HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 DESIGN GUIDELINES 10-01-01AGENDA REPORT
NO. 2
10-01-01
· 800-05"' :~
MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 1, 2001 ~
TO: WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT:
ORDINANCE NO. 1232 AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ABOVEGROUND
UTILITY FACILITIES ON PUBLIC PROPERTIES AND IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-
OF-WAY
SUMMARY
Ordinance No. 1232 and the Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on
Public Properties and in the Public Right-of-way would establish regulations pertaining
to the installation of aboveground utility facilities on public properties such as City parks,
City Hall, commuter rail station, and in the public rights-of-way.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 01-93 adopting the Final Negative Declaration as adequate for
Ordinance No. 1232 and the Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on
Public Properties and in the Public Right of Way.
2. Introduce and have first reading by title only of Ordinance No. 1232 approving an
amendment to Part 6 Chapter 2 of Article 7 of the Tustin City Code related to Design
Review for the installation of aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in
the public right-of-way; and,
3. Adopt Resolution No. 01-95 amending Resolution No. 99-84 related to Design
Guidelines for Aboveground Utility. Facilities on Public Properties and in the Public
Right-of-Way.
FISCAL IMPACT
Costs associated with implementation and administration of the requirements of the
ordinance and guidelines would be recovered through application fees identified in the
general Fee Schedule in Resolution No. 99-53 adopted on July 19, 1999.
BACKGROUND
On December 6, 1999, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1213 and Design
Guidelines to regulate power supply equipment for telecommunication facilities within the
Aboveground Utility Facilities
October 1, 2001
Page 2 of 5
City's right-of-way. The guidelines do not regulate utility facilities that are attached to utility
poles, street light poles, or other structures within the public right-of-way. In addition, there
are no guidelines in place for aboveground utility facilities that are located on public
properties such as parks, community facilities, or other City-owned properties. The City
currently has two pending requests for installation of wireless tolecommunication facilities
at City-owned parks. Guidelines are needed to regulate these facilities when they are
located on City-owned properties to ensure that they do not interfere with public use and
the designs are aesthetically pleasing.
This item was scheduled for City Council consideration on May 7, 2001, but was continued
to this meeting date to allow for additional input from utility providers. On September 10,
2001, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt Ordinance ~o.
1232 and Design Guidelines related to design review and design criteria for aboveground
utility facilities and their accessory equipment on public properties and in the public right-
of-way. Attachment A is a copy of the Planning Commission staff report from the meeting
of September 10, 2001. A discussion of the City's existing requirements, proposed
standards, and public input are included within tho report. Tho Planning Commission
recommended adoption of the standards outlined in the "Discussion" section of this report.
DISCUSSION
The proposed code amendment would amend the Design Review of Aboveground
Cabinets Ordinance and the Aboveground Cabinet Design Guidelines to address any
aboveground utility facilities (not only cabinets) that are located either on public properties
or in the public right-of-way.
In general, the guidelines address facility location, screening, signs, accessory equipment,
and set forth a review process as follows:
Location. Aboveground utility facilities should be placed underground where
technologically feasible. If the facilities are located abovegmund, the facilities
should be placed in locations where there is little or no interference with public use
of the properties and the rights or reasonable convenience of property owners who
adjoin the properties. When aboveground utility facilities are located within
redevelopment project areas, a finding of conformity to the respective
redevelopment plan would need to be made by the City's Redevelopment Agency
prior to application consideration.
Stealth Facility. Aboveground utility facilities should be designed as stealth facilities
with concealed antennas to be placed within existing structures such as buildings,
utility poles, light poles, freestanding signs, score boards, towers, or fencing and
Aboveground Utility Facilities
October 1,2001
Page 3 of 5
would need to blend into the surrounding environment or be architecturally
integrated into the existing structures.
Co-location. Where possible, aboveground utility facilities should be co-located
with existing utility facilities. The same is applicable for any existing utility facilities
that are .located underground within the public right-of-way. Utility providers, with
permission to occupy the same structure or public right-of-way, should co-locate
their utility facilities either aboveground or underground.
Colors. Any part of a utility's facilities visible to public view would be required to
have subdued colors and non-reflective materials which blend with surrounding
materials and colors and would be required to be covered with an anti-graffiti
material.
Screening. For building- or structure-mounted facilities, screening would need to
be compatible with the existing architecture, color, texture, and/or materials of the
building or structure.
Landscaping. When landscape screening is proposed or required, the landscaping
would need to be compatible with the surrounding landscape area and would be of
a type and variety capable of screening the utility facilities. All landscaping would
need to be adequately maintained.
Signs. Signs for utility facilities would be required to comply with the City of Tustin
Sign Code.
Accessory Equipment. Accessory equipment associated with the operation of the
utility facilities would need to be designed, located, and made part of the structures
(i.e. as part of the base or support structure) or be located within buildings,
enclosures, or cabinets. If the equipment is located inside a cabinet or enclosure, it
would need to be placed in accordance with the criteria for aboveground accessory
equipment.
Process. Prior to installation of any.ab°veground utility facility, an applicant
would be required to submit a Design Review application and plans of the
proposed location of the utility facility including accessory equipment located in
an aboveground cabinet, enclosure, or box to the Director of Community
Development. Information related to the dimensions, proposed colors, screening
materials, noise levels and whether there would be interference with the public
radio system would be required.
Aboveground Utility Facilities
October 1, 2001
Page 4 of 5
Upon the application being found complete by the Director, the Director or
designee would review the plans using the criteria set forth in the Design
Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public Properties and in the Public
Right-of-way. If the utility facilities are to be located within redevelopment areas,
then a finding of conformity by the Redevelopment Agency would need to be
made prior to the Director's consideration of the Design Review. The Director
may conditionally approve or. deny the applications. If the Design Review
application is approved, the item would then be set for City Council approval of a
Lease Agreement or License for a utility facility located on public prop. erty or a
Right-of-Way Agreement for a utility facility located in the public right-of-way.
Once the Lease Agreement or Right-of-Way Agreement is approved, the
applicant would be required to obtain all applicable permits prior to installation of
the utility facility. These permits would include, but not be limited to, electrical
permits, building permits, encroachment permits, and other permits required by
the City or any other agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Public Utility Commission (PUC), or
other County, State, or Federal agencies.
Underground utility facilities that are not regulated by the proposed Ordinance
and the Design Guidelines do not need to follow the Design Review process;
however, they would be required to be installed in accordance with the
encroachment permit procedures and would need to have the applicable
agreements (i.e. Lease Agreement or Right-of-Way Agreement) with the City.
Ordinance No. 1232
Ordinance No.1232 is included to accompany the Design Guidelines for placement of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way. Ordinance
No. 1232 is an enabling ordinance which supports the guidelines by outlining findings and
mitigation measures for impacts associated with aboveground utility facilities. The
ordinance also establishes application requirements and designates the Community
Development Director as the reviewing authority. Appeal procedures are also included
pursuant to Section 9272f of the Tustin City Code.
Environmental Documentation
An Initial Study/Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with the provisions
of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the proposed ordinance and
guidelines (Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-93 - Attachment B). Since the proposed
ordinance and guidelines do not involve any specific construction or installation of
Aboveground Utility Facilities
October 1, 2001
Page 5 of 5
abovegmund utility facilities, no significant impacts would result from the adoption of the
proposed ordinance and guidelines. Any impacts would be evaluated in conjunction with a
specific Design Review application.
City Attorney Review
To ensure that the proposed Ordinance and Guidelines are enforceable and do not violate
any Federal laws and policies, staff forwarded a copy of the Ordinance and Guidelines to
the City Attorney. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the form and content of
Ordinance No. 1232 and the Guidelines, as proposed.
Ju~til~a Wil~k'om
Associate Planner
Elizabeth A. Binsack
Community Development Director
Attachments:
Al
B.
C.
D.
Planning Commission Staff Report dated September 10, 2001
Resolution No. 01-93 and Exhibit A (Negative Declaration)
Ordinance' No. 1232
Resolution No. 01-95
S:\CDD\CCREPORT~abovegmund utility facilities in public row.doc
Attachment A of. October 1, 2001 City Council Staff Report
Planning Commission Staff Report dated September 10, 2001
, i ....
I IIII i IIIIIII IIIIIII III I
Report to th e
Planning Commission
DATE'
SEPTEMBER 10, 2001
TO'
PLANNING COMMISSION
ITEM #4
FROM'
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT:
'ORDINANCE NO. 1232 AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
ABOVEGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES ON PUBLIC
PROPERTIES AND IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
ENVIRONMENTAL
STATUS'
A NEGATIVE DECLARATION HAS' BEEN PREPARED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR
THE PROPOSED CODE AMENDMENT
,RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission'
.
Adopt Resolution No. 3774 recommending that the City Council adopt the
Negative DeclaratiOn for the approval of Ordinance No. 1232 and Resolution No.
00-44 for the Design. Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public
Properties and in the Public Right-of-way.
.
Adopt Resolution No. 3775 recommending that the City Council adopt: 1)
Ordinance No. 1232, repealing Part 6 of Chapter 2 of Article 7 (Design Review of
· Aboveground Cabinets) in its entirety and replacing with new requirements for
aboveground utility facilities on public properties.and in the public right-of-way, and
2) Resolution No. 00-44 repealing Resolution No. 99-84 related to Design
Guidelines for Aboveground Cabinets and replacing with Design Guidelines for
Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public Properties and in the Public Right-of-way.
BACKGROUND
On December 6, 1999, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 12.13 and Design
Guidelines to regulate power supply equipment for telecommunication facilities within the
City"s right-of-way. The guidelines do not regulate, utility facilities that are attached to
utility poles, street light poles, or other structures within the City's right-of-way. In addition,
there are no guidelines in place for aboveground utility facilities that are located.on public
property such as parks, community facilities, or other City-owned properties..,The City.
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 2
currently has two pending requests for installation of wireless telecommunication facilities
at City-owned parks. Guidelines are needed to regulate these facilities when they are
located in City-owned parks to ensure that they do not interfere with public use and the
designs are aesthetically pleasing.
This item was scheduled for the Planning Commission's consideration on 'April 23,
2001, but .was continued to allow for additional input from utility providers. At the
direction of the Planning Commission, staff sent out copies of the proposed ordinance
and guidelines to utility providers. The ordinance and guidelines have since been
modified to addreSs the majority of the concerns from wireless providers and utility
companies. Four utility providers provided comments (Attachment 3) and responses to
the comments are summarized under the Public Input section of this report.
DISCUSSION
The proposed code amendment would repeal the Design Review of 'Aboveground
Cabinets Ordinance and the' Aboveground Cabinet Design Guidelines in its entirety and
authorize the proposed new guidelines which address any aboveground utility facilities
(not only cabinets) that are located either on public properties or in the public right-of-way.
Aboveground utility facilities are defined as any aboveground public or private plant,
equipment, and property including, but not limited to, cables, wires, conduits, ducts,
pedestals, antennae, utility poles, street light poles, utility towers, or other structures and
their supports, electronics, and other appurtenances used or to be used to transmit,
receive, distribute, provide, or offer utility services. This includes facilities for personal
wireless services as defined in the Telecommunication Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. §
332(C)(7).
Public properties would include any properties in which the City of Tustin and/or the City's
Community Redevelopment Agency holds a legal interest exclusive of the City's right-of-
way. Public right-of-way would include all public streets, sidewalks, and utility easements
owned in fee or easement by the City.
Although the proposed ordinance and design guidelines suggest that utility facilities be
placed underground whenever foasible, the intent of the code is to regulate facilities
located aboveground. All underground facilities are regulated under Part 3, Chapter 2,
Article 7 of the Tustin City Code.
Desian Guidelines
Utility facilities, particularly, wireless services, have proliferated in many areas in the City
due to 'consumer demand for wireless communications. T° address potential visual
impacts and safety concerns associated with the installation of aboveground utility
facilities, staff prepared the Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 3
Properties and in the Public Right-of-Way (Exhibit B of Resolution No. 3775). Minor
changes have been made to the existing guidelines related to accessory equipment
placed'in cabinets (aboveground cabinets).
To illustrate the changes, staff has .highlighted new text and struck through deleted text.
Additional language pertaining to those facilities that would be located within
redevelopment project areas has also been added. In general, the guidelines address'
facility location, screening, signs, accessory equipment, and set forth a review process as
follows:
Location. Aboveground utility facilities should be placed underground where
technologically feasible. If the facilities are located aboveground, the facilities
should be placed in locations where there is little or no interference with public use
of the properties and the rights or reasonable convenience of property owners who
adjoin the properties. When aboveground utility facilities are located within
redevelopment project areas, a finding of conformity to the respective
redevelopment plan would need to be made by the City's Redevelopment Agency
prior to application consideration.
·
Stealth Facility. Aboveground utility facilities should be designed as stealth
facilities with concealed antennas to be placed within existing structures such as
buildings, utility poles, light poles, freestanding signs, score boards, towers, or
fencing and' would need to blend into the surrounding environment or be
architecturally integrated into the existing structures.
Co-location. Where possible, aboveground utility facilities should be co-located
with existing utility faCilities. The same is applicable for any existing utility facilities
that are located underground within the public right-of-way. Utility providers, with
permission to occupy the same structure or public right-of-Way, should co-locate
their utility facilities either aboveground or underground.
.C.,ala~. Any part of a utility's facilities visible to .public view would be required to
have subdued colors and non-reflective materials which blend with surrounding
materials and colors and would be required to be covered with an anti-graffiti
material.
Screening. For building- or structure-mounted facilities, screening would need to
be compatible with the existing architecture, color, texture, and/or materials of the
building or structure.
Landscaping. When landscape screening is proposed or required, the
landscaping would need to be compatible with the surrounding landscape area
and would be of a type and variety capable of screening the utility facilities. All
landscaping would need to be adequately maintained.
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 20'01
Page 4
S_igg.s.-. Signs for utility facilities would be required, to comply with the City of Tustin
Sign Code.
Accessory. Equipment. Accessory equipment associated with the operation of the
utility facilities would need to be designed, located, and made part of the structures
(i.e. as part of the base or support structure) or be located within buildings,
enclosures, or cabinets. If the equipment is located inside a cabinet or enclosure,
it would need to be placed in accordance with. the criteria for aboveground
accessory equipment.
