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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEx 3 JCC 18.42 CriteriaHorizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 1 Application for Wireless Communication Facility Horizon Tower Mats Mats Bay A Proposal Submitted to Jefferson County Prepared for Horizon Tower 117 Town & Country Dr., Ste A Danville, CA 94526 Prepared by The North Group, Inc. Bill North PO Box 2449 Snohomish, WA 98291 July 30, 2025 EXHIBIT 3 ZON2025-00011 Horizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 2 I. PROPOSAL SUMMARY INFORMATION Horizon Tower Site: Mats Mats Bay Applicant: Horizon Tower 117 Town & Country Dr., Ste A Danville, CA 94526 Prepared By: The North Group, Inc. Bill North PO Box 2449 Snohomish, WA 98291 425-876-2909 billnorth@northgroup.net Property Owner: Norman Moran Request: Approval of a Type III Conditional Use Permit for a new Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) with SEPA determination. Horizon Tower in conjunction with Verizon Wireless, proposes a WCF which will consist of the installation of a new 150’ monopole with attached antennas and cabling along with ground mounted equipment cabinets and generator placed within a 50'x50’ fenced area. Site Location: Undeveloped parcel (no assigned address) Latitude: 47.937389° N Longitude: -122.695797° W Legal Description: See attached legal description (Exhibit A) Assessor Parcel Number: 821081015 Zoning: RR 1:5 Rural Residential Horizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION II. INTRODUCTION Horizon Tower (“Horizon Tower”) is a wireless communications tower company operating in Jefferson County. Verizon Wireless (“Verizon Wireless”) is licensed to operate in the State of Washington by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Verizon Wireless in conjunction with Horizon Tower is currently designing its networks in the Washington area to improve its wireless communication service and provide wireless capacity to its subscribers. This proposal describes the scope of the proposed project by providing specific information regarding the project location, zoning, specifications, and response to Jefferson County code requirements pertaining to Wireless Communications Facilities. It is Horizon Tower’s desire to work with Jefferson County to ensure that our project is consistent with local ordinances and zoning regulations while providing the wireless communications coverage that is critical for emergency, business, and personal use. Project Goals The goal of the Horizon Tower Verizon Mats Mats Bay site is to improve Verizon Wireless coverage. The proposed facility will fill coverage gaps in the area providing enhanced Verizon Wireless communications coverage for business, personal, and emergency purposes in the immediate vicinity of the proposed tower location in City of Port Ludlow, in Jefferson County, within an area roughly located between Swansonville Rd., Jefferson Ave., Pioneer Dr., and Talbot Way (Please see RF justification Letter and Propagation study attached as Exhibit B and RF Design Analysis attached as Exhibit C). Horizon Tower intends to achieve these network goals consistent with all policies and ordinances of Jefferson County. Application Request The applicant is requesting the following: Approval of a Type III Conditional Use Permit for Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) with SEPA determination. III. GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION Project Overview Horizon Tower in conjunction with Verizon Wireless is proposing a new Wireless Communication Facility (WCF). The proposal is to construct a new 150’ monopole tower with attached antennas within a 50’x50’ fenced area along with ground mounted equipment and generator. The tower will improve coverage and network reliability in rural Jefferson County. Horizon Tower has obtained an agreement with the property owner that will allow for construction and maintenance of this facility, necessary utility connections, and provisions for access to the site. The proposed facility will be located on the parcel identified as A.P.N. # 821081015. There is no assigned address. IV. GENERAL SITE ANALYSIS Horizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 4 Zoning General Plan Designation The site is located on property zoned RR 1:5 Rural Residential. Jefferson County Code references Wireless Communications Facilities in JCC Chapter 18.42. The proposal is classified as a Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) (JCC 18.42.30.1.u). A new WCF 60’ or more in height is permitted in the RR 1:5 zone with a Type III Conditional Use Permit application (JCC 18.42.080 Table 13-1). SEPA A wireless service tower less than sixty feet in height that is located in a commercial zone is exempt from the requirements of RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c), (RCW 