BACKGROUND
At the August 21, 2015 Village Board meeting, the Board voted to continue this request for a Special Use Permit for a Cell Tower at 1000 S. Arlington Heights Road. This was a recommendation from the Plan Commission for approval of a 75 foot high monopole antenna subject to certain conditions.
Since that meeting, Staff has had conversations with representatives of APC Towers, the owner of the tower. As a result of the conversations and a meeting, APC Towers has withdrawn their request for a height variation for a tower of 100 feet. In addition, they have submitted a plan showing the landscaping completely on private property, as requested by Staff.
As to the ultimate height of the tower, the Village can limit the height of the proposed tower to 75 feet, in accordance with Village Code. However, if and when a request is made to collocate another user on the antenna, under the FCC regulations, the height of the tower can be increased up to 20 feet as a matter of right. The Village has no ability to limit the tower to less than 95 feet.
Staff understands from the owner that as soon as they have a collocater, the Petitioner will be going to the FCC for approval of the extra 20 feet. A building permit will be required to ensure the structure meets all applicable codes but there will be no other Village approval necessary. One of the proposed conditions is that there be no more than two users on the tower.
RECOMMENDATION
A public hearing was held by the Plan Commission on July 22, 2015 where Commissioner Drost moved and Commissioner Sigalos seconded:
A motion to recommend to the Village Board of Trustees, approval of PC#15-003, a Special Use Permit for a wireless antenna tower.
This approval is contingent upon compliance with the recommendation of the Plan Commission and the following recommendations detailed in the Staff Development Committee Report dated July 16, 2015 (as modified):
1. The landscaping screening shall be installed completely on private property, in substantial compliance with the plan dated August 28, 2015.
2. The number of platforms/carries allowed on the antenna will be limited to two.
3. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, provide a letter from the Northwest Central Dispatch indicating that the proposed frequencies are compatible with Village and other public and private telecommunication frequencies.
4. Prior to receiving a permit, submit any required State or Federal approvals.
5. The petitioner shall comply with all Federal, State, and Village codes, regulations, and policies.
Roll Call Vote: Commissioners Cherwin, Drost, Ennes, Green, Jensen and Chairman Lorenzini voted in favor. Commissioner Sigalos voted against. The motion carried.