HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.2Item 3.2
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS MILLS May 6, 2010
Staff Report to the Plannuzg Commission
SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR AN EXISTING/
PREVIOUSLY APPROVED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
FACILITY. LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS-WESTWIND BARN
(APPLICANT: VERIZON WIRELESS); 27210 ALTAMONT ROAD;
FILE # 16 -10 -CUP
FROM: Brian Froelich, AICP, Associate Planner__�
APPROVED BY: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission:
Forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the requested renewal of the
Conditional Use Permit for 10 years in compliance with Government Code Section
65964(b), subject to the conditions in Attachment 1.
BACKGROUND
The 73 foot tall treepole, antennas, and ground equipment was -approved by the City
Council on November 3, 2005. Verizon Wireless currently" employs nine (9) panel
antennas mounted at 63 feet above grade on the treepole.
On July 20, 2006, the City Council approved the collocation of T -Mobile at the site. The
T -Mobile facility consists of three (3) panel antennas mounted at 48 feet above grade.
Both carriers maintain associated ground equipment inside a 28' x 17' block wall
enclosure adjacent to the property boundary with Byrne Preserve.
DISCUSSION
The facility's operation is consistent with the Town's Wireless Communications
Facilities Policy (Attachment #5). The applicant has provided a current Radio Frequency
(RF) report prepared by Hammett and Edison, Inc. dated March 26, 2010 (Attachment
#3). The RF report concludes that under "worst case" assumptions, the cumulative levels
of all facilities operating simultaneously are producing exposure levels less than the
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) per current FCC limits.
The Wireless Communications Facilities Policy requires that the wireless carrier's 3-5
year Master Plan be included with all applications (Attachment #4). The 3-5 year Master
Plan shows existing and target future facilities in the Los Altos Hills/Los Altos area.
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Verizon Wireless at Westwind Barn
January 7, 2010
Page 2 of 5
This Verizon installation provides fourth generation LTE cellular telephone and data
capabilities.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65964(b) the duration of time for any permit
renewal for a wireless telecommunications facility should be a minimum of 10 years
(currently 5 years). Condition of approval #2 in Attachment 1 has been amended to
comply with State Law.
No new change is proposed to the existing buildings, structures or use of the facility.
CONCLUSION
The facility is operating in compliance with the approved Conditional Use Permit,
Conditions of Approval, and the Wireless Communications Policy. Extension of the Use
Permit will allow continued operation of the facility for an additional ten (10) years at
which time Planning Commission/City Council review will be required.
CEPA STATUS
The proposed application is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15301(a) of the CEQA Guidelines.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Amended CUP Conditions of Approval (November 3, 2005)
2. Applicant's Statement Requesting Permit Renewal
3. Radio Frequency emissions report by Hammett & Edison, Inc. dated March 26, 2010
4. Verizon 3-5 Year Antenna Master Plan (Existing Sites Map)
5. Wireless Communications Facilities Policy
6. Original Site Development Plans
Staff Report to the Planning Conunission
Verizon Wireless at Foothill College
January 7, 2010
Page 3 of 5
ATTACHMENT 1
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE
WIRELESS TELECO11Ili'IUNICATIONS FACILITY
27210 ALTAMONT ROAD (LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS/WESTWIND
BARN)
File #177-05-ZP-SD-CUP-VAR
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.
1 A.In accordance with the Town's Wireless Communications Policy, the applicant
shall .permit the collocation of other carrier's wireless communications equipment
at this facility. If no collocation has occurred within 12 months of this approval,
the Town may initiate conditional use permit review proceedings pursuant to
condition #1. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant's structural
engineer shall certify that the wireless communication tower is structurally
capable of co -location.
2. 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, prior to
the expiration date.
3. The pole shall be a material resembling tree bark and the antennas shall be painted
using earth tone colors with a reflectivity value not greater than 40% and a sample
of the color must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department prior to
issuance of Building Permit.
4. The equipment shelters shall be painted a color consistent with -the existing barn.
A sample of the color must be reviewed and approved by the Planning
Department prior to issuance of Building Permit.
5. Landscape screening of the equipment enclosure may be required by the Planning
Department prior to final inspection, if determined to be necessary.