Process. Prior to installation of any aboveground utility facility, an applicant
would be required to submit a Design Review application and .plans of the
proposed location of the utility facility including accessory equipment located in
an aboveground cabinet, enclosure, or box to the Director of Community
Development. If the utility facilities are to be located within redevelopment areas,
then a finding of conformity by the Redevelopment Agency would need to be
made prior to Design Review consideration. Information related 'to the
dimensions, proposed c°lors, screening materials, noise levels and whether
there would be interference with the public radio system would also be required.
Underground utility facilities that are not regulated by the proposed Ordinance
and the Design Guidelines do not need to follow the Design Review process;
however, they would be required to be installed in accordance with the
encroachment permit procedures and would need to have the applicable
agreements (i.e. Lease Agreement or Right-of-Way Agreement) with the City.
Upon the application being found, complete .by the Director, the Director or
designee would r~eview the plans using the criteria set forth in the Design
Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public Properties and in the Public
Right-of-way. If the utility facilities are to be located-within redevelopment areas,
then a finding of conformity by the Redevelopment Agency would need to be
made prior to the Director's consideration of the Design Review. The Director
may conditionally approve or deny the applications. If the Design Review
application is approved, the item would then be set for' City Council approval for
a Lease Agreement or License for a utility facility located on public property or a
Right-of-Way Agreement for a utility facility located in the public right-of-way.
Once the Lease Agreement or Right-of-Way Agreement' is approved, the
applicant would be required to obtain all applicable permits prior to installation .of
the utility facility. These permits would-include, but not be limited to, electrical
· permits, building permits, encroachment permits, owner authorization, and other
permits required by the City or any other agencies such as the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Public Utility
Commission (PUC), or other County, State, or Federal agencies.
.)
.Planning Commission Report
Aboveground Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 5
Public Input
On May 1, 2001, at the direCtion .of the Planning Commission, staff sent out copies of
the proposed Ordinance and Guidelines to utility providers. Responses were received
from Pacific Bell, Southern California Edison, AT&T, and the Consulting Group
representing Cingular Wireless (Attachment 3). In addition, at the request of Pacific
Bell and Southern California Edison a meeting was held t° discuss their concerns on
the proposed Ordinance and Guidelines. The proposed Ordinance and Guidelines then .
were revised to incorporate input and comments from the utility providers. On August
13, 2001, staff sent out the revised Ordinance and Design Guidelines to utility providers
for their, additional review and comments. Only two providers (Southern California
Edison and Pacific Bell) submitted their comments. In general concerns and comments
are summarized as follows'
1. Comment:
How is being adjacent to residential or institutions a public safety concern?
Response:
Overconcentrated telecommunication facilities and their accessory equipment
located adjacent to sensitive residential u.ses such as residential care facilities for
the elderly and day care homes for children may impact public safety by either
blocking visibility for traffic entering and exiting the facilities or, by nature, children
may utilize the equipment as hiding place or sitting area. Often these facilities and
their accessory equipment contain a power sUpply which may also be dangerous if
vandalized or .broken into.
2. Comment:
Wireless facilities are regulated "telephone corporations,
subject to a Franchise or Right-of-way Agreement.
"as such should not be
Response:
The City concurs that a wireless company that holds a certificate or license from the
Public Utilities Commission is not subject to a Franchise or Right-of-way Agreement.
Section 7261 of Ordinance No. 1232 requires a Right-of-Way Agreement in
accordance with Article 7 of the Tustin City Code if the telecommunication facilities
are located within the public, right-of, way. Article 7 of the Tustin City Code outlines
the requirements of Right-of-Way Agreement and exempts telegraph and telephone
providers from the requirement. However, this does not prevent the .City to require a
Lease Agreement should the facility be located within public properties, i.e. City-
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground .Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 6
owned parks, City Hall, etc., exclusive of the public right-of-way.
gives providers a mechanism by which to locate on City properties.
This Ordinance
3. Comment:
It is impossible to place an antenna within a utility pole.
Response:
Although not all wireless antennas may be. placed within light or utility poles, . there
· are designs and methods utilized by utility providers where antennas are placed on
and/or incorp°rated into the light or utility poles. Such providers' may include the
former Metricom, AT&T Wireless, and Southern California Edison (SCE) private
radio system. An example of such a facility is the improvement by Cox
Communication at the Tustin Sports Park where the antennae arrays are attached
,to the sides of three field lights and the wiring is contained within the light poles.
4. C'omment:
Wireless Corporations are regulated "telephone corporations,"
authorized to utilize the public right-of-way under the State franchise.
as such are-
Response:
The City concurs that telephone corporation under the State Public Utilities
Commission is authorized to use the public right-of-way; however, this does not
prevent the City from managing the public' right-of-way to' control the orderly flow of
vehicles and pedestrians; coordinate construction schedules; determine insurance,
bonding, and indemnity requirements; establish .and enforce building codes; keep
track of the various systems using the right-of-way to prevent interference between
them; require undergrounding; impose fees to recover an appropriate share of the
increased street repair and paving costs .that result from repeated excavation; and,
enforce the zoning code.
5.. Comment:
Radio signals'which' require a series of antenna attached to, utility poles or similar
existing structures would reduce the needs for tall stand-alone antenna towers while
providing necessary telephone service. In addition, the Federal Telecommunication
Act of 1966 (the "Act")limits a local jurisdiction to regulate the placement of wireless
facilities. Further the Act regulates that' a local jurisdiction shall not discriminate
among providers and shall not prohibit the provision for personal wireless.
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 7
Response:
The City agrees the approach of utilizing micro-antennae attached to utility poles or
similar structures could reduce the need to install stand alone (monopole) towers.
Additionally, the intent of the Ordinance and Guidelines is not to prohibit the use of
the public right-of-way, but rather to allow and regulate the placement of the facilities
to promote and protect public safety, aesthetics, and land use compatibility between
these facilities and adjacent land uses without discrimination.
6. Comment'
The Act prohibits local government from regulating the placement, construction, and
mOdification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental
effects of radio frequency.
Response·
The proposed Ordinance and Guidelines do not regulate utility facilities based on
environmental effects but rather based on aesthetics, public safety in the caSe of the
safety of motorists and pedestrians using the public right-of-way, and land use
zoning.
7'. Comment:
The "absolute" co-location requirement is not always feasible. The City should add
the provision "where technically feasible" at the end of this section.
Response:
Section 4.2.d.5. has been revised to allow the applicant to justify when co-location is
unfeasible.
8. Comment:
Undergrounding of equipment is sometimes feasible from a technical standpoint but
is extremely costly because of the need for ongoing maintenance access, the
danger of moisture seepagel or is simply unjustified given the relatively small size of
installation. The Ordinance must require sPecific justification for undergrounding.
Response'
The Ordinance 'would provide the City the right to require undergrounding when it is
· technologically feasible and when all other utility facilities are placed underground.
This is consistent with the recent Court decision' which would permit the City to
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 8
require undergrounding if it is consistent with the requirements imposed on other
utilities.
9. Comment:
The length of notice for required removal (90 days) is far too short to permit
providers to locate alternative sites. The notice should be lengthen to 180 days in
all but very urgent circumstances. Additionally, the "public interest" standard would
require a definition.
Response:
The Guidelines have been revised to require removal when determined to be
necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare in lieu of "public interest" and
that a.ninety (90) day notice is considered to be adequate to perform such removal.
10. Comment'
The Guidelines provide the City the right to modify the existing Lease Agreement to
include a rental rate that is superior to the existing Lease Agreement. This
requirement contradicts the essence of a lease contract.
Response'
Previously, the Council directed staff to look into other cities' rental rates and
requested' that contracts be modified to include superior rental rates. The
Guidelines however h'ave been modified to allow for a negotiation with the City
Attorney's office and the City Manager's office: The specific.terms and conditions
would be based on a case by case basis.
11. Comment:
The Guidelines prohibit the transfer of a Lease Agreement without prior written
consent, to the City. The Guidelines Should be modified to allow such transfer in the
event of a change in control., merger, or acquisition.
Response'
The Guidelines have been modified to allow for the City Attorney and the office of
the City Manager to provide the specific terms and conditions of the Lease
Agreement.
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 9
1 2. Comment:
We recommend that the sentence under Section 5(e) regarding maintenance and
replacement of dead or diseased plants be deleted.
It is the practice to replace appropriate landscaping when removed or damaged.
during construction; however, it is not the practice to continue maintenance of those
landscapes. This language should be deleted or modified.
Response'
Section 5 (e) is a regulation pertaining to the maintenance of proposed or required
landscape screening. The Planning Commission specifically requested that this
I'anguage be added to ensure that the landscaping would be adequately maintained.
Section 7.5.e regulates the replacement of landscape materials that are damaged
as a result of construction activities' Maintenance of these landscape areas would
continue as previously done prior to construction, i.e. maintained by City or adjacent
property owner, etc.
13. Comment:
· Section 4.2.c, the word "locate" should' be changed to "considered."
· Section 7.1.a, be changed to read, "Installation of replacement aboveground
accessory.equipment shall be approved..." instead of ~ approved.
· Define the term "adjacent" and "stealth facility."
Response:
· Section 4.2.c has been revised to use the word "considered."
· Section 7.1 .a has been revised to use the. word "shall" instead of "may be."
· The term "adjacent" means "next to, adjoining to, abuts, etc."
· The term "stealth facility" has been defined under Section 2: Definitions.
14. Comment:
The phrase "No Design Review Fee will be required" under Section.7.1.c. should be
reinstated.
Response:
Section 7.1 .c pertains to an initial application for a review of a comprehensive manual.
Section 7.1.c.2 was added to alloTM 'for installation of accessory equipment that is in
accordance with an approved manual and would not be.subject to a Design Review
process. Therefore, no fees would be required.
Planning Commission Report
Aboveground' Utility Design Guidelines
September 10, 2001
Page 10
Qrdinance No. 1232
Ordinance No.1232 is included to accompany the Design Guidelines for placement of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way. Ordinance
No. 1232 is an enabling ordinance which supports the guidelines by outlining findings and
mitigation measures for impacts associated with aboveground utility facilities. The
ordinance also establishes application requirements and designates the Community
Development Director as the reviewing authority. Appeal procedures are also included
pursuant to Section 9272f of the Tustin City Code.
Environmental Documentation
An 'Initial Study/Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the proposed ordinance
and guidelines amendment (Exhibit A of Resolution No. 3774 - Attachment 1). Since the
proposed ordinance and guidelines do not involve any specific construction or installation
of aboveground Utility facilities, no significant impacts would result from the adoption of
the proposed ordinance and guidelines. Any impacts would be evaluated in conjunction
with a specific Design Review application. To ensure that all forms of aboveground
utilities (i,e. cables, wires, pedestals, antennae, light poles, wireless facilities, etc.) would
be covered, the definition of "telecommunication facilities" was replaced with "utility
facilities," These changes are reflected in the draft negative Declaration.
City Attorney Review
To ensure that the proposed Ordinance and Guidelines are enforceable and do not
violate any Federal laws and policies, staff forwarded a copy of the Ordinance and
Guidelines to the City Attorney. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the form
and content of Ordinance No. 1232 and Guidelines, as proposed.
J~ina Willkom -
Associate Planner
Elizabe~l~ A. E~in~ack
Community Development Director
Attachments' 1. Resolution No. 3774- Negative Declaration 2. Resolution No. 3775- Ordinance No. 1232 and Design Guidelines
3. Letters from'Utility Providers
S:\CDD\PCREPOR'iAaboveground facilities guidelines.doc
Attachments 1 and 2 of Planning Commission Report
See Attachments B (Negative Declaration), C (Ordinance No. 1232), and
D (Resolution 01-95) of City Council Report
Attachment 3 of Planning Commission Report
Letters from Utility Providers
SON'
An EDISON INTERNATIONAL® Company
August 27, 2001
Kim Barone Schercr
Region Manager
Public Mfairs
Ms. Justina Willkom, Planner
City of Tustin
Community Development Department
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
Dear Ms. Willkom:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft Ordinance No. 1232 and Design
Guidelines for Aboveground Telecommunications Facilities on Public Properties and in
the Public Right-of-Way.
While we appreciate your efforts to incorporate many of our suggested amendments to
the original draft, we continue to have some issues which we would like to discuss with
you regarding the current draft, dated August 13, 2001.
Among our concerns are the following:
1. Section 5 (e) .(Development Guidelines - Landscaping) - We recommend that the
second sentence regarding maintenance and replacement of dead or diseased
plants be deleted. We suggest usage of the same language in Ordinance No. 1213,
as a .lready adopted by the City Council. This language is found in Section 4.3
(Screening) of the Above Ground Cabinet Design Guidelines as well as Section
7.4 of this proposed Above Ground Utility Facilities Design Guidelines draft.
2. Section 7 (1)(c) (Aboveground Accessory Equipment) - in our last meeting we
requested that the phrase, "no Design Review Fee will be required and" be
reinstated as approved by the City Council in Ordinance No. 1213. We believed
this was agreed to at our meeting and yet the' phrase remains stricken in the
current draft.
3. Section 9 (f) (Lease Agreement or License.- Rental Fee Rate and Most Favored
City_ Clause) - we request deletion of this clause.
To reiterate,, we request and welcome the opportunity to discuss our remaining concerns
with you prior to the next Planning Commission meeting. I can be reached at (714) 973-
5548.
Once again, thank you for the oppommity.to have input relating to this important matter.
Sincerely,
E O. Box 11982
Santa Aha, CA 92711-1982
714-973-5548
Fax 714-973-5752
baronek@sce.com
City of Tustin
Response to draft ordinance'no. 1232
August 27, 2001
Page 2
Cc'
Larry R. Todd, SCE Public Affairs
Alan Llorens, Edison Carder Solutions
Thomas K. Braun, Senior Attorney, SCE
-John E. Stratman, Jr.
