to be superior.
The proposed project is the least intrusive location for the wireless
telecommunications facility in the immediate area because of the surrounding
terrain. There are no major collector or arterial streets in the immediate area.
4. The applicant has provided the city with a meaningful comparative
analysis that includes the factual reasons why the proposed location and
design deviates is the least noncompliant location and design necessary
to reasonably achieve the applicant's reasonable technical service
objectives.
The Applicant has provided a meaningful alternative comparative analysis and
the proposed project is found to be the preferred design.
Section 4: Conditions regarding any of the requirements listed above which
the Planning Commission finds to be necessary to protect the health, safety and general
welfare, have been imposed in the attached Exhibit A.
Section 5: The Project is exempt from review under the California
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Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because the Project constitutes a small scale
installation of new a new facility (14 CCR § 15303(d)).
Section 6: Pursuant to Section 12.18.060 of the Municipal Code (referencing
Chapter 17.80 of the Municipal Code), any interested person aggrieved by this decision
or any portion of this decision may appeal to the City Council. The appeal shall set forth
the grounds for appeal and any specific action being requested by the appellant. Any
appeal letter must be filed within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of this decision,
or by 4:30 PM on Friday, October 6, 2017. The Council-approved appeal fee must
accompany any appeal letter. If no appeal is filed timely, the Planning Commission's
decision will be final at 4:30 PM on Friday, October 6, 2017.
Section 7: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and
findings included in the Staff Report, Minutes and other records of proceedings, the
Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby conditionally
approves, a WTFP application and an exception for the proposed installation at 30001
and 30002 Via Rivera (ASG NO. 55).
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of September 2017, by the
following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Bradley, Emenhiser, Leon, Nelson, Vice-Chair James, and
Chairman Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
RECUSALS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Tomblin
J• M. Cruikshank
Ch':irman
Ara Mihranian, P
Community Development Director; and,
Secretary of the Planning Commission
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EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
WTF ASG NO. 55
30001 AND 30002 VIA RIVERA
General Conditions:
1. Prior to obtaining a permit from the Public Works Department to install the street
light pole, the applicant and the property owner shall submit to the City a
statement, in writing, that they have read, understand, and agree to all conditions
of approval contained in this Resolution. Failure to provide said written
statement within ninety (90) days following the date of this approval shall render
this approval null and void.
2. The Applicant shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless, the City,
and/or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies,
and instrumentalities thereof, from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, writs of
mandamus, and other actions and proceedings (whether legal, equitable,
declaratory, administrative or adjudicatory in nature), and alternative dispute
resolutions procedures (including, but not limited to arbitrations, mediations, and
other such procedures) (collectively "Actions"), brought against the City, and/or
any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof, that challenge, attack, or seek to modify, set aside,
void, or annul, the action of, or any permit or approval issued by, the City and/or
any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof (including actions approved by the voters of the City), for
or concerning the project.
3. Prior to conducting any work in the public right of way (PROW), such as for curb
cuts, dumpsters, temporary improvements and/or permanent improvements, the
applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works.
4. Approval of this permit shall not be construed as a waiver of applicable and
appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County and/or City laws
and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) shall apply.
5. The Public Works Director or Director of Community Development are authorized
to make minor modifications to the approved plans and any of the conditions of
approval if such modifications will achieve substantially the same results as
would strict compliance with the approved plans and conditions. Otherwise, any
substantive change to the project shall require approval of a revision by the final
body that approved the original project, which may require new and separate
environmental review.
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6. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these conditions of approval may be
cause to revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the RPVMC.
7. If the applicant has not obtained approvals from Public Works for the approved
project or not commenced the approved project within one year of the final
effective date of this Resolution, approval of the project shall expire and be of no
further effect unless, prior to expiration, a written request for extension is filed
with the Public Works Department and approved by the Director.
8. In the event that any of these conditions conflict with the recommendations
and/or requirements of another permitting agency or City department, the stricter
standard shall apply.
9. The construction site and adjacent public and private properties and streets shall
be kept free of all loose materials resembling trash and debris in excess of that
material used for immediate construction purposes. Such excess material may
include, but not be limited to: the accumulation of debris, garbage, lumber, scrap
metal, concrete asphalt, piles of earth, salvage materials, abandoned or
discarded furniture, appliances or other household fixtures.