6. The applicant shall submit a signed agreement to the Town that should the use be
discontinued by the carrier, all facilities will be removed and the easement
abandoned not later than ninety (90) days after discontinuance of the use or
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Verizon Wireless at Westwind Barn
January 7, 2010
Page 4 of 5
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.
7. The applicant shall not cause radiation in the frequencies allocated as primary to
the amateur radio service and may be required to correct any and all future
interference problems experienced by other licensed services.
8. Verizon Wireless shall be responsible for repair or repainting of the proposed
facilities in case of vandalism or wear and must do so within 72 hours of notice by
the Town that a complaint has been received.
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Staff Report to the Planning Conunission
Verizon Wireless at Westwind Bann
January 7, 2010
Page 5 of 5
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Wireless Consulting, in.c.
January 22, 2010
Brian Froelich, AICP
Associate Planner
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Attaclu-nent 2
4
rt �ti OF LOS A:U:OS'HES S
Sent via overnight courier
RE: Renewal of Conditional Use Permit for 27210 Altamont Road, File No. 121 -09 -CUP
Yerizon Wireless reference: Pagemill Highlands
Mr. Froelich:
Thank you for your assistance over the past couple of weeks regarding the renewal of Verizon
Wireless' Conditional Use Permit for the existing communications facility. Please accept this
written request for the renewal of the Conditional Use Permit (121 -09 -CUP, previously file
number 177-05-ZP-SD-CUP-VAR) for Verizon Wireless communications facility on Altamont
Road.
Enclosed please find the following:
® Application for Renewal of Conditional Use Permit signed by Verizon Wireless
• Ten (10) sets of approved CUP plans (24" x 36")
o Two (2) sets of mailing labels and list for all property owners within 500 feet of subject
properly lines
s Antenna Master Plan for all anticipated sites within a 3-5 year period
v Photographs of the existing antenna facility from different views.
® Check number 12479 (dated December 31, 2009) in the amount of $875 (Eight Hundred
Seventy Five Dollars) in payment of the application fee and deposit
® Declaration of Verizon Wireless' Radiofrequency Engineer
a FCC's "Local Official's Guide to RF"
Statement of Need
Since the winter, 2005, Verizon Wireless has maintained a wireless telecommunications facility
at 27210 Altamont Road, in the Town of Los Altos Hills. This critical network facility provides
24 hour service to residents, businesses, & travelers along Altamont Road.
2009 V Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 217-9991- phone (916) 313-3730 lax
cwood@completewireless.net
The Verizon Wireless facility consists of a 72' stealth faux tree pole with nine panel antennas,
and outdoor equipment cabinets within a walled compound. The antennas are connected by
cables which run through the interior of the tower.
Verizon Wireless would like to renew the existing Conditional Use Permit as modified by the
administrative approval granted July 13, 2009. Verizon Wireless proposes no changes to the
height of the pole, and no change to the visual aspect.
Findings for the original approval of the Conditional Use Permit
The existing facility complies with the Town of Los Altos Hills Wireless Policy. The existing
facility continues to satisfy the findings required by section 10-1.1007(1) and made during the
approval of the initial installation.. Each finding is addressed in turn as follows:
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.
This project involves collocation on an existing wireless facility in the best possible location
in an area surrounded by open space and residential uses. The existing facility is located near
to the rear of an existing barn along a row of existing mature trees. The shelter has a similar
architectural style to the existing barn. No changes to the height of the pole or any visual
aspect are proposed. The existing facility has not placed an undue burden on transportation,
utilities, and services in the vicinity.
2. The site 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 need to assure that proposed use will be reasonably compatible
with land uses normally permitted in the surrounding area.
The existing facility is near the rear of a commercial barn and open space. The site is
adequate in size and shape to accommodate the existing use. Existing parking facilities and
ground space are sufficient for Verizon Wireless' use. No changes to ground space are
proposed at this time.
3. The site is served by streets and highways of adequate width and pavement to cavy the
quality and kind of traffic generated by this proposed use.
The existing facility* has generated minimal traffic. The site is served by Altamont Road,
which can accommodate traffic generated by the facility.
