Plan Review Detail
Review Status: Completed
Review Details: REZONING - ZE HEARING
Plan Number - T09SE00063
Review Name: REZONING - ZE HEARING
Review Status: Completed
| Review Date | Reviewer's Name | Type of Review | Description | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02/22/2010 | MATT FLICK | ENGINEERING | REVIEW | Completed | T09SE00063 - Clear Wireless, LLC - El Puente Lane, Special Exception, I-1 (Ward 1) PDSD Engineering has no objection or adverse comment to approval of a Special Exception for installation of a new 70' monopole together with associated telecommunications equipment and enclosure on the 3.37-acre site. The existing site is used for radio broadcasting and lies along the southern side of El Puente Lane. El Puente Lane is partially paved and lies on both public and private properties. The nearest fully-paved public street is Santa Cruz Lane (about 900 feet west of the driveway that will access the proposed telecommunications site). During the paving of Santa Cruz Lane, a small portion of El Puente Lane was paved as "Driveway #6". It is probable that this pavement, and other existing pavement, was not paved to public street standards. Site drainage is generally towards the northwest and El Puente Lane. The site does not lie within a mapped floodplain or erosion hazard area. The site lies within the Mission View Wash watershed. Since this watershed is a designated balanced basin, detention/retention would typically be required for commercial development. However, due to the minimal increase in imperviousness, water harvesting in the landscape areas will be sufficient to meet detention/retention requirements. No conditions are requested. Matt Flick, P.E. Project Manager Planning & Development Services Department City of Tucson Phone: 520-837-4931 Fax: 520-791-4340 |
| 02/22/2010 | DAVE MANN | FIRE | REVIEW | Approved | |
| 02/25/2010 | MPADILL1 | COMMUNITY PLANNING | REVIEW | Completed | DEPARTMENT OF URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN SE-09-63 Clearwire - El Puente Lane I-1 Zone, Special Exception Santa Cruz Area Plan and the General Plan 02/22/10 msp This proposal is for a special exception use in the I-1 zone, to allow a new wireless communication facility. The applicant is proposing to construct a new 70-foot tall concrete monopole in an industrial parcel, currently developed with a radio station facility at 889 W. El Puente Lane. The 3.3-acre site is located southeast of the Silverlake Road and Santa Cruz Lane intersection. El Puente Lane is between Santa Cruz Lane and Interstate-10. According to the Major Streets and Routes Plan, El Puente Lane functions as a local street. The monopole is proposed in the northeast area of the 3.3-acre site, adjacent to the radio station buildings and carports. Ground equipment will be located within a 25' x 30' lease area adjacent to the monopole. The ground equipment lease area is proposed with chain link fence and landscape plants to screen ground equipment from residential uses located south and west of the site. Surrounding Land Uses and Zoning-The site is located along the south side of El Puente Lane between Santa Cruz Lane and Interstate-10. The site is developed as a radio station facility with two radio towers and zoned I-1 light industrial, east of the site is a vacant parcel zoned R-1 residential, south of the site is a mix of residential units and some legal non-conforming industrial uses zoned R-1 residential, west of the site are residential units and some industrial uses zoned I-1 light industrial, and to the north across El Puente Lane are industrial businesses fronting Silverlake Road zoned I-1 light industrial. Land Use Area Plan Summary-The Santa Cruz River Area Plan and the General Plan both provide land use guidance for this site. Generally, the Plans support the requested use when visual impacts, setbacks, and landscaping and buffering elements are addressed. The proposed monopole communication tower will be placed in close proximity to existing buildings and existing radio station towers. Surrounding structures in excess of one-hundred (100) feet in height include existing radio towers and Interstate lighting. The antennas on the monopole will be required to be painted to blend with existing environmental surroundings and ground equipment and shelter will be constructed and painted to match the existing buildings. The General Plan - General Plan Policy 3.7 (Element 4) requires that, if possible, telecommunications facilities be located, installed and maintained to minimize visual impacts and preserve views. Visual impacts are a key consideration during the review process. The Plans support requested land