10. Permitted hours and days for construction activity are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM,
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, with no construction
activity permitted on Sundays or on the legal holidays specified in Section
17.96.920 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code. During demolition,
construction and/or grading operations, trucks shall not park, queue and/or idle at
the project site or in the adjoining street rights-of-way before 7:00 AM Monday
through Friday and before 9:00 AM on Saturday, in accordance with the
permitted hours of construction stated in this condition. When feasible to do so,
the construction contractor shall provide staging areas on-site to minimize off-site
transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall be located to
maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring properties,
subject to approval by the building official.
11. All grading, landscaping and construction activities shall exercise effective dust
control techniques, either through screening and/or watering.
12. Prior to commencement work, the Applicant shall obtain approval of a haul route
from the Director of Public Works.
13. All construction sites shall be maintained in a secure, safe, neat and orderly
manner, to the satisfaction of the City's Inspector. All construction waste and
debris resulting from a construction, alteration or repair project shall be removed
on a weekly basis by the contractor or property owner.
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14. Unless otherwise designated in these conditions, all construction shall be
completed in substantial conformance with the plans stamped APPROVED by
the City with the effective date of this Resolution.
Project-specific Conditions:
15. This approval allows for the following:
A. Installation of a Wireless Telecommunication Facility WTF at 30001 and
30002 Via Rivera.
B. Removal of an existing 25' tall marbelite street light with a mast arm and
luminaire to be decommissioned and replaced with a 26' (total pole height)
tall streetlight pole with two side-mounted 21.4" panel antennas that are
flush-mounted with clipped-up cables to the new streetlight pole,
C. The installation of three separate vaults to house the required accessory
equipment in the PROW, including vents and meter boxes that shall be
flush to the ground and that shall not exceed 43 square feet in total
surface area.
16. The proposed project is subject to the following Conditions to the satisfaction of
the Director of Public Works and the Director of Community Development:
o The proposed WTF shall be installed on a new light standard that matches
the other light standards in the area in terms of color, size, proportion,
style, and quality. The antenna panels and any related exposed structures
shall be professionally painted and maintained to match the light pole.
o The Applicant shall install landscaping near the proposed installation to
screen the equipment consistent with existing landscaping.
o The facility shall be designed and located in such a manner as to avoid
adverse impacts on traffic safety; construction and operation of the facility
shall comport with a duly-approved traffic control plan as required.
o Colors and materials shall be subdued and non-reflective, and shall be the
same as the existing light standard and other lights standards in the
nearby area.
o The replacement pole shall match the appearance and dimensions of the
existing pole and all other light standards near the location.
o All cables and wires shall be directly routed to the pole, clipped-up and
encased within the pole, and otherwise hidden from view. No loops,
exposed cables, splitters or unsightly wires shall be permitted.
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o All ground-mounted facilities including the pole, landscaping or other
screening methods shall be installed at least 18 inches from the curb and
gutter flow line.
o All accessory equipment shall be located underground including meter
boxes and cabinets.
o The facility shall be installed so as to maintain and enhance existing
landscaping on the site, including trees, foliage and shrubs. Additional
landscaping shall be planted, irrigated and maintained by Applicant where
such landscaping is feasible and deemed necessary by the City to provide
screening or to conceal the facility.
o The facility shall not bear any signs or advertising devices other than
certification, warning or other signage required by law or permitted by the
city.
o The facility shall not be illuminated except for the standard street-light
luminaire replacing the existing street light. All other illumination shall be
restricted pursuant to RPVMC § 12.18.080(A)(15).
o Noise:
• Backup generators shall only be operated during periods of power
outages, and shall not be tested on weekends or holidays, or
between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• At no time shall equipment noise from any facility exceed an
exterior noise level of 55 dBA three feet from the source of the
noise if the facility is located in the public right-of-way adjacent to a
business, commercial, manufacturing, utility or school zone;
provided, however, that for any such facility located within 500 feet
of any property zoned residential or improved with a residential use,
such equipment noise shall not exceed 45 dBA three feet from the
sources of the noise. The foregoing noise level limitations shall
govern facilities subject to RPVMC Chapter 12.18.080(A)(16) until
such time that a specific noise regulation ordinance is adopted and
effective in this code, at which time such noise ordinance shall
govern.
