1995-064CITY OF ENCINITAS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
505 So. Vulcan Avenue
Encinitas, CA 92024
(619) 633-2710
NOTICE OF DECISION
DCD-95-64
September 25, 1995
This letter is to inform you that the Director of Community
Development has approved your application for:
95-224 ADR (NEBTEL Communications) - Administrative Design
Review to allow for the installation of wireless telephone
antennae on the roof of a commercial (self-storage) building,
for property located at 801 Birmingham Drive (APN 260-324-15).
Project Description and Discussion:
The applicant proposes to install three "whip" type antennae,
and eight "panel" type wireless communication antennae on the
roof of an existing self-storage building located east of the I-
5 corridor, south of Birmingham Drive. The whip antennae would
have a maximum height of 13, and the panel antennae would have
a maximum height of 10 ft.
The antennae will be visible from the surrounding area, but
would not be prominent. Although the antennae will project
above the roof-line, their visual impact will be limited
primarily to persons viewing from the back yards of residential
properties located to the east of the project site, and to
motorists travelling on the adjacent highway to the west.
Since the site is immediately adjacent to and visible from I-5,
it falls within the Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone contained in
Section 30.34.080 of the Municipal Code, which requires that the
review include consideration of visual factors including
screening. Staff has visited the project site and surrounding
area, including analyzing the view impacts from both directions
of travel from adjacent Interstate 5, and a determination has
been made that overall site conditions serve to provide adequate
screening. Area topography and freeway orientation aid in
minimizing the visual impact of the proposed antennae. The
subject building is located significantly higher than the
freeway level, which acts to partially remove the antennae from
the immediate view-shed.
The subject building is somewhat off-angle to the freeway, such
that the building itself will partially screen the antennae from
north-bound motorists, and existing eucalyptus trees in the area
screen view of the antennae for south-bound motorists. Full
JK/95076ADR.DEC (5-9-95) 1
view of the antennae will not be readily apparent until
motorists have moved to a point. roughly abreast of the antennae,
at which point they will be in a relatively high position.
A standard legal advertisement was published and a 300 ft.
radius mailing was sent, with one response being received. A
property owner of an adjacent property submitted a letter in
which concerns regarding view impacts were expressed. Staff
contacted the individual by telephone to further discuss the
project. The individual expressed a general concern with the
project and stated that he would be satisfied if the antennae
were screened in some manner (i.e. a fabricated enclosure).
Staff considered these concerns and the screening request. The
subject property (1848 Playa Riviera) was visited by staff and
the view concerns were analyzed, in particular from the rear
yard of the site. Staff has determined that the antennae will
be visible from the property, but that existing dense
landscaping will screen the proposed antennae almost entirely.
Further, proposals to place fabricated enclosures around
communication antennae must be carefully considered. While such
screening does succeed in hiding antennae sites, the enclosure
itself typically adds more visual mass and can make an antennae
site more visually prominent.
This Notice therefore determines that the overall potential view
impacts associated with the proposed project are mitigated
adequately with existing landscape screening and site factors.
A zoning history search did not reveal any past discretionary
actions pertinent to this decision.
This approval is based upon the following findings, pursuant to
Chapter 23.08 (Design Review) of the City of Encinitas Municipal
Code:
Design Review:
Municipal Code Sections 23.08.074, 076, 077 (site and building
design and landscaping) are satisfied in that the proposed
project will have minimal impact on surrounding views through
the site since the antennas will be located on top of a self-
storage building which is in an elevated position relative to
the freeway, but is lower than the residential properties to the
east, with no significant views available through the project
site, given that no "blue sky" horizon or ocean view is
available through the site. Regarding project design and views
from the site, the proposed antennae will have no impact on any
such views. Regarding project design and views to the site, the
proposed antennas will result in some visual impacts to the
surrounding area. However,. these impacts are mitigated as
discussed above. Area topography and freeway orientation aid in
minimizing the visual impact of the proposed antennae. The
JK/95076ADR.DEC (5-9-95) 2
subject building is located significantly higher than the
freeway level, which acts to partially remove the antennae from
the immediate view-shed.
The subject building is somewhat off-angle to the freeway, such
that the building itself will partially screen the antennae from
north-bound motorists, and existing eucalyptus trees in the area
combine to screen the view of the antennae for south-bound
motorists. .Full view of the antennae will not be readily
apparent until motorists have moved to a point roughly abreast
of the antennae, at which point they will be in a relatively
high position.
The project is found to be exempt from Environmental Review, as
per CEQA Section 15301(e) & 15061.
The project is found to be exempt from Coastal Development
Permit, as per Municipal Code Section 30.80.050.
This approval is subject to the following conditions:
1. This Design Review approval shall expire September 22, 1997, two
years from the date of this approval, unless activity is
initiated or building permits are obtained in reliance upon this
approval.
2. The approved project shall conform to the application and plans
submitted to the City and dated received on August 30, 1995, and
shall not be modified without prior city approval.
3. No additional antennas may be installed at the subject location
without City approval.
In accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Code, this
decision may be appealed to the City Council within fifteen (15)
calendar days of the date of this determination. This notice
constitutes a decision of the Community Development Department only.
Additional permits, including Building Permits, may be required by
the Building Department or other City Departments. It is the
property owner's responsibility to obtain all necessary permits
required for the type of project proposed.
If you have any questions regarding this determination, please
contact Jim Kennedy at the Community Development Department by
telephoning (619) 633-2715.
Sandra Holder
Community Development Director
JK/95076ADR.DEC (5-9-95) 3