HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.2Item 3.2
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS November 5, 2009
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
SUBJECT: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY CONSISTING
OF SIX, FOUR FOOT TALL PANEL ANTENNAS TO BE
COLLOCATED ON AN EXISTING 70 FOOT TALL MONOPINE AND
ASSOCIATED GROUND EQUIPMENT AT TOWN HALL; LANDS OF
LOS ALTOS HILLS (APPLICANT: VERIZON WIRELESS); 26379
FREMONT ROAD; FILE# 151 -09 -CUP
FROM: Cynthia Richardson, Consulting Planner Q9 -
APPROVED: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission:
Forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the requested Site
Development and Conditional Use Permit for a period of 10 years, subject to the
conditions in Attachment I and findings of approval in Attachment 2.
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The subject parcel is located at the Town Hall facility at 26379 Fremont Road. Verizon
Wireless is the operator of this proposed wireless communications facility. The six new
four foot tall panel type antennas are flush mounted on the existing monopine at
approximately 58 feet from the ground. This new antenna location necessitates the
relocation of two existing town emergency antennas on the monopine. In addition,
Verizon will be utilizing the existing town owned storage/cutting shed for its ground
equipment of approximately 300 square feet. The shed will be slightly enlarged at the
rear in order to house all of the proposed equipment.
DISCUSSION:
A wireless communications facility is a conditionally permitted use per section 10-1.703
(h) of the Zoning Code. Further, section 10-1.1104 of the Zoning Code requires all
applications for Conditional Use Permits to be reviewed by the Planning Commission
with a recommendation forwarded to the City Council. Pursuant to section 10-1.1107(1)
of the zoning code, specific findings must be made in order to approve a Conditional Use
Permit. The findings for this Conditional Use Permit are attached for the Commission's
review (Attachment 2). In addition, the project is also reviewed for compliance with the
requirements established in the Town's Wireless Communications Policy.
Recommended conditions of approval for the project are included in this report
(Attachment 1) for Planning Commission review.
Staff report to the Planning Commission
Verizon CUP
November 5, 2009
Page 2 of 8
The Town's Emergency Communications Committee has reviewed the proposed project
and has made recommendations regarding the relocation of the Town's emergency ham
radio antennas which Verizon has included in their proposed plan.
The materials, colors and design used to screen the 4' tall x 2' wide antennas will match
the AT&T antenna installation. The antennas would be' painted a color to match the
existing facilities and screened with sufficient artificial vegetation to resemble a healthy
mature pine tree.
The ground equipment is proposed to be located within the existing Town owned shed in
the area that is currently open. The equipment will include six, 30" cabinets, one
miscellaneous cabinet, two battery cabinets and three Mod cell cabinets. The ground
equipment will be required to comply with the Town's noise ordinance (Condition 12).
A new fence type structure will be added to the front and rear of the shed to enclose the
area and will match the existing structure. The rear fence will be located 4'-2" from the
face of the shed. The existing roof line will not change.
Access
The applicant is proposing a new foot path to be used for access to the equipment located
in the shed and will be used on a regular basis for ongoing maintenance. The proposal
includes construction of a Type 2b path to match the existing path in the demonstration
garden. The City Attorney recommends that the agreement terms include access routes
associated with the use of the equipment shed and additional antennas on the monopine.
Wireless Communications Facilities Policy
The facility is consistent with the Town's Wireless Communications Facilities Policy.
This is a non-residential site, and visual impacts are minimized by the monopine foliage.
The Policy requires that a 3-5 year Master Plan be included with the application. A 3-5
year Master Plan showing existing Verizon facilities and the coverage in the Los Altos
Hills and Los Altos area is included as Attachment 3.
The proposed wireless communications facility is categorically exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act by provision of section 15301,
Class 1 (a): minor alteration of existing public or private structures.
