HomeMy WebLinkAboutPN_Project Narrative_LDC_171227_v1
December 21, 2017
Angelea Weihs, Associate Planner
City of Renton Community & Economic Development
1055 South Grady Way
Renton WA 98057-3232
RE: Verizon Proposed WCF at SEA Logan Ave
Dear Angelea,
This cover letter is provided regarding the Master Use Application for Conditional Use Permit requested
by Verizon at 231 Burnett Ave N. referenced as Verizon site SEA Logan Ave.
With regard to wireless specific application packet materials, attached are the following:
• Zoning Drawings
• RF Justification Letter
• Maps including RF Planning, Inventory of existing sites, site coverage (before and after)
• Photo simulations
• NIER – FCC Compliance
• Tree Inventory within 100’ of project area
Zoning Drawings - Plans
The attached plans have been revised from a previous version to reflect the proposed use of a faux tree
as the antenna support structure for the proposed Verizon - Wireless Communications Facility (WCF) to
a tower height of 60’. See Project Description in Responses to CUP Submittal Requirements.
A Land Survey is provided in the Project Plans with reference to the Title Report provided and
topographic survey of site.
The proposed project location involves the reduction of 2 existing parking spaces and unused parking
median at the West side of the property parking lot. The proposed location is bounded by landscape
islands on the North and West sides of the property.
RF Justification - Overview
The attached RF Justification Letter was prepared by the assigned Verizon Radio Frequency (RF)
Engineer for the area. The associated maps provide the technical design data for RF Engineering
parameters regarding the Verizon wireless Network at the City cor
Network RF Planning
The issue is that although there is existing coverage in the Renton Core there is not adequate capacity to
provide a level of service needed to meet current demands. As a result, Verizon has planned several
permanent WCF sites in the area - intended to meet and accommodate the demands for adequate
wireless services now and into the future.
RECEIVED
12/29/2017
amorganroth
PLANNING DIVISION
Attached is a map of planned and potential site locations in relation to Verizon existing sites within the
Renton core, that depict the locations of areas that need service improvements called polygons. The
Map is from early 2017, but also includes areas pursued in the past for Network Improvements. The map
includes the approaches over recent months in attempts to secure various types of sites including Small
Cells and Cell on Wheel (COW) deployment. Unfortunately, the Small Cell polygons have been
determined to not be feasible.
As discussed with City representatives in the past, the use of a proposed COW is only a stop gap
measure needed by Verizon to immediate augment the existing RF signal strength in the Renton core
areas needed to provide adequate service while permanent sites are pursued.
As a result, the map shows the permanent locations (Polygons) where RF Engineering has identified
locations where permanent sites are needed.
In this case, the SEA Logan Ave polygon was identified as a candidate search area for a potential
permanent site.
SEA Logan Ave Candidate Selection & Justification
The SEA Logan Ave polygon is located East of the Renton Airport and includes the intersection of Logan
Ave and 3rd Street on its borders.
The primary candidate was the Renton School District’s Renton Memorial Stadium where the stadium
grandstand is of adequate height for a WCF, and the structure currently serves as a WCF support
structure for another carrier. Verizon vigorously pursued the site as the primary candidate for the Logan
Ave polygon however after several months of due diligence with the City and landowner toward a WCF
that meets current codes, the landowner elected to discontinue consideration of the property for a
Verizon WCF. The landowner did not provide an explanation as the basis for their decision therefore
Verizon was not able to mitigate any articulated concerns.
The ability to utilize the other structures of height in and near the polygon were considered and
identified as PSE utility or other poles for possible replacement, however those structures had already
been considered and eliminated due to issues involving availability of the use of structures in the City
R/W.
As a result, a raw land (RL) site type was pursued given the other structures in the area did not have
significant height or had been eliminated in candidate considerations.
Selected Site Considerations
The Carpenter Union property was selected utilizing a RL support structure candidate for several
reasons:
• The property is zoned Urban Center (UC) which is a high impact commercial zone and is the
same zone as the primary candidate.
• The property is located near the intersection of 2 major arterials in the City of Renton.
• There are built structures of height in the area where a WCF support structure will not stand out
as the only built structure of height in the immediate area.
• There are trees in the area that will provide back drop and/or partial visual screening for a
proposed RL structure from adjacent arterials.
• The City zoning codes are conducive to the siting of a RL support structure in the underlying
zone.
Antenna Support Structure Type Considerations
Verizon has worked with planning staff in the candidate scoping and structure type selection. Review of
zoning and other development codes have concluded that the use of a faux tree at the property is the
preferred antenna structure type. A canister type “concealment” support structure was also considered
however staff indicated the faux tree was considered conforming as to the pertinent City Codes.
As a result, a “monopine” tower to 60’ in height was selected as the proposed antenna support
structure with the following considerations:
• There are existing trees in the area where a faux evergreen tree “monopine” appears to be
compatible since it will not standout due to the cluster effect and the existing of evergreen trees
in the general area.
• The proposed structure height at 60’ is adequate in height to provide the needed Line of Site
required for proper function of a WCF at the Polygon, and within the Verizon Network.
• The proposed structure height meets the WAC Exempt from SEPA in the subject zone which
reflects the determined compatibility of such as use in the commercial zone for a WCF support
structure.
• The location is near landscaping meridians that serve as visual and other buffer/berms from
adjacent arterials and assist in screening of the Verizon proposed ground based equipment.
In summary, Verizon believes the CUP Justification findings as stated above and including the following
considerations:
1. All other feasible candidates and existing structures with adequate height have been eliminated
in and near the Polygon.
2. The proposal meets the City of Renton WCF and Development Standards and Codes; all
applicable local, state and federal laws and ordinances.
3. The proposal meets the SEPA WAC exemption for WCF in a Commercial Zone and there are no
known environmental impacts or ECAs at the property, or affected by the proposal.
4. The design meets the criteria for stealth WCF for the zoning regarding proximity to adjacent
zoning districts.
In closing, Verizon is pursuing a Letter from an Engineer that will satisfy the justification of the requested
reduction in setbacks for the tower from adjacent property lines to the North and West. Verizon is also
pursuing a Noise Study Report regarding the conformance of the proposal to City Noise Ordinances.
Those reports are forthcoming and will be provided as soon as they are received.
Please feel free to call me at 253-218-9017 if you have any questions or need more information.
Sincerely,
Rick Cardoza
Senior Project Manager
LDC, Inc
The Civil Engineering Group
20210 142nd Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072