Directqr
External Affairs
17310 Red Hill AvenL.
Irvine, California 92614
(949) 440°6638 Office
((949) 250-0515 Fax
?uite 270
PACIFIC
ir,,~l BELL®
August 27, 2001
Ms. Justina Willkom
Associate Planner
City of Tustin
300' Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
RECEIVED
Dear Ms. Willkom:
I would like to thank you and the members of the Community Development staff for the
mount of time that has been set aside to meet with Pacific Bell. We would also like to
express our thanks for your work on our suggestions with regards to the proposed
Ordinance Nol 1232 and Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public
Properties and in the Public Right-of-Way.
During our meeting on May 24, we were able to discuss some of the concerns Pacific
Bell had with the above stated proposed ordinance. Although many of our concerns were
addressed and rectified, some issues have not been. I would like to take the time to
outline those areas that are still a concern to Pacific Bell, in hopes they too will be
accepted favorably. Favorable acceptance would enable us to stand beside you in
endorsing this ordinance when it is presented to the Planning Commission.
Pacific Bell is concerned with the landscaping provisions that can be found in Section 5,
sub-section e. It is the practice of Pacific Bell to replace appropriate landscaping when
removed or damaged during 'construction. However, it is not the practice of Pacific Bell.
to continue maintenance of those landscapes. We would suggest that this section is
changed to read, "any removal of landscaping necessary to install aboveground facilities
shall be replaced with landscaping materials similar in number, type and size as approved
by the Directors of' Community Development and Public Works."
Secondly, during our initial meeting Pacific Bell suggested some changes in terminology.
At this time we would once again like to suggest the following changes. In Section 4.2,
sub-section c, we would ask that the word located be changed to considered. So that this
section would read, "Design Review approval'for aboveground accessory equipment
associated with the operation of the utility facilities shall be considered in accordance ....
in Section 7 of these guidelines." Furthermore, we would ask that Section 7.1, sub-
section a., be changed to read, "Installation of replacement aboveground accessory
Ordinance Letter
Page 2
equipment shall be approved," instead of, may be approved. We feel that by completing
these suggested changes it will expedite the approval process for both City staff and
companies alike. In addition, Pacific Bell would ask that the term adjacent, which can be
found in Section 7:1.-1 be defined more clearly, as well as, to whom the term stealth
facility would apply.
Lastly, we would like to address SectiOn 9, sub-section f, which addresses the Rental Fee
Rates and Most-Favored City Clause. Specifically, we would ask that the most-favored
city claUse be taken out of the proposed ordinance. We feel that this section is merely a
"safety blanket" for the City of Tustin to add new regulations as new ideas from
neighboring cities are developed. In saying this, we feel that this section-is not fair to our
company and'the many agreements that Pacific Bell has' engaged in with .the Ci.ty in'the .
past and will be working on in the' future. In simple terms, Pacific Bell feels that this is
not a good and fair business practice and would strongly encourage,..and kindly ask, City
staff to remove this section prior to seeking Planning Commission approval.
As bOth concerned business partners 'and corporate citizens of the City of Tustin, the
opportunity allowed to us to assist staff in accomplishing the City's goal of a uniform set
of abovegrOund facility guidelines has been a serious one. We thank you for both your
assistance and continued support with this matter. Please feel free to contact me should
you have any concerns.
Sincerely, ~,
Director, External Affairs
cc:
Elizabeth A. Bi'nsack
Karen Peterson
William Huston
:
.jii:~.:~'.,',"~,..:,.:i.~,:,'.:;;;~ ~i'~ SOUTHERNE. D! $oCALI FOR~., ®
An EDISON 'INTERNATIONAL® Company
May 15,2001
Ms. Elizabeth A. Binsack, Director
Conununity Development Department
City of Tustin
300 Centemfial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
RECEIVED
1 B 2001'
GO Nll DEVELOCt ENi
..
..
KimBarone Scherer.
Region Manager
Public Affairs
Subject: Proposed Ordinance No. 1232
Dear Ms. Binsack:
I am writing on behalf of Southern .California Edison in response to your request .for comment
regarding the City's proposed Ordinance No. 1232 relating.to Design Guidel~es for
Ab0veground Telecommunication Facilities on Public Properties and'the Public Right of Wa~.
As you know, Edison, along with other utility compmfies, .worked with the City staff for nearly
one year to come to agreement regarding the City's Above Ground Cabinet Desigaa Ordhaance
(No. 1213). Although we appreciate your -willingness to postpone the Planning Commission
hearing on this new proposal, we are disappohated that we were not given oppommity to work
with you again regarding the language of this draft ordinance prior to its initial April 23 Plmming
Con~nission heating date.
After an initial .review, we are seriously concerned aborn the proposed ordinance and believe it is
too broad and far-reachhag in its language and intent. The proposed. Aboveground
Teleconmamfication Facilities ordinance appears to go way beyond, what was proposed mad
eventually ratified by the City Council for tl~e Above Crrotmd Cabhaet Design Ordinance. As
written, it appears .to place unreasonable burdens and potentially excessive'costs on our
ratepayers.
We would like to request tl~e oppommity to meet with City staff to discuss our concerns with the
new proposal as well as our recommendation'to keep Ordinance 1213 intact, as approved by City
Council in December 1999.
..
Again, thank you .for this oppommity to address this important matter. I look.forward to hearh~g
from you in fl~e near future.
Shacerely,
Khn Scherer
Region Manager
Justina Willkom, Associate Pimmer
Larry Todd, Southem California Edison
P. o. Box 11982
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1982 '
714-973-5548
Fax 714-973-5752
baronek@sce.com
Director
External Affairs
17310 Red Hill Avenue,
Irvine, California 92614
(949) 440-.6638 Office
((949) 250-0515 Fax
May 15,. 2001
270
RE'CEIVED
MAY 1 G 2001
· COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PAC! r,~ I~ BE LL®
Ms. Elizabeth A. B insack
Director, Commtmity Development
City of Tustin
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, CA 92780
Re: Proposed Ordinance No. 1232
Dear Ms. B insack:
:
Thank you for allowing Pacific Bell to formally respond to the City of Tustin's proposed
Ordinance NO.. 1232 and Design. Guidelines for Aboveground Telecommunications
Facilities on Public Properties and in the ~Public Right-of-Way..Pacific Bell is very
concerned .that this Ordinance is an attempt by the City to regulate the way utilities
conduct'business within the City without obtaining input from affected industry members.
Unfommately, the Proposed Ordinance appears to "do away" with the work that was done
by representatives from the City, Pacific Bell, and'Southern California Edison during the
better part of 1999 on what was then proposed Ordinance No.. 1213.. Pacific Bell was
satisfied with the final document that the City Council passed on December 06, 1999 and
was ready to work with the City to implement this new ordinance. We are pUZzled as to
why the city believes it .is now necessary to scrap all this hard work and start over with a
new ordinance that contains many onerous provisions that would be costly to execute for
both the City. and Pacific Bell. ..
As you may expect, Pacific Bell would like an oppommity' to meet with you and members
of your staff to discuss what looks like an ordinance that is intended for those wireless
carders that conduct bUSiness within the City limits. ..
We would encourage you and members of your staff to rethink your position and leave
Ordinance 1213 intact. Once again, thank you for your continued time and assistance on
this very important issue. As both concerned business Partners and corporate citizens of
the City of.Tustin, the oppo .mmity allowed to assist staff is a serious one..By doing so, it
assists Pacific Bell in accomplishing its objectives, which are to provide the best
telecommunication service quality available to your valued citizens. I look forward to
hearing from you soon.
Binsack Letter- May 15,200i
Page 2
Sincerely,
(..,/John E. Stratman, Jr.
Director, External Affairs
Mr. Bill HUston, City Manager
· i
The
Consulting
i
ilnl
.... , , Group, Inc.,
May 14, 2001
Justina Willkom
City. of TuStin
Community Development Department 300 Centennial Way.
Tustin, Ca 92780
RECEIVED
· MAY 1.5 2001
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
l_ l,!
Re:
Proposed Telecommunications Ordinance No..12.32
.This 'office.represents Cingular Wireless (formerly known as Pacific Bell Wireless).
The Cingular Wireless Telecommunications system in Tustin provides enhanced voice and
data communications, as well as significant public health and safety benefits for motorists and
medical, fire, Police and emergency response personnel. Cingular Wireless provides the next
generation of wireless services for the benefit .of residents and businesses in Tustin, as well as
for visitors to the community.
To effectively provide these services to the community, Cingular Wireless has constructed a
number of antenna sites in Tustin, in accordance with the City's current planning and zoning
regulations. As demand for these services increases in the city of Tustin,. Cingular Wireless
may need to add a few more antenna sites. ~'
Cingular Wireless has revieWed the Draft Ordinance and takes this opportunity to make a
number of comments.' We have been informed that this Draft Ordinance is intended to be sent
to'the Planning Commission for consideration' on June 11, 2001.
·
Section 1 Findings, Item F, Bullet 1.
States: "Public safety could be negatively impacted if the telecommunication facilities and their
accessory equipment cabinets are' over concentrated in specific areas, close to intersections
thus impacting motorist visibility; adjacent to Sensitive residential or institutional uses; ........
How is being adjacent to residential or institutions a public safety concern?
Section 2, Part 6,. Item 7260 'Purpose and Findings ,.
States: "Reasonable compensation for permitting private use of public property and the public
right of Way is also necessary to offset the right of way maintenance cost ...... "
Cingular Wireless is a regulated "telePhone Corporation".. It holds a registration, in lieu of a
Certificate of' Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the California Pubic Utilities.
Commission; authorizing it to provide wireless telecommunications services throughout the
state. The use of the right of way by telephone corporations is already a permitted use under
state franchise. It is not a conditional right and is not subject to governmental conditions. It is a
· vested right protected by the state and federal constitutions.
With respect to the facilities installed in the public right of way, Section 7901 of the PUC code,
prohibits local jurisdictions from charging monetary compensation in order to use the right of
18500 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 870 · Irvine, CA 92612 °-Phone: '(949) 477-3010 · Fax: (949) 477-2370
.
way. Are these maintenance cost being 'charged to all utilities and,'users of the public right.of
way?
Section 5' Development Guidelines, Item a)
States "Aboveground TelecommUnication facilities shall' be designed as stealth facilities with
concealed antennas to be Placed within existing structures such as building, utility poles, .....
It is impossible to place an antenna within a utility pole.
Section 7,1 Process, Item b, bullet 1.
States "No cabinet may be located adjacent to a front-yard area of a residentially zoned or used
property."
.'
Cingular Wireless is a regulated "telephone Corporation". it holds a registration in lieu of a
Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued'by the California Pubic Utilities
Commission; authorizing it to provide wireless telecommunications services.throughout the
state. 'The use of the right of. way by telephone corporations is already a permitted use under.
state franchise. It.is not a conditional right and is not subject to governmental conditions, it is a
vested right protected by the state and federal constitutions.
Conclusion
Cingular Wireless would like to work cioseiy with the City to achieve an Ordinance, which
balances reasonable local regulatory concerns with both the rights .of the wireless companies
under State federal laws and the practiCalities of wireless' telecommunications. As currently
written, the Draft Ordinance is a good first effort, but it needs some work. The comments and
observations made here in are done in an effort to assist the City in developing its next draft.
Cingular Wireless appreciates this opportunity to comment, and will make itself available at any
time to answer any questions, which the Commission may have concerning our service to the
Tustin community.
:verY truly yours,
Manager - Right of Way
(714)883-5749'
' tholte@tcgsite.com
MACKENZIE & A. LB~TON LLP
ONE Pos'r STA~, SU1TE 500
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORN~ 94104'
i il
TELBPI-.IONE 41..5 / 2.~8-4000
~AC.~LE 415 / 2,88-4010
May 15,. 2001
By Facsimile (714). 573-3113
Iustina Willkom
Associate Planner
Community DevelOpment Department
City of Tustin
300 Centenniel Way
Tustin, CA 92780
Bv Facsimile (714) 835-77 8_7.
Lois Jeffrey, Esq.
Woodruff, Spradling & Smart
701 South Parker St # 8000
Orange, CA 92868 4760
Re:. City of Tustin's Proposed Ordinance and Design Guidelines
for Above-Ground Telecommunication Facilities on Public..
properties and ~n, the Pub.ho Right-of-Way
Dear Ms. Willkom and Ms. Jeffrey:
· .
We are counsel to AT&T Wireless Services, with our principal area of
Practice in telecommunications law, particularly real estate, access and land use issues. We
are writing in connection with the City of Tustin's Proposed Ordf~ance and Design
'Guidelines for Above-Ground-Telecommunication FaCilities on Public Properties and in the
'Public Right-of:Way (the Ordinance")-.
The major issue addressed in this letter is the City' s proposed tmatmem of
wireless facilities placed/n the public fight-of-way. ,As you are .aware, the Ordinance
states that applicants will be required to entei.into a "Right-of-Way Agreement." We
understand the City has not yet prepared a draft version Of that Agreement, but the
Ordinance states the City will charge "[r]easonable compensation for permitting private use
of public property and the public right-of:way." (Ordinance, Part 6, Section 7260.) We
.
believe the City may not lawfully impose'fees or any other burdensome requirements upon
AT&T Wireless' use of the public rights-of-way."
' The .AT&T W/reless system, which carries telephone calls using radio
signals, requires a series 'of antenna sites in. order to operate. In response to comm.tmity
concerns about .visual impact, AT&T Wireless intends to install some of these sites in the
public rights-of-waY. The fight-of-way sites are typically smaller "microcell" sites, with
antennas mounted.to' existing utility poles, o.r similar existing structures. 'Use of the' fights-
of-way carries an important public benefit, in that it reduces the. need for tall sumd-flone
antenna towers while providing necessary telephone service.
From the legal standpoint, there are various basic requirements applicable to
wireless amtenna sites. AT&T Wireless is a telephone cOrporation providing 'wireless
telecommumcations services to the gener~ public and'to emergency personnel, including'
fire, police and ambulance services. It has been issued a Certificate of PubLic Convenience
Iustina ..W. illkom
Lois Jeffrey, Esq.
May 15, 2001
Page 2
i
.
and Necessity by' the'Pubhc Utilities commission'and is also hcensed and regulated by the
Federal Communications Commission ("FCC").'
Certain principles.of state law apply to AT&T Wireless by virtue of its
status as a'telephone corporation. As a telephone corporation, AT&T Wireless .is entitled as
a matter of law under Section 7901 of'the California Public Utilities Code to mst.all
equipment facilities '"along any public road and. highway" provided its facilities do not
"incommode". public use of the roadway.! Under Section 7901 a local jmisdiction does not
have discretion to deny a telephone corporation access to a public fight-of-way or to chazge
compensatory fees; typically the.fight-of-way/nstallations involve iSsu~ce of an
encroachment permit to place fac/lifies on utility poles or street lights.
.
In addition, the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Act")
c0mains fundamental 1/mits on the fight of a local.jurisdiction to. regulate the placement of
wireless facilities. 47 USC Section 332(c)(7)(B) provides that local regulations'
,
(!) shall not unreasonably discriminate among pro¥idem of function'ally
· equivalent, services; and .
(II) shall not prohibit or have the effect of prohibith~g the provision of
personal wireless services.
with respect to radio frequency emissions, the Act states in 47 USC section
332(c)(7)(iv) that: .
No State or local govemmem or i~xqtmmentality thereof may'-regulate tl3. e
placement, construction, and modffication of personal wireless service
facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency
emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the Commkssion's
regulations concerning such emissions.
·
In' addition, the. Act requites that localities act on.siting requests '"within a
reasonable period of time," and that decisions to deny an application must be .supported by
"substm~tial evidence." 47 U SC Section 332(c).(7)(B)(ii) and (iii).
The limits on a city's ability to restrict wireless l'acilities in public fights-of-
Way have been made even more clear in City_' of_Auburn -v. O. we.st Corporation, -- F. 3d --,
2001 WL 410043 (9~ Cir. (Wash)), a decision which was fled just three weeks ago, on
April 24, 2001. "
·
Our overall concern with respect to the new Ordinance is to ensure that it
provides streamlined processh~g and complies with both state law a~d the
Telecommunicat/orks Act.
,
~ In re.; GTE MobilNet o{ San Tose_, L.P.,_e_ec~, 22 c.P.U.C. 2d 25 (Cal. Pub. Util. C0n'um. 198'6).
.}
_.
luszina Willkom (
Lois Jeffrey, Esq.. ~'
May 15, 2001
Page 3
I o
.Sta.~¢ Law Prohibit~ the City_ from !mg.osing..C.ompensatorv Fees for Use of the
Right_of, Way '. ..
AT&T Wireless is a telephone corporation under the Public Utilities Code
(the "Code"). A "telephone corporation" includes:
every corporation or person owning, .c°ntrolling, operating, or managing
any telephone line for compensation wi~in this state ....
Code § 234..
"Telephone hne" includes:
ail conduits,, ducts, poles, wires, cables, insmlmen,ts, and appliances, and
'all other real estate, fixtures, and personal property owned, controlled,
operated, or managed in connection with or to facilitate communication by
telephone, whether such communication is had with or without the use of
transmission wires.
Code §233.
The Code therefore inclUdes within the definition'of telephone corporation
AT&T Wireless's provision of cellular .wireless. service, and the installation of cable runs
necessary to provide such service. The C,,~'fornia Pubh.c Utilities Commission ("CPUC")
has ruled that a cellular carrier is a type of telephone corporation,'' and has the right, under
Code Section 7901, to install cellular facilities "'along any public'road and highway." In re:
· GTE MobilNet of San Jose, L.P,,. etc., 22 C.P.U.C. 2d 25 (CM. Pub. Util. Comm.
.1986). There the CPUC went on to .add:
It has long been settled that the bUSiness of supplying the people with
various forms of telephone service is not a mimic;pal alfa.; .it is a matter of
statewide concern, and the Legislature, pursuant to the authority contained
in Section 23 of Article XII of the California Constitution, has vested in
this Commission the exclusive jurisdiction to supervise' mad regulate '
telephone utilities (Pac.Tel.. &Tel. Co. v C~ty of LOS Angeles (1954) .44 C
2d 272).
In re' GTE M0bilNet. of San J0~e, L.P;, etc.., 22 C.P.U.C. 2'd 25, 198'6 Cal.' PUC LEXIS
568, pp: 15-16.
AT&T Wireless; as a telephone corporation, may use the public rights of -
way. Code §7901 provides a.state statutory franchise to telephone corporations to use the
public right of way:
Telegraph or telephone corporations may. construct lines of telegraph or.
telephone ',dong and upon any public road or highway,-along or across any
of the waters .or lands within this State, and may erect poles, posts, piers, or
abutments for supporting the insulators, wires, and other necessary fixtures
Justina Willkom .
Lois Jeffrey., Esq.
May 15, .2001
Page 4
of their lines, in suCh manner and at such points as not m incommode the
public use Of the road or highway or in~rmpt the navigation of the watem.
The C'alifomia Supreme'Court has stated that this language "is a continuing
offer extended to telephone and.telegraph compames to use the highways, which offer
when accepted by the construction and maimenm~ce of lines constitutes a binding contract
based'on adequate consideration and that the vested right established thereby cannot'be
impaired' by subsequent acts' of the Legislature." _Co.unty of L.,A, ¥. Southem~ Cal. Tel.
Co., (1948) 32 C. 2d 378, 38.4; 196 P. 2d 773, .a~r~eal dismissed, 336 U.S. 929 (1949)
(citations omitted). The rights acquired are "vest~c~ rights which the constitutions, both
state and federal, protect." Id. at 385 (citations.omitted).
Furtheh-nOre, AT&T Wireless, as a telephone corporation, may use the
public rights of way without payment of.compensation. In County_ 'of'L.A.v.' Southern
· .Cai: Tel. Co. the Coumty sought to compel the defendant telephone company to obtain a
county franchise and to pay for the privilege of maint~g' its lines and poles within
unincorporated County areas. The County 'alleged, among other Claims, that the 'Section
7901 grant of a '.'free franchise", constituted m~ unconstitutional gift' tO the telephone
corporation. The. Court, .in soundly .rejecting this claim, held: "It does not follow,.
however, that because telephone and telegraph compm~ies are permitted without charge to
construct lines -along the highways the privilege granted is a gift". Id:.at 384. The Court
reli.ed on the public bertef~t provided by the telephone corporation: "Obviously, the state.
receives a substantial benefit from the continued operation of such a system." Id. at 384.
The Court'further rejected 'all'of the County's claims and prohibited the imposit/on of fees
for the privilege of' m',fin~ng Ih~es'and poles.
In explah~ng the public policy behind § 7901, one court has stated that the
noncompensatory gran~ of state easements 'along roads, highways and .waterways spares
the [telephone] companies the expense of acquiring easements over privately
owned land~s; to cause them wasteful expense would have been contrary to.
the State's purpose to encourage their'entrance into the State..'
COunty of Los. Angeles. v. General Te.l~hone Co., 249 C'~. App. 2d 903, 907-8 (1967),
It is therefore well-settled in law and in practice that a Calitbma local
government cannot charge a telephone corporation such as AT&T .Wkeless compensatory
fees for the use of the public fight of way. Such charges are prohibited based on a
statewide policy to' encourage entrance and reduce costs ~o customers.
2. Burd.en.$0me Requirements
..
Local regulations that have the effect of prohibiting wireless service are
· barred by the Telecommunications Act. In a very recent decision, the Nh~th Circ~fit Co.urt
of Appeals held that fight-of, way ordinances including such features as "a detailed
application form, .... documentation of.licenses, certain .specified items, and '[s]uch other
and further information as may be requested by the City'" had the overall impact of creating
a barrier to' service and were invalid under the Telecommunications Act. Ci~ o.f Au. bum v.
Owest Corporation,.-- F.3d --, 2001 WL 410043 (9~ Ck.(Wash)) There the court stated:.
Susti.na Willkom
Lois. Jeffrey., Esq..
May 15,200'1
Page 5
"Each of these requirements individually 'ha[s] the effect of prohibiting Qwest and other
companies from providing teleconununicafions services... Taken together, they create a
substantial and unlawful barrier to entry into and pm~icipation in the .-.
telecommunications markets.'" (City ofAubum, s_ggr_a, Slip Opinion at p. 5170.
In the present situation, there are certain reqttirements which, individu',flly
and taken together, are unduly burdensome and are Unjustified under the circumstances.
· . A. .The "Absolute" C04ocafion Requirement. The Guide~es require a.
"signed statement that 'the applicant agrees to allow for co-location of 'additional
telepcommunication facilities on the same structures or within, the same site location."
(Section 4.2(e)(5)). The difficulty 'here is that co-location is not' always .feasible -
particularly on street lights and utility poles, where there is very 'limited'. space or where
there is potential interference. We therefore suggest that. the City add the proviso' "where
· technically feasible" at the mad of tt~S section.
B. Undergrounding. The City reserves the fight to require .that 'all
telecommunications facilities' be placed .undergrom~d when technologically feasible.
(Sections 5(i) and 7.2.) Undergrounding of equipment is sometimes feasible' from. the
technical standpoint but .eXtremely costly because of the need for ongoing m'amtenance
access, the dm~ger of moiSu~re seepage, or is"s~uply unjustified given the relatively small
size of the inst'alhttion. In light of the' basic right of a .telephone corporation to place its
facilities, in the right of way, the Ordinance must require'a specific justification for
undergrounding: for example where specific traffic issues'require that equipment be placed
Underground at a certain street comer in order to ensure that the pubt/c's use of the right-of-
way is not signfficmafly impaired. "'
C' Required Remov'al. Under section 5(h), the City reserves the fight to
require removal or relocation of any facility on just ninety .days' notice "when determined tO
be in the public interest." We' believe the length of notice is far too short to permit AT&T
Wireless to locate alternative site, and We believe the "public interest" standard requires
definition. If, ]?or' example, there is. a demonstratect traffic safety issue which poses au
threat to public 'safety, then the City may be justified in requiring relocation on just.nh~ety
'.days. The Guidelines should lengthen notice to 180 days ~n 'all but.very urgent
circumstances posing aaa immediate threat to public safety and the Guidelines should
specify the "public interest" issues that might necessitate relocat/on- i.e. traffic or
pedestrian s',ffety. '.
3. Lease R~_uiremen. ts.
.
For use of no._gn-~ght-of-way Public Property, the Guidelhaes require that the
'City's lease with the applicant contain certain clauses. We believe certa/n of these clauses.
should be stricken. ·
A. Most Favored 'C~_W. Cla..u. se.' The'Lease with the City is to provide for
market rent, with a CPI. adjus .maent at the commencement of each renewal term. Beyond
this however, the Development Guidelines state that:
~ustina Willkom
Lois J~ffrey~ Esq.
May .1.5, 2001
Page 6
.
Should the Grantee, after the execution of the Lease Agreement enter toro a
· Lease Agreement with another mtmicip~W or agencY in the Los Angeles-
Anaheim-Riverside Metropolitan Statistical Area which agreement contains
fin~ciM benefits that are superior to. those in the .existing Lease Agreement,
the City shall have the fight 'to require that the Grantee modify the Lease
A~eement to incorporate the sm~ne or substant/ally similar benefits or other
terms.
This requirement contradicts (and essentially negates) the essence of a lease
contract and injects a high degree' of uncerta/nty into'any applicant's investment in any
installation located in Tustin..'We do not'believe the City has the legal fight to impose sUch
a requirement, which, would require ongoing'm-negotiation of any lease on public property.
The City has already adequately protected itself by including CPI rent increases.
B. Lease Non-Transferable without City Consent. As a matter of general
practice, telecommurdcafions leases must be transferable in the event of a change in control,
merger or acquisition of subtantially all. assets .by mother entity. We suggest that the City
therefore include such an exception to its'requirement of .priOr written consent to any
trm~sfer of the 'leasehold.
These are our initial, comments. 'We would like to review the proposed
agreement-forms, as soon as they are available. We appreciate the chance, to provide further'
h~put in such a way as to provide a practical and effective application process that will help
AT&T Wireless meet its increasing, customer demand.
Sincerely yours,
Sarah L..Burbidge
for
Mackenzie & All ~ritton LLP '
C:
Daniel Smith, Esq.
..Leslie Daigle
Attachment B of October 1, 2001 City Council Staff Report
Resolution No. 01-93
RESOLUTION NO. 01-93
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AS ADEQUATE FOR THE ADOPTION
OF ORDINANCE NO. 1232 AND THE DESIGN
GUIDELINES FOR ABOVEGROUND UTILITY
FACILITIES ON PUBLIC PROPERTIES AND IN THE
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
The City Council of the City of Tustin does hereby resolve as follows'
The City Council finds and determines as follows:
A.
That the adoption of a new ordinance and guidelines for
aboveground utility facilities on public property and in the public
right-of-way is considered a "project" pursuant to the terms of
the California Environmental Quality Act.
Bi
An Initial Study and a Negative Declaration have been
prepared for this project and have been distributed for public
review.
The Planning Commission at their meeting of September 10,
2001, recommended that the City Council adopt the Negative
Declaration related to Ordinance No. 1232 and the Design
Guidelines for AbovegroUnd Utility Facilities on Public
Properties and 'in the Public Right-of-way as adequate.
Bi
The City Council of the City of Tustin has considered evidence
presented by the Community Development Director and other
interested parties with respect to the subject Negative
Declaration.
El
The City Council has evaluated the proposed Negative
Declaration and determined that the proposed Ordinance and
Design Guidelines will not result in any significant impacts and,
therefore, no mitigation measures are necessary to reduce any
significant impacts to a level of insignificance.
II.
A Final Negative Declaration, attached hereto as Exhibit A, has been
completed in compliance with CEQA and State guidelines. The City
Council has received and considered the information contained in the
Negative Declaration prior to approving the proposed ordinance and
the design guidelines and found that it adequately discusses the
environmental effects of the proposed ordinance and design
Resolution No. 01-93
Page 2 of 2
guidelines. On the basis of the Initial Study and comments received
during the public hearing process, the City Council finds that there will
not be a significant effect as a'result of the proposed ordinance and
design guidelines.