4. The site dies not adversely affect the abutting property or the permitted uses thereof.
The existing facility was constructed in compliance with 15 conditions that adequately
mitigate the visual impacts and ensure land use compatibility. Antennas have been screened
by sufficient artificial vegetation to resemble a healthy, mature pine tree and the shelter has
been designed and painted to match existing architecture.
Findings for the original approval of the Variance
The existing facility also continues to satisfy the findings for variance required by section 10-
1.1007(2) and made during the approval of the initial installation. Each finding is addressed in
turn as follows:
1. Because of exceptional and extraordinary circumstances applicable to the subject property,
including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the
provisions of this Title is found to deprive such property of privileges enjoyed by other
properties in the vicinity and other identical zoning classifications.
The large (14.96 acre) Town -owned property (Westwind Barn) is surrounded by Town -
owned open space to the south and east. The siting of the existing barn and state circulation
limits the siting options for the equipment shelter. Siting the equipment shelter elsewhere on
the site would interfere with the current operations and cause undue hardship to Verizon
Wireless. Also, the property line in question is an interior boundary line that separates two
town -owned properties that are used similarly and simultaneously by town residents. Neither
property could be sold without a vote of the people. The strict application of the provision of
this Title creates a hardship by creation of a setback requirement in the middle of jointly used
properties.
2. Upon the granting of the variance, the intent and purpose of the applicable sections of the
Zoning Ordinance is still served and the recipient of the variance has not been granted
special privileges not enjoyed by other surroundingproperty owners.
The purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance is still served. The proposed location of the
equipment shelter complies with setbacks from rights-of-way and existing residential
properties in the area. This is not a grant of special privilege because the town has ranted a
setback Variance for wireless equipment with a previous application.
3. The granting of such variance is not materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious
to the property, improvements or uses within the immediate vicinity and within the same
zoning district.
The granting of the Variance for encroachment into the setback has not impacted any
immediate neighbors or property owners because the area of encroachment within the
setback is located in the center of the property relative to required setbacks from rights-of-
way or adjacent residential properties. The pole and equipment meet the FCC limits for
human exposure and the installations have been completed to Building Code standards. The
existing facility is not detrimental to public welfare.
4. The variance will not authorize a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized
by the zoning district regulations governing the parcel ofproperty.
The existing facility is consistent with the Town's Wireless Communications Policy.
Interference
The project will not interfere with any TV, Radio, Telephone, Satellite, public safety
communications or any other signals. Any interference would be against the Federal Law and
would be a violation of Verizon Wireless' FCC License.
Electromagnetic Frequency Report for Antenna Facility
Attached please find the declaration of Verizon Wireless' Radio Frequency Engineer that all
wireless communications equipment has been installed in compliance with applicable federal,
state and local regulations, and that the radio frequency exposure levels generate by the proposed
facility are substantially below the maximum allowable health and safety standards established
by the FCC.
The Pagemill Highlands is exempt from the electromagnetic frequency report requirement
because Telecommunications act of 1996 (Section 704(a)) and Section 1.1307 of the FCC Rules
preempts such scrutiny. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 establishes a comprehensive
framework for the exercise of jurisdiction by state and local zoning authorities over the
construction, modification and placement of cellular facilities. The law preserves local zoning
authority, but clarifies when the exercise of local zoning authority may be preempted by the
FCC.
Section 704(a) of the 1996 Act expressly preempts state and local government regulation of the
placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of
the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply
with the FCC's regulations concerning such emissions. 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(B)(iv).
Section 1.1307(b)(1) of the FCC rules sets forth which facilities are categorically excluded from
scrutiny. If a facility is categorically excluded, an applicant may assume compliance with the
guideline limits for exposure. Cellular and Broadband PCS facilities are categorically excluded-
if
xcludedif antennas are not mounted on a building and the lowest point of the antenna is at least 10
meters (about 33 feet) above ground level.
The proposed installation is not mounted on a building and the lowest point of the antenna is
more than 10 meters above ground level (approximately 24 meters). Therefore the proposed
installation is exempt from scrutiny under federal preemption by the Telecommunications act of
1996 (Sectors 704(a)) and Section 1.1307 of the FCC Rules. For your convenience, please find
the FCC's "Local Official's Guide to RF" attached.
