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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-10 - RESOLUTIONS - APPROVING PERMIT 98-014 (2)RESOLUTION NO. 98-127 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA APPROVING MINOR USE PERMIT NO. 98-014 TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF AN UNMANNED TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGENERATION STATION AT 17975 SIERRA HIGHWAY (MASTER CASE 98-150, MINOR USE PERMIT 98-014) THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: a. An application for Master Case 98-150 (Minor Use Permit 98-014) was filed by IXC Communications Services (the "applicant") with the City of Santa Clarita on July 9, 1998. The property for which this application was filed is located at the northwest corner of Sierra Highway and Mirror Way (17975 Sierra Highway). The zoning and general plan designations for the property are CC (Community Commercial). b. This project is to construct and operate a one-story, unmanned telecommunications regeneration station measuring 3,250 square feet on a 0.71 - acre (or 30,901 square -foot) site. A generator and diesel tank would also be installed on the site for use in emergency situations. C. The surrounding land uses include commercial facilities to the west and east along Sierra Highway. Multi- and single-family residences are located to the north and east along Beneda Lane. Sierra Highway extends along the southern boundary of the site. d. This application was circulated for City Department and agency review upon case submittal. A development review committee meeting was held on the project and the City supplied the applicant with draft conditions of approval. e. This project was reviewed pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). An Initial Study was prepared to evaluate the impacts of the project. It was determined that the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment due to potential noise and aesthetics impacts. With the application of mitigation measures, potential impacts related to noise and aesthetics would be reduced to a less -than -significant level. These mitigation measures have been included as part of the City's conditions of approval. As such, Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared by staff and circulated for public review and comment on August 10, 1998. f. The original site plan has been revised to reflect the City's conditions of approval as well as other site plan modifications initiated by the applicant to address resident concerns related to aesthetics and noise. 9. A hearing was duly noticed for the Planning Commission meeting of September 15, 1998, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 7:00 p.m. I Page 2 h. On September 15, 1998, the Planning Commission adopted the Mitigated Negative Declaration prepared for this proposal and adopted Resolution No. 98- 26, approving Master Case 98-150 to allow for the construction and operation of a telecommunications regeneration station at 17975 Sierra Highway. i. On September 30, 1998, the City Clerk's office received an appeal of the action taken by the Planning Commission in approving Minor Use Permit 98-014. The appeal was filed by Anne M. Neiditch of NFT Investments. A hearing was duly noticed for the City Council meeting of November 10, 1998, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. k. On November 4, 1998, the City received a letter from Anne Neiditch formally withdrawing the appeal. SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received at the hearing, and upon the study and investigation made by the City Council and on its behalf, the Council further finds as follows: a. At the hearing of November 10, 1998, the City Council considered the staff report prepared for this project and received testimony on this proposal. During this hearing, the City Council granted the applicant permission to construct and operate the unmanned telecommunications regeneration station. b. The project site is zoned CC (Community Commercial). The provision of the minor use permit for this telecommunications facility complies with the City's Unified Development Code (UDC). All future development would also be required to comply with the UDC. C. The project is consistent with the City's General Plan. The City's General Plan designation for the site is CC (Community Commercial). d. The 0.71 -acre property is suitable for the 3,250 square foot telecommunications facility. e. The improvement of the proposed project will be compatible with surrounding improvements. Use of the site for an unmanned telecommunications facility will not unreasonably interfere with the free and complete exercise of any public entity and/or public utility, right-of-way and/or easements. 9. The project site is located along a major transportation corridor and is surrounded by commercial facilities of similar size and scale to the proposed facility. Residences in proximity to the project site would not be adversely affected by the proposed project; site plan features and other mitigation measures effectively address resident concerns. Page 3 h. The project was reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was determined that, with the application of mitigation measures, the project will have no significant adverse environmental effect. SECTION 3. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby determines as follows: a. The project is compatible with existing development in the area, is consistent with the City's General Plan, and complies with the standards of the CC zone with the inclusion of a minor use permit. Because this is an unmanned telecommunications facility, there will be no new increase in traffic due to this development. b. The granting of the minor use permit will not adversely affect the health, peace, comfort, or welfare of persons residing or working in the surrounding area; nor be materially detrimental to the use, enjoyment, valuation of property of other persons located in the vicinity of the subject property; nor jeopardize, endanger, or otherwise constitute a menace to the public health, safety or general welfare as the project conforms with the Unified Development Code. C. The project will have no significant adverse effect upon the environment pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. The project will not cause environmental damage to fish or wildlife because the project is located in an urban area on a previously -developed site. Page 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, hereby approves Minor Use Permit 98-014 to construct and operate a telecommunications regeneration station at 17975 Sierra Highway, subject to the attached conditions of approval. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 10" day of November, 1998. ATTEST: — -�� e�� awa&-' CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CITY OF SANTA CLARITA I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita. at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 10th day of November, 1998 by the following vote of Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: LMH s:pbs \council\ 98150 \ res98127 rerry, Waste, K-laj-4c, Darcy, Heidt None None CITY CLERK Master Case 98-150 Minor Use Pern-dt 98-014 November 5,1998 Applicant: IXC Communication Services, Inc. Location: 17975 Sierra Highway, at the northeast quadrant of the Sierra Highway -Mirror Way intersection. (APN 2802-004-002) Proposed Project: A minor use permit is requested for the construction and operation of an unmanned telecommunications regeneration station at 17975 Sierra Highway in the City's Community Commercial (CC) zone. This would involve the construction of a 3,250 square foot concrete tilt -up structure and provision of an emergency diesel generator on the site to provide wholesale telecommunications to retail service providers. The station would be equipped with a nine -unit air conditioning and ventilation system. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL Planning Division PI. A 10 -year time limit shall be placed upon the duration of the minor use permit approval. After expiration of the initial 10 -year period, extensions of time may be granted, provided that the Director of Planning and Building Services finds that the need exists to extend the term, that all initial conditions of approval have been complied with, and that the findings for an extension can be made. Conditions of approval may be applied to time extensions as deemed necessary by the Director. P2. Should the telecommunications facility be inoperative or abandoned for six months, it shall be dismantled and removed no later than ninety (90) days after that six-month period. Revegetation shall be provided if necessary. P3. The operation of the telecommunications facility shall not cause interference with any electrical equipment in the surrounding neighborhoods, including television, radio, telephone or computer use. Nor may the facility create harmful interference between any other telecommunications facilities, including City -owned communication facilities. P4. No signage is to be reviewed or approved at this time. The applicant shall obtain Planning Division approval for any signage proposed for the project prior to its placement on the buildings/property. Master Case No. 98-150 Minor Use Permit 98-014 Page 2 P5. Barbed wire is not permitted as a fencing material. In addition, chain link fencing will not be allowed. The applicant shall install a six -foot -high decorative wall around the proposed station structure. Permitted materials include wrought iron, grillwork, plaster, smooth stucco finish, or other approved masonry. The City's Design Guidelines state that when security fencing is required, it should be a combination of solid walls with pillars and decorative view ports, or short solid wall segments and wrought iron grillwork. Long expanses of fence or wall surfaces should be offset and architecturally designed to prevent monotony. P6. All fencing shall have a 10 -foot setback from the property line. P7. A demolition permit is required to remove the existing structure P8. The project shall maintain a 10 -foot landscaped setback to include mature trees and shrubs along the Sierra Highway frontage. A 10 -foot landscaped setback to include mature trees and shrubs is also required along Mirror Way and Beneda Lane to serve as a buffer between the telecommunications facility and nearby residences. P9. A six -foot -high solid block wall shall be installed around the on-site generator on three sides to obscure view from neighboring areas and to reduce noise levels during operation. A six -foot -high gate for generator access shall be installed on the fourth side to fully enclose the generator. PIO. Mature landscaping shall be provided along the south and north sides of the block wall surrounding the generator to screen views of the wall. PI 1. Provide information regarding building materials and faqade features proposed for the telecommunications regeneration station. Undesirable building materials, as specified in the City's Design Guidelines, include unpainted concrete precision block walls, metal siding, and plastic siding. P12. Prepare a noise study to deterraine the existing and proposed noise levels on and surrounding the project site. This will require readings of ambient noise levels at the residential uses, and projections of noise levels from generator operation and the nine - unit HVAC system. The applicant is required to provide appropriate mitigation to reduce potential operations -related impacts to a less -than -significant level. P 