Idaho Power Radio Tower Upgrade CZC, ALT (A-2018-0273)Conditions Document
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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
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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.
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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)
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Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273
Exhibit A: Vicinity Map
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Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273
Exhibit B: Site Plan (dated: August 16, 1949)
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Idaho Power Radio Antenna Upgrade - ALT, CZC - A-2018-0273
Exhibit C: Equipment Details (dated: August 13, 2018)