Notices of Actions Affecting this Conditional Use Permit
In accordance with California Government Code Section 65945(a), Verizon Wireless requests
notice of any proposal to adopt or amend the: general plan, specific plan, zoning ordinance,
ordinance(s) affecting building or grading permits that would in any manner, affect this
development permit. Any such notice may be sent to 2009 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95818.
If you have questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I may be
reached by phone at (916) 217-9991 or by e-mail at cwood(a)completewireless.net. Thank you.
I appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to working with you.
Very truly,
Cryst . Wood
CONSULTING 1 NGIINTURS
RADIO.AND TELEVOON
BY E-MAIL CWOOD@COMPLETEWIRELESS.NET
March 26, 2010
Ms. Crystal D. Wood
Complete Wireless Consulting
2009 V Street
Sacramento, California 95818
Dear Crystal:
Attachment 3
WILLIAM F. HAiaadETT, 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. HAMMETr, P.E.
1920-2002
EDWARD EDISON, P.E.
1920-2009
As you requested, we have analyzed the RF exposure conditions for proposed modifications to
the existing Verizon Wireless base station (Site No. 117380 "Pagemill Highlands") located at
27210 Altamont Road in Los Altos Hills, California. Enclosed is our report, finding that 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 yours,
William F. Hammett
tin
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Paula Wells (w/encl) — BY E-MAIL PWELLS@COMPLETEWIRELESS.NET
e -nail: bhammett@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 a Base Station No. 117330 "Pagemill Highlands"
27210 Aitamont Road o 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 proposed modifications to its
existing base station (Site No. 117380 "Pagemill Highlands") located at 27210 Altamont 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
HAMMETT & EDISON, INFC.
;Y CONSU:INYG N�,��:�� S VW117380596
SAN FRANCI910 Pagel of 3
Verizon Wireless a Base Sta6ion No. 1173®0 "PagernM HlgNands"
27210 Altarnont Road - Los Altos bills, 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 f6r
wireless services, the antemias 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 construction drawings by
MST Architects, dated May 29, 2009, that carrier presently has six directional panel antennas — three
Model BXA-185063/8 for PCS and three Model BXA-80063/4CF for cellular service — mounted on a
70 -foot pole, configured to resemble a pine tree, sited adjacent to horse barns located at
27210 Altamont Road in Los Altos Hills. It is proposed to mount three Antel Model BXA-
70063/4CF-6 directional panel LTE antennas, one next to each pair of existing antennas. The antenna
groups would be mounted with up to 9° downtilt at an effective height of about 68 feet above ground
and would be oriented in groups of three (one of each) toward 140°T, 240°T, and 340°T. The
maximum effective radiated power in any direction would be 1,200 watts, representing simultaneous
operation at 400 watts for LTE and 800 watts for cellular.
Presently located at an effective height of about 53 feet above ground on the same pole are similar
directional panel antennas for use by T Mobile West Corp., another wireless telecommunications
carrier. For the limited purpose of this study, it is assumed that carrier has installed Andrew Model
TMBX-6516 directional panel antennas and operates at a maximum effective radiated power of
3,000 watts, representing simultaneous operation at 2,000 watts for PCS and 1,000 watts for AWS.
HAmMET"T & EDISON, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS V W 1 17380596
SAN FRANCISCO Page 2 of 3
Verizon Wireless m Base Station No. 117380 "Pagernill Highlands"
27210 Altamont 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 0.0053 mW/cm2, which is 1.0% of the applicable public
exposure limit. The maximum calculated cumulative level at ground for the simultaneous operation of
both carriers is 1.1% 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
l
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 the two carriers 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
proposed operation of the Verizon Wireless base station located at 27210 Altamont 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 Nos. E-13026 and M-20676, which expire on June 30, 2011. This work has been carried
out 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.
E-13026
M-20676 William F. Ham i, P.E.
March 26, 2010 C Exp. 6-30-2011
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HAMMETT &i EDISON, INC.