CONCLUSION:
The applicant has submitted a report demonstrating the proposed facility will operate
within Federal RF emissions standards and guidelines (Attachment 4). Approval of the
Staff report to the Planning Commission
Verizon CUP
November 5, 2009
Page 3 of 8
Conditional Use Permit will allow Verizon to operate for a period of ten (10) years at
which time subsequent Planning Commission/City Council review will be required.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Conditions of Approval
2. Conditional Use Permit Findings
3. Verizon Project Description
4. 3-5 year Verizon Master Plan
5. Radio Frequency Emissions report by Hammett & Edison, dated July 21, 2009
6. Photo simulations showing existing site conditions and proposed site conditions
7. Project Plans
Staff report to the Planning Commission
Verizon CUP
November 5, 2009
Page 4 of 8
ATTACHMENT 1
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR A NEW
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (VERIZON WIRELESS)
26379 FREMONT ROAD, TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS,
TOWN HALL LOCATION
FILE# 151 -09 -CUP
PLANNING:
1. Any changes or revisions to the telecommunications facility or its use shall
require an amendment to the applicable conditional use permit(s). Additionally,
the Planning Director may, at any time, schedule a review or revocation hearing
before the Planning Commission regarding the use permit, if any condition of
approval is not being met or the facility is being used inconsistently with the
approved use or in violation of Town development codes.
2. No modifications to the approved site development plans are allowed except as
otherwise first reviewed and approved by the Planning Director or the Planning
Commission, depending on the scope of the changes.
3. The use permit shall expire ten (10) years from the date of approval. Renewal of
the permit must be requested in writing, with appropriate fees, prion to the
expiration date.
4. The applicant shall submit a signed agreement to the Town that should the use be
discontinued by the carrier, all facilities will be removed not later than ninety (90)
days after discontinuance of the use or abandonment. The agreement shall be
approved by the City Attorney, and must be signed by the applicant and submitted
to the Town prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check.
5. The site leasing agreement with the Town shall be executed prior to acceptance
of plans for building plan check. The agreement terms will include access routes
associated with use of the equipment shed and additional antennas located on the
monopine.
6. No on-site emergency power generator is approved. In the event of a prolonged
power outage, emergency power for this facility must be obtained from a
temporary portable generator to be provided by the applicant on an as needed
basis, subject to the approval of the Planning Director.
7. To mitigate visual impacts, the 4' tall proposed antennas shall be painted to match
the existing antenna facilities. All portions of the new antenna shall be covered
with materials consistent with the existing artificial foliage on the monopine to
resemble a healthy mature pine tree prior to final building permit inspection.
Staff report to the Planning Commission
Verizon CUP
November 5, 2009
Page 5 of 8
8. The proposed improvements to the existing shed facility shall match the current
board on board design and shall be painted to match the existing structure prior to
final building permit inspection.
9. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Town of Los Altos
Hills and its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding
against the Town of Los Altos Hills or its agents, officers, or employees to attack,
set aside, void, or annul an approval of the project to the extent such actions are
brought within the time period required by Government Code Section 66499.37 or
other applicable law; provided, however, that the Applicant's duty to so defend,
indemnify, and hold harmless shall be subject to the Town's promptly notifying
the Applicant of any said claim, action, or proceeding and the Town's full
cooperation in the defense of such actions or proceedings.
10. Verizon Wireless or the operator of the site shall be responsible for repair or
repainting of their proposed facilities (equipment shed, antenna) in case of
vandalism or wear and must do so within 72 hours of notice by the Town that a
complaint has been received.
11. No lights shall be installed on the communications facility or on the ground
equipment shed.
12. The communications facility shall comply with the Town's noise ordinance at all
times. The applicant shall perform an acoustical analysis of the ground equipment
in the storage shed to demonstrate that noise emissions from the equipment are at
or below 40dB. A report prepared by an acoustical engineer shall be submitted to
the Planning Department prior to final inspection.
13. Upon completion of project construction, the applicant shall conduct testing of the
Verizon and emergency communications antennas to ensure satisfactory
operations of the facility, identify any interference requiring mitigation, and
implement mitigation measures if needed. The applicant shall be strictly liable
for interference caused by the wireless communications facilities with the Town's
emergency communication systems. The operator shall be responsible for all
labor and equipment costs for determining the source of the interference, all costs
associated with eliminating the interference, (including but not limited to
engineering analysis, filtering, and installing directional antennas).
