HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB 2012-08-07 #2 CITY OF
Community Development Department – Planning Division
Meeting Date: August 7, 2012
Case Numbers: UP11-020, ED11-024, EX12-002
Project Planner: Kraig Tambornini (415) 485-3092
REPORT TO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SUBJECT: Lucas Valley Area (ExteNet Systems DAS Network) – Use Permit, Environmental and
Design Review and Exception for installation of 2’2” tall by 16” diameter omni-antenna on
45- to 54-foot tall joint utility poles (replacing existing 39- to 48-foot tall utility poles) and
ground mounted equipment located in the public rights-of-way at five locations in north
San Rafael, as part of a distributed antenna system (“DAS”) public telephone
infrastructure project implemented by ExteNet Systems; APN: n/a, site locations near 1959
Las Gallinas Ave, 873 Del Ganado Rd, 714 Penny Royal Ln, 7 Montevideo Way, and 459
Hibiscus Way or alternative location at Manuel T Freitas near Las Pavadas (Munson
Park); R5, R7.5, R10, R20, PD and R5-EA Zone Districts; Rick Hirsch, Applicant; Patti
Ringo of ExteNet Systems, LLC Owner; Terra Linda/Santa Margarita and Mont Marin/San
Rafael Neighborhoods.
- - Continued from June 19, 2012 - -
BACKGROUND
ExteNet Systems, LLC is a telephone corporation that installs enhanced wireless antenna telephone
infrastructure (aka, distributed antenna systems, “DAS”) within public rights-of-way, under the
provisions of Ca Codes CPUC 7901-7912. “DAS” infrastructure is comprised of antenna “nodes” placed
on existing utility poles within public rights-of-way. Installation of DAS infrastructure is being proposed
within existing public rights-of-way running from north San Rafael through Marin County and into the
City of Novato; to provide infrastructure for wireless service providers that would serve residential
properties in the Lucas Valley area, west of Highway 101. Wireless telephone service providers could
utilize the “DAS” telecommunications infrastructure to extend or enhance their services in these areas.
ExteNet does not provide wireless services itself, therefore, does not require an FCC or PUC license to
operate.
The subject project proposes five DAS antenna nodes within the City of San Rafael, as part of the
ExteNet LLC corporations Lucas Valley Network. Two of these nodes are proposed within the Las
Gallinas Avenue median strip in Mont Marin/San Rafael Park neighborhood. The remaining sites,
located within the Terra Linda/Santa Margarita neighborhood area, include two nodes adjacent to
residential lots at Penny Royal Lane and Hibiscus Way and one node within the Del Ganado Road
median strip. As an alternative to the equipment proposed in front yards of Hibiscus Way, a node may
be placed nearby along Manuel T Freitas frontage, near Las Pavadas intersection (i.e., at “Munson
Park”). These rights-of-way are all within residentially designated neighborhoods. The zoning
classifications of adjacent properties include R5, R7.5, R10, R-20, PD and R5-EA.
Zoning district development standards (i.e., lot coverage, setbacks, etc.) would not apply to utility
equipment placed in public rights-of-way. However, the standards in Chapter 14.16.360 (Site & Use
regulations) would apply to installation of the wireless antenna facilities. Therefore, the 30-foot height
limit established for the area pursuant to the General Plan 2020 Exhibit 8 would also be applicable to
the project. The City may review the time, manner and placement of utility infrastructure proposed
within its public rights of way. Aerial and below grade transmission lines are not subject to this review.
A detailed discussion of the City of San Rafael General Plan 2020 and Zoning Regulations can be
found in the June 19, 2012 report to the Design Review Board.
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Design Review Board Comments
On June 19, 2012 the Board reviewed the project and recommended the following:
1. Conceal the support posts, cabling and conduit with stealth enclosures that would more
seamlessly blend in with the existing utility pole; in order for the Board to support the co-location
design solution.
2. Place the cabinets proposed at Hibiscus Way and Penny Royal Lane underground; in order for
the Board to support these locations.
3. Move the cabinets proposed in Las Gallinas and Del Ganado median strip locations to the center
of the median, in less visible locations and conceal these with landscaping; in-lieu of
undergrounding equipment.
