2003-0929 – Cingular Wireless [Applicant] Sycamore Lakes Parts [Owner] – Application for a Use Permit on a 3.15 acre site to allow 15-foot high rooftop antennas on an existing building.  The property is located at 555 East California Avenue in an M-S (Industrial & Service) Zoning District. (APN: 204-46-007) DO

In attendance: Adrew Miner, Applicant; Gerri Caruso, Administrative Hearing Officer; Diana O’Dell, Project Planner; and, Gloria Barron, Recording Secretary.

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

Ms. Caruso announced the subject application.

Diana O’Dell, Project Planner, presented the staff report.  She summarized the subject application and noted that the main issues were the aesthetics and the look of the antennas. Staff was able to make the required Findings and recommended approval of the Use Permit subject to the Conditions of Approval with the removal of condition #16 which was added by error.    

Ms. Caruso confirmed with staff that the color of the radomes would be beige to match the color of the building.  Staff agreed.  Ms. Caruso then asked staff if other color options were explored with the applicant.  Staff responded that their main concern was for the color of the radomes to match the building and therefore other colors were not explored.  Ms. Caruso asked staff if there was any consideration that the antennas alone might be less of a visual impact.  Staff responded that it was explored but there was concern that it would not be a nice clean antenna due to cables and other equipment underneath the encasings.   

Ms. Caruso opened the public hearing.

Andrew Minor, Representing Cingular Wireless, received and reviewed a copy of the staff report.  He stated that the purpose of the site was to serve Central Expressway.  He spoke about options relating to height and stated that it was determined that the best place for the antennas would be on the roof to better serve the area.  Mr. Minor then spoke of the color of the antennas and asked Ms. Caruso if there was a preference in color.  Ms. Caruso stated that she did not have a suggestion but asked what color the radomes were prior to painting.  Mr. Minor responded that they are white and added that when driving on Central Expressway he has noticed radomes on manufacturing buildings and they all tend to be the same color as the building. Mr. Minor then stated that if the radomes were removed there would be cables coming down from each antenna and a small amplifier with lines coming and going to the antenna.  He noted that enclosing them all in one radome would reduce the busyness of the antenna.  

Ms. Caruso closed the public hearing.

Ms. Caruso approved the Use Permit with the Findings recommended by staff and the Conditions of Approval suggested by staff with the removal of Condition of Approval #16. 

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

The meeting was adjourned at 2:09 p.m.

Minutes approved by:

Gerri Caruso, Principal Planner