ENGINEERING:
14. Any, and all, changes to the proposed Site Plan shall first be approved by the
Town Engineering Department. No grading shall take place during the grading
moratorium (October 15 to April 15) except with prior approval from the City
Engineer. No grading shall take place within ten feet of any property line.
Staff report to the Planning Commission
Verizon CUP
November 5, 2009
Page 6 of 8
15. Any, and all, areas on the project site that have the native material disturbed shall
be protected for erosion control during the rainy season and shall be replanted
prior to final inspection.
CONDITION NUMBERS 4 AND 5 SHALL BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED OFF
BY THE PLANNING DIRECTOR AND THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PLAN CHECK BY THE
BUILDING DEPARTMENT.
The Site Development permit is valid for one year from the approval date. All required
building permits must be obtained within that year and work on items not requiring a
building permit shall be commenced within one year and completed within two years.
Upon completion of the construction, a final inspection shall be required to be set with
the Planning and Engineering Departments two weeks prior to final building inspection
approval.
Staff report to the Planning Commission
Verizon CUP
November 5, 2009
Page 7 of 8
ATTACHMENT 2
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS
VERIZON WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
(COLLOCATED ON AT&T WIRLESS MONOPINE)
26379 FREMONT ROAD (LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS/TOWN HALL)
File #151 -09 -CUP
1. The proposed use or facility is properly located in relation to the community as a whole,
land uses, and transportation and service facilities in the vicinity;
The Town's Wireless Communications Policy establishes Town owned properties as
the top priority for wireless installations. Further the policy encourages collocation.
The additional wireless carrier on the approved pole provides greater wireless
coverage to the community with a minimal aesthetic impact.
Construction of the proposed wireless installations will not place an undue burden on
existing transportation, utilities and services in the vicinity. The unmanned facility
requires on-site visits by maintenance personnel on a monthly basis.
2. The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to accommodate this use and
all yards, open spaces, walls and fences, parking, loading, landscaping, and such other
features as may be required by this chapter or will be needed to assure that the
proposed use will be reasonably compatible with land uses normally permitted in the
surrounding area;
The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate all wireless installations. The
proposed installations have been designed to minimize any impact to the existing uses
onsite. The existing access and parking facilities onsite are sufficient for the limited
trips generated by construction and maintenance of the equipment. No trees or
significant vegetation are proposed for removal.
3. The site is served by streets and highways of adequate width and pavement to carry the
quantity and kind of traffic generated by this proposed use; and
The construction and maintenance of the proposed antenna and ground equipment
will generate minimal additional traffic. The site is served by Fremont Road, which
can accommodate traffic generated by the proposed use. No materials will be stored
in the right of way.
4. The site does not adversely affect the abutting property or the permitted use thereof.
The conditions of approval of this permit include standards in accordance with the
Wireless Communication Policy to ensure land use compatibility. In addition, the
proposal will not increase visual impacts from surrounding properties. The proposed
wireless communication facility, as conditioned, does not pose any foreseeable
Staff report to the Planning Commission
Verizon CUP
November 5, 2009
Page 8 of 8
impact to human or environmental health and will not interfere with permitted uses in
the vicinity.
Attachment 3
Los Altos Hills Civic,
Project Description
26379 W. Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
APN: 175-53-042
PROJECT SUMMARY
Type of Project: Installation of an unmanned wireless telecommunication
facility
Location: Town Hall, 26379 W. Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA
94022 in Santa Clara County
Zoning: RA — Residential Agriculture
Antennas: Collocating of Six (6), 4' tall panel type antennas at 58' flush
mounted to an existing 70' treepole complete with stealthing
as tree tapering. Existing ATT (Cingular's) six (6), four (4')
foot tall panel type antennas are flush mounted at 70'. Two
GPS antennas located on the equipment on top of the barn.
Equipment: One (1) outdoor radio equipment facility located within the existing "barn" adjacent
to the ATT (Cingular) location approximately 15'x 20' with six (6) 30" cabinets: one (1)
miscellaneous cabinet, two (2) battery cabinets and three (3) Mod cell cabinets. Coaxial cables
will be installed connecting the radio equipment to the antennas. Power has an approximately
240' run and Telco has an approximately 375' run. In the event of a power outage, Verizon
Wireless will have non exclusive rights to bring in a temporary portable generator to be located
near a Verizon installed Appleton Plug situated on the Town property.
