Staff Decision (1337) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

7.Section 136.040 of the Marion County Rural Zoning Ordinance lists uses permitted subject to standards. Section 136.040 (I) states; “Utility facilities necessary for public service, except commercial facilities for the purpose of generating power for public use by sale and transmission towers over 200 feet in height. A facility is "necessary" if it must be situated in the EFU zone in order for the service to be provided.” 8.Voice Stream Wireless is a utility facility which is licensed to provide Personal Communication Service (PCS). They indicate that the new wireless site is needed to improve service to Silverton and along State Highways 213 and 214. The applicant also states that a gap currently exists in the service area. Voice Stream submitted adequate data to address criteria and establish the necessity of installing the communication facility at the site. The proposal is also consistent with findings made by the Marion County Hearing Officer concerning Adm97-19 which approved the existing site. “VoiceStream will require new communications facilities this year in order to provide service in Silverton and provide improved coverage for Salem’s growing subscriber base. The transmitting locations are determined by statistical analysis, simulations, traffic projections, and customer feedback. The Silverton Site located at 14448 Evan’s Valley Rd.. will give VoiceStream the opportunity to meet customer needs and because it is co-located with another carrier on an existing tower there will be no need to construct an additional tower near by. Co-location (where possi- ble) allows VoiceStream to reduce neighborhood impact.” 9.The applicant indicates that the proposed tower location will meet the necessary parameters and that there are no other lands in the area, outside the EFU zone, that can be used for the service. The facility will be attached to an existing lattice tower and will not require an additional support tower. As proposed, the facility will be within the developed area of the subject parcel. At this location the facility will be buffered from any agricultural production. 10.Based on the above discussion, the facility is recognized as a permitted use in the EFU zone and is consistent with the Marion County Rural Zoning Ordinance.