HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08 PC Staff Report
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #08-08
SHENANDOAH GAS
Staff Report for the Planning Commission
Prepared: July 19, 2008
Staff Contact: Mark R. Cheran, Zoning Administrator
This report is prepared by the Frederick County Planning Staff to provide information to the
Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to assist them in making a decision on
this request. It may also be useful to others interested in this zoning matter.
Reviewed Action
Planning Commission: 08/06/08 Pending
Board of Supervisors: 09/24/08 Pending
LOCATION: This property is located at 350 Hillandale Lane (Route 651).
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Shawnee
PROPERTY ID NUMBER: 63-A-2
PROPERTY ZONING & PRESENT USE:
Zoned: M-1 (Industrial Light) District
Land Use: Washington Gas
ADJOINING PROPERTY ZONING & USE:
North: M-1 (Industrial Light) Land Use: Telephone Company
South: RP (Residential Performance) Land Use: Vacant
East: RP (Residential Performance) Land Use: Vacant
West: Route 81 Land Use: Interstate Highway
PROPOSED USE: This application is for an extension of previously approved monopole
structure from 120 feet to 180 feet.
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REVIEW EVALUATIONS:
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: The application for a Conditional
Use Permit for this property appears to have little measurable impact on Route 651, the VDOT
facility which would provide access to the property. Existing entrance is adequate for proposed
CUP #08-08, Shenandoah Gas
July 19, 2008
Page 2
use. However, should use ever expand in the future, the entrance may have to be upgraded to
VDOT commercial standards.
FIRE AND RESCUE: Plan approval as submitted.
INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT: Building permit required for construction. Structure shall
comply with The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and Section 312, use group U
(Utility and Miscellaneous) of The International Building Code 2003. Structured plans
submitted for permit application shall be sealed by a VA Licensed Design Professional for
antenna attachment. Please note the requirements in Chapter 17 Special Inspections for this type
structure, soils, concrete, bolts, etc. Note: All Chapter 1 VUSBC min. inspections shall be
conducted by the Frederick County Inspections Staff. Request to utilize a third party inspection
agency that complies with the Frederick County policy shall have prior approval granted by the
Building Code Official.
WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT: The existing tower does not penetrate the FAR Part
77 surfaces of the Winchester Regional Airport based on the Federal Aviation Administration’s
Aeronautical Study Number 2002-AEA-1095-OE dated October 1, 2002 at a maximum height of
196 feet (AGL). That determination study expired on April 1, 2004; therefore, the applicant
must re-file with the FAA for a new study. Regardless of the FAA’s determination regarding
lighting regulations, the Winchester Regional Airport Authority requests the following be
considered as a requirement for approval of this CUP: 1. Towers over 200 feet AGL are
required by FAA to be lighted. For towers between 150 and 199 feet AGL, the Winchester
Airport is requiring all structures to be marked and lighted in accordance with FAA Advisory
Circular 70/7460-1K, Change 2, Obstruction Marking and Lighting. 2. Applicant is required to
file with the Virginia Department of Aviation and applicant should send a copy of the FAA
Aeronautical Study and a quadrangle map showing the proposed tower location for their review
and comment. Provided these conditions are met, the Winchester Regional Airport Authority
has no objections to the Conditional Use Permit application.
Planning and Zoning: This proposed Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is for an extension of the
current monopole-type telecommunication tower from 120 feet to 180 feet, located on a 10.9-
acre site on Hillandale Lane (Route 651) adjacent to Interstate 81. This 180 foot
telecommunication tower will have setbacks of approximately 300 feet from Hillandale Lane
(Route 651), 152 feet from the rear property line, 337 feet from the right property line, and 595
feet from the left side property line. These setbacks were calculated with Conditional Use Permit
#11-02 to meet future extension of this tower from 120 feet to 180 feet. CUP #11-02 was
approved by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors on November 13, 2002.
The Frederick County Zoning Ordinance allows for Commercial Telecommunication Facilities
in the M1 (Light Industrial) Zoning District with an approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP).
The Frederick County Zoning Ordinance specifies that a CUP for a commercial
CUP #08-08, Shenandoah Gas
July 19, 2008
Page 3
telecommunication tower may be permitted provided that residential properties, land use
patterns, scenic areas and properties of significant historic values are not negatively impacted.
Furthermore, additional performance standards shall apply to the CUP review in order to
promote orderly economic development and mitigate the negative impacts to adjoining
properties.
STAFF CONCLUSIONS FOR THE 08/06/08 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING:
Should the Planning Commission find this use appropriate, Staff would recommend the
following conditions:
1. All review agency comments and requirements shall be complied with at all times.
2. The telecommunication tower shall be available for co-locating personal wireless services
providers.
3. In the event a telecommunication tower is not erected within twelve (12) months of the
approval of this Conditional Use Permit, then the Conditional Use Permit will be deemed
invalid.
4. The telecommunication tower shall be removed by the applicant or property owner within
twelve (12) months of abandonment of operation.
5. Any expansion or modification of this use will require a new Conditional Use Permit.
Following the requisite public hearing, it would be appropriate for the Planning
Commission to offer a recommendation concerning this application to the Board of
Supervisors.