APPLICANT'S OBJECTIVE
Verizon Wireless formally requests under Section 10-1.703 (h) (2) and 10-1.1107
(1) of the Zoning Ordinance under the Wireless Communications Policy of the
Town of Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, and confirming to the requirements and
intent of the RA — Residential Agriculture, Article 7 of the Municipal Code,
approval of a Use Permit for a Major freestanding commercial
telecommunications facility in an RA — Residential Agriculture District.
SITE INFORMATION
The property is situated on a level pad and surrounded by primarily residential properties and
community facilities with a paved access road and existing on site utilities.
The proposed location for the Verizon facility is less than two miles northwest of the entrance to
Highway 280 in Los Altos Hills.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In order to provide clear, consistent mobile communications service to the Los Altos Hills Town Hall and
surrounding area, Verizon Wireless proposes to construct and operate an unmanned telecommunications
facility. The overall equipment facility will be located on ground space measuring approximately fifteen (15')
feet by twenty (20') feet, or 300 square feet located within the existing "barn" for a stealth design. The
outdoor equipment facility will house six (6) cabinets: one (1) miscellaneous cabinet, two (2) battery cabinets
and three (3) Mod cell cabinets, and will be placed on prefabricated concrete block. Each cabinet measures
thirty (30") inches wide by thirty (30") inches long and seven (7') feet tall. In the event of a power outage,
Verizon Wireless will have non exclusive rights to bring in a temporary portable generator to be located near
a Verizon installed Appleton Plug situated on the Town property.. Verizon wants the entire network to be
able to sustain itself in the event of blackout situations. Coaxial cables will be installed connecting the radio
equipment to the antennas. Power has an approximately 240' run and Telco has an approximately 375' run.
Six (6), four (4') foot tall panel type antennas will be collocating at 58' flush mounted to an existing 70'
treepole complete with stealthing as tree tapering. Existing ATT (Cingular's) six (6), four (4') foot tall panel
type antennas are flush mounted at 70'. Two GPS antennas located on the equipment on top of the barn.
ZONING ANALYSIS:
Article 7, RA, Residential Analysis, of the Los Altos Municipal Code states in 10-1.702 Accessory uses and
structures permitted, (k) Antennas and Dish Antennas. Antennas and dish antennas are permitted subject to
the requirements set forth in Article 5 of Chapter 1 and Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 10.
Los Altos Hills Wireless Policy of 10/12/06, Wireless Communications Facilities, Code Section 10-1.703 (h)
(2) Section 10-1.703(h)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance allows service uses, including "communications
facilities", to be permitted in the Town if a Conditional Use Permit is granted by the Planning Commission
and City Council. Section 10-1.1107(1) of the Code outlines findings which must be made to approve a use
permit, including the proper location of the use or facility relative to others in the vicinity, the adequacy of the
site to accommodate the use, and that the facility or use will not have an adverse effect on adjacent
properties. Collocation, location on or near existing buildings, and landscape screening will be desired to
minimize the visual impacts of the facilities on neighbors and the public. Wireless communication facilities
shall generally be located on properties with priority a) Town -owned properties. Collocation. Collocation of
wireless communication facilities with other facilities is encouraged to the maximum extent feasible, as long
as the collocation is technologically compatible and does not substantially increase visual impacts. The
Town will generally. require as a condition of approval for any conditional use permit that the applicant permit
collocation of other facilities, subject to technological constraints and Town review. .
Verizon Wireless therefore formally requests, as stated previously, under Article 7, RA, Residential
Analysis of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, 10-1.702, (k) and Section 10-1.703 (h) (2) and 10-
1.1107 (1) of the Zoning Ordinance under the Wireless Communications Policy of the Town of Los
Altos Hills Municipal Code, approval of a Use Permit for a Major freestanding commercial
telecommunications facility in an RA — Residential Agriculture District.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS:
The proposed facility will not result in significant impacts to the environment or to the area in which
it is located. It does not present a safety hazard, and there is minimal traffic usage (typically one to
two site visits per month.) Operation of the facility will not conflict with other existing uses in the
area. Construction will result in minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.
