Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Website: www.columbusga.gov/planning


12/3/2013
Honorable Mayor and Councilors
City Manager
City Attorney
Clerk of Council

Subject: Subject: (EXCP-9-13-3052) Special Exception Use request to construct a 150-feet

wireless telecommunication facility (Monopole) located at 1435 Double Churches

Road.

Respectfully,

Rick Jones, AICP
Director, Planning Department


Municipal Communications, LLC/Robert S. Poydasheff have submitted an

application for the Special Exception Use cited above. The property is located

in a NC (Neighborhood Commercial) zoning district. The site for the proposed

cell tower is approximately 0.815 acre. The applicant has submitted a site

plan, which is attached. Wireless telecommunication facilities are permitted

in the NC zoning district only on a site-specific basis upon approval of the

Council based upon the following criteria and conditions:



(1) Access: Is or will the type of street providing access to the use be

adequate to serve the proposed special exception use?



Double Churches Road is classified as a two (2) lanes undivided collector that

will provide adequate access for the proposed use. The proposed use will access

the site through the existing driveway along Double Churches Road.



(2) Traffic and Pedestrian Safety : Is or will access into and out of the

property be adequate to provide for traffic and pedestrian safety, the

anticipated volume of the traffic flow, and access by emergency vehicles?



There will be no impact to the transportation system, nor will there be any

impact to pedestrian safety.



(3) Adequacy of Public Facilities: Are or will public facilities such as

school, water, or sewer utilities and police and fire protection be adequate to

serve the special exception use?



N/A.



(4) Security: Will all towers and related equipment be enclosed by

decay-resistant security fencing not less than six feet in height, and equipped

with anti-climbing devices as appropriate to prevent unauthorized access?



The compound will be secured by a six-foot chain link fence.



(5) Hours of Operation: Will the hours and manner of operation of the special

exception use have no adverse effects on other properties in the area?



N/A.



(6) Height Limitations: Does the height of the proposed structure conform to

the restrictions listed in the UDO?



The proposed 150-feet monopole conforms to the maximum allowable height for

telecommunication towers in the Neighborhood Commercial zoning district.



(7) Proximity to Residential Uses: Does the proposed tower conform to the

minimum distance requirement from residential structures and residential

district boundaries as set forth in the UDO?



Yes, the proposed tower does not come within 300 feet of the nearest

residential structure.



(8) Landscaping and Screening: Does the site plan incorporate proper

landscaping and screening of the compound and equipment area?



The proposed site shall meet all the standards indicated under Article 5 of

Chapter 4 of the UDO.



Council District: District 2 (Davis)





Sixteen (16) property owners within 300 feet of the property have been notified

by mail of the proposed Special Exception Use. To date, the Planning Department

has received one comment in opposition. The resident lives right across the

street and her main concern is the visual impact that the tower will create.

She considers that there are other areas in the neighborhood that are wooded

that could be a better fit for this project.



Additional Information: The existing retail facility (package store) will

continue to be operated as usual. No changes or impact on this use.



The Planning Advisory Commission recommended approval at the November 6, 2013

meeting.



The Planning Department recommends that the Council approves the use because

the application for a Special Exception use meets the criteria for approval.



Respectfully,





Rick Jones, AICP

Director, Planning Department









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