uses, when visual design elements and buffering techniques to mitigate the potential negative impacts of more intense development on established neighborhoods are employed. The applicant proposes the 70 foot-tall monopole will have the antennas brought in close to the tower base and painted to blend with surroundings including area residential uses in the R-1 residential zone Analysis Access - The general vicinity of the site is southeast of the Silverlake Road and Santa Cruz Lane intersection and in between Santa Cruz Lane and Interstate-10. Access is from El Puente Lane, which is an unpaved access lane located over narrow strips of parcels owned by the City of Tucson and Arizona State Land, not recorded right-of-way. The applicant attended a presubmittal meeting with staff on September 9, 2009, in which they were informed that El Puente Lane can not remain unpaved and the existing twenty-two (22) foot width does not meet minimum street standards and this issue will need to be addressed in the Special Exception process. If the applicant intends to enter the site from Santa Cruz Lane by way of El Puente Lane, then the City of Tucson Department of Transportation will need to review and approve the proposed access prior to development plan approval. The other option is to consider the existing access easement which connects to Silverlake Road and is owned by the State of Arizona. This easement is located east of the proposed site and if this access is to be utilized, then both the City of Tucson and the State of Arizona will need to approve the access prior to development plan approval for the wireless communication facility. Compatibility - The applicant is proposing to construct a new 70-foot high concrete monopole and ground equipment within a lease area of 25' X 30' in the northeast area of the 3.3-acre site. The area has a mix of land uses that includes industrial, residential, and legal non-conforming business in residential zoned parcels. The area is mostly underdeveloped with a mix of both residential and industrial zoned parcels. The proposed site is an industrial zoned site adjacent to residential uses and will require proper screening of the ground equipment to mitigate visual impacts toward the residential uses located south and east of the site. The nearest residential use is approximately 300 feet from the monopole location. The vertical height and mass of the monopole is comparable to the two existing radio towers that are approximately one hundred and forty five (145) and one hundred and sixty two (162) feet in height respectively. Also, the site has a pole of approximately ninety (90) feet in height with radio station communication dishes. In addition, the I-10 and I-19 interchange is directly east of the site, and includes interstate street lights that rise approximately one hundred and sixty three (163) feet above finish grade, which are suspended over interstate raised ramps for both the I-10 and I-19 interchange. Policy - In general the Plans support requested land uses when visual design elements and buffering techniques are used to mitigate the potential negative impacts of more intense development on established neighborhoods. The proposed wireless communication facility will be designed to mitigate visual impacts with the antenna arrays located close to the monopole base and painted to blend with the surrounding colors. The proposed vertical is compatible with surrounding land uses such as existing radio and satellite towers, Interstate-10 and Intsterstate-19 infrastructure lighting, and utility poles. Therefore, the proposed project height and use is in general compatibility with surrounding land uses and therefore, in general compliance in keeping with the intent of applicable Plan policy and plan amendment is not required. Recommendation - The proposed special exception land use for an unmanned clearwire communication facility is in general compliance with applicable General Plan and Santa Cruz Area Plan policy and the Design Guideline Manual. The following special exception conditions are recommended in support of applicable policy: 1. The monopole height shall not exceed 70 feet. Relevant Policies " SCAP General Development, Policy 7 " GP Element 4: Community Character and Design, Policy 3.7 2. The use of flush/stealth mounted antenna array is required Relevant Policies " SCAP General Development, Policy 7 " GP Element 4: Community Character and Design, Policy 3.7 3. Ground mounted equipment located within a 30' X 25' compound area to be enclosed by six foot tall fence. Fence shall be painted to match the monopole, and shall include native plant landscaping along the full south and west edges of