Subject: (EXCP-10-13-3164) Special Exception Use request to construct a 160-feet
wireless telecommunication facility (Monopole) located at 6401 River Road.
RETEL Services/Kathy Kelly-Jacobs 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 3.0 acres. 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?
River Road is classified as a four (4) lanes undivided arterial that will
provide adequate access for the proposed use. The proposed use will access the
site through the existing driveway along River 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 tower facility will be enclosed with a decay-resistant security fence not
less than 6' in height and shall be black in color. The tower will be equipment
with an anti-climbing devise as appropriate to prevent unauthorized access.
(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 monopole exceeds the maximum allowable height for
telecommunication towers in the Neighborhood Commercial zoning district as
established in Table 3.2.11 of the UDO; therefore, they are asking for a
variance to increase the maximum height from 150 feet to 160 feet.
(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?
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 tower facility will have a 10' buffer for any required landscaping and
screening. Since the subject property is densely wooded, they are planning to
leave as much natural vegetation as possible within the landscape buffer. They
also will be planting 8' evergreen trees along the east and north side of the
facility to ensure proper screening of the tower facility per Article 5 of
Chapter 4 of the UDO.
Council District: District 2 (Davis)
Six (6) 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 not received any comments regarding this request.
Additional Information: None.
The Planning Advisory Commission recommended Conditional Approval at the
November 20, 2013 meeting. The recommended conditions are:
1. Allow for an increase in the maximum tower height from 150 feet to 160 feet.
2. The FAA Approval letter shall be granted before a building permit is issued
by the City of Columbus.
3. A Mono-Pine cell tower shall be required and maintain at this location.
4. A natural undisturbed buffer shall be required in between the mono-pine
structure and the Ridges of Green Island property.
5. The rest of the property shall remain natural and undeveloped
The Planning Department recommends that the Council Conditionally Approves the
use because the application for a Special Exception use meets the criteria for
approval. The recommended conditions are the same as the ones recommended by
the Planning Advisory Commission.
Respectfully,
Rick Jones, AICP
Director, Planning Department