PD Recommendation Report (PL-USE-2023-000008)

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sites to support the FirstNet Nationwide Safety Public Broadband Network (FirstNet), intended to improve access to and functioning of 9-1-1 emergency services. The proposed facility will be located approximately 700 feet away from a parcel with an existing Use Permit (USE 15-000059) which allowed Verizon Wireless to establish a 155-foot "monopine" cell tower. As of the date of this writing, Verizon has not constructed the proposed tower and was recently issued an administrative time extension to complete construction by June 9, 2027. AT&T states that although they attempted to communicate with Verizon to determine whether co-location was possible, they received no commitments or assurances that the Verizon tower would be constructed and available for co-location. According to the applicant, AT&T's radio frequency (RF) engineers performed an RF engineering study to determine the required site location and antenna height to fulfill the project's service coverage objectives. The application states that the proposed 150- foot-tall tower height is necessary to reliably fill the existing wireless service coverage gap and to support the FirstNet Network. The Zoning Code requires a Use Permit for telecommunication antennas and towers in the County's Agricultural-3 acre (A-3a) zoning district. In considering a Use Permit for any proposed use, Rule 7 of the Planning Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure, relating to Use Permits, requires that such action conform to the following guidelines: A. The granting of the proposed use shall be consistent with the general purpose of the zoned district, the intent and purpose of the Zoning Code and the County General Plan; B. The granting of the proposed use shall not be materially detrimental to the public welfare nor cause substantial adverse impact to the community's character or to surrounding properties; and C. The granting of the proposed use shall not unreasonably burden public agencies to provide roads and streets, sewers, water, drainage, school improvements, police and fire protection and other related infrastructure. The proposed request meets the guidelines for approval of a Use Permit, for the reasons outlined below: -2-