13. Highly reflective surfaces conducive to glare are not permitted. P14. Outside lighting shall be hooded and directed so as not to shine directly upon adjoining property or public rights-of-way. P15. Local native vegetation used for landscaping purposes shall be drought -tolerant and fire resistant or fire retardant. The area around all structures should be free of combustible materials. P16. The project shall comply with all applicable City of Santa Clarita noise regulations. PIT Construction hours will be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekends, unless traffic volumes or public safety issues warrant otherwise (as deternimed by City, County or Master Case No. 98-150 Minor Use Permit 98-014 Page 3 State officials). No construction on Sundays and legally proclaimed holidays will occur. Operation of combustion equipment, such as pumps, compressors or generators within 300 feet of any occupied residence from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. is not permitted, unless the equipment is surrounded by a noise protection barrier. Final determination of construction hours will occur prior to the issuance of a building permit by the Building and Safety Department. P18. Construction equipment must employ sound restriction devices to reduce noise levels. Noise specifications for construction equipment should be written in compliance with City and/or County noise guidelines and should include a set of guidelines to enable contractors to bid accordingly. This is required by law. P19. Where noise impacts from construction activities prove to unduly interfere with operations of businesses, the applicant will erect temporary noise barriers where they do not restrict access to residences or businesses and where they do not affect visibility of businesses. P20. A billboard is located at the southeast comer of the project area. The billboard is not shown to be on the project site as indicated in the ALTA survey. However, if through the escrow period, it is disclosed to the applicant that the billboard is on 17975 Sierra Highway, the subject property, the applicant shall remove the billboard in its entirety after the terms of the existing lease agreement have expired. P2 1. The generator and fuel tank to be located on the southeast comer of the site shall not exceed six feet in height, and therefore, will be fully screened by the six -foot -high block wall. To meet the six-foot maximum height requirement, the applicant shall install the fuel tank below grade. The generator, to be installed on top of the fuel tank, will not be visible above the block wall. Engineering Services Department ES 1. The project is subject to a Bridge and Thoroughfare fee, which currently totals approximately $19,880. This fee shall be submitted prior to issuance of the building permit. ES2. Improvements including, but not limited to, curb and gutter, sidewalk, and street lighting improvements along the complete property frontage shall be provided. ES3. The driveway shall be a commercial driveway type. ES4. Right-of-way dedication is required to provide the following: Sierra Highway: 116 feet, 58 feet from the centerline to the property line. Mirror Way: 64 feet, 32 feet from the centerline to the property line. Beneda Lane: 60 feet, 30 feet from the centerline to the property line. ES5. Show the existing sewer on the plan. ES6. An in lieu fee is required for a landscaped median on Sierra Highway as determined by the City Engineer. : r -- — - — - — I Master Case No. 98-150 Minor Use Permit 98-014 Page 4 Traffic Engineering TE 1. Provide details of roadway dedication. Any street dedication needs to be shown on the site plan. Sierra Highway requires 58 feet of right-of-way on each side of the centerline. Parks and Recreation Department PR 1. Trees planted within fourteen (14) feet of the City right-of-way in commercial developments on major arterials will be subject to the Parkway Influence Area as identified in City Ordinance 90-15. Trees planted within this area will be maintained to City standards by the property owner. PR2. Street trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department. Use trees from the City's approved Master Street Tree List, available from the City Arborist. The irrigation and maintenance of these trees shall be per City Ordinance 90-15. PR3. Private trees shall not be placed in the public right -of way. Trees planted within the City right-of-way will be subject to City Ordinance 90-15. PR4. Provide final landscape and irrigation plans for review and approval of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department prior to occupancy. All landscape materials shall be installed and inspected prior to facility operation. Drought resistant plant material and water efficient irrigation systems should be utilized in the design. PR5. If required by the City's Traffic Engineering Division, median landscaping improvements shall be made to the medians adjacent to the property frontage to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. Fire Departmen FD 1. Provide and indicate on the site plan the Fire Department access or vehicular turn- around in accordance with the specification below: Provide a minimum, unobstructed width of 26 feet clear to sky, vehicular access to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls. Fire Code 10.203/4. FD2. The required fire flow for PUBLIC fire hydrants at this location is 2,000 gallons per minute at 20 psi for a duration of two. hours, over and above maximum daily domestic demand. FD3. Additional fire hydrants may be required pending the location of all existing fire hydrants. NPDES NPI. Comply with Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). See attached brochure, "Blue Print for a Clean Ocean" available at City Hall. s:\pbs\current\mup98014