Subject: (WCF05010-01) Special Exception Use to construct a wireless communication
tower at 555 Whittlesey Boulevard. NOTICE OF PLANNING DIVISION APPROVAL
STAFF REPORT
Verizon Wireless submitted an application on October 24, 2005 for the Special
Exception Use cited above. The property encompasses approximately 75.15 acres
of which, Verizon Wireless will lease approximately 100x100 square feet from
the owner for the purpose of erecting and operating a 124-foot wireless
communications tower.
The property is currently zoned GC (General Commercial). Wireless
communications towers are allowed in a GC zoning district as a Special
Exception Use, only on a site-specific basis and upon recommendation of the
Planning Advisory Commission and Planning Division and final approval of the
Columbus City Council. Approval is based upon the following criteria and
conditions:
Applicant: Ben Carter Properties, LLC Columbus Park Crossing, LLC
Owner: Verizon Wireless
Acreage: 0.230 Acres (Parent Parcel)
Current Zoning Classification: GC (General Commercial)
Current Use of Property: Retail Shopping Center
Surrounding Zoning: North ? GC (General Commercial)
South ? GC (General Commercial)
East ? GC (General Commercial)
West ?GC (General Commercial)
Planning Division Approval based on the fact that it is consistent
with the Recommendation: purpose and intent of the zoning district.
The use is suitable in view of the zoning and development of
adjacent and nearby properties.
Planning Advisory Commission Approval based on the fact that it is
consistent with the Recommendation: purpose and intent of the zoning
district. The use is suitable in view of the zoning and
development of adjacent and nearby properties.
General Use: Planning District 2
Land Use Designation: Commercial
Traffic Impact: None
Property-Owner Seventeen (17) property owners within 300 feet of the
Notification: proposed property were notified by letter of
the proposed Special Exception Use to construct a wireless tower.
To date, the Planning Division has not received any opposition to
the construction of a wireless communications facility within their
neighborhood
Criteria:
(1) Protection from Adverse Effects
The proposed wireless communications facility will not result in a significant
adverse visual impact on nearby residences. The proposed tower will be sited
on the subject property in a manner designed to minimize its impact on other
properties. Currently, a commercial business operates on the front of the
property. The proposed wireless communications facility will be located on the
rear of the property.
(2) Residential Uses
No residential uses or properties are located within 300 feet of the proposed
tower. Therefore, this tower conforms to the minimum residential setback
requirement of the Wireless Communications Ordinance.
3) Architectural Design
The proposed tower is a monopole structure, which is considered the least
visually intrusive type of tower. The monopole is designed to accommodate two
future carriers.
(4) Existing or Approved Towers
Existing towers or tall structures are not of sufficient height to meet the
system engineering requirements.
(5) Height
The maximum height in a GC (General Commercial) zoning district is 150 feet.
The height of the proposed tower is 124 feet.
(6) Access
Proper egress and ingress exists to provide adequate access to the wireless
communications tower
(7) Vegetation and Landscaping
The landscape plan meets the criteria of the Unified Development Ordinance.
The Department of Planning recommends approval of the Special Exception Use for
wireless communications service at 555 Whittlesey Boulevard.
Respectfully,
(WCF0510-01)