C"ONSULrG\'GENGINFr:1t5 iip►1o1F� VW117380596
sAN IMANCISM 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 ANSI/IEEE 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
1000
100
10
0
a, Q 1
0.1
Electromametic Fields (f is frequency 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
614 823.81f
1.63 2.191f
100 18011-
1842/ f 823.81f
4.89/ f 2.191f
900/ f2 1801x'
61.4 27.5
0.163 0.0729
1.0 0.2
3.54�f 1.59ff
4-f/106 4f1238
f/300 f/1500
137 61.4
0.364 0.163
5.0 1.0
d Occupational Exposure
e PCS
FM Cell
Public ExDosure
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.
HAMM= & EDISON, INC.
CONSULT-ING 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) tlr, 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 Px h ' In mw/cm2'
B
sw
and for an aperture antenna, maximum power density Smax = 0.1 x 16 x 77 x Pnet , in mw/cm2,
. Ytxh
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
71 = 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 =
2.56x1.64x100xRFF2 xERP
4xnxDZ
, in mw/CM2,
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.
HAMMETT & EDISON, INC.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS Methodology
SAN FRANCISCO Figure 2
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Attachment 5
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
Policy Re: Wireless Communications Facilities
Code Sections
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.
Intent:
The purpose of this policy is to outline the desired criteria for siting of wireless
communications facilities, generally including monopoles, related antennas, and
equipment shelters: As the Town's land use is virtually entirely residential, wireless
communication facilities will be most appropriately located on public or institutional sites
existing within the Town. 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.
Policies:
1. Priorities for Siting. Wireless communication facilities shall generally be located
on properties with priority as follows: a) Town -owned properties; b) Foothill
College; c) water tanks; d) other public or quasi -public facilities, such as schools
or churches; and e) residential properties of at least ten (10) acres.
2. Siting on Residential Parcels. Wireless communication facilities may be
permitted on properties used for residential purposes or vacant parcels intended
for residential use if the residential property owner provides written consent and
significant visual impacts are mitigated.
3. 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. '
Policy Re: Wireless Communications Facilities
page 2
3a. Applications for collocation on an existing wireless communications facility
shall be subject to an administrative review provided that the following
requirement is met:
® The collocated antennas and ground equipment shall be mounted or
installed within an existing tower, building, or structure where the
physical appearance of the existing facility is not altered to
accommodate the additional antennas and equipment.
4. Landscape Screening and Color. Landscape screening shall be required by the-
Town
heTown to minimize the visual impacts of wireless communication facilities.
Poles, antennas, and equipment buildings should be painted to blend with the
surrounding environment and/or buildings to further minimize visual impacts.
5. Environmental Review. A Negative Declaration will typically be prepared for
review of proposed wireless communication facilities, with special attention to the
visual impacts of the facilities. Categorical exemptions may be used where
facilities are collocated with or would be minimal additions to existing structures,
with negligible additional visual impact.
6. Antenna Master Plans. Any applicant for a wireless communication facility -site
shall submit applications, to the best of their knowledge., for all sites anticipated to
be required by the carrier for a three (3) to five (5) year period, and the requests
shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council as a master plan
application.
7. Term of Permits and Abandonment of Sites. Conditional use permits for wireless
communication facilities shall be established for periods not to exceed five (5)
years, at which time renewal of the permit must be requested by the applicant.
More frequent review of the operation of the permit may be made a condition of
approval. Approval will also require a written agreement from the applicant 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. Such
a provision shall also be included in any lease with the Town for use of Town
lands for wireless communications facilities. The Town may require bonding or
other surety to assure the removal of such facilities.
8. Wireless communication firms shall, at the time of application for permits,
demonstrate efforts which have been made to inform neighboring residents of the
proposed facilities, such as conducting meetings, or mailing fact sheets and/or
letters, etc. to neighbors.
9. The Planning Director is authorized to reduce or waive permit fees for any
wireless communications facility that is proven to expand wireless coverage in the
Town and is structurally capable of co -location.
Policy Re: Wireless Cour munications Facilities
page 3
10. The Plaiuling Director is authorized to administratively approve portable wireless
communications facilities also known as cell on wheels or COWS on certain
properties as specified in Policy #1 on a temporary basis.
Approved b�Cily Council: August 21, 1996
Amended September 15, 2005
Amended October 12, 2006