The project should be considered exempt under the California Environmental Quality Control Act
(CEQA) under Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. Class 3
consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures,
installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures.
MAINTENANCE PROGRAM:
The proposed facility will be unmanned and will not require the use of services such as water,
sewer, or police. Electric power and telephone services are the only necessary utilities. Local
utility companies will assist in extending services to the proposed location.
After construction is complete, the site will be visited two or three times a month for routine
maintenance.
In addition, each facility is monitored 24 hours a day, electronically for intrusion and environmental
disruption. The facility will also contain a sign identifying a 1-800 number to call in case of an
emergency (manned 24 hours a day by Verizon employees) and identifying it as a Verizon facility.
Verizon will be in compliance with all FCC regulations regarding signage at the facility.
TECHNOLOGY & CONSUMER SERVICES:
Verizon is licensed by the FCC to transmit and receive on the B and C bands of radio frequency.
The B -band is the mid 800 MHz from which Verizon will transmit and receive its "Cellular" service.
This service refers to the voice calls, to which most customers recognize as "Cellular" service.
Verizon also proposes to transmit and receive on its share of the C band. This area of radio
frequency falls in the 1900 MHz range. Verizon uses these frequencies to transmit and receive all
data. Consumer services provided on these frequencies include Mobile Web on your hand held
device, Internet service to your laptop through a PC card with antenna capabilities, and all text,
picture and movie messaging.
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BY E-MAIL GBARR@COMCAST.NET
July 21, 2009
Ms. Gabriella Barr
Project Manager
On Air, L.L.C.
465 First Street West
Suite 101
Sonoma, California 95476
Dear Gabriella:
PFi cVRr
DANN COS MILLS
Attachment 5
WILLIAM F. HAMMETT, P.E.
DANE E. ERICKSEN, P.E.
STANLEY SALEK, P.E.
MARK D. NEUMANN, P.E.
ROBERT P. SMITH, JR.
RAJAT MATHUR, P.E.
FERNANDO DIZON
ROBERT L. HAMMETT, P.E.
1920-2002
EDWARD EDISON, P.E.
As you requested, we have analyzed the RF exposure conditions near the Verizon Wireless base
station (Site No. 188596 "Los Altos Hills Civic") proposed to be located at 26379 West
Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California. An electronic copy of our report is enclosed.
Fields in publicly accessible areas at the site are calculated to be well below the applicable
limits.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service and would welcome any questions on this
material. Please let me know if we may be of additional assistance.
Sincerely,
Raj at Mathur
tm
Enclosure
e-mail: rmathur@h-e.com
US Mail: Box 280068 • San Francisco, California 94128
Delivery: 470 Third Street West • Sonoma, California 95476
Telephone: 707/996-5200 San Francisco • 707/996-5280 Facsimile • 202/396-5200 D.C.
HAMMETT & EDISON INC.
'
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
L
RADIO AND TELEVISION
BY E-MAIL GBARR@COMCAST.NET
July 21, 2009
Ms. Gabriella Barr
Project Manager
On Air, L.L.C.
465 First Street West
Suite 101
Sonoma, California 95476
Dear Gabriella:
PFi cVRr
DANN COS MILLS
Attachment 5
WILLIAM F. HAMMETT, P.E.
DANE E. ERICKSEN, P.E.
STANLEY SALEK, P.E.
MARK D. NEUMANN, P.E.
ROBERT P. SMITH, JR.
RAJAT MATHUR, P.E.
FERNANDO DIZON
ROBERT L. HAMMETT, P.E.
1920-2002
EDWARD EDISON, P.E.
As you requested, we have analyzed the RF exposure conditions near the Verizon Wireless base
station (Site No. 188596 "Los Altos Hills Civic") proposed to be located at 26379 West
Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California. An electronic copy of our report is enclosed.
Fields in publicly accessible areas at the site are calculated to be well below the applicable
limits.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service and would welcome any questions on this
material. Please let me know if we may be of additional assistance.