Further, the City Council finds that Ordinance No. 1232 and the
Design Guidelines for Abovegmund Utility Facilities on Public
Properties and in the Public Right-of-way involve no potential for any
adverse effect, either individually or cumulatively, on wildlife resources
as defined in Section 711.2 of the Fish and Games Code. The City
Council hereby adopts the Final Negative Declaration for Ordinance
No. 1232 and the Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities
on Public Properties and in the Public Right-of-way.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Tustin City Council,
'held on the lS~ day of October, 2001.
TRACY WILLS WORLEY
Mayor
PAMELA STOKER
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
CITY OF TUSTIN )
CERTIFICATION FOR RESOLUTION NO. 01-93
PAMELA STOKER, City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the
City of Tustin, California, does hereby certify that the whole number of the
members of the City Council of the City of Tustin is five; that the above and
foregoing Resolution No. 01-93 was duly and regularly introduced, passed,
and adopted at a regular meeting, of the Tustin City Council, held on the 1s~
day of October, 2001.
COUNCILMEMBER AYES:
COUNCILMEMBER NOES:
COUNCILMEMBER ABSTAINED:
COUNCILMEMBER ABSENT:
PAMELA STOKER
City Clerk
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-93
INITIAL STUDY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780
(714)'573-3100
·
Ao
BACKGROUND
Project Title:
Design Guidelines and Ordinance for Aboveground Utility Facilities on
Public Properties and in the Public Right-of-way.
Lead Agency:
City of Tustin
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, California 92780
Lead Agency
Contact Person:
Justina Willkom
Phone: (714) 573-3174
Project Location:'
Citywide
Project Sponsor's
Name and Address.:
N/A
General Plan Designation:
All land use designations.
Zoning' Designation:
Project Description:
Surrounding Uses:
All zoning districts.
Adoption of new guidelines and enabling ordinance for aboveground
utility facilities on public properties and in the public fight-of-way. The
new guidelines will set forth criteria and regulation for placement of utility
facilities to reduce potential negative impacts on the community.
North: County of Orange
South: City oflrvine
East: County of Orange. and City of Ir vine
Wesf: City.of Santa Ana
Other public agencies whose approx~al is required:
Orange County Fire Authority
Orange County Health Care Agency
South Coast Air Quality Managem6nt
District
Other
City of Irvine
City of Santa Ana
Orange County.
EMA
'lBo
..
"ENVIRO~NTAL'FA ')ORS POTENTIALLYAFFECTEI ')
The environmental factors checked below Would be potcnti.ally affected by this project, involving at least one
impact that is a ."Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by .th& Checldist in S¢ctionD below.
[~]Laud Use and Planning
[~Population and Housing
[~Geological Problems
["]Water
]'-]Air Quality
[-~Transportation & CircUlation
[-]Biological Resources
["~Energy. and Mineral Resources
Co
DETERMINATION.:
'- On the baSis of this initial evaluation:
['-]Public Services
["']Utilities and Service
Systems
[-']Aesthetics
[-']C~mral Resources
[--]Recreation
[--]Mandatory Findings of
'Significance . .
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. ..
['~ I find that although .the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will
not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attached sheet
have been added to the project.. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
0
[-] I fred that the proposed project MAY. have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is'required.
..
.
[-] I fred that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the environment, but at least, one
effect 1) has been. adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and
2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based 'on the earlier .analysis as described on attached
sheets, if the effect is a "Potentially Significant Impact" Or "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated."
An E.NVIRO~~~ IMP.ACT .REPORT .is required, but it must analyze 0nly the effects that
remain to. be addressed. .
:
o
[-] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL
NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects 1) have been.analyzed
adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and 2)' have been avoided or mitigated
pursuant to that earlier ,EIR,-including revisiohs or mitigation measures' that are imposed upon the
proposed project.
·
·
[-] I find'that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL
NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially Significant effects 1) have been analYzed
adequately in .an earlier NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant 'to applicable standards, and 2) haVe
been ivoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier NEGATIVE DECLARA. TION, including revisions or
mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project.
Preparer: . Justina Willkom .....
Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director
Title Assg¢iate Plarm. e.r
1)
2)
3)
4)
6)
7)
8).
9)
De
)
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Directions
A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by the
information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A "No Impact" answer is
adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to Projects
like .the one involved (e.g., the project falls 'outside a fault rapture zone). A."No Impact" answer should be
eXPlained where it is based on project-specific factors and general standards (e.g., the project will not expose
sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening, analysis).
All answers, must take into account the whole action involved, including off-site, onsite, cumulative project level,
indirect, direct, construction, and operational impacts..
Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may. occur, the checklist answers must
indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant.
"Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If
there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, and EIR is
required.
.
"Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of
mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less than Significant
Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect
to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section XVII, "Earlier Analyses," may. be cross-
referenced).
Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program'EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has
been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. Section 15063 (c) (3)(D). In this case, a brief
discussion should identify the following:
a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
b)
Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of
and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether
such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the 'earlier analysis.
c)
Mitigation Measures. For effects that ar.e "Less' than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,"
describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the
extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.
Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential
impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning 'ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should,
where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.
SupPorting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals
contacted should be cited' in the discussion.
This is only a suggested form, and lead agencies are free to use different formats; however, lead agencies
normally address the questions from this checklist that are relevant to a project's environmental effects in
whatever format is selected.
'The explanation of each issue should identify: '
a) the significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and,
b) the mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance.
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMEN ,L IMPACTS
I. AESTHETICS- Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a Scenic vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not
limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings
within a state scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or
quality of the site. and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which
would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?
II. AGRICULTURE .RESOURCES: In determining
whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant
environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the
California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site .Assessment
Model (1997) prepared by the Califomia Dept. of
Conservation as an optional model to use in'assessing impacts
on agriculture and farmland. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Fan, land, or Farmland
of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps'
prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program of the Califomia Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural Use, or a
Williamson Act contract?
c) Involve other changes in the existing environment which,
due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of '
Farmland, to non-agricultural use?
III. AIR QUALITY: Where available, the significance
criteria established by the applicable air quality management
or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the
following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable
air quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially
to an existing or projected air quality.violation?-
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-
attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed
quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations?
..
e) Create objectionable odors affecting asubstantial number '.
of people?
Potentially
Significant
Impact .
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
[2]
No Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES: - Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or
through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a
candidate, sensitive, or special shams species in local or
regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat
or other sensitive natural community identified in local or
regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California
Department offish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected
wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or
other means?
-.
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
.established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting
biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance?
.
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation .Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or
other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation
plan?
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES: - Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of
a historical resource as defined in § 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of
an archaeological resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological
resource or site or unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred
outside of formal cemeteries?
VI. 'GEOLOGY AND SOILS: - Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death
involving:
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
[3
D.
D.
[5]
[3
O.
No Impact
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault,, as delineated on the
most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State GeOlogist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of
Mines and Geology Special Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking?
iii) Seismic-related gro .trod failure, including liquefaction?
iv) Landslides?
b) Result in. substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil?
· c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or
that would become unstable as a result of the project, and
potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading,
subsidence, liqUefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as del'reed in Table 18-1-B
of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial
risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of
septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where
sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOIJ.$ MATERIALS:
Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the-
'environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of
hazardous materials7
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the release of hazardous
materials into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emisSions or handle hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter
mile of an existing or proposed school?
· d) 'Be located on a site which is included on a list of
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government'
Code Section 65962.5 and, as'a result, would it create a
.significant hazard to the public or the environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would the project result in·
a safety hazard for. people residing or working in the project
area?' ·
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing
or working in the project area?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
[5]
.~ Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
.Significant
Impact
No Impact
g) Impair. implementation of or physically interfere with an
adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation
plan?
h) Expose people or. structures to a significant risk of loss,
injury Or death involving wildland fires, including where
wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences
are intermixed with wildlands?
VIII, HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY: -Would
the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge
requirements?
.b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would'
be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local
groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate Of pre-
existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not
support existing land uses or. planned uses for which permits
have been granted)?.
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattem of the. site
or area, including, through the alteration of the course of a
stream or fiver, in a manner which would result in substantial
erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site
or area, including through the alteration of the course of a
stream or fiver, or substantially increase the rate or amount of '
surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on-
or off-site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the
capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems
or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff?.
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g) Place housing within a lO0-year flood hazard area as
mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood
Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map?
h) Place within a lO0-year flood hazard area structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows7
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss,
injury or death'involving flooding as.a result of the failure of a
levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING- Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
lVith
Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
E]
[3
b) Conflict with any applicable land.use plan, policy, or
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project
(including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan,
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the
purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or
natural community conservation plan?
X. MINERAL RESOURCES- Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral
resource that would be of value to the region and the residents
· of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general
plan, specific plan or other land use plan?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
~th
'Mitigation
Incorporation
Less Than
Significant
impact
No Impact
E]
E]
E]
E]
XI, NOISE-
Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in
excess of standards established in the local general plan or
noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies?
..
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive
groundbome vibration or groundbome noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels -
in the project vicinity above levels existing without the
project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient
noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan. or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a
public airport or public use airport, would the project expose
people residing or working in the project area to excessive
noise levels?
f). For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip,
would the project expose people residing or working in the
project area to excess noise levels?
XII,POPULATION AND HOUSING- Would' the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing,'
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere? "
..
[3
[5]
E]
E]
c) Displace substantial numbers of People, necessitating the
construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES
a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical
impacts associated with the provision of new or physically
altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities, the construction of which
could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other
performance objectives for any of the public services:
Fire protection?
Police protection?
Schools?
Parks?
Other public facilities?
XIV. RECREATION-
a) Would the project increase the use of existing
neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational
facilities such that. substantial physical deterioration of the
facility would occur or be accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require
the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
XV. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC - Would the project:
a) Cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation
to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street system
(i.e. result in a substantial increase in either the number of '
vehicle trips, the volume to capacity ratio on roads, or
congestion at intersections)?
b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of
service standard established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either
an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results
in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g.
sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or 'incompatible uses
'(e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
f) ReSult in inadequate parking capacity?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
~Vith
Mitigation
Incorporation
[23
[23
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
[23
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs
supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts,
bicycle racks)?
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS-
Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause significant
environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water
drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of whiCh could cause significant environmental
effects?
· .
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the
project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or
expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment
provider which serves or may serve the project that it has
adequate capacity to serve the project's projected demand in
addition to the provider's existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity
to accommodate the project's solid waste disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF.SIGNIFICANCE
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality
of the environment,' substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or'
wildlife species, eause·a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self-sustaining levels, threaten' to eliminate a plant or
animal eommunity~ reduce the number or restrict the range of
a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory?
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually
limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively
considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project
are considerable when viewed in connection with the 'effects
of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will
cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either
directly or indirectly?
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less Than
Significant
With
Mitigation
Incorporation
[2
Less Than
Significant
Impact
No Impact
[2
[2
ATTACHMENT A
EVALUATION OF.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ORDINANCE AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ABOVEGROUND UTILITY
FACILITIES ON pUBLIC PROPERTIES AND IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
.BACKGROUND
The City's objective in adopting the ordinance and design guidelines is to promote
safety, aesthetics and land use compatibility between aboveground utility facilities and
neighboring land uses. Aboveground utility facilities are typically located in the public
right-of-way and highly visible because of their size and/or height, thereby potentially
impacting the aesthetics of the community. Public safety could be negatively impacted
if the 'utilitY facilities and their accessory equipment cabinets are overconcentrated in
specific areas, close to intersections thus impacting motorist visibility, adjacent to
Sensitive residential or institutional uses, obstruct traffic signals, signs or other public
safety devices 'located within the City's right-of-way. The requirement of a Design
Review allows the City to examine aesthetics issues .by 'analyzing items such as height
and 'bulk of the facilities, colors, visibility, screening and relationship to adjacent
structures, and design.
There would be no physical improvement or changes in the environment as a result of
the adoption of the ordinance and. design guidelines. Impacts of potential future
projects would be evaluated in conjunction with each future project.
1. AESTHETICS
Items a through d -~ "No impact"' The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities, on public properties and in the public right-of-waY.
No physical improvements are currently proposed in conjunction with the
adoption of the ordinance and design guidelines. The proposed ordinance and
design guidelines will not have any effects on aesthetics in the area including
scenic vistas or scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rocks
outcropping, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway. The proposed
ordinance and design guidelines will not degrade the existing visual character or
quality of the plan area or its surroundings. Impacts related to any future 'proiects
would be identified and evaluated in conjunction with a specific project. '
Sources:
Tustin Zoning Code
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required:
None Required
A boveground Utility
Ordinance and design guidelines
Initial Study - Attachment A
Page 2 of 8
)
.
.
AGRICULTURAL .RESOURCES
Items a through c- "No Impact's': The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
Would establish standa~'ds-that mitigate impacts associated with. installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way;
however, no physical improvements are currently proposed in conjunction with
the ordinance and design guidelines. The proposed ordinance and design
guidelines will have no impacts on any farmland, nor will it conflict with existing
zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act. contract. The ordinance and design
guidelines will. not result in conversion of farmland to a non-agricultural use.
Impacts related to any future Projects would be identified and evaluated in
conjunction with a specific project.
Sources:
.....
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required:
None Required
AIR QUALITY
,
Items a through e.- "No Impact. The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way;
however, no physical improvements are currentlY proposed in conjunction with
the ordinance and design guidelines. The ordinance and design guidelines will not
conflict with or obstruct implementation of any applicable air plan, violate any air
quality standard, result ina cumulatively considerable increase of any criteria
pollutant as applicable by federal or ambient air quality'standard, nor will it expose
sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations or create objectionable
odor affecting a substantial number of people. Impacts related to any future
projects would be evaluated when a specific project is proposed.
Sources:
South'Coast Air Quality Management District .Rules and
· .
Regulations
'Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/MOnitoring ReqUired'
None Required
4. · BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES..
