2003-0489 - Verizon Wireless [Applicant] Patrick Ng Trustee [Owner] - Application for a Use Permit to allow the co-location of wireless telecommunications facility of 12 panel antennae and ancillary ground equipment.  The property is located at 895 E. Fremont Avenue in a C-1/PD (Neighborhood Business/Planned Development) Zoning District.  (APN: 211-25-033) EW

In attendance: Jason Smith, Applicant; Trudi Ryan, Administrative Hearing Officer; Erin Walters, Project Planner; and, Gloria Barron Recording Secretary. 

Ms. Trudi Ryan, Administrative Hearing Officer, on behalf of the Director of Community Development, explained the format that would be observed during the public hearing.

Ms. Ryan announced the subject application.

Erin Walters, Project Planner, presented the staff report. She summarized the subject application and recommended approval of the Special Development Permit subject to the Conditions of Approval. 

Ms. Ryan stated that she was impressed with the attempt of screening the antennas.  She stated that she was concerned with landscaping and confirmed with staff that the equipment area would be behind the Wolfe Medical Clinic sign.  Staff agreed and stated that she informed the applicant that a sign application was required and the sign location would not be approved at the hearing.  Ms. Ryan then stated that it appears that street trees may have been eliminated in the past.  She asked staff where the enhanced landscaping would be located.  Staff responded that the goal would be to have trees planted adjacent to the parking area. 

Ms. Ryan opened the public hearing.

Jason Smith, Applicant, received and reviewed a copy of the staff report.  Ms. Ryan asked Mr. Smith if there was a possibility of shrinking the size of the cabinet to reduce the amount of landscaping that would be lost.  Mr. Smith responded that they really do not have flexibility to reduce the equipment size and have chosen the minimal cabinet size.  Mr. Smith explained the importance of the cabinet and the need for that specific design.  Ms. Ryan reviewed various options to add landscaping to the area.  Mr. Smith added that it was also the landlords’ decision to have the cabinet located in that area.  Mr. Smith stated that he concurred with the staff report and congratulated staff on a report well written.  Ms. Ryan referred to an application that was received a few years for a Verizon facility in Freemont High School area she asked Mr. Smith if this would complete the coverage in that area.  Mr. Smith responded that he was not sure.  Ms. Ryan then asked Mr. Smith if he would anticipate that Verizon would be needing other sites.  Mr. Smith responded that probably not in the immediate area.  

Ms.  Ryan closed the public hearing.

Ms. Ryan approved the Special Development Permit with the Findings provided by staff and noted the architectural solution and stated that it would be nice to present this item to the Planning Commission to give them examples of what has been accomplished.  She also approved the Conditions of Approval recommended by staff. 

Ms. Ryan stated that the decision is final unless appealed during the 15-day appeal period.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:36 p.m.

Minutes approved by:

__________________________________

Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer