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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.2r : Item 3.2 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS Staff Report to the Planning Commission November 4, 2010 SUBJECT: A REQUEST FOR A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A NEW WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY; LANDS OF PURISIMA HILLS WATER DISTRICT (APPLICANT: CLEARWIRE WIRELESS); 12863 LA CRESTA ROAD; FILE #119 -10 -IS -ND - SD -CUP. FROM: Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner ;/* APPROVED BY: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: Forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the requested Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit subject to the conditions of approval and findings of approval in Attachments 1 and 2; AND 2. Forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration in Attachment 3. BACKGROUND The proposed wireless communications facility is located on the Purissima Hills Water District water tank property at 12863 La Cresta Drive. Surrounding uses include single family residences to the west, north, south, and east. On December 4, 1996 the City Council approved the installation of a PCS (now AT&T) wireless communications facilities on the Purissima Hills Water District property. Sprint Spectrum Communications (now Verizon) was approved on the site on May 1, 1997. Emergency Communication antennas for the Emergency Communications Committee (ECC) were approved by the City Council on May 5, 2005. On June 30, 2010, Clearwire Wireless submitted an application to construct a new wireless communications facility. Clearwire provides wireless broadband internet service at speeds that are similar to cable internet. The requested proposal will provide the residents of the Town and surrounding areas with an alternative to DSL or cable internet service providers. CODE REQUIREMENTS Wireless Communications facilities are regulated under Section 10-1.703 (h) (2) and 10-1.1007 (1) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code. The project was reviewed for compliance with the requirements in the Wireless Communications Facilities Policy including: siting, collocation, Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Purissima Hills Water District November 4, 2010 Page 2 of 7 screening, and color to ensure that the facility blends with the surrounding area. The Municipal Code also requires that all Conditional Use Permits must be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. DISCUSSION The development currently on the site consists of water tanks for Purissima Hills Water District, monopoles with antennas for Verizon and AT&T and associated ground equipment. There are also antennas for the Emergency Communication Committee on the site. The applicant is proposing three (3) - 27' tall monopoles with a total of three (3) panel antennas and four (4) microwave antennas on the poles. The poles will be located to the north, south, and west of the existing water tank. The antennas and ground equipment cabinet will be painted dark green to match the surrounding environment and will be screened by the existing vegetation A radio frequency (RF) analysis for the project was submitted by Hammett & Edison, Inc., consulting engineers, dated October 21, 2009. The report concludes that the proposed wireless service, along with the existing ECC, Verizon, and AT&T wireless service, will comply with the FCC's current prevailing standard for limiting human exposure to RF energy. Therefore, no energy impact on the environment or population is expected (Attachment 4). PUBLIC COMMENTS significant RF On October 19, 2010, the applicant sent a letter to the neighbors within a 500' radius of the proposed project, introducing the project and welcoming any interested persons to contact them directly (Attachment 5). To date, staff has not received any correspondence from the public regarding the proposal. CONCLUSION The proposed facility will be in compliance with the Wireless Communications Facilities Policy because it is a non-residential site and visual impacts are minimized by the existing landscape on the site. The applicant has submitted a report demonstrating that the proposed facility will operate within federal RF emissions standards and guidelines. Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Purissima Hills Water District November 4, 2010 Page 3 of 7 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration have been prepared for the proposed wireless communications facility. The review period for the Negative Declaration will end on November 15, 2010. The Planning Commission may comment on the Negative Declaration. The Negative Declaration must be adopted by the City Council before approving the wireless communication facility. In order to recommend adoption, the Commission must find that all potential significant environmental effects are addressed through the proposed mitigation measures. Recommended mitigation measures include the painting of the monopoles, antennas, and ground equipment cabinet dark green to blend in with the surroundings. ATTACHMENTS 1. Recommended Conditions of Approval 2. Recommend Findings of Approval 3. Initial Study, Negative Declaration 4. Radio Frequency emissions report by Hammett & Edison, Inc. October 21, 2009 5. Applicant's statement requesting to construct a new wireless communication facility dated June 18, 2010 6. Photo Simulations 7. Letter sent to the Neighbors by the Applicant dated October 19, 2010 8. Wireless Communications Facilities Policy 9. Site Development Plans Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Purissima Hills Water District November 4, 2010 Page 4 of 7 ATTACHMENT 1 RECOMMEND CONDITIONS FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY LANDS PURISSIMA HILLS WATER DISTRICT (CLEARWIRE WIRELESS) 12863 LA CRESTA; FILE # 119 -10 -IS -ND -SD -CUP PLANNING DEPARTMENT: 1. 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. 2. 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 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 inconsistent with the approved use or in violation of Town development codes. 3. A copy of the site leasing agreement with Purissima Hills Water District shall be executed and submitted to the Town, prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. The agreement terms will include access routes associated with use of the equipment cabinet and antennas located on the monopoles. 4. The applicant shall submit a signed agreement to the Town, agreeing that, should the use be .discontinued by the carrier, all facilities will be removed not later than 90 days after discontinuance of the use or abandonment. The agreement must be signed by the applicant and submitted to the Town prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. 5. 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. 6. 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. It Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Purissima Hills Water District November 4, 2010 Page 5 of 7 7. The new monopoles, antennas, and ground equipment cabinet shall be painted a matte dark green color. A sample of all colors and materials must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department prior to issuance of the Building Permit. 8. No lights shall be installed on the communications facility or on the ground equipment shed. 9. Clearwire Wireless or the operator of the site 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. 10. 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 equipment enclosure to demonstrate that noise emissions from the equipment is at or below 40db. A report prepared by an acoustical engineer shall be submitted to the Planning Department, prior to final inspection. 11. 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. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT:. 12. 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. 13. Final grading and drainage shall be inspected, by the Engineering Department and any deficiencies corrected to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department prior to final approval. 14. 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. CONDITIONS NUMBERS 3, 4, and 7 SHALL BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED OFF BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PLAN CHECK BY THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT. i a Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Purissima Hills Water District November 4, 2010 Page 6 of 7 ATTACHMENT 2 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS OF APPROVAL FOR A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY LANDS PURISSMIA HILLS WATER DISTRICT (CLEARWIRE WIRELESS) 12863 LA CRESTA DRIVE; FILE # 119 -10 -IS -ND -SD -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 properly, Foothill College, water tanks, other public or quasi public facilities, such as schools or churches, and residential properties of at least ten (10) acres as locations where wireless communications facilities should be located. 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 monthly basis. 2. The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed 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 the construction and maintenance of the equipment. No trees or significant vegetation are proposed for removal. 3. The site for the proposed use will be served by streets and highways of adequate width and pavement to carry the quantity and kind of traffic generated by the proposed use; and The construction and maintenance of the proposed monopoles and ground equipment will generate minimal additional traffic. The site is served by La Cresta Drive, which can accommodate traffic generated by the proposed use. No materials will be stored in the right of way. 4. The proposed use will 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 Staff Report to the Planning Commission Lands of Purissima Hills Water District November 4, 2010 Page 7 of 7 proposal will not increase visual impacts from surrounding properties. The proposed wireless communications facility, as conditioned, does not pose any foreseeable impact to human or environmental health and will not interfere with permitted uses in the vicinity. Attachment 3 INITIAL STUDY Initial Study Checklist & References Wireless. Communications Facility Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (Applicant-Clearwire Wireless) 119 -10 -IS -ND -SD -CUP Prepared By: Town of Los Altos Hills -Planning Department 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 2 of 23 In accordance with the policies regarding implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, this document, combined with the attached supporting data, constitutes the initial study on the subject project. This initial study provides the basis for the determination of whether the project may have a significant effect on the environment. If it is determined that the project may have a significant effect on the environment, an environmental impact report will be prepared which focuses on the area of concern identified by this initial study. If it is determined that the project would not have a significant effect on the environment, it is eligible for a Negative Declaration. If it is determined that the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, however, the significant effects of the project have been reduced to a less - than -significant level because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to be the project applicant, then the project would be eligible for a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Environmental Checklist Form 1. Project Title: New wireless communication facility (File. # 119 -10 -IS -ND -SD -CUP) 2. Lead Agency Name and Address: Town of Los Altos Hills, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California 94022 3. Contact Person and Phone Number: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director (650) 941- 7222 4. Initial Study prepared by: Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner (650) 941-7222 5. Project Location: 12863 La Cresta Drive, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022, APN#175-44-076 6. Project Sponsor's Name and Address: Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (Applicant-Clearwire Wireless, Gordon Bell, 4020 Sierra Springs Drive, Pollock Pines, CA 95726) 7. General Plan Designation: R -A (Residential -Agricultural) 8. Zoning: R -A (Residential -Agricultural) 9. Description of Project: The applicant is requesting approval of a Site Development permit and Conditional Use permit of a new wireless communication facility. 10. Surrounding Land Uses and Setting: Surrounding land uses include one and two story single-family residences with minimum lot size of 1 acre. 11. Other public agencies whose approval is required: Purissima Hills Water District and Santa Clara County Health Department (HMCD) i. Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 3 of 23 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED: The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. QAesthetics ❑ Agriculture Resources ❑ Air Quality ❑ Biological Resources ❑ Cultural Resources ❑ Geology /Soils ❑ Hazards & Hazardous ❑ Hydrology / Water Quality ❑ Land Use / Planning Materials ❑ Mineral Resources ❑ Noise ❑ Population / Housing ❑ Public Services ❑ Recreation ❑ Transportation/Traffic ❑ Utilities / Service Systems Mandatory Findings of Significance This Initial study has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Information and conclusions in the Initial Study are based upon staff research and the Town's General Plan and Municipal Code. DETERNIINATION On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, ❑ and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on attached sheet have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, ❑ and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the environment, but at ❑ least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there ❑ WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. Signature: Date: Debbie Pedro, AICP, Planning Director Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 4 of 23 I. AESTHETICS -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a ❑ ❑ ❑ Q scenic vista? b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock ❑ ❑ ❑ Q outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual ❑ ❑ ❑ character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light ❑ ❑ ❑ z or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? IMPACT: The proposed project is not situated on a scenic vista or within the vicinity of a state scenic highway. The Los Altos Hills General Plan identifies important vistas, historic sites, and scenic highways within the Town. None of these resources listed in the General Plan will be negatively impacted by the proposal. Mitigation: Visual impacts will be mitigated by painting the poles, antennas, and ground equipment cabinet to blend in with the surroundings. Sources: 1, 2, 5, 20 t i. Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 5 of 23 II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES— Would the project: a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non- agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for ❑ ❑ ❑ Q agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or ❑ ❑ ❑ Q nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use? Discussion: The proposed wireless communications facility will have no foreseeable impact on Agricultural Resources. Mitigation: None Source: 8 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 6 of 23 III. AIR QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air ❑ ❑ ❑ Q quality violation? c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non -attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality ❑ ❑ ❑ Q standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q e) Create objectionable odors affecting a ❑ ❑ ❑ Q substantial number of people? Discussion: Santa Clara County is currently a non -attainment basin for ozone thresholds but achieves an attainment level for carbon monoxide emissions. The proposed wireless communications facility will have no foreseeable impact on carbon monoxide emissions. Mitigation: None Source: 9 In Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 7 of 23 IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or ❑ regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional ❑ plans, policies, regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act ❑ (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native ❑ resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites? e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan? IMPACT: None MITIGATION: None Sources: 1,6,10 ■❑ 0 0 W 0 0 ■❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 31 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 8 of 23 V. CULTURAL RESOURCES — Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined ❑ ❑ ❑ Q in'15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource ❑ ❑ ❑ Q pursuant to '15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique ❑ ❑ ❑ Q geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including ❑ ❑ _ ❑ Q those interred outside of formal cemeteries? IMPACT: The proposed wireless communications facility will have no foreseeable impact on Cultural Resources as defined in Title 14; Chapter 3; Article 5; Section 15064.5 of the California Environmental Quality Act. The site does not contain a listed historical building and no known archeological resources exist on the subject property. MITIGATION: None Sources: 3, 5, 16, 19 4 0. Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 9 of 23 VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS -- Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42. ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including liquefaction? iv) Landslides? b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water? IMPACT: None MITIGATION: None Sources: 12 ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 10 of 23 VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS -- Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, ❑ ❑ use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions ❑ ❑ involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile ❑ ❑ of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a ❑ ❑ significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result ❑ ❑ in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the ❑ ❑ project area? g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response ❑ ❑ plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent ❑ ❑ to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands? W 101 0 0 0 ■❑ W 0 FBI Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 11 of 23 Discussion: The proposed wireless communications facility does not produce a hazard or hazardous waste and will have no foreseeable impact related to Hazards and Hazardous Materials. The site is not located in an identified location according to CA Government Code 65962.5. Mitigation: None Sources: 13,17 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 12 of 23 VIII HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY -- Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste ❑ ❑ ❑ discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre- ❑ ❑ ❑ existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner ❑ ❑ ❑ which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or ❑ ❑ ❑ substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned ❑ ❑ ❑ stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? ❑ ❑ ❑ g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard ❑ ❑ ❑ Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood ❑ ❑ ❑ flows? i) Expose people or structures to a significant .risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, ❑ ❑ ❑ including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? 51 FBI Fol Fol j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 13 of 23 IMPACT: The proposed wireless communications facility will have no foreseeable impact on Hydrology and Water Quality as defined in this section. MITIGATION: none Sources: 2, 11, 14 4 l Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 14 of 23 IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING -- Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, ❑ ❑ ❑ Q local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community ❑ ❑ ❑ Q conservation plan? Discussion: The proposed wireless communication facility will not physically divide a community. The project complies with the Los Altos Hills General Plan and Wireless Communications Facilities Policy. Mitigation: None Sources: 4,5,6 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 15 of 23 X. MINERAL RESOURCES -- Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the ❑ ❑ ❑ Q region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally -important mineral resource recovery ❑ ❑ ❑ Q site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan? Discussion: The proposed wireless facility will not result in a loss of mineral resources. The project is not located in an area known for valued minerals. Mitigation: None Sources: 5,6 .- Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 16 of 23 X1. NOISE --Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established ❑ ❑ ❑ Q in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or ❑ ❑ ❑ Q groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity ❑ ❑ ❑ Q above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project ❑ ❑ Q ❑ vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport ❑ ❑ ❑ Q or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people ❑ ❑ ❑ Q residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? Discussion: The proposed wireless communications facility will be regulated by the Town's established noise standards. Interim construction noise levels associated with improvements and future site development will likely periodically exceed 40dB (A) but can be held to less than significant by adherence to Town standards for hours of construction. Once development is complete, day to day living will produce noises from the associated ground equipment. No immitigable or new types of noise impacts are anticipated. Mitigation: None Sources: 6 � s+ Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 17 of 23 XII. POPULATION AND HOUSING -- Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or ❑ ❑ ❑ Q indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of ❑ ❑ ❑ Q replacement housing elsewhere? c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement ❑ ❑ ❑ Q housing elsewhere? Discussion: The proposed wireless communication facility will not have a significant impact on population or housing. Mitigation: None Sources: 2,3 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 18 of 23 XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES— Would the project: a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: ■❑ Fire protection? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Police protection? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Schools? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Parks? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Other public facilities? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Discussion: The proposed wireless communication facility will not have a foreseeable impact on any public service or facility. Mitigation: None Sources: 2,3 4 r, Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 19 of 23 XIV. RECREATION -- Would the project: a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that ❑ ❑ ❑ Q substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which ❑ ❑ ❑ Q might have an adverse physical effect. on the .environment? Discussion: The proposed wireless communication facility will not have a foreseeable impact on recreation facilities. Mitigation: None Sources: 5,6 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 20 of 23 XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC — Would the project: a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system (i.e., result in a substantial increase in either the ❑ ❑ ❑ Q number of vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at intersections)? b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of service standard established by the ❑ ❑ ❑ Q county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or ❑ ❑ ❑ Q a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous ❑ ❑ ❑ Q intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs supporting alternative transportation ❑ ❑ ❑ Q (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? Discussion: The proposed wireless communication facility is unmanned. There is no foreseeable increase of traffic congestion on existing local roadways. Mitigation: None Sources: 1,2,3,5 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 21 of 23 XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS— Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the ❑ ❑ ❑ Q construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of ❑ ❑ ❑ existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements ❑ ❑ ❑ Q and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to ❑ ❑ ❑ Q serve the project's projected demand in addition to the provider's existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the ❑ ❑ ❑ Q project's solid waste disposal needs? g) Comply with federal, state, and local ❑ ❑ ❑ Q statutes and regulations related to solid waste? Discussion: The proposed wireless communication facility will not have a foreseeable impact on utility and service systems. Mitigation: None Sources: 1,2,3, 15 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 22 of 23 XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE -- Would the project: a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Q Discussion: The proposed project will not result in a negative impact to the environment, wildlife, plant or historical resource. The project does not have any foreseeable cumulative or unmitigated impacts as defined in this Initial Study. Mitigation: None Sources: 1-19 Town of Los Altos Hills Initial Study Lands of Purissima Hills Water District (applicant-Clearwire Wireless) October 25, 2010 Page 23 of 23 MITIGATION MEASURES INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT TO AVOID POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS: 1. The new monopoles, antennas, and ground equipment cabinet shall be painted a matte dark green color. Source List: 1. Field Inspection 2. Project Plans 3. Planner's Knowledge of the Area 4. Los Altos Hills Land Use and Zoning Map 5. Los Altos Hills General Plan 6. Los Altos Hills Municipal Code 7. Assessor's Maps, Office of County Assessor, Santa Clara County, 2010 8. State Department of Conservation, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program 9. BAAQMD CEQA Guidelines: Assessing the Air Quality Impacts of Projects and Plans, December 1999 10. State Department Fish and Game CNDDP Map 11. Santa Clara Valley Water District Map 12. Geotechnical and Seismic Hazard Zones Map of Los Altos Hills, Cotton Shires and Associates, Dec -2004 13. DTSC Hazardous Waste and Substance Sites List, California Environmental Protection Agency 14. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Map, Los Altos Hills, May 18, 2009 15. Sanitary Sewer Map, Town of Los Altos Hills Engineering Department 16. Santa Clara County Municipal Code Chapter II Indian Burial Grounds (Title B Division B-6) 17. Hammet & Edison, Inc dated October 21, 2009 18. CEQA Guidelines, 2010 19. Google Earth Exhibit List: 1. Project plans P Attachment 4 Clearwire, LLC • Proposed Base Station (Site No. CA-SJ1 12863 La Cresta Drive • 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 Clearwire, LLC, a personal wireless service provider, to evaluate the base station (Site No. CA-SJC0131A) proposed to be located at 12863 La Cresta Drive 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 transceivers are often located at ground level and are connected to the antennas by coaxial cables lLwww & EDISON, INC. CONSULTWGENWRRS CW0131A596HESMFFMCISOD Page 1 of 3 Clearwire, LLC - Proposed Base Station (Site No. CA-SJC0131A) 12863 La Cresta Drive - Los Altos Hills, California 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 This site at 12863 La Cresta Drive in Los Altos Hills was visited by Mr. Weston Lane, a qualified employee of Hammett & Edison, Inc., during normal business hours on August 24, 2006, a non -holiday weekday. Mounted on poles at various locations around the municipal water tanks at the site were directional panel antennas for use by Sprint Nextel, T Mobile, and Verizon Wireless, as well as two omnidirectional antennas presumed to be in intermittent low-power service by the water district. The maximum power density level observed for a person anywhere at ground at or near the site was 15% of the applicable public limit; power density levels equal to the FCC standard for uncontrolled areas did not extend into any uncontrolled areas. The measurement equipment used was a Wandel & Goltermann Type EMR -300 Radiation Meter with Type 25 Isotropic Electric Field Probe (Serial No. E-0001). Both meter and probe were under current calibration by the manufacturer. Based on information provided by Clearwire, including drawings by Streamline Engineering and Design, Inc., dated October 3, 2009, it is proposed to mount three Argus Model LLPX3I OR directional panel BRS antennas on new 20 -foot poles. The antennas would be mounted with 2° downtilt at an effective height of about 16 feet above ground and would be oriented towards 100°T, 200°T, and 345°T, away from the water tanks. The maximum effective radiated power in any direction would be 970 watts. Also proposed to be mounted on the poles are three 2 -foot microwave "dish" antennas, for interconnection of this site with others in the Clearwire network. KEHAmmETT & EDIsON, INC CW0131A596 CONSULTING ENGINEERS SANFRANCISCO Page 2 of 3 A Clearwire, LLC • Proposed Base Station (Site No. CA-SJC0131A) 12863 La Cresta Drive • Los Altos Hills, California Study Results For a person anywhere at ground, the maximum ambient RF exposure level due to the proposed Clearwire operation by itself is calculated to be 0.021 mW/cm?, which is 2.1 % of the applicable public limit; cumulative levels at ground are therefore expected to be below 18% of the public limit. It should be noted that these results include several "worst-case" assumptions and therefore are expected to overstate actual power density levels. No Recommended Mitigation Measures Due to their mounting locations, the Clearwire 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 several 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 base station proposed by Clearwire, LLC at 12863 La Cresta Drive 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. October 21, 2009 HEHAMMETT & EDISON, INC. CONsiiMNG ENGE42MB CW0131A596 SAN FRANasco 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 Humati 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) 03— 1.34 1.34— 3.0 3.0— 30 30— 300 300— 1,500 1,500— 100,000 1000 ,1 100 3 10 v 0.1 Electromagnetic Fields (f is freauencv of emission in MHz Electric Magnetic Ecluiyalent Far -Field Field Strength Field Strength Power Density (V/m) (A/m) (mw/cm) 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/ f 1801/ 61.4 27.5 0.163 0.0729 1.0 0.2 3.54-f 1.59ff 1rf/106 4f/238 V300 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. HAmmm & EmsoN, INC. e CONSUMING ENGWEExs FCC Guidelines SAN FRANCISCO Figure 1 i. 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, gander, 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 = 180 x 0.1 x Pnet esw � x D � h ' in MW/CM2, 0.1x16xilxPnet and for an aperture antenna, maximum power density Smax = x h2 , in MW /cm , 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 ,r7 = 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 4x;rxD2 , 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. HEHAmwTr & EDISON, INC. CONSULTING BNGINHERS Methodology SANFRANCISCO Figure 2 June 18, 2010 City of Los Altos Hills Planning & Building Department 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Attachment 5 RECEIVED JUN B 9 2010 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS RE: C1earWire Site CA-SJC0131: Application for a Conditional Use Permit for a Wireless Communications Facility at .12683 La Cresta Drive, Los Altos Hills, CA, APN 175-44-076 CUP Request Clearwire formally requests a conditional use permit from the City of Los Altos Hills to grant the following: is hereby submitted in conjunction with an application for a conditional use permit for an unmanned wireless communications facility consisting of the following: Installation of antennas and radio equipment around the perimeter of the existing water tank property as shown on the attached plans. The proposed project components would consist of the following elements to be contained within a 49.0 (7' x 7') square foot, lease area: • Radio equipment cabinet (approx. 25" x 25" x 54"H) to be installed on a 4' x 4'8" concrete slab within the 7' x 7' lease area. • Three (3) panel antennas and associated RRUs, and four (4) microwave dishes (Max. diameter 26.1 ") to be mounted on three (3) twenty -foot tall pipe mounts located around the perimeter of the water tank. The antennas and pipe mounts would be painted an olive green to match the surrounding vegetation. • One (1) GPS antenna to be mounted on the radio cabinet within the lease area, • Associated fiber/coax cable to be run from the radio cabinets to the antennas via underground conduit as shown on the plans. Power would be pulled from existing electrical service adjacent to the site as shown on the plans. • A generator is not proposed as part of this project. Access is provided by an existing access easement from La Cresta Drive. The property is located at 12683 La Cresta Drive, Assessor's Parcel 175-44-076, in the City of Los Altos Hills. VA Page 2 City of Los Altos Hills CA-SJC0131 6/18/10 Findings 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 proposed project is a passive land use. It does not generate traffic, noise, dust, or odors and in general is not considered a nuisance to surrounding land uses. The facility is to be located on a property used for municipal purposes, on an elevated knoll, which allows for appropriate propagation of radio signals. The project does not require any transportation or other community services in order to operate. The facility is similar in nature to existing wireless communications facilities on the property. 2. The site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed 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 the land uses normally permitted in the surrounding area; The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use as demonstrated by the fact that there are existing facilities on the property. The lease area for the project is relatively small, 49 square feet, and proposed antennas will be predominantly hidden by existing vegetation and painted to match this existing vegetation. 3. The site for the proposed use will be served by streets and highways of adequate width and pavement to carry the quantity and kind of traffic generated by the proposed use; and The site is served by existing roadways which are adequate to handle the minimal traffic generated by the proposed project (one technician once every 45 days or so in a pickup truck). 4. The proposed use will not adversely affect the abutting property or the permitted use thereof. As described above, the project is a passive use that will have no impact on surrounding properties. Antennas are screened partially by existing vegetation and will be painted to match this vegetation so as not to be -visible from surrounding properties. Existing wireless communications facilities have created no compatibility issues with surrounding properties. Attachment 6 A 4 41k &JOL.,'t 0* P k& clear 1024/9 � Y ' Altos Hills Site # CA-SJC131A W Los Aerial Map 12863 La Cresta Drive Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Applied Imagination 510914-0500 ✓ r t r �, rt. I �� ✓ • . �/ r z 'h' f'"- rri'=ate" .. � �� 9 - qx ik / / i � '.' ` -�4 ..,,��� fly+•„"� I � r , � ngry--_ - loop r. i ift" 71i ),.)Ir. ti� f . •moi � Attachment 7 PUBLIC OUTREACH NOTICE PROPOSED CLEARWIRE INTERNET FACILITY PROPOSED LOCATION: 12683 LA CRESTA DRIVE, LOS ALTOS HILLS, CA We're proud to introduce Clearwire, a 4G WiMax wireless internet provider, to the Los Altos Hills area, California and the country. Clear wire is proposing to collocate its 3 panel antennas (4' -long, 14" -wide), up to 4 small microwave dishes (max. diameter of 2'), and 1 small equipment cabinet on proposed pipe mounts and on a small ground space on the Purissima Hills Water District Property in the Town of Los Altos Hills. The antennas will be located on pipe mounts among and behind existing pine trees on the property and painted to match these trees (other antennas are currently located on similar pipe mounts on the property). The small equipment cabinet will be placed adjacent to an existing water tank at a location not visible to surrounding properties. Equipment and antennas will not be highly visible from surrounding public roadways or from surrounding residential properties and will be similar to existing installations on the property. The Town of Los Altos Hills Planning Commission will be hearing this projectat the Town Hall on November 4t', 2010. You will be officially notified of that hearing by the Planning Department. We welcome any input you may have on the project or any questions you might have regarding the installation or the service that will be provided. As a representative of Clearwire I would be happy to provide you with any additional information regarding the project or answer potential questions you may have about the project. I can be most easily reached via email at gbe1161639(a)-aol.com, or via phone at 530.647.1932. 1 would be happy to provide project plans or photosimulations, or other pertinent information to those that request it via email. If you would like any information about the Clearwire service, you can research it at www.clearwire.com or www.clear.com. The proposed facility will provide internet service at speeds comparable to DSL and cable and will provide consumers with a cheaper, faster alternative than that which currently exists in the community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Cja�of. �l. Gordon Bell Project Planner (Contractor) t} Attachment 8 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS LOSAMSHILI,S 26379 Fremont Road,_=` Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 , Phone: (650) 941-7222 r www.losaltoshills.ca.gov CALIFORNIA Wireless Communications Facilities Policy Amended 10/12/2006 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 10-1.1007 (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 communications facilities will be most appropriately located on public or institutional sites existing within the Town. Colocation, 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. Policy: 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 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 property owner provides written consent and significant visual impacts are mitigated. 3. Colocation — Colocation of wireless communication facilities with other facilities is encouraged to the maximum extend feasible, as long as the colocation 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 colocation of other facilities, subject to technological constraints and Town review.