o The facility shall be designed to be resistant to, and minimize opportunities
for, unauthorized access, climbing, vandalism, graffiti and other conditions
that would result in hazardous situations, visual blight or attractive
nuisances. The Public Works Director may require the provision of
warning signs, fencing, anti-climbing devices, or other techniques to
prevent unauthorized access and vandalism when, because of their
location and/or accessibility, a facility has the potential to become an
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attractive nuisance. Additionally, no lethal devices or elements shall be
installed as a security device.
o Consistent with current state and federal laws and if permissible under the
same, at the time of modification of the facility, existing equipment shall, to
the extent feasible, be replaced with equipment that reduces visual, noise
and other impacts, including, but not limited to, undergrounding the
equipment and replacing larger, more visually intrusive facilities with
smaller, less visually intrusive facilities.
o The installation and construction of the facility shall begin within one year
after its approval or it will expire without further action by the city.
17. All wireless telecommunications facilities shall comply at all times with the
following operation and maintenance standards:
o Unless otherwise provided herein, all necessary repairs and restoration
shall be completed by the permittee, owner, operator or any designated
maintenance agent within 48 hours:
o After discovery of the need by the permittee, owner, operator or any
designated maintenance agent; or
o After permittee, owner, operator or any designated maintenance agent
receives notification from the city.
18. Each permittee of a wireless telecommunications facility shall provide the Public
Works Director with the name, address and 24-hour local or toll free contact
phone number of the permittee, the owner, the operator and the agent
responsible for the maintenance of the facility ("contact information"). Contact
information shall be updated within seven days of any change.
19. Prior to any construction activities, the permittee shall submit a security
instrument (bond or letter of credit as approved by the City Attorney) in an
amount determined by the City to be sufficient to cover all potential costs listed
herein or in the RPVMC.
20. The permittee shall provide additional information to establish that the proposed
accessory equipment is designed to be the smallest equipment technologically
feasible. The City may consider equipment installed or proposed to be installed in
other jurisdictions.
21. All facilities, including, but not limited to, telecommunication towers, poles,
accessory equipment, lighting, fences, walls, shields, cabinets, artificial foliage or
camouflage, and the facility site shall be maintained in good condition, including
ensuring the facilities are reasonably free of:
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a. General dirt and grease;
b. Chipped, faded, peeling, and cracked paint;
c. Rust and corrosion;
d. Cracks, dents, and discoloration;
e. Missing, discolored or damaged artificial foliage or other camouflage;
f. Graffiti, bills, stickers, advertisements, litter and debris;
g. Broken and misshapen structural parts; and
h. Any damage from any cause.
22. Applicant shall install, to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director or Director
of Community Development, drought tolerant landscaping near the proposed
installation of the vaulted accessory equipment to screen the equipment
consistent with existing landscaping prior to final inspection.
23. All trees, foliage or other landscaping elements approved as part of the facility
shall be maintained in good condition at all times, and the permittee, owner and
operator of the facility shall be responsible for replacing any damaged, dead or
decayed landscaping. No amendment to any approved landscaping plan may be
made until it is submitted to and approved by the Public Works Director or the
Director of Community Development.
24. The permittee shall replace its facilities, after obtaining all required permits, if
maintenance or repair is not sufficient to return the facility to the condition it was
in at the time of installation.
25. Each facility shall be operated and maintained to comply with all conditions of
approval. Each owner or operator of a facility shall routinely inspect each site to
ensure compliance with the same and the standards set forth in the RPVMC.
26. No person shall install, use or maintain any facility which in whole or in part rests
upon, in or over any public right-of-way, when such installation, use or
maintenance endangers or is reasonably likely to endanger the safety of persons
or property, or when such site or location is used for public utility purposes, public
transportation purposes or other governmental use, or when such facility
unreasonably interferes with or unreasonably impedes the flow of pedestrian or
vehicular traffic including any legally parked or stopped vehicle, the ingress into
or egress from any residence or place of business, the use of poles, posts, traffic
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signs or signals, hydrants, mailboxes, permitted sidewalk dining, permitted street
furniture or other objects permitted at or near said location.