Items a ,through f- "No Impact": The proposed ordinance and deSign guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the'public right-of-way;
however, no physical improvements are currently proposed in .conjunction with
Aboveground Utility
Ordinance and design guidelines
Initial Study - Attachment A
Page 3 of 8
Se
o
the ordinance and design guidelines. No impacts to any unique, rare,, or
endangered species of plant, or animal life identified in local or regional plans,
policies, or regulations by the California Department of Fish and. Game or U.S. Fish
and'Wildlife Service would occur as a result of this ordinance and design
guidelines. Impacts related to any future projects would be evaluated when a
specific project is proposed.
Sources'
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required:
None Required
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Items a through d -"No Impac?' The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way;
however, no physical improvements are currently proposed i'n conjunction with
the ordinance and design guidelines. The ordinance and design guidelines will not
adversely affect any historical resources or archaeological resources or destroy or
disturb a unique paleontological resource, ,human remains, or geological feature.
Impacts related to any future projects would be identified and evaluated in
conjunction with a specific project.
Sources'
Cultural Reso'urces District
Tustin Zoning Code
General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required'
None Required
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Items a (I), a (ii), a (iii), a (iv), b, c, d and e- "No Impact": The proposed ordinance
and design guidelines would establish, standards that mitigate impacts associated
with installation of aboveground utility facilities on public properties.and 'in the
public right-of-way; however, no physical improvements are currently proposed in
conjunction with the ordinance and design guidelines. The proposed ordinance
and design guidelines will not expose people to potential adverse geologic impacts,
including the risk of loss, injury, or ,death involving the rupture of a known
earthquake fault, strong seismic ground shaking, landslides, soil erosion, or loss of
top, soil, nor is the project on unstable or expansive soil. Impacts related to any
future projects would be identified and evaluated in conjunction with a specific
project.
Sources' Tustin General Plan
Aboveground Utility
Ordinance and design guidelines
Initial Study - Attachment A
Page 4 of 8
.
o .
Mitigation/Monitoring Required:
None Required
HAZARD AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
.....
.Items a through h- "No Impact,: The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public 'properties and in the public right-of-way;
'however, no physical improvements are currently proposed in conjunction with
".the ordinance and design guidelines. The proposed ordinance and design
guidelines will not result in significant hazards (i.e. explosion, hazardous materials
spill, interference with emergency response plans, wildland fires, etc.), nor is the
project area located within an airport land use plan or vicinity of a private airstrip.
Impacts related to future projects Would be evaluated when a specific project' is
proposed.
Sources'
~ ,
orange County Fire Authority
Orange County Health Agency
Tustin. Generai Plan.
Mitigation/Moni.torin. g Required:
None Required
HYDROLOGY'AND WATER QUALITY,
Items a through i.- "No Impact": The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and. in the public right-of-way;
however, no physical improvements are currently proposed in conjunction with
the ordinance and design guidelines. The ordinance and design guidelines will not
result in any Change in the amount or direction of surface or groundWaters. Impacts
related to any future projects would be identified and evaluated in conjunction
with a specific project.
Sources:
,
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/.M.,onitoring Required:
None Required
LAND USE AND PLANNING
Items a thmuqh c- "No Impact": The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public proPerties and in the public right-of-way..
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the ordinance and
design guidelines.' The ordinance and design guidelines are consistent with the
Aboveground Utility
Ordinance and design guidelines
Initial Study- Attachment A
Page 5 of 8
10.
11.
intent of the City's .General Plan to provide an aesthetically pleasing'environment.
The proposed ordinance and design guidelines will not physically divide an
established community or conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan.
Sources'
Tustin General Plan
Tustin Zoning Code
Mitigation/Monitoring Required.'
None Required
MINERAL RESOURCES
Items a and b- "No Impact": The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate imPacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way.
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the ordinance and
design guidelines. The proposed ordinance and design guidelines will not result in
loss of a known'mineral resource or availability of a locally important mineral
resource recovery site delineated on the general plan or other applicable land use
maps. Impacts related to any future projects would be identified and evaluated in
conjunction with a specific project.
Sources: Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required'
None Required
NOISE
,
Items a through f- "No Impact": The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public.right-of-way.
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the .ordinance and
design guidelines. The proposed ordinance and design guidelines will not expose
persons to' noise levels in excess of standards established in the general plan,
noise ordinance and design guidelines, or excessive ground vibrations, nor will it
create a permanent increase in the existing ambient noise levels. Impacts related
-to anY future projects would be .identified and eValuated in conjunction with a
specific project.
Sources:
Tustin City Code
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required:
None Required
..
Aboveground Utility
Ordinance and design guidelines
Initial Study - .Attachment A
Page 6 of 8
12. POPULATION AND HOUSING
Items a, b, and c- '."No Impact".: The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts aSsociated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way.
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the ordinance and
design guidelines. As such no impact associated with the increase in population
is anticipated.
Sources:
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required' None Required
.'
13. PUBLIC SERVICES
Item a-" No Impact"' The proposed ordinance and design guidelines would
establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the 'public right-of-way.
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the ordinance and
design guidelines. The proposed ordinance and design guidelines Will not create
demand for alteration or addition of government facilities or services (fire and police
protection, schools, parks, etc.). Impacts related to any future projects would be
identified and evaluated in conjunction with a specific project.
Sources:
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required: None Required
14'. RECREATION
.Items a and b - "No Impact": The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate' impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right~of-way.
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the ordinance and
design guidelines. The ordinance and design guidelines would not increase
demand for neighborhood parks or recreational facilities. Impacts related to any
future projects would be identified and evaluated in conjunction with a specific
project.
Sources:
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring ,,Required,' None Required
Aboveground Utility
Ordinance and design guidelines
Initial Study - Attachment A
Page 7 of 8
15.
16.
17.
TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Items a through g -';No Impact,,: The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties and in the public right-of-way.
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the ordinance and
design guidelines. No alteration in the traffic .generation and circulation patterns
within the project area would be affected by the proposed ordinance and design
guidelines.. The proposed ordinance and design guidelines will not result in
changes to air traffic patterns, emergency access, level: of service standards, or
conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs supporting alternative
transportation. Impacts related to any future projects would be identified and
evaluated' in conjunction with a specific project.
Sources: Tustin General Plan
Mitiga,tion/Monitorinq Required:
None Required
UTILTIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
..............
!_rems a.through g - "No ImPact"' The proposed ordinance and design guidelines
would establish standards that mitigate impacts, associated with installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public'properties and in the public right-of-way.
No physical improvement is proposed in conjunction with the ordinance, and
design guidelines. The adoption of the ordinance and design guidelines will have
no impacts to water treatment, water supply, wastewater treatment, and solid waste
disposal. Impacts related to any future projects would be identified and evaluated
in conjunction with a specific project.
Sources:
,
Tustin General Plan
Mitigation/Monitoring Required'
None Required
MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE ..
Items a throuqh c- "No Impact"' The purpose of the proposed ordinance and
design' guidelines is to maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment and
promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community by providing standards
.that mitigate impacts associated with installation of aboveground utility facilities
on public proper[ies and in the public right-of-way.
There would be no physical improvement or changes in the environment as a
result of the adoption of the ordinance and design guidelines. Impacts of
potential future projects would 'be evaluated in conjunction with each future
A boveground Utility
Ordinance and design guidelines
Initial Study- Attachment A
Page 8 of 8
project. The ordinance and design guidelines do not have the potential' to
degrade the quality of the environment, achieve short-term environmental goals
to the disadvantage of long-term goals, nor produce significant negative indirect
or direct effects on humans.
S:\CDD~JUSTINA\current planning\Environmental\aboveground facilities nd attachment A.doc
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780
(7~ 4) ~ 7~-~ ~ O0
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Project Title: Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on public properties and in the public right-
of-way.
Project Location: Citywide
Project Description: Adoption of new ordinance and guidelines for aboveground utility facilities on public
properties and in the public right-of-way. The new ordinance and guidelines will set forth criteria and
regulation for placement of utility facilities to reduce potential negative impacts on the community
Project Proponent: City of Tustin, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780
Lead Agency Contact Person: Justina Willkom
Telephone' (714) 573-3174
·
The Community Development Department has conducte~l an Initial Study for the above project in accordance
with the City of Tustin's procedures regarding implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act,
and on the basis of that study hereby finds:
That there is no substantial evidence that the project may have a significant effect on the environment.
That potential significant effects were identified, but revisions have been included in the project plans
and agreed to by the applicant that would avoid or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no
significant effects would occur. Said Mitigation Measures are included in Attachment A of the Initial
Study which is attached hereto and incorporated herein.
Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report is not required.
The Initial Study which provides the basis for this determination is attached and is on file at the Community
Development Department, City of TUstin. The public is invited to comment on the appropriateness of this
Negative Declaration during the review period, which begins with the public notice of Negative Declaration and
extends for twenty (20) calendar days. Upon review by the Community Development Director, this review
period may be extended if deemed necessary.
REVIEW PERIOD ENDS 4:00 P.M. ON May 1, 2001.
Elizabeth A. Binsack
Community Development Director
Attachment C of October 1, 2001 City Council Staff Report
Ordinance No. 1232
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ORDINANCE NO. 1232
AN ORDINANCE OF T-HE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF TUSTIN, AMENDING PART 6,
CHAPTER 2 OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE TUSTIN
CITY CODE TO ESTABLISH DESIGN REVIEW
OF ABOVEGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES ON
PUBLIC PROPERTY AND IN THE PUBLIC
RIGHT-OF-WAY.
The City Council of the City of Tustin does hereby ordain as follows'
Section 1. FINDINGS
The City Council of the City of Tustin finds and determines as follows'
A,
On December 6, 1999, the City COuncil adopted the Aboveground
Cabinets Design Guidelines. These guidelines regulate
aboveground cabinets for power supply equipment within the public
right-of-way. These guidelines do not regulate utility facilities
located aboveground such as antennas attached to utility poles,
street light poles, utility towers, or other structures within the public
right-of-way.
B,
Currently, there are no guidelines in place for aboveground utility
facilities on public properties such as parks, community facilities, or
other City-owned properties. New comprehensive guidelines are
needed to establish design criteria prior to installation of any
aboveground utility facilities on public properties or public right-of-
way. ~
C,
The adoption of permanent regulations and guidelines for any
aboveground telecommunications on public property and in the
public right-of-way will serve to reduce the potential for negative
impacts on the community.
D.
Failure to implement aboveground utility facilities regulations
through, the adoption of this ordinance will result in the installation
of a substantial number of aboveground utility facilities without
controls needed to protect the public health, safety, and community
aesthetics.
E.
Traffic signal controller cabinets are exempted because they are
different in nature and function and provide essential services. The
traffic signal control cabinets by nature must be located where
traffic can be controlled at intersections.
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Ordinance No. 1232
Page 2 of 7
F.
Irrigation controller cabinets are also exempted because they must
be located in close proximity to available power sources.
The requirements and restrictions imposed by this Ordinance are
necessary to protect the health, safety, and aesthetics of the City of
Tustin as follows'
1. Design Review Approval for Installation of Aboveground Utility
Facilities on Public Property and in the Public Right-of-Way.
The City's objective is to promote safety, aesthetics, and land
use compatibility between aboveground utility facilities and
neighboring land uses. Aboveground utility facilities are
typically located in the public right-of-way and highly visible
because of their size and/or height, thereby potentially
impacting the aesthetics of the community. Public safety could
be negatively impacted if the aboveground utility facilities and
their accessory equipment cabinets are: overconcentrated in
specific areas, close to intersections thus impacting motorist
visibility; adjacent to sensitive residential or institutional uses;
obstruct traffic signals, signs, or other public safety devices
located within the public right-of-way. The requirement of a
Design Review allows the City to examine aesthetics issues by
analyzing items such as height and bulk of the facilities, colors,
visibility, screening and relationship to adjacent structures, and
design.
2. Screening Criteria and Guidelines. The City's objective is to
promote and protect safety and the aesthetic environment by
requiring the use of subdued colors, non-reflective materials,
and screening of the aboveground utility facilities and their
accessory equipment with landscape materials.
3. Site Selection Order of Preference. The City's objective is to
promote and protect safety and the aesthetic environment by
requiring that aboveground utility facilities be located in areas
that are the least obtrusive.
4. Sign Restrictions. The City's objective is to promote safety and
aesthetics by promoting information necessary to be provided at
the facilities while restricting sign clutter.
1
Removal Required for Abandoned Facilities. The City's
objective is to promote and protect an aesthetic and safe
environment by requiring that facilities be removed within ninety
(90) days if they are not in use. Abandoned facilities that are
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Ordinance No. 1232
Page 3 of 7
not promptly removed would contribute to the blighting of the
community and would present potential safety hazards related
to vandalism and unauthorized use of the abandoned facilities.
G,
That the Planning Commission considered this Ordinance on
September 10, 2001, and recommended that the City Council adopt
this enabling Ordinance.
H,
That a public hearing was duly noticed, called, and held on said
Ordinance on.October 1,2001, by the City Council.
That the proposed ordinance is consistent with the General Plan
Land Use goals and policies, particularly:
Goal 1'
Goal 4:
Policy 6.2'
Policy 6.12'
Policy 8.3'
Policy 8.6'
Provide for a well balanced land use pattern that
accommodates existing and future needs for housing,
commercial, and industrial land, open space,
community facilities and services, while maintaining a
healthy, diversified economy adequate to provide
future City services;
Assure a safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing
community for residents and businesses;
Encourage and promote high quality design and
physical appearance in all development projects;
Review and revise, as necessary, the City's
development standards to improve the quality of new
development in the City and to protect the public health
and safety.
Coordinate the construction of all public utilities to
minimize disruption of vehicular traffic and negative
impacts on roadways.
Encourage planned improvements to electricity, natural
gas, and communication services systems.
