PC RES 2017-032 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-32
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING,WITH CONDITIONS,
MAJOR WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY ASG
NO. 38 TO ALLOW THE REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING 31'
TALL STREETLIGHT WITH A 26' TALL STREETLIGHT WITH
TWO 21.4" SIDE-MOUNTED PANEL ANTENNAS FLUSH WITH
THE POLE WITH RELATED VAULTED MECHANICAL
EQUIPMENT.
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 ("WTFs") 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. 38 located adjacent to 7017 Maycroft Drive;
WHEREAS, the Project calls for the replacement of the existing 31' tall concrete
streetlight with a 26' tall streetlight with mast arm and luminaire to accommodate the
installation of two 21.4" flush side-mounted panel antennas that would be affixed to the
side of the pole with accessory equipment to be vaulted in the PROW;
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)).
WHEREAS, on September 28, 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 adjacent to 7017 Maycroft Drive
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B. Removal of an existing 31' tall streetlight pole with a mast arm and luminaire to be
decommissioned and replaced with a 26' (total pole height) tall streetlight pole with
21.4" panel antennas that will be side-mounted to the new streetlight pole.
C. Install vaulted mechanical equipment in the PROW.
D. Underground the existing overhead electrical feed.
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 6, 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 9, 2017, a public notice announcing the September 28,
2017 public hearing was published in the Daily Breeze and 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 side-mounted 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 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
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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 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 Maycroft Drive and Golden Meadow Drive. 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 Maycroft Drive and Golden Meadow Drive.
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.
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 streetlight
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.
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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 and character of the neighborhood.
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 76% 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'/2 ' 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.
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 and directly routed to the pole in order
to be hidden from view with no loops, exposed cables, splitters or unsightly wires.
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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 is not in a sidewalk or walking
area established for 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.
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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 streetlights
or utility poles and may require associated accessory equipment at every location.
The supporting mechanical equipment, even if placed in vaults 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).
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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 Golden
Meadow Drive and Maycroft Drive. 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 No. 38 will provide ample signal intensity (signal level in excess of-95
dBm) to support AT&T's 3G/4G wireless services.
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 five locations:
• Alternative No. 1 (location E) - Replacement of an existing street light pole
on the north side of Maycroft Drive approximately 146-feet to the east of the
Primary.
• Alternative No. 2 (location C) - Replacement of an existing street light pole
on the north side of Golden Meadow Drive, approximately 119-feet west of
the Primary.
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• Alternative No. 3 (location B) - Replacement of a street sign on the north
side of Maycroft Drive approximately 55-feet to the west of the Primary.
• Alternative No. 4 (location D) - Replacement of an existing street light pole
on the south side of Maycroft Drive, approximately 653-feet east of the
Primary.
• Alternative No. 5 (Location F) - Replacement of an existing street light pole
on the north side of Brookford Drive, approximately 450-feet southeast of
the Primary
All the Alternatives met RF coverage objective except for Alternative Nos. 4 and
5 as confirmed by the City's RF Engineer. Alternatives Nos. 2 and 3 are closer
to the intersection with Golden Meadow Drive, and Maycroft Drive making the
sites more visible to motorists and pedestrians. Alternative No. 1 is at a higher
street (Maycroft Drive) elevation and may be more visible from residential
properties and motorists, albeit surrounded by mature street trees.
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
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 13, 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 13, 2017.
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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 near 7017 Maycroft Drive (ASG
NO. 38).
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 28th day of September 2017, by the following
vote:
AYES: Commissioners Nelson, Leon, Vice-Chairman James, and Chairman
Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
RECUSALS: None
ABSENT: Commissioners Bradley, Emenhiser, and Tomblin
slir M. Cruikshank
C irman
4(4)
Ara Mihranian, AICP
Community Development Director; and,
Secretary of the Planning Commission
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EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
WTF ASG NO. 38
ADJACENT TO 7017 MAYCROFT DRIVE
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, 9:00AM to 5:00PM 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 7AM Monday through Friday and
before 9AM 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. Install a Wireless Telecommunication Facility WTF adjacent to 7017
Maycroft Drive
B. Removal of an existing 31' tall streetlight pole with a mast arm and luminaire
to be decommissioned and replaced with a 26' tall (total height) streetlight
pole with the installation of two 21.4" panel antennas flush side-mounted to
the pole.
C. The panel antennas shall not exceed 1" from the side of the pole and shall
be mounted to the pole using a 90-degree connector bracket. Down-tilt
brackets shall be prohibited.
D. 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.
E. Underground the existing overhead electrical feed.
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.
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o The replacement streetlight pole shall match the appearance and
dimensions of the existing streetlight pole and all other light standards near
the location.
o All cables and wires shall be directly routed to the pole and encased within
the pole, and hidden from view. No loops, exposed cables, splitters or
unsightly wires shall be permitted.
o All ground-mounted facilities 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
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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 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.
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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:
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, 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
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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
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
WTF's.
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 director 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 this code for abatement of a public nuisance at the
owner's expense; and/or
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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 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,
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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 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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