CU25-046 Staff Decision - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

5. The applicant is proposing to modify an existing public communications facility (PCF) on at 13,304.66 acre parcel of TC zoned land. The proposal is to remove the existing 60.6-foot-tall communications tower and replace it with an 180-foot self-supporting tower on which communications equipment will be mounted. In addition, the proposal is to install a new equipment shelter to house auxiliary equipment necessary for the operations of the PCF including a new propane powered generator, new propane storage tanks, and a photovoltaic array. The proposal will contain all the modifications in the existing 10,589 square foot site. 6. Various agencies were contacted about the proposal and given an opportunity to comment. Public Works Land Development and Engineering Permits (LDEP) requested that the following be included in the land use decision. ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS A. Transportation System Development Charges (SDC’s) will be assessed at the time of application for building permits. Marion County Building Inspection commented: Permit(s) are required to be obtained prior to the development of utilities and a communications tower for emergency services, as identified in M.C.C. 15.05.250(A)(2). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife commented: ODFW recommends conducting pre-construction surveys for raptors. House Mountain is known to have nesting peregrine falcons and bald eagles may also be within the vicinity of the proposed project area. Nests of these species and other birds of prey are protected under the USFWS Migratory Bird Treaty Act. All other commenting agencies either did not respond, or stated no objection to the proposal. 7. In order to approve a television, microwave and radio communications facilities, or transmission tower the applicant must demonstrate compliance with the specific criteria listed in Chapter 17.138.050 of the Marion County Code (MCC) and the uses identified in MCC 17.138.040 shall satisfy the criteria in the applicable subsections below. A. The following criteria apply to all conditional uses in the TC zone: 1. The proposed use will not force a significant change in, or significantly increase the cost of, accepted farming or forest practices on surrounding lands devoted to farm or forest use. Land devoted to farm or forest use does not include farm or forest use on lots or parcels in exception areas approved under ORS 197.732, or in an acknowledged urban growth boundary. The applicant argues that since this is an existing microwave and radio communications facility/transmission tower, the modifications proposed will not increase the footprint nor add any additional use to the surrounding lands. The proposed modifications include a tower replacement and new ground equipment, and the site area is already developed suitably for the existing self-support tower. They state that the site will be able to accommodate the taller tower and new ground equipment and that the existing use has not resulted in a significant change or increases to the costs of farming or forest practices on the parcel. The intended modifications are not expected to have any additional impacts. This addresses (1); the criterion is met. 2. The proposed use will not significantly increase fire hazard or significantly increase fire suppression costs or significantly increase risks to fire suppression personnel. 3. Adequate fire protection and other rural services are or will be available when the use is established. The applicants state that there is an existing gravel road infrastructure in the area of the project and a large turnaround at the facility that is currently utilized by Weyerhaeuser and Marion County Public Works to access the site and provide fire suppression support. An aerial survey of the area via commercially available imagery services shows an extensive network of public and private roads leading to the project site. The applicants state that the facility will be designed non-combustible construction materials where applicable, and compliant with Oregon Department of Forestry fire safety practices to minimize wildfire risk. The equipment shelter roof will be constructed of a metal standing seam roof, which has a Class A fire rating. The applicants state that the existing facility is currently devoid of any substantial vegetation in and around the proposed facility which will minimize wildfire risk.