J,
A Final Negative Declaration has been adopted for this Ordinance in
accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
Section 2. Ordinance No. 1213 and Part 6 Chapter 2 of Article 7 of the
Tustin City Code are hereby amended to read as follows:
PART 6
DESIGN REVIEW OF ABOVEGROUND UTILITY
FACILITIES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND IN THE PUBLIC
RIGHT-OF-WAY
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Ordinance No. 1232
Page 4 of 7
7260
PURPOSE AND FINDINGS
The purpose of this Part 6 is to maintain a safe and aesthetically pleasing
environment in the public right-of-way and on City-owned properties by
regulating the location, color, screening, and other aspects of
aboveground utility facilities.
Aboveground utility facilities come in a variety of forms that include, but
are not limited to, cables, wires, conduits, ducts, pedestals, and antennae
to transmit, receive, distribute, provide, or offer utility services. Their
accessory equipment typically is contained in enclosures, cabinets,
artificial rocks, or boxes to house a variety of uses such as controls for
signals, electronics and wiring for cable television and
telecommunications, or power sources. Often these facilities are located
aboveground on existing structures such as utility or light poles and have
the tendency to proliferate to ensure user coverage. Such proliferation
can result in visual clutter, blocking visibility to signs and other structures,
preventing access for the disabled, distracting motorists travelling along
the right-of-way, and can be noisy.
Reasonable regulations for locating the aboveground utility facilities and
their accessory equipment are necessary to promote the health and
aesthetic welfare of the people of Tustin. Reasonable compensation for
permitting private use of public property and the public right-of-way is also
necessary to offset the right-of-way maintenance costs.
7261
LEASE AGREEMENT REQUIRED
No person shall place, construct, install, own, control, operate, manage,
maintain, or use any aboveground utility facilities and their accessory
equipment in, above, beneath, or across any public property, exclusive of
the public right-of-way, without first obtaining a Lease Agreement or
License in accordance with the Design Guidelines. Franchises and Right-
of-Way Agreements for telecommunication facilities in the public right-of-
way are governed by State and Federal regulations and pertinent
provisions of Chapter 7 of Article 7 of the Tustin City Code.
7262
DESIGN REVIEW REQUIRED
No person shall place, construct, install, own, control, operate, manage,
maintain, or use any aboveground utility facilities and their accessory
equipment without compliance with the Design Review requirements in
Tustin City Code Section 9272 and with this Part 6. This requirement
applies to existing and future franchisees and any other person who
wishes to locate replacement or new aboveground utility facilities and their
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Ordinance No. 1232
Page 5 of 7
accessory equipment on public property and in the public right-of-way.
Aboveground utility facilities' located within Redevelopment Project areas
shall be consistent with the respective redevelopment plans. No Design
Review approvals or any permits can be issued unless the
Redevelopment Agency can make a finding of conformity.
Existing aboveground utility facilities and accessory equipment installed
prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall not be subject to this
requirement.
7263
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW
An applicant shall submit a plan of the proposed location of all
aboveground utility facilities including their accessory equipment located in
cabinets, enclosures, or boxes to the Director of Community Development
("Director"). Information shall also be provided as to the dimensions,
proposed colors, screening materials, noise levels, and whether there will
be interference with the public radio system anticipated. The applicant
shall pay a fee to cover the anticipated staff time to review and process
the application.
7264
DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
Upon the application being found complete by the Director, or designee,
the Director or designee shall review the plan (the "Plan") using the criteria
set forth in the Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on
Public Properties and in the Public Right-of-way adopted by resolution of
the City Council. If the utility facilities are to be located within
redevelopment areas, then a finding of conformity by the Redevelopment
Agency would need to be made prior to the Director consideration of the
Design Review. The Director may conditionally approve or deny the
application. Amendments to the Plan shall be reviewed and approved by
the Director concurrent with or prior to issuance of an encroachment
permit, Lease Agreement or License, as provided for in the Design
Guidelines, or Right-of-Way Agreement as defined in Chapter 7 of Article
7 of the Tustin City Code. The aboveground utility facilities and their
accessory equipment must be installed pursuant to the approved Plan.
The noise generated from the aboveground utility facilities, including their
accessory equipment, shall comply with the City's noise regulations.
7265 APPEALS
Appeals of the Director's decisions may be taken and heard in accordance
with Section 9272(f)of the Tustin City Code.
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Ordinance No. 1232
Page 6 of 7
7266 TERM/ABANDONMENT
(a)
An aboveground utility facility is considered abandoned if it no
longer provides service. If the use of the facility is discontinued for
any reason, the operator shall notify the City of Tustin in writing no
later than thirty (30) days after the discontinuation of use. If no
notification is provided to the City, the facility shall be deemed
discontinued.
(b)
Aboveground utility facilities, including their accessory equipment,
that are no longer being used shall be removed promptly no later
than ninety (90) days after the discontinuation of use. Such
removal shall be in accordance with proper health and safety
requirements.. All affected areas shall be restored to their original
condition at the operator's expense.
(c)
The Design Review approval shall remain valid for the term of the
Lease Agreement, License, Right-of-Way Agreement, or as long as
the encroachment permit is valid. If the Lease Agreement, License,
Right-of-Way Agreement, or Encroachment Permit is terminated,
notice and evidence thereof shall be provided to the Director. Upon
termination or expiration of the Lease Agreement, License, Right-
.of-Way Agreement, or Encroachment Permit, the aboveground
utility facilities, including their accessory equipment, shall be
removed from the public property or the public right-of-way.
Section 3. SEVERABILITY
All of the provisions of this ordinance shall be construed together to
accomplish the purpose of these regulations. If any provision of this part
is held by a court to be invalid or. unconstitutional, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall apply only to the particular facts, or if a provision is
declared to' be invalid or unconstitutional as applied to all facts, all of the
remaining provisions of this ordinance shall continue to be fully effective.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Tustin at a
regular meeting on the 1st day of October, 2001.
Tracy Wills Worley, Mayor
Pamela Stoker
City Clerk
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Ordinance No. 1232
Page 7 of 7
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
CITY OF TUSTIN )
CERTIFICATION FOR ORDINANCE NO. 1232
PAMELA STOKER, City Clerk and ex-officio of the City Council of the City
of Tustin, California, does hereby certify that the whOle number of the
members of the City Council is five; that the above and foregoing
Ordinance No. 1232 was duly and regularly introduced at a regular
meeting of the Tustin City Council, held on the 1st day of October, 2001
and was given its second reading, passed and adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council held on the 15th day of October, 2001 by the
following vote:
COUNCILPERSONS AYES:
COUNCILPERSONS NOES:
COUNCILPERSONS ABSTAINED:
COUNCILPERSONS ABSENT:
Pamela Stoker, City Clerk
Attachment D of October 1, 2001 City Council Staff Report
Resolution No. 01-95
RESOLUTION NO. 01-95
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 99-84 BY ADOPTING DESIGN
GUIDELINES FOR ABOVEGROUND UTILITY
FACILITIES AND THEIR ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT
ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND IN THE PUBLIC
RIGHT-OF-WAY.
The City Council of the City of Tustin does hereby resolve as follows:
The City Council finds and determines as follows'
Al
That telephone, internet, cable, and personal wireless telephone
(cellular) servicing the City are expanding and upgrading their
services and will require installation of additional equipment such as
abovegroUnd accessory equipment, antennas attached to utility
poles, street light poles, or other structures on public properties or in
the public right-of-way.
Bi
On December 6, 1999, the City Council adopted the Aboveground
Cabinets Design Guidelines. These guidelines regulate
aboveground cabinets for power supply equipment within the public
right-of-way. These guidelines do not regulate utility facilities
located aboveground such as antennas attached to utility poles,
street light poles, utility towers, or other structures within the public
right-of-way.
Gl
Currently, there are no guidelines in place for aboveground utility
facilities on public properties such as parks, community facilities, or
other City-owned properties. New comprehensive guidelines are
needed to establish design criteria prior to installation of
aboveground utility facilities on public properties or in the public
right-of-way.
Bi
That guidelines and development standards are needed to promote
and protect the public health, safety, and general welfare and
preserve and enhance the quality of the City relating to the orderly
development of aboveground utility facilities and their accessory
equipment.
E,,
That a public hearing was duly called, noticed, and held by the
Planning Commission on September 10, 2001, and the Planning
Commission recommended approval of the Design Guidelines for
Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public Properties and in the Public
Right-of-Way and Ordinance No. 1232.
Resolution No. 01-95
Page 2 of 14
II.
Fi
That a public hearing was duly called, noticed, and held by the City
Council on October 1,2001.
In adopting the Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public
Property and in the Public Right-of-Way, the City Council finds and
determines:
That the guidelines provide standards that mitigate impacts typically
associated with installation of aboveground utility facilities and their
accessory equipment on public property and in the public right-of-
way, including measures to reduce their visual imPact.
B,
That the guidelines require approval of an Encroachment Permit
and/or Design Review process which would ensure that
aboveground utility facilities and their accessory equipment are
developed in an orderly manner with respect to location, size, and
screening.
Gl
Traffic signal controller cabinets are exempted because they are
different in nature and function and provide essential services. The
traffic signal control cabinets by nature must be located where
traffic can be controlled at intersections. Irrigation controller
cabinets are also exempted because they must be located in close
proximity to available power sources.
Bi
That fair and reasonable compensation shall be secured for
permitting private use of public properties by utility providers.
El
That it is appropriate for the City Manager, on. behalf of the City
Council, to accept discretionary applications for use of public
properties and/or public right-of-way.
Fi
That the Director of Community Development should be authorized to
approve, approve with conditions, or deny the Design Review
application in accordance with the Design Guidelines adopted herein.
For projects located within redevelopment project areas, the
Redevelopment Agency shall make a finding of conformity to the
respective redevelopment plans concurrently or prior to consideration
of the Design Review application. No Design Review approvals shall
be granted without a finding of conformity by the Redevelopment
Agency.
G
A Final Negative Declaration has been prepared and adopted in
accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
Resolution No. 01-95
Page 3 of 14
III.
The City Council hereby amends Resolution No. 99-84 by adopting the
Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public Properties and
in the Public Right-of-Way attached hereto as Exhibit "A" to be followed
when considering an Encroachment Permit and/or Design Review
application for the installation of aboveground utility facilities and their
accessory equipment on public properties and in the public right-of-way.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Tustin City Council, held on the
1st day of October, 2001.
Tracy Wills Worley
Mayor
Pamela Stoker
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
CITY OF TUSTIN )
I, Pamela Stoker, City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Tustin,
California, do hereby certify that the whole number of the members of the City Council
of the City of Tustin is five; that the above and foregoing Resolution No. 01-95 was duly
passed and adoPted at a regular meeting of the Tustin City Council, held on the l't day
of October, 2001 by the following vote;
COUNCILMEMBER AYES:
COUNCILMEMBER NOES:
COUNCILMEMBER ABSTAINED:
COUNCILMEMBER ABSENT:
Pamela Stoker
City Clerk
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-9'5
Design Guidelines for Aboveground Utility Facilities on Public
Properties and in the Public Right-of-way
EXHIBIT A
DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR
ABOVEGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
ON PUBLIC; PROPERTIES AND IN THE PUBLIC; RIGHT-OF-WAY
SECTION 1' PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of these guidelines is to implement Part 6 of Chapter 2 of Article 7 of the
Tustin City Code (Ordinance No. 1232) and regulate the placement and design of
aboveground utility facilities and their accessory equipment' in conjunction with any City-
permitted use of public properties and public right-of-ways.
These guidelines are intended to protect the health, safety, aesthetics, and welfare; and
secure fair and reasonable compensation for permitting private use of public property.
SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS
For purposes of these guidelines, the following words and phrases shall have the following
meanings, unless the context of the sentence in which they are used indicates otherwise.
"Aboveground Accessory Equipment" or "Accessory Equipment" means any aboveground
equipment located in enclosures, cabinets, artificial rocks, boxes, or other structures to
facilitate the operation of their associated utility facilities.
"Aboveground Utility Facility" or "Utility Facilities" means any aboveground public or private
plant, equipment, and property including, but not limited to, cables, wires, conduits, ducts,
pedestals, antennae, utility poles, street light poles, utility towers, or other structures and
their supports, electronics, and other appurtenances used or to be used to transmit,
receive, distribute, provide, or offer utility services. This includes facilities for personal
wireless services as defined in the Telecommunication Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7).
"City" means the City of Tustin.
"Council" means the City Council of the City of Tustin.
"Co-location" means the locating of more than one aboveground utility facility provider on a
single structure-mounted, roof-mounted, or ground-mounted utility facility.
"Director" means the Community Development Director of the City of Tustin.
"Grantee" means a person who has been granted a Lease Agreement or License pursuant
to this policy and guidelines.
"Interference" means any instances of interference with public safety radio equipment
preventing clear radio reception which includes, but is not limited to, static, unwanted
signal, and distortion of sounds or reception.
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 5 of 14
"Lease Agreement or License" means a contract agreement between the City and a
person pursuant to this policy and guidelines. The contract may be in the form of a
lease if the City owns a fee interest in the property or in the form of a license if the City
has a leasehold interest in the property.
"Person" means and includes, but is not limited to, corporations, companies or
associations, firms, partnerships, limited liability companies, and individuals and includes
their lessors, trustees, receivers, and successors in interest.
"Public property" means any property in which the City of Tustin and/or the City's
Redevelopment Agency holds a legal interest, except the public right-of-way.
"Public right-of-way" means and includes all public streets,
easements now or hereafter owned in fee or easement by the City.
sidewalks, and utility
"Public Works Director" means the Director of Public Works of the City.
"Stealth Facility" means any aboveground utility facility which is disguised to appear as
another natural or artificial man-made object that is prevalent in the surrounding
environment or which is architecturally integrated into a building or other concealing
structure.
"Utility Provider" means and includes any person that proposes to or does own, control,
operate, or manage plant, equipment, or any other facility on public property or in the
public right-of-way for the provision of an utility service.
"Utility Service" means and includes any electrical, gas, heat, water, telephone, pipeline,
sewer, or telegraph services or commodity, where the service is performed for, or the
commodity delivered to, the public or any portion thereof.
SECTION 3: APPLICABILITY
These guidelines regulate the installation of new and replacement aboveground utility
facilities and their accessory equipment on public properties or in the public right-of-
way.