27. Unless California Government Code Section 65964, as may be amended,
authorizes the city to issue a permit with a shorter term, a permit for any wireless
telecommunications facility shall be valid for a period of ten years, unless
pursuant to another provision of the RPVMC or these Conditions of Approval, it
lapses sooner or is revoked. At the end of ten years from the date of issuance,
such permit shall automatically expire.
28. A permittee may apply for a new permit within 180 days prior to expiration. Said
application and proposal shall comply with the city's current Code requirements
for WT-Fs.
29. A WTF is considered abandoned and shall be promptly removed as provided
herein if it ceases to provide wireless telecommunications services for 90 or more
consecutive days unless the permittee has obtained prior written approval from
the director which shall not be unreasonably denied. If there are two or more
users of a single facility, then this provision shall not become effective until all
users cease using the facility.
30. The operator of a facility shall notify the City in writing of its intent to abandon or
cease use of a permitted site or a nonconforming site (including unpermitted
sites) within ten days of ceasing or abandoning use. Notwithstanding any other
provision herein, the operator of the facility shall provide written notice to the
director of any discontinuation of operations of 30 days or more.
31. Failure to inform the City of cessation or discontinuation of operations of any
existing facility as required by this section shall constitute a violation of any
approvals and be grounds for:
a. Litigation;
b. Revocation or modification of the permit;
c. Acting on any bond or other assurance required by this article or
conditions of approval of the permit;
d. Removal of the facilities by the city in accordance with the procedures
established under the RPVMC for abatement of a public nuisance at the
owner's expense; and/or
e. Any other remedies permitted by law.
32. Upon the expiration date of the permit, including any extensions, earlier
termination or revocation of the permit or abandonment of the facility, the
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permittee, owner or operator shall remove its WTF and restore the site to its
natural condition except for retaining the landscaping improvements and any
other improvements at the discretion of the city. Removal shall be in accordance
with proper health and safety requirements and all ordinances, rules, and
regulations of the City. The facility shall be removed from the property, at no cost
or expense to the City.
33. Failure of the permittee, owner or operator to promptly remove its facility and
restore the property within 90 days after expiration, earlier termination or
revocation of the permit, or abandonment of the facility, shall be a violation of
these conditions of approval. Upon a showing of good cause, an extension may
be granted by the Public Works Director where circumstances are beyond the
control of the permittee after expiration. Further failure to abide by the timeline
provided in this section shall be grounds for:
a. Prosecution;
b. Acting on any security instrument required by the RPVMC or conditions of
approval of permit;
c. Removal of the facilities by the City in accordance with the procedures
established under the RPVMC for abatement of a public nuisance at the
owner's expense; and/or
d. Any other remedies permitted by law.
34. In the event the Public Works Director or City Engineer determines that the
condition or placement of a WTF located in the public right-of-way constitutes a
dangerous condition, obstruction of the public right-of-way, or an imminent threat
to public safety, or determines other exigent circumstances require immediate
corrective action (collectively, "exigent circumstances"), the Director or City
Engineer may cause the facility to be removed summarily and immediately
without advance notice or a hearing. Written notice of the removal shall include
the basis for the removal and shall be served upon the permittee and person who
owns the facility within five business days of removal and all property removed
shall be preserved for the owner's pick-up as feasible. If the owner cannot be
identified following reasonable effort or if the owner fails to pick-up the property
within 60 days, the facility shall be treated as abandoned property.
35. In the event the City removes a facility in accordance with nuisance abatement
procedures or summary removal, any such removal shall be without any liability
to the City for any damage to such facility that may result from reasonable efforts
of removal. In addition to the procedures for recovering costs of nuisance
abatement, the City may collect such costs from the performance bond posted
and to the extent such costs exceed the amount of the performance bond, collect
those excess costs in accordance with the RPVMC. Unless otherwise provided
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herein, the City has no obligation to store such facility. Neither the permittee,
owner nor operator shall have any claim if the City destroys any such facility not
timely removed by the Applicant, owner or operator after notice, or removed by
the City due to exigent circumstances.
36. Consistent with current state and federal laws and if permissible under the same,
at the time of modification of a WTF, existing equipment shall, to the extent
feasible, be replaced with equipment that reduces visual, noise and other
impacts, including, but not limited to, undergrounding the equipment and
replacing larger, more visually intrusive facilities with smaller, less visually
intrusive facilities.
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