43.21C.0384). The proposal is over 60’ in the RR 1:5 Rural Residential zone and therefore does not meet this requirement (please find the attached SEPA checklist attached as Exhibit D). Existing Use The subject parcel is undeveloped. Access/Circulation The site will be accessed from the existing entry off Fleet Drive. There are no traffic impacts associated with these types of facilities as they are unmanned and require infrequent maintenance. FCC/FAA The proposed Horizon Tower/Verizon Wireless facility tower will conform to all FAA regulations. Verizon Wireless has a license from the FCC to provide wireless communications in Jefferson County. V. CRITERIA COMPLIANCE NARRATIVE (JCC 18.42) The Jefferson County Code has specific requirements regarding the development of Wireless Communication Facilities. The following sections address each of the requirements that are applicable in the order they appear. 18.42.010 Purpose and Policy The proposed Mats Mats Bay WCF facility aligns with the purpose of Chapter 18.42 by expanding reliable personal wireless service in a manner that supports emergency, business, and personal communications. The proposal complies with the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and Section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 by promoting universal access while protecting the rural and scenic character of Jefferson County. 18.42.020 Applicability and Exemptions This project involves construction of a new wireless communication facility on an undeveloped parcel in the RR 1:5 zone and does not qualify for any exemptions listed under JCC 18.42.020. Full review under Chapter 18.42 is required. Horizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 5 18.42.030 Definitions This facility qualifies as a “wireless communications facility” and consists of a “monopole” tower per JCC definitions (JCC 18.42.30.1.p&u). The proposal includes antennas, radio equipment, and associated support structures. 18.42.040 Application Submittal and Content All submittal elements are included, such as: - Applicant, co-applicant, and property owner information - Responsible party contact - Survey and full site plans - Vicinity maps - Parcel list and notification matrix - RF justification and coverage maps - Photographic simulations - Conditional Use Permit form and SEPA checklist - Narrative addressing colocation and alternative siting analysis 18.42.050 Compliance with Other Regulations The facility complies with Jefferson County Building Code (JCC 15.05), EIA/TIA-222 structural standards, and all relevant fire/life safety codes. Structural and engineering information will be provided with the building permit. There are no shoreline, floodplain, or critical habitat conflicts. 18.42.060 Colocation Policy The monopole is engineered to support three future carriers in addition to Verizon Wireless. There are no existing towers within two miles, as verified by tower inventory maps and field assessments (please see RF Design Analysis attached as Exhibit C). Existing vegetation will be retained as screening in compliance with this section. 18.42.070 Colocation Procedure A search of all existing structures within the target coverage area was conducted. No existing towers met the necessary height, structural, or geographic requirements (please see RF Design Analysis attached as Exhibit C). 18.42.080 Wireless Communication Facilities – Types of Uses The RR 1:5 zone permits new towers subject to Type III Conditional Use Permit (JCC 18.42.080 Table 13-1). This application for the proposed is being submitted accordingly. 18.42.090 Design Review Standards (1) Wireless Facility Design Review Standards – General. (a) Painting: The support structure, antennas, and associated facilities will be painted or coated in non-glare, neutral tones such as gray or earth tones to reduce visual prominence. This complies with JCC 18.42.090(1)(a). (b) Tower Spacing and Collocation: The monopole is located over two miles from the nearest existing support tower. It has been designed to accommodate Verizon Wireless plus three additional providers, consistent with collocation encouragement and spacing standards in JCC 18.42.090(1)(b). Horizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 6 (c) Tower Lighting: No lighting is proposed or required by the FAA. Should lighting be mandated in the future, it will be the minimum necessary and fully shielded, complying with JCC 18.42.090(1)(c). (d) Setbacks: The tower is set back in excess of 150’ feet from all property lines exceeding JCC 18.42.090(1)(d) standards for safety and compatibility. (e) Fencing and Security: The compound is enclosed by a 6-foot-high chain-link fence with privacy slats. The fence includes a locked gate, in accordance with JCC 18.42.090(1)(e), to secure the facility and prevent unauthorized access. (f) Equipment: All ground-mounted equipment will be located within