HomeMy WebLinkAboutStatement of Special Use/Support Statement of Special Use
Docket No. SE-32-99
Petitioners request a special exception to permit the construction and operation of a 150'
monopole telecommunications tower and related equipment under Section 25.13 and
Chapter 21 of the Carmel/Clay Zoning Ordinance to permit petitioners to provide reliable
and adequate wireless communications services under a license granted by the Federal
Communications Commission.
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Docket No. SE-32-99
EXHIBIT B MW07140
Statement of Support
To inject competition into the telecommunications industry, the Federal Communications
Commission ("FCC") auctioned off radio frequency licenses to entrepreneurial companies
including Omnipoint Communications ("Omnipoint"). The FCC requires its licensees to provide
adequate and reliable service in the licensed area. In order to provide personal communication
mobile telecommunications service ("PCS") to the public, Omnipoint must place and operate
communications transmitting and receiving antennas throughout its service area at locations
dictated by customer use and system engineering requirements.
Omnipoint and Unisite, Inc. ("Unisite") are requesting approval of a special exception for
the property located at 2351 W. 141' Street in Carmel, Indiana for the construction and operation
of a wireless communication facility which would include a 150' monopole antenna structure and
related communications equipment cabinets and/or buildings. This site, together with other
antenna locations will enable Omnipoint to provide continuous uinterrupted service within its
service area.
Technical radio frequency("RF") requirements determine the optimal antenna location
and height. Sufficient signal strength is required to hand off from one site to another. If the site
is too far from its neighboring sites, the signal strength is too weak and a coverage hole exists
between the sites and hand offs from site to site are prevented. If the site is too close to its
neighboring sites, the signal strength is too strong and RF interference occurs among neighboring
sites. Coverage holes and interference cause call set up failure, degradation in voice quality and
dropped calls.
Omnipoint takes every opportunity to collocate on existing structures of heigh such as
other carriers' sites, rooftops, water tanks and radio towers. With over 50% of its sites on
existing structures, Omnipoint leads Indiana's telecommunications industry in efforts to collocate.
Additionally, Omnipoint has an agreement with Unisite. Unisite builds and maintains sites where
Omnipoint needs them. Omnipoint leases space on the antenna structures built by Unisite, but the
structures are built by Unisite to accommodate multiple wireless providers to which Unisite may
market the site as well. The proposed structure will accommodate multiple wireless providers and
will thereby serve to diminish the proliferation of such structures within the community.
A special exception is necessary and appropriate because the proposed use will provide
quality and reliable PCS service and the use of this proposed antenna structure will not interfere
with the use of any adjacent or surrounding real estate. Additionally, antenna structures do not
cause any vibration, smoke, dust, particulate matter, noxious matter, odors, sound, heat, glare or
waste matter. The use of the site will not generate traffic other than one or two employees for
maintenance service trips once or twice a month. The proposed site will not be injurious to the
public health, safety or general welfare of the community.
In addition the criteria in Section 21.3 of the Ordinance do not prevent the granting of the
special exception:
1. Topography. There are no topographic features that render the site unsuitable for
the antenna structure. The land is relatively flat farmland and is wooded.
2. Zoning on the site. The site is zoned S-1 which permits the proposed structure
subject to the granting of a special exception.
3. Surrounding zoning and land use. The surrounding zoning and land use is
consistent with the proposed special exception. The surrounding tracts are large undeveloped
tracts.
4. Streets, curbs. gutters and sidewalks. The project will not require any new
improvements of this nature.
5. Access to public streets. Access to the public street is obtained via an access
easement shown on the site plan.
6. Driveway and curb cut locations in relation to other sites. No new curb cuts are
required. •
7. General vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The site will not generate additional
traffic, since the antenna structure is fully automated. Maintenance personnel will visit the site
once or twice a month.
8. Parking location and arrangement. Not relevant because no traffic.
9. Number of parking spaces needed for special exception. Not relevant because no
traffic.
10. Internal site circulation. Not relevant because no traffic.
11. Building height, bulk and setback. The structure will exceed the 120 foot height
limitation in this zoning district for which a variance is also being filed.
12. Front, Side and Rear Yards. The structure will meet the requirements for front,
side and rear yards, but requires a variance because it is less than 100 feet from the property line
of a parcel used for residential purposes..
13. Site coverage by building(s). parking area(s) and other structures. Only the area
required for the tower and related equipment cabinets and/or buildings will occupy the site. There
will be no other structures.
14. Trash and Material Storage. The use does not generate trash or require the
storage of materials.
15. Alleys, Service Areas and Loading Bays. None needed.
16. Special and General Easements for Public or Private Use. The site plan and legal
description depict and describe necessary access and utility easements for the structure.
17. Landscaping and Tree Mass. Landscaping will be provided in accordance with any
ordinance requirements. The site is buffered by trees.
18. Necessary Screening and Buffering. A fence will surround the antenna structure
compound. The site is buffered by existing trees.
19. Necessary Fencing. The compound will be enclosed with a security fence.
20. Necessary Exterior Lighting. Subject to any FAA requirements, the tower will not
be required to be lit.
21. On-site and off-site. surface and sub-surface storm and water drainage. The
project will not create and storm water drainage problems and the petitioners will comply with all
legal requirements relative thereto.
22. Utilities on-site and to the site. Electrical service is the only utility required and is
available to the site.
23. Dedication of streets and right-of-way. No dedication is needed or contemplated.
The use does not contribute any additional traffic to the public street system.
24. Proposed signage. No signs, other than a warning or equipment information sign
needed for health and safety purposes will be affixed to the tower.
25. Protective restrictions and/or covenants. None proposed.
476313.1
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