4. Provide a proposal for long term maintenance of facilities including landscaping and graffiti
removal; in-lieu of undergrounding equipment.
The audio and video of this meeting can be accessed online at: http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/meetings/
and selecting the link for the June 19 meeting date. The prior staff report is also available at this
webpage.
Staff has not provided the previous plan sets to the Board, given that this revised solution to replace
poles clearly eliminates stealth concerns with the prior pole extension. A side by side comparison to the
previous plan set did not appear necessary, given that the changes are primarily related to details of
concealment that were lacking from the prior plan set.
The Boards recommendation will be forwarded to the Planning Commission which will make a decision
on the project at a separate public hearing.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The ExteNet Systems (California) LLC Distributed Antenna System (“DAS”) telecommunications
network would provide telecommunications transmission infrastructure for wireless service providers to
extend its network coverage and capacity in the area. A “DAS” network consists of a series of wireless
telecommunications antennas and associated equipment boxes, typically mounted on existing wooden
utility poles within the public rights-of-way. Five antenna “nodes” are proposed within the City of San
Rafael. (The other nodes within the system are proposed to be located in the unincorporated County
and City of Novato; which are also processing zoning entitlements for system segments within their
jurisdictions.) The nodes are linked by fiber-optic cable typically routed aerially from pole-to-pole. In
some cases, “micro-trenching” is needed to route fiber-optic cable where there is no overhead
infrastructure available. The fiber-optic cable is typically connected to the intended wireless service
client’s equipment hub.
Starting from the north and moving south and east, the five antenna “nodes” proposed in San Rafael
are as follows:
• LUC-014A located on a new 43’ tall pole (replacing existing 38’ utility pole) in the center median of
Las Gallinas at Twelve Oak Hill Drive, with at grade equipment cabinet.
• LUC-009A located on a new 52’ tall pole (replacing existing 43’ utility pole) in the center median of
Las Gallinas at Montevideo Drive, with at grade equipment cabinet.
• LUC-004A located on a new 43’ tall pole (replacing existing 39’ pole) on Hibiscus Way adjacent to a
residential front yard, with below grade equipment vault in sidewalk –OR–
LUC-004B located on a new 47’6” pole (replacing 39’ pole) along Manual T Freitas at Munson Park,
with at grade equipment cabinet.
• LUC-003A located on a new 43’ tall pole (replacing 37’ pole) on Penny Royal Lane, adjacent to a
residential side yard, with below grade equipment vault in sidewalk.
• LUC-017A located on a new 43’ tall pole (replacing 36’ pole) in the center median of Del Ganado at
Duran Drive, and at grade equipment cabinet.
The nodes include the following equipment components:
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a. Omni-antennas measuring 2’-2” tall by 16” diameter mounted on 4” by 4” by 6’ post extensions
to the existing utility poles (at 44’ to 54’3” overall heights above grade); capable of supporting
1900 – 2100 MHz bands of service. Note: LUC-009A would not require the 6’ extension as the
pole is sufficiently tall to provide required spacing from the power lines. Revised plans include a
“skirt” to conceal cabling at the antenna.
b. Equipment cabinet measuring 5’-2” tall by 2’-1” wide by 2’-1” deep and electric meter placed at
ground level, approximately 5-feet from poles, to house battery backups and a delta node.
c. Cable runs underground from the cabinet through 4” conduit on the pole to the antenna.
d. Overhead fiber-optic line runs along existing poles on the Las Gallinas Ave and Del Ganado
segments, with short underground “micro-trenching” runs on Las Pavadas, Duran Road and
Penny Royal/Pine Lane.1 (See Project Plans - Lucas Valley Construction Map) (Note: this
component is not subject to City discretionary review.)
RF Emissions:
Radio-frequency radiation emissions (RF) studies have been required for the project. Peer review has
been completed by Kramer Firm, the City’s RF consultant which confirmed the antennas would comply
with FCC regulations related to RF emissions; as required by City regulations. The FCC establishes
signage and RF intensity requirements for both service workers and general public exposure from
telecommunications antenna. Emissions that do not exceed 5% of the maximum recommended general
exposure limit are considered to be safe without requiring any special mitigation (e.g., safety barriers,
signage). The City regulations require review to assure that these requirements are satisfied.
