Subject: Subject: (SEU0704-1) Special Exception Use request to construct a wireless
communications facility at 2207 Cusseta Road.
John Simmons submitted an application for the Special Exception Use cited
above. The properties are located in a GC (General Commercial) District. The
purpose of the Special Exception Use is to construct a wireless communications
facility. The applicant wishes to construct a 180-foot monopole cell tower.
New towers are permitted in a GC 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?
Access to the property is adequate for the proposed use.
(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?
Yes, the compound will be secured by a six-foot chain link fence, with three
rows of class III barbed wire.
(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?
Yes, the proposed tower conforms to the maximum allowable height of 180 feet
for monopoles in a GC 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?
No, it does not. A tower structure may not be place within 300 feet of a
residential structure. The proposed monopole tower is 249 feet from the nearest
residential structure.
(8) Landscaping and Screening: Does the site plan incorporate proper
landscaping and screening of the compound and equipment area?
The site plan submitted for the project does not show any landscaping or
screening of the area.
Twenty (20) property owners within 300 feet of the parcel were notified by
letter of the proposed Special Exception Use. To date, the Planning Department
has not received any comments about the Special Exception Use request.
The application for a Special Exception Use does not meet the criteria for
approval, therefore, the Planning Advisory Commission and the Planning
Department recommend that the Council deny the use.