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Idaho Power Radio Tower Upgrade CZC, ALT (A-2018-0273)Conditions Document 1 Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273 CERTIFICATE OF ZONING COMPLIANCE REPORT DATE: September 10, 2018 TO: Jeff Maffuccio, Idaho Power Company FROM: Kevin Holmes, Assistant City Planner SUBJECT: Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC (A-2018-0273) Idaho Power Company OWNER: DESCRIPTION OF APPLICANT'S REQUEST The applicant, Idaho Power Company, requests Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) and Alternative Compliance (ALT) approval to upgrade an existing 65 foot wood pole mounted radio antenna with a new 79 foot wood pole mounted radio antenna. The applicant is requesting alternative compliance to UDC 11-4-3-43E to eliminate the landscape buffer requirements for wireless communication facilities. The project is located on 0.02 acres of land in the O-T zoning district. The wireless communication facility will provide “line of sight” communication to other local stations and is built uniquely for Idaho Power; it will not be eligible to host collocated wireless equipment. The site is located at 31 NE 2nd Street. DECISION The applicant's request for Certificate of Zoning Compliance is approved with the conditions listed in this report. Note: This is not a building permit. Please contact Building Services at (208) 887-2211 to verify if you need a building permit and/or inspection. If you do need a building permit, you must complete that process before you commence the use or construction. Please contact Building Services for additional details about building permits and inspections. Process Conditions of Approval 1. The applicant shall complete all improvements related to public life, safety, and health as set forth in UDC 11-5C-3B. A surety agreement may be accepted for other improvements in accord with UDC 11-5C-3C. 2. The site plan prepared by Idaho Power, dated 08/16/1949, labeled “Meridian Station Yard Plan”, is approved by the City of Meridian Planning Division as shown in Exhibit B. 3. The equipment details prepared by Idaho Power on 08/13/2018, labeled “Meridian Station 7/8 Duplexer/Master Radio Antenna & Coax Structural Details” are approved by the City of Meridian Planning Division as shown in Exhibit C. 4. The approved site plan and/or elevations may not be altered without prior written approval of the City of Meridian Planning Division. 5. Per UDC 11-5B-5B2, the Director (at the applicant's request) approved alternative compliance to UDC11-4-3-43E regarding required landscape buffers for wireless Conditions Document 2 Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273 communication facilities. Ongoing Conditions of Approval 6. The project is subject to all current City of Meridian ordinances and previous conditions of approval associated with this site. 7. The issuance of this CZC does not release the applicant from any previous requirements of the other permits issued for the site. 8. The applicant and/or assigns shall have the continuing obligation to meet the applicable specific use standards for the proposed use as set forth in UDC 11-4-3-43. ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE REQUEST – UDC 11-4-3-43E The applicant has submitted a request for alternative compliance in accord with Table 11-5B-5. UDC Table 11-5B-5 allows an application for alternative compliance for landscape buffer requirements for wireless communication facilities found in UDC 11-4-3-43E. 1. The applicant is seeking to forgo the required landscape buffer requirements for wireless communication facilities citing conflicts due to the sidewalk location, setback standards, lack of irrigation, safety concerns, and existing equipment in the subs tation. Alternatively, they are proposing to move the new antenna pole to a location behind an existing control building thus shielding it from the view of E. Franklin Road. The old antenna will be removed. After reviewing the applicant’s request, staff finds the proposal to move the new antenna to behind an existing building meets the intent of the Unified Development Code and will provide adequate screening given the nature of the use on the site. ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE FINDINGS: In order to grant approval for alternative compliance, the director shall determine the following findings: 1. Strict adherence or application of the requirements is not feasible; OR The Director finds that because of the nature of the use of the site as an electrical substation strict adherence of the requirements would present a safety hazard. The addition of potentially flammable screening or landscaping materials in close proximity to the electrical equipment is not feasible or desired. 2. The alternative compliance provides an equal or superior mea ns for meeting the requirements; and The Director finds the proposed location of the new antenna pole behind the existing controls building does not provide an equal or superior means for meeting the requirements of UDC-11-4-3-43E. 3. The alternative means will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or impair the intended uses and character of the surrounding properties. Conditions Document 3 Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273 The Director finds that the proposed alternative will not be detrimental to the public welfare or impair the use/character of the surrounding properties. CITY COUNCIL REVIEW The applicant or a party of record may request City Council review of a decision of the Director. All requests for review shall be filed in writing with the Planning Division on or before September 25, 2018, within fifteen (15) days after the written decision is issued, and contain the information listed in UDC 11-5A-6B. If City Council review of the decision is not requested, the action of the Director represents a final decision on a land use application. You have the right to request a regulatory taking analysis under Idaho Code 67-8003. EXPIRATION The Certificate of Zoning Compliance shall expire if the construction, alteration or the use has not commenced within one year of the date of issuance of the Certificate of Zoning Compliance. In accord with the above provisions, the subject Certificate of Zoning Compliance is valid until September 10, 2019. EXHIBITS A: Vicinity Map B: Site Plan (dated: August 16, 1949) C: Equipment Details (dated: August 13, 2018) Conditions Document 4 Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273 Exhibit A: Vicinity Map Conditions Document 5 Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273 Exhibit B: Site Plan (dated: August 16, 1949) Conditions Document 6 Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273 Exhibit C: Equipment Details (dated: August 13, 2018)