ANALYSIS
The applicant has responded to the Boards comments as follows:
1. Conceal the support posts, cabling and conduit with stealth enclosures that would more
seamlessly blend in with the existing utility pole; in order for the Board to support the co-
location design solution.
ExteNet proposes to replace the entire utility pole for each node, in lieu of the 4x4 post extension. A
“skirt” has also been added to conceal cabling connections to the omni-antenna. Finally, U-guard
conduit would be used to conceal cabling along the pole.
Staff supports the changes made with the exception of the skirt. The solution to integrate this
equipment on typical utility pole infrastructure would appear to be successful without the skirt.
2. Place the cabinets proposed at Hibiscus Way and Penny Royal Lane underground; in order
for the Board to support these locations.
ExteNet proposes to place the equipment at these two locations in underground vaults. However, the
Hibiscus Way site LUC-004A could also be relocated to alternative Site LUC004-B, on Freitas Parkway.
Relocation of LUC-004A to LUC-004B is recommended by staff.
The underground vaults have been forwarded to Public Works for its review. These types of facilities
have been permitted in public rights-of-way. No issues or concerns have been raised by Public Works
staff with this design.
3. Move the cabinets proposed in Las Gallinas and Del Ganado median strip locations to the
center of the median, in less visible locations and conceal these with landscaping; in-lieu of
undergrounding equipment.
ExteNet has proposed to relocate equipment cabinets to more central median locations and add
landscaping. An irrigation solution is proposed. However, Planning Division staff is still concerned with
visual impacts of additional and future equipment in the rights of way, and recommends that this
1 City zoning review does not apply to the overhead telecommunications lines extended between existing utility poles.
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equipment should also be placed below grade. If landscaping is acceptable, a longer-term agreement
to maintain this landscaping until it can become established would be needed.
4. Provide a proposal for long term maintenance of facilities including landscaping and graffiti
removal; in-lieu of undergrounding equipment.
ExteNet has indicated willingness to abide by City requirements in this regard. Staff will recommend
conditions of approval that would be implemented through issuance of encroachment permits by the
Department of Public Works. Public works will review all agreements and obtain all assurances it needs
that ExteNet can and would maintain its infrastructure improvements.
Other
The Board also asked for examples of similar facilities installed in the area. Staff has emailed
photographs of such locations that were provided by the applicant. These photographs will be available
for review at the hearing.
NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENCE
At least 15 days prior to this meeting, updated notices were posted and mailed to all residents, property
owners and identified homeowner and neighborhood associations within at least 400 feet of each of the
antenna node locations; including the new alternate location LUC-004B. Letters from neighbors and
North San Rafael Coalition of Residents were previously provided at the June 19 meeting. Testimony
was also received at the prior hearing, from residents with concern with design and health affects being
close to residential house and bedrooms. Additional comments received in response to the current
notice are attached. The recent letters include one email in support and one opposed to the facility.
CONCLUSION
The applicants July 6, 2012 written response to Board and Staff comments is attached. Staff
recommends that the revised project can be supported. Additional comments and recommendations
from the Board are requested on the revised design, particularly whether the above ground equipment
and landscape solutions are acceptable; which will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for
action.
EXHIBITS
1. Applicant July 6 2012 response
2. Public Comments
Revised plans have been provided to the DRB members only
cc: Patti Ringo, ExteNet, 3030 Warrenville Rd, Ste 340, Lisle, IL 60532
Rick Hirsch, AICP, 5957 Keith Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
NSR Coalition of Residents, PO Box 6642, San Rafael, CA 94903
Mont Marin/San Rafael Park Neighborhood Assn, PO Box 6662, San Rafael, CA 94903
Santa Margarita NA, PO Box 6449, San Rafael, CA 94903
Terra Linda HOA, P.O. Box 6405, San Rafael, CA 94903
Property Owner, 459 Hibiscus Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Property Owner, 455 Hibiscus Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
Property Owner, 720 Pine Lane, San Rafael, CA 94903
Property Owner, 739 Penny Royal Lane, San Rafael, CA 94903
Neal Osborne, Marin County Planning
Stephen Marshall, City of Novato Planning