the fence enclosure. Native plant landscape shall be on an automated drip irrigation system. Relevant Policies " SCAP General Development, Policy 7 " GP Element 4: Community Character and Design, Policy 3.7 " DG I.B.3.f. - Landscape Screens 5. The monopole and antennas shall be painted to match the surrounding environment to aid in the stealth concept. Relevant Policies " SCAP General Development, Policy 7 " GP Element 4: Community Character and Design, Policy 3.7 " DG 1.B.2.e. - Design Context and Neighborhood Character 6. Off-site vehicular access from Santa Cruz Lane to the monopole site shall require approval from the City of Tucson Department of Transportation prior to development plan approval. If off-site vehicular access includes access from Silverlake Road by means of the ADOT vehicular easement located east of El Puente Lane, then it shall require approval from both the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and the State of Arizona Department of Transportation prior to development plan approval. Relevant Policies " SCAP General Development, Policy 7 " GP Element 4: Community Character and Design, Policy 3.7 " DG 1.A.5.d. - Mix Use Circulation System Plan Policy General Plan Element 4:Community Character and Design Policy 3: Preserve scenic views of natural features and community landmarks. Supporting Policy 3.7: Require that, whenever possible, telecommunications facilities be located, installed, and maintained to minimize visual impact, preserve views, and be consistent with the City's adopted land use plans and policies. Cabling and fiber optics should be installed underground where possible, and the visual impact of cellular towers will be a prime consideration in the City's acceptance and approval. Policy 5: Promote neighborhood identity and visual character 5.5 A Consider incentives for telecommunications providers to install infrastructures, not only in the newer areas, but also in older neighborhoods to increase opportunities for all citizens to have access to high-tech telecom services. Santa Cruz Area Plan The Plan is intended to guide future development and coordinate governmental actions when developing the Santa Cruz River and its immediate environs as a major cultural and recreational resource, while stabilizing and improving adjacent neighborhoods. Development Policies, General Development, Policy 7 New development within or near existing neighborhoods should be designed and scaled to be compatible with existing neighborhood characteristics. Design Guidelines Manual e. Design Context and Neighborhood Character (1.B.2.e) Intent - Improve the character of new projects and reinforce existing architectural character in established neighborhoods. Solution - Harmonize new buildings with existing buildings by incorporating design elements of the adjacent architecture including the following: " Scale and massing of structure " Finishes, materials, and colors " Site amenities such as walls and landscaping d. All Development - Mix Use Circulation System (I.A.5.d) Solution - The balance between community access and residential privacy can be strengthened by ensuring points of vehicular access to commercial access and residential areas should be separate and distinct. f. All Development - Buffering/Screening/Landscape Design - Landscape Screens (I.B.3.f) Solution, Screen dumpster areas, outside storage, utility, and other free standing equipment. s:\caserev\SP-ECPT\SE09-10\ SE-09-63 Clearwire - El PuenteLane. |
| 02/26/2010 | TERRY STEVENS | ZONING | REVIEW | Completed | CDRC TRANSMITTAL TO: Development Services Department Rezoning Section FROM: Terry Stevens Lead Planner PROJECT: Clearwire - El Puente Ln 889 W. El Puente Ln I-1 Zoning Special Exception Case Number - SE-09-63 TRANSMITTAL: December 22, 2009 1. The proposed use falls under the LUC Sec. 2.7.2.3 Special Exception Land Uses, Commercial Services Use Group, Sec. 6.3.5. Communications "36", subject to: Sec. 3.5.4.20.B, .C, and .E.1 or .E.2, or Sec. 3.5.4.20.B, .C, and .E.3, or Sec. 3.5.4.20.B, .C, and .F.2, or Sec. 3.5.4.20.B, .C, and .G Development designator "36" requires or allows the following: Minimum site required = 0 Floor area ratio = 10.50 Lot Coverage = N/A Maximum building height = 300 feet Interior perimeter yard indicator = EE Off-Street Parking: One technician parking space required. Off-Street Loading: 0 required Bicycle Parking: 0 required Pedestrian Access: Not required. Zoning has reviewed this proposal for compliance with The City of Tucson Development Standards & Land Use Code (LUC). If you have any questions about this transmittal, please call Terry Stevens, (520) 836-4961 or email Terry.Stevens@tucsonaz.gov. |