Sincerely,
Raj at Mathur
tm
Enclosure
e-mail: rmathur@h-e.com
US Mail: Box 280068 • San Francisco, California 94128
Delivery: 470 Third Street West • Sonoma, California 95476
Telephone: 707/996-5200 San Francisco • 707/996-5280 Facsimile • 202/396-5200 D.C.
Verizon Wireless • Proposed Base Station (Site No. 188596 "Los Altos Hills Civic")
26379 West Fremont Road • Los Altos Hills, California
Statement of Hammett & Edison, Inc., Consulting Engineers
The firm of Hammett & Edison, Inc., Consulting Engineers, has been retained on behalf of Verizon
Wireless, a personal wireless telecommunications carrier, to evaluate the base station (Site No. 188596
"Los Altos Hills Civic") proposed to be located at 26379 West Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills,
California, for compliance with appropriate guidelines limiting human exposure to radio frequency
("RF") electromagnetic fields.
Prevailing Exposure Standards
The U.S. Congress requires that the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") evaluate its
actions for possible significant impact on the environment. In Docket 93-62, effective October 15,
1997, the FCC adopted the human exposure limits for field strength and power density recommended
in Report No. 86, "Biological Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic
Fields," published in 1986 by the Congressionally chartered National Council on Radiation Protection
and Measurements ("NCRP"). Separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure conditions,
with the latter limits generally five times more restrictive. The more recent standard, developed by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and approved as American National Standard
ANSI/IEEE C95.1-2006, "Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz," includes similar exposure limits. A summary of the
FCC's exposure limits is shown in Figure 1. These limits apply for continuous exposures and are
intended to provide a prudent margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or
health.
The most restrictive FCC limit for exposures of unlimited duration to radio frequency energy for
several personal wireless services are as follows:
Personal Wireless Service
Approx. Frequency
Occupational Limit
Public Limit
Broadband Radio (`BRS")
2,600 MHz
5.00 mW/cm2
1.00 mW/cm2
Advanced Wireless ("AWS")
2,100
5.00
1.00
Personal Communication ("PCS")
1,950
5.00
1.00
Cellular Telephone
870
2.90
0.58
Specialized Mobile Radio ("SMR")
855
2.85
0.57
Long Term Evolution ("LTE")
700
2.33
0.47
[most restrictive frequency range]
30-300
1.00
0.20
General Facility Requirements
Base stations typically consist of two distinct parts: the electronic transceivers (also called "radios" or
"channels") that are connected to the traditional wired telephone lines, and the passive antennas that
send the wireless signals created by the radios out to be received by individual subscriber units. The
ghRkRHAMMETT & EDISON, INC.
E� ',0 CONSULTING ENGINEERS VW188596596
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Verizon Wireless • Proposed Base Station (Site No. 188596 "Los Altos Hills Civic")
26379 Vilest Fremont Road • Los Altos Hills, California
transceivers are often located at ground level and are connected to the antennas by coaxial cables
about 1 inch thick. Because of the short wavelength of the frequencies assigned by the FCC for
wireless services, the antennas require line -of -sight paths for their signals to propagate well and so are
installed at some height above ground. The antennas are designed to concentrate their energy toward
the horizon, with very little energy wasted toward the sky or the ground. Along with the low power of
such facilities, this means that it is generally not possible for exposure conditions to approach the
maximum permissible exposure limits without being physically very near the antennas.
Computer Modeling Method
The FCC provides direction for determining compliance in its Office of Engineering and Technology
Bulletin No. 65, "Evaluating Compliance with FCC -Specified Guidelines for Human Exposure to
Radio Frequency Radiation," dated August 1997. Figure 2 attached describes the calculation
methodologies, reflecting the facts that a directional antenna's radiation pattern is not fully formed at
locations very close by (the "near -field" effect) and that at greater distances the power level from an
energy source decreases with the square of the distance from it (the "inverse square law"). The
conservative nature of this method for evaluating exposure conditions has been verified by numerous
field tests.