the compound and be the smallest size practical, consistent with JCC 18.42.090(1)(f). (g) Noise: The facility produces no regular operational noise. Any backup generator will comply with WAC 173-60 and operate only during testing or power outages, satisfying JCC 18.42.090(1)(g). (h) Screening and Landscaping: The compound’s fencing includes privacy slats for screening purposes. Existing vegetation surrounding the facility will be retained. The retained vegetation meets the intent of the landscaping requirement per JCC 18.30.130 (2) a. (i) Camouflage: While not designed as a stealth facility, the monopole’s slim profile, flush-mounted antennas, and non-reflective finish provide a low-visibility solution that satisfies the intent of JCC 18.42.090(1)(i). (j) Security Lighting: One motion-activated, down-shielded LED light fixture will be installed near the equipment area gate. No constant lighting or uplighting is proposed, consistent with this section (k) Signs and Symbols: Required RF exposure, safety, and site identification signage will be posted at the site entrance per FCC guidelines. No commercial or promotional signage will be used. (l) Security and Maintenance: The facility will be remotely monitored. Regular site visits will ensure secure fencing and operability of equipment, meeting JCC 18.42.090(1)(l). (2) Wireless Facility Design Review Standards – Conditional Uses. (a) Protection of Points of Interest: The tower is more than 1,000 feet from scenic corridors, historical landmarks, and designated environmental resources. Existing vegetation will help screen the facility from view. (Please see the photo simulations attached as Exhibit D). (b) Minimization of Visual Impact: The monopole will be painted in neutral tones and is sited with existing vegetation for screening. Photo simulations confirm minimal visibility from public viewpoints, as required by JCC 18.42.090(2)(b). (Please see the photo simulations attached as Exhibit D) (c) Visual Points of Interest Cont.: The monopole will be painted in neutral tones and is sited with existing vegetation for screening. Photo simulations confirm minimal visibility from public viewpoints, as required by JCC 18.42.090(2)(b) (see the photo simulations Horizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 7 attached as Exhibit D). There are no colocation opportunities within 2 miles (see RF Design Analysis attached as Exhibit C). 18.42.100 Time Limitation All permit conditions will be satisfied within the statutory timeline. Construction will begin promptly upon approval. 18.42.110 Grandfathering of Existing Facilities Not applicable; this is a new facility. 18.42.120 Variances No variances are requested or required. 18.42.130 Recovery of County Costs All application and review fees will be paid in accordance with JCC Appendix VI. 18.42.140 Abandoned Facilities The applicant agrees to remove the facility within 90 days of permanent decommissioning as required by this section. 18.42.145 Substantial Change Criteria Not applicable; this is a new facility. Summary: The proposed Horizon Tower Verizon Wireless Mats Mats Bay site will bring enhanced wireless communications to residents of Jefferson County in the Mats Mats Bay area. The facility was located and designed to be consistent with local ordinances and zoning regulations while providing the wireless communications coverage that is critical for emergency, business, and personal use. The proposed facility has been carefully designed to meet the requirements of Jefferson County Code Chapter 18.42, with particular attention to visual compatibility, colocation potential, emergency service support, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. We appreciate the opportunity to make our proposal and to provide quality wireless communication services to the residents of Jefferson County. Sincerely, Bill North The North Group, Inc on behalf of Horizon Tower. Attachments: Horizon Tower – Mats Mats Bay 8 Legal Description – Exhibit A RF Justification Letter & Coverage Maps – Exhibit B RF Design Analysis – Exhibit C Photo Simulations – Exhibit D SEPA checklist – Exhibit E 300’ radius mailing list – Exhibit F Washington State Priority Habitats and Species Report – Exhibit G Page 3 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Tel: 360.379.4450 | Fax: 360.379.4451 Web: www.co.jefferson.wa.us/communitydevelopment E-mail: dcd@co.jefferson.wa.us SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION CONDITIONAL USE MLA #PROJECT/APPLICANT NAME: The purpose of the conditional use permit process is to provide flexibility in the application of the use regulations contained in the Jefferson County Code (JCC). No conditional use permit can be granted unless consistency with the performance standards of JCC 18.20, the development standards of JCC 18.30, the procedural requirements of JCC 18.40.280, and the approval criteria of JCC 18.40.530, and other applicable requirements of the UDC have been satisfied. Approval of the conditional use is effective for three (3) years from the date of original approval. If a building permit has not been issued within the three (3) year period, the conditional use approval will expire. The following questions will assist in the evaluation of the conditional use request: 1.Describe the requested conditional use. 2.Explain how the conditional use is harmonious and appropriate in design, character and appearance with the existing or intended character and quality of development in the vicinity and with the physical characteristics of the subject property. 