| 03/04/2010 | JOE LINVILLE | LANDSCAPE | REVIEW | Approv-Cond | The PDSD Landscape Section recommends that screening of the elements within the enclosure be provided per LUC Table 3.7.2-I along the west side. The code prescribes a 5' high masonry wall. Compatible native plants should be selected and located to provide an interior landscape border per LUC 3.7.2.4.B between the wall and the property boundary. |
| 03/04/2010 | JOSE ORTIZ | DOT TRAFFIC | REVIEW | Completed | TDOT-Traffic has no objections. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | ENV SVCS | REVIEW | Completed | No comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | TUCSON WATER NEW AREA DEVELOPMENT | REVIEW | Completed | No comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | JULIE YBARRA | SIGNS | SIGN CODE REVIEW | Completed | No comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | DOT ENGINEERING | REVIEW | Completed | TDOT Engineering has no objections. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | PARKS & RECREATION | Completed | Parks and Recreation has no comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | OFFICE OF CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | Completed | The communication monopole and equipment appear to be sufficiently outside of any significant riparian (i.e., Santa Cruz River to the east) area. OCSD does not have any comments on this Special Exception. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | PIMA ASSN OF GOVTS | Completed | No comment. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | PIMA CNTY WASTEWATER | Completed | No comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | SCHOOL DISTRICT | Completed | No comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | ADOT | Completed | Regional Traffic - No objections or adverse comments from Traffic Engineering on this submittal. The development will not affect any ADOT facilities. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | TDOT RTA | Completed | No comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | TDOT STREETS | Completed | No comments. |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | OTHER AGENCIES | Completed | I have no issues with this request. CSO Becky Noel #37968 Tucson Police Dept 837-7428 |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | OTHER AGENCIES | Completed | March 2, 2010 Mr. Wyneken: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on SE-09-63 "Clearwire - El Puente Lane"; a special exception application for a site located east of the southeast corner of El Puente Lane and Santa Cruz Lane. The purpose of this application is to allow for a wireless telecommunication tower and related equipment. This site is within the Tucson International Airport public disclosure area and traffic pattern airspace. The Tucson Airport Authority requests the following condition of approval: "The owner/developer shall record the Airport Disclosure Statement form prior to the City's approval of the development plan or building permit. The Airport Disclosure Statement discloses the existence, and operational characteristics of the Tucson International Airport, to future owners or tenants of the property and further conveys the right to the public to lawfully use the airspace above the property." Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this comment letter. I can be reached by email at jfeld@tucsonairport.org or by telephone at 520-573-5115. Again, thank you for the opportunity to comment on the subject application and the City of Tucson's recognition of the regional importance in ensuring continuing safety and viability of Tucson International Airport. Respectfully, Jordan D. Feld, CM, AICP Director of Planning Tucson Airport Authority |
| 03/05/2010 | DCORRAL1 | REZ AGENCY REVIEW | OTHER AGENCIES | Completed | March 4, 2010 City of Tucson Rezoning Department Attn: Michael Wyneken, Principal Planner TucsonRezoning.DSPO2.CHDOM2@tucsonaz.gov Subject: Application SE-09-63 Clearwire - El Puente Lane Dear Mr. Wyneken: Thank you for the opportunity to review the above referenced application. Pima County has the following comments. REGIONAL FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT 1. Over half the site is within FEMA Shaded Zone X associated with the Santa Cruz River. 2. Access may be restricted during times of flooding. 3. Utilities associated with keeping the tower operational should be protected from the 500-year flood. 4. An emergency plan should be in place for accessing the facility during times of flooding. Sincerely, ________________________________ Sherry A. Ruther Manager - Environmental and Long Range Planning Group Pima County Development Services |