Site and Facility Description
Based upon information provided by Verizon Wireless, including drawings by L. D. Strobel Co. Inc.,
dated May 1, 2009, that carrier proposes to mount six Antel directional panel antennas — three
dualband Model BXD-63406380CF antennas for PCS and cellular service and three Model BXA-
70063/4CF for LTE service — on an existing 70 -foot pole, configured to resemble a tree, located at
26379 West Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills. The antennas would be mounted with up to 6° downtilt
at an effective height of about 60 feet above ground, and would be oriented in pairs (one of each
model) toward 60°T, 140°T, and 330°T. The maximum effective radiated power in any direction
would be 1,840 watts, representing simultaneous operation at 640 watts for PCS service, 800 watts for
cellular service, and 400 watts for LTE service.
Presently mounted atop the same pole are similar antennas for use by AT&T Mobility, another
wireless telecommunications carrier. For the limited purposes of this study, it is assumed that AT&T
has installed Kathrein Model 742-264 directional antennas at an effective height of about 68 feet
above ground and operates at a maximum effective radiated power of 3,000 watts, representing
simultaneous operation at 1,500 watts each for PCS and cellular service.
-` ;moi HAmmETT & EDISON, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS V W Page
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Verizon Wireless • Proposed Base Station (Site No. 188596 "Los Altos Hills Civic")
26379 West Fremont Road • Los Altos Hills, California
Study Results
For a person anywhere at ground, the maximum ambient RF exposure level due to the proposed
Verizon operation by itself is calculated to be 0.0038 mW/cm2, which is 0.72% of the applicable
public limit. The maximum calculated cumulative level at ground for the simultaneous operation of
both carriers is 1.2% of the public exposure limit; the maximum calculated cumulative level at the
second -floor elevation of any nearby building' is 1.7% of the public exposure limit. It should be noted
that these results include several "worst-case" assumptions and therefore are expected to overstate
actual power density levels from the proposed operation.
No Recommended Mitigation Measures
Due to their mounting locations, the Verizon antennas would not be accessible to the general public,
and so no mitigation measures are necessary to comply with the FCC public exposure guidelines. It is
presumed that Verizon and AT&T will, as FCC licensees, take adequate steps to ensure that their
employees or contractors comply with FCC occupational exposure guidelines whenever work is
required near the antennas themselves.
Conclusion
Based on the information and analysis above, it is the undersigned's professional opinion that the base
station proposed by Verizon Wireless at 26379 West Fremont Road in Los Altos Hills, California, will
comply with the prevailing standards for limiting public exposure to radio frequency energy and,
therefore, will not for this reason cause a significant impact on the environment. The highest
calculated level in publicly accessible areas is much less than the prevailing standards allow for
exposures of unlimited duration. This finding is consistent with measurements of actual exposure
conditions taken at other'operating base stations.
Authorship
The undersigned author of this statement is a qualified Professional Engineer, holding California
Registration No. E-18063, which expires on June 30, 2011. This work has been carried out by him or
under his direction, and all statements are true and correct of his own knowledge except, where noted,
when data has been supplied by others, which data he believes to be correct.
July 21, 2009
at Mathur, P.E.
Located at least 30 feet away, based on aerial photographs from Google Maps.
IRK=-mIRKF-m HAMMETT& EDISON, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
SAN FRANCISCO
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Page 3 of 3
FCC Radio Frequency Protection Guide
The U.S. Congress required (1996 Telecom Act) the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC")
to adopt a nationwide human exposure standard to ensure that its licensees do not, cumulatively, have
a significant impact on the environment. The FCC adopted the limits from Report No. 86, "Biological
Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields," published in 1986 by the
Congressionally chartered National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements ("NCRP").
Separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure conditions, with the latter limits generally
five times more restrictive. The more recent standard, developed by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers and approved as American National Standard ANSMEEE C95.1-2006, "Safety
Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to
300 GHz," includes similar limits. These limits apply for continuous exposures from all sources and
are intended to provide a prudent margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or
health.