3.Describe the infrastructure including but not limited to roads, fire protection, water, wastewater disposal, and stormwater control which will serve the requested conditional use. 4.Describe the location, size, and height of buildings, structures, signage, walls and fences, and screening vegetation for the use. 5.Describe any noise, smoke, dust, fumes, vibrations, odors, outdoor lights or other impacts will be generated by the conditional use. 6.Describe the pedestrian and vehicular traffic and parking area associated with the conditional use. Approval of a Type III Conditional Use Permit to allow the installation and operation of a new unmanned Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) consisting of a 150-foot monopole with Verizon antennas, associated radios and cabling, within a 50’ x 50’ fenced compound with ground-mounted equipment and generator. The facility will be located on an undeveloped parcel (APN 821081015) in the RR 1:5 zone. The monopole is slim profile, painted non-reflective gray to minimize visibility. The compound is screened with 6’ chain-link fencing and dark green privacy slats, and existing vegetation will be retained. The area is rural, with scattered residential and undeveloped parcels; the tower is sited to maintain generous setbacks and blend with the existing tall vegetation. This is compatible with the rural character and unobtrusive in appearance. Access is provided from Fleet Drive via a gravel access road within an access and utility easement. No water or wastewater services are required as the site is unmanned. Stormwater impacts are minimal due to the small footprint; any runoff will be managed onsite per County standards. Fire protection is provided by local fire services; the site will include emergency access and address signage. The fenced compound is 50’ x 50’ and contains a 150’ monopole, Verizon ground equipment (approx. 300 SF), and space for future carriers. A 6’ chain-link fence with green privacy slats encloses the compound. No building signage is proposed except required RF safety and site ID signage. Existing vegetation provides additional screening. There is no significant noise associated with the facility A backup generator may operate periodically for testing or during emergencies and complies with WAC 173-60 noise limits. There are no emissions, fumes, or odors. One motion-activated, down-shielded LED fixture will be installed near the gate; no continuous lighting is proposed. The site is unmanned and generates negligible traffic. Access is for periodic maintenance only; no designated parking lot is required beyond a small turnaround area within the easement. Horizon Tower Mats Mats Bay Page 4 7.Will the proposed conditional use result in the siting of an incompatible use adjacent of an airport or airfield? 8.Are there any significant adverse impacts on the human and natural environments caused directly by the conditional use? If yes, can these impacts be mitigated? 9.Describe how granting the conditional use will not be materially detrimental to uses or property in the vicinity of the subject parcel. 10.Describe how granting the conditional use will not be substantially detrimental to the public interest. 11.Does the conditional use have merit and value for the community as a whole? 12.Describe how the conditional use complies with all other applicable criteria and standards of the Jefferson County Code (JCC) and any other applicable local, state or federal law; and more specifically, conforms to the standards contained in JCC 18.20 and JCC 18.30. 13.Describe how the conditional use is consistent with all relevant goals and policies of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT By signing the application form, the applicant/owner attests that the information provided herein is true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge. Any material falsehood or any omission of a material fact made by the applicant/owner with respect to this application packet may result in this permit being null and void. 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Any material falsehood or any omission of a application packet may result in this permit being null and void. ) July 25, 2025