As shown in the table and chart below, separate limits apply for occupational and public exposure
conditions, with the latter limits (in italics and/or dashed) up to five times more restrictive:
Frequency_
Applicable
Range
(MHz)
0.3— 1.34
1.34— 3.0
3.0— 30
30— 300
300— 1,500
1,500— 100,000
Electromasnetic Fields (f is freauencv of emission in MHz
Electric
Magnetic
Equivalent Far -Field
Field Strength
Field Strength
Power Density
(V/m)
(A/m)
(MW/CM2)
614 614
1.63 1.63
100 100
614 823.8/f
1.63 2.19/f
100 180/1
1842/f 823.8/f
4.89/f 2.19/f
900/ ? 180/1
61.4 27.5
0.163 0.0729
1.0 0.2
3.544f 1.59ff
4f/106 Tf1238
f/300 f/1500
137 61.4
0.364 0.163
5.0 1.0
Occupational Exposure
PCS
Cell
FM
Public Exposure
0.1 1 10 100 103 104 105
Frequency (MHz)
Higher levels are allowed for short periods of time, such that total exposure levels averaged over six or
thirty minutes, for occupational or public settings, respectively, do not exceed the limits, and higher
levels also are allowed for exposures to small areas, such that the spatially averaged levels do not
exceed the limits. However, neither of these allowances is incorporated in the conservative calculation
formulas in the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin No. 65 (August 1997) for
projecting field levels. Hammett & Edison has built those formulas into a proprietary program that
calculates, at each location on an arbitrary rectangular grid, the total expected power density from any
number of individual radio sources. The program allows for the description of buildings and uneven
terrain, if required to obtain more accurate projections.
tF :Fue HAMMETT & EDISON, INC.
T q CONSULTING ENGINEERS FCC Guidelines
SAN FRANCISCO
Figure 1
RFR.CALCTM Calculation Methodology
Assessment by Calculation of Compliance with FCC Exposure Guidelines
The U.S. Congress required (1996 Telecom Act) the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") to
adopt a nationwide human exposure standard to ensure that its licensees do not, cumulatively, have a
significant impact on the environment. The maximum permissible exposure limits adopted by the FCC
(see Figure 1) apply for continuous exposures from all sources and are intended to provide a prudent
margin of safety for all persons, regardless of age, gender, size, or health. Higher levels are allowed for
short periods of time, such that total exposure levels averaged over six or thirty minutes, for
occupational or public settings, respectively, do not exceed the limits.
Near Field.
Prediction methods have been developed for the near field zone of panel (directional) and whip
(omnidirectional) antennas, typical at wireless telecommunications base stations, as well as dish
(aperture) antennas, typically used for microwave links. The antenna patterns are not fully formed in
the near field at these antennas, and the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin No. 65
(August 1997) gives suitable formulas for calculating power density within such zones.
For a panel or whip antenna, power density S = 0 x 0. D x h Pt' m mW/cm2,
6
Bw
0.1x16x77xPr,,
and for an aperture antenna, maximum power density Smax = x h2 , in mW/cm2,
where OBW = half -power beamwidth of the antenna, in degrees, and
Pnet = net power input to the antenna, in watts,
D = distance from antenna, in meters,
h = aperture height of the antenna, in meters, and
77 = aperture efficiency (unitless, typically 0.5-0.8).
The factor of 0.1 in the numerators converts to the desired units of power density.
Far Field.
OET 65 gives this formula for calculating power density in the far field of an individual RF source:
power density S = 2.56 x 1.64 x 100 x RFF2 x ERP .mW/cm2,
4x.�xD2
in where ERP = total ERP (all polarizations), in kilowatts,
RFF = relative field factor at the direction to the actual point of calculation, and
D = distance from the center of radiation to the point of calculation, in meters.
The factor of 2.56 accounts for the increase in power density due to ground reflection, assuming a
reflection coefficient of 1.6 (1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56). The factor of 1.64 is the gain of a half -wave dipole
relative to an isotropic radiator. The factor of 100 in the numerator converts to the desired units of
power density. This formula has been built into a proprietary program that calculates, at each location
on an arbitrary rectangular grid, the total expected power density from any number of individual
radiation sources. The program also allows for the description of uneven terrain in the vicinity, to
obtain more accurate projections.
R-4 HAMMETT & EDISON, INC.
r CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Methodology
,N ELMO SAN FRANCISCO Figure 2
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