SECTION 4: PROCESS
4.1
Application Process
The City Manager or designee may accept a discretionary application for use of
public property and/or Public right-of-way for aboveground utility facilities and
process the application in accordance with Tustin City Code Section 9272 related
to the Design Review process. At the City Manager's sole discretion, a request
to submit an application may be denied. Authorization to submit an application
does not commit the City to approve the proposed use.
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 6 of 14
4.2
Upon the application being found complete by the Community Development
Director ("Director") or designee, using the criteria set forth in these guidelines
and Tustin City Code Section 9272, the Director may approve, conditionally
approve, or deny the application. The Director reserves the right to, or if required
will, forward any application to the Planning Commission and/or City Council for
consideration and action.
For projects located within redevelopment project areas, a finding of conformity
to the respective redevelopment plans shall be made concurrently or prior to
consideration of the Design Review application. No approvals shall be granted
unless the Redevelopment Agency can make a finding of conformity.
Upon the approval of the application, the Grantee shall obtain all applicable
permits prior to installation of the aboveground utility facilities and their accessory
equipment including, but not limited to, Lease, License, Right-of-Way Agreement
under Chapter 7 of Article 7 of the Tustin City Code, electrical permit, building
permit, encroachment permit, owner authorization, and other required permits by
the .City or any other agencies such as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Public Utility Commission (PUC), or
other County, State or Federal agencies. However, existing franchises or
agreements need not be reconsidered by the City Council unless the franchise
agreement requires such consideration.
Design Review
al
Design Review approval in accordance with Tustin City Code Section
9272, shall be required prior to the placement, construction, installation,
operation, establishment, or modification of any aboveground utility
facilities on public property and in the public right-of-way.
b=
A Design Review application shall be accompanied with a statement to
indicate that the utility facilities will not interfere with the Public Safety
Radio Equipment. If interference occurs after the installation, the utility
providers shall take immediate action to eliminate the interference and pay
all associated fees for compliance.
Gl
Design Review approval shall remain valid for the term of the Lease
Agreement or License and/or Right-of-Way Agreement including any
extension thereof or as long as the encroachment permit is valid. Upon
termination or expiration of the Lease Agreement or License,
Encroachment Permit, Right-or-.Way Agreement or upon the failure of
Grantee to build the facility within 180 days of its approval, the Design
Review approval for the facility shall become null and void and the facility
shall be removed within thirty (30) days from such termination or
expiration.
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 7 of 14
d,
Design Review approval for aboveground accessory equipment associated
with the operation of the utility facilities shall be considered in accordance
with the process and criteria as outlined in Section 7 of these guidelines.
e,,
In addition to the information requested in the Development Application
Form, the following items shall be required for an aboveground utility
facility:
·
A statement providing .the reason for the location, design, and
height of the proposed aboveground utility facilities;
Evidence satisfactory to the City demonstrating location or co-
location unfeasible on existing structures, light or utilities
poles/towers, and existing 'sites for reasons of structural support
capabilities, safety, available space, or failing to meet service
coverage area needs;
=
A photo simulation of the proposed aboveground utility facility in
true scale.
1
A site plan showing the locations of all proposed and existing
aboveground utility facilities.
1
A screening plan showing the specific placement of landscaping or
any other proposed screening materials to be used to screen the
aboveground utility facilities, including the proposed color(s); and,
J
A signed statement that the applicant agrees to allow for co-
location of additional aboveground utility facilities on the same
structures or within the same site location, or whether such co-
location is unfeasible, and the reasons for such unfeasibility.
SECTION 5: DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Aboveground utility facilities on public property and in the public right-of-way shall be
placed in locations where there is little or no interference with public use of the properties
and the rights or reasonable convenience of property owners who adjoin the properties.
Aboveground accessory equipment located inside cabinets, enclosures, artificial rocks,
boxes, or other structure shall be subject to criteria listed in Section 7 of these guidelines.
The following criteria shall apply:
al
Stealth Facility. Abovegmund utility facilities shall be designed as stealth facilities
with concealed antennas to be placed within existing structures such as buildings,
utility poles, light poles, utility towers, freestanding signs, score boards, towers, or
fencing and shall blend into the surrounding environment or be architecturally
integrated.
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 8 of 14
b,
Co-location. Aboveground utility facilities shall be co-located with existing
aboveground utility facilities where possible, Whenever any existing utility facilities
are located underground within the public right-of-way, the utility providers with
permission to occupy the same public right- of-way shall co-locate their utility'
facilities underground.
C~
Colors. Any part of aboveground utility facilities visible to public view shall have
subdued colors and non-reflective materials which blend with surrounding materials
and colors and shall be covered with an anti-graffiti material.
Screenings. For building- or structure-mounted facilities, screening shall be
compatible with the existing architecture, color, texture, and/or materials of the
building or structure.
el
Landscaping. When landscape screening is proposed or required, the landscaping
shall be compatible with the surrounding landscape area and shall be a type and
variety capable of screening the aboveground utility facilities. All landscaping areas
shall be adequately maintained which include, but not limited to' trimming, mowing,
weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, regular watering, and replacement of diseased
or dead plants.
Signs. Any signs attached to aboveground utility facilities shall comply with the City
of Tustin Sign Code.
g,
Accessory Equipment. Accessory equipment associated with the operation of the
utility facilities shall be designed, located and be made part of the structures (i.e. as
part of the base or support structure) or be located within buildings, enclosures, or
cabinets in accordance with Section 7 of these guidelines.
he
Required Removal. The City, in accordance with the Lease Agreement or License,
Right-of-Way Agreement, or Encroachment permit, as applicable, reserves the right
to require the removal or relocation of any aboveground utility facility when
determined to be necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare by giving
ninety (90) days notice.
Undergrounding.. The City reserves the right to require that all utility facilities
including their accessory equipment be placed underground when technologically
feasible.
SECTION 6' DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Development standards including height limits for any aboveground utility facility on
public property and in public right-of-way shall be determined pursuant to the Design
Review process.
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 9 of 14
SECTION 7: ABOVEGROUND ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT
Aboveground accessory equipment for aboveground utility facility located inside cabinets,
enclosures, artificial rocks, boxes, or other structure shall be subject to the following
criteria:
7.1 Process
a~
Replacement Aboveground Accessory Equipment that are the Same Size
as Existing Aboveground Accessory Equipment.
Installation of replacement aboveground accessory equipment shall be
approved in conjunction with issuance of an Encroachment Permit
provided the replacement aboveground accessory equipment is the same
size or smaller than the existing aboveground accessory equipment and
the aboveground accessory equipment complies with the height
requirements set forth in Section 7.3 herein.
b.
New Aboveground Accessory Equipment or Replacement Aboveground '
Accessory Equipment that are Larger than Existing Aboveground
Accessory Equipment.
Installation of new aboveground accessory equipment or replacement
aboveground accessory equipment that are larger than the existing
aboveground accessory equipment may be approved in conjunction with
issuance of a concurrent Encroachment Permit/Design Review
application, provided that each the following requirements are met:
·
No aboveground accessory equipment may be located adjacent to
a front-yard area of a residentially zoned or used property.
w
The aboveground accessory equipment complies with the height
requirements set forth in Section 7.3 herein.
3. The aboveground accessory equipment complies with the
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
e
No aboveground accessory equipment may be located in an area
that obstructs line of sight at an intersection, driveway, or alley.
Gl
Comprehensive Manual in Lieu of a Design Review.
·
A comprehensive manual may be submitted in lieu of a Design
Review application for new or replacement aboveground accessory
equipment that meet each of the requirements of Section 7.1(b)
above. The manual shall contain sufficient information to verify
compliance with the above requirements such as type and size of
the proposed aboveground accessory equipment. When a project
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 10 of 14
is located within redevelopment project areas, the comprehensive
manual shall also be submitted to the Redevelopment Agency for
finding of conformity to the respective redevelopment plans. Upon
approval of the comprehensive manual, the applicant shall obtain
an Encroachment Permit. The Community Development and
Public Works Departments shall review the Encroachment Permit
application.
1
Installation of aboveground accessory equipment in accordance
with an approved comprehensive manual shall not be subject to a
Design Review process.
al
New Aboveground Accessory Equipment or Replacement Aboveground
Accessory Equipment that cannot comply with Requirements for
Concurrent Encroachment Permit/Design Review [Section 7. l(b)]
Installation of new aboveground accessory equipment or replacement
aboveground accessory equipment that are larger than the existing
aboveground accessory equipment and cannot comply with the
requirements for a concurrent Encroachment Permit/Design Review
[Section 7.1(b)] require a Design Review prior to issuance of
Encroachment Permits.
e. System Upgrades
System upgrades which require substantial installation of new and
replacement aboveground accessory equipment shall require Design
Review approval prior to issuance of Encroachment Permits when Design
Review is required by these guidelines. ^ comprehensive Master Plan
depicting the locations of all new and replacement aboveground
accessory equipment shall be submitted concurrently with the Design
Review application.
7.2. Development Guidelines
Location, size, and screening of proposed aboveground accessory equipment
will be considered by the Community Development Department in accordance
with the following criteria'
a. Location
1. Whenever feasible, accessory equipment should be installed
underground. If it is not technologically feasible to install an
accessory equipment underground, the utility provider shall submit
a letter of explanation regarding the hardship associated with or
unfeasibility of underground installation. One letter may be
included in the comprehensive manual described in Section 7.1(c)
for all proposed accessory equipment within the manual.
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 11 of 14
m
When underground installation is not feasible, the following order of
preference shall be considered for aboveground installation of
accessory equipment of any size:
a. Aboveground accessory equipment should be designed as
stealth facility.
b!
Aboveground accessory equipment should be located
adjacent to non-residential properties in an area where no
modification to the existing right-of-way would be required
and existing landscaping is present to screen the accessory
equipment.
C,
Aboveground accessory equipment should be located
adjacent to side or rear yards of residential properties,
preferably on major streets where no modification to the.
existing right-of-way would be required and existing
landscaping is present to screen the accessory equipment.
d. Aboveground accessory equipment should be located as
closely as possible to the shared property line between the
front yards of residential properties where no sight distance
from driveways would be obstructed.
3. Consideration shall be given to the humber of existing aboveground
accessory equipment within a particular area and over-
concentration of aboveground accessory equipment shall be
avoided. Over-concentration is defined as more than one (1)
aboveground accessory equipment installed adjacent to the same
side of a property. If a sufficient distance separation is not
technologically feasible:
a. Aboveground accessory equipment shall be located as far
as possible from existing aboveground accessory
equipment; and,
b. The accessory equipment owner/installer shall submit a
letter of explanation regarding the hardship associated with
or unfeasibility of installing the aboveground accessory
equipment at a sufficient distance from an existing
aboveground accessory equipment.
e
Aboveground accessory equipment located in parkway areas
should be located at the same distance from the curb as other
aboveground accessory equipment along the parkway to create a
uniform Setback distance and appearance.
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 12 of 14
7.3
7.4
7.5
Si
Aboveground accessory equipment shall not:
a.
Obstruct line of sight requirements
driveways;
at intersections or
b.
Obstruct or hinder opening of vehicle doors;
Gl
Obstruct disabled access along public sidewalks to the
extent that a minimum of four (4) feet clear sidewalk would
not be maintained;
d. Interfere with any existing or proposed improvement
projects.
Height
am
The height of.any replacement aboveground accessory equipment that
are larger than existing or new aboveground accessory equipment to be
located adjacent to the front, side, or rear yards of residentially zoned
properties may not exceed the permitted height of fencing as determined
at the property line in residentially zoned areas.
be
The height of any replacement aboveground accessory equipment that
are larger than existing or new aboveground accessory equipment located
in non-residential areas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Screening
al
In residentially zoned areas, aboveground accessory equipment shall be
enclosed or screened to match or complement surrounding features such
as fencing, buildings, or landscaping. The use of a matching accessory
equipment color or applied paint, texturing, or faux finishing, or other
techniques shall be applied in accordance with manufacturer.
recommendations.
b.
The use of crash posts is discouraged. However, if shown to be
necessary, the exterior finish of the crash post should be painted the color
of the aboveground accessory equipment.
C.
Access openings shall face away from street frontages whenever feasible.
STANDARD CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
al
Noise emanating from an aboveground accessory equipment shall not
exceed the City's adopted Noise Ordinance standards.
b,,
The accessory equipment owner company shall file the accessory
equipment identification number, company name, person responsible for
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 13 of 14
maintenance of the accessory equipment, and the phone number with the
Public Works Department. This information may be included in the
comprehensive manual described in Section 7.1(c) of these guidelines.
C,
The aboveground accessory equipment shall not bear any signs of
advertising devices (other than certification, warning, or other required
seals or signage).
d,
Aboveground accessory equipment shall be constructed or treated with
appropriate materials which discourage or repel graffiti and the accessory
equipment owner shall be responsible for removing graffiti from accessory
equipment within forty-eight (48) hours. Accessory equipment owners
shall be responsible for costs associated with any necessary enforcement
action related to graffiti removal.
el
Any removal of landscaping necessary to install the aboveground
accessory equipment shall be replaced with landscaping materials similar
in number, type, and size as approved by the Directors of Community
Development and Public Works.
gl
The utility provider or accessory equipment installing entity shall be
responsible for reconstruction of in-kind facilities within the Public right-of-
way that are damaged or modified during installation of aboveground
accessory equipment.
,
Prior to installation, the utility provider shall provide notification to adjacent
property owners within a one hundred (100).foot radius indicating the type,
location, and size of aboveground accessory equipment that will be
installed and the estimated start and ending dates of construction.
hi
The aboveground accessory equipment shall be constructed of a material
that will be rust resistant (i.e. stainless steel, etc.). The utility provider
shall be responsible for treating any rust by either repainting or any other
method recommended by the manufacturer that eliminates the rust.
SECTION 8' ABANDONMENT
A abovegr°und utility facility and/or its accessory equipment is considered abandoned if
it no longer in service or is in default pursuant to default provisions in any lease
agreement, license, Right-of-way Agreement or any other applicable agreements or
licenses. ^ written notice of the determination of abandonment by the City shall be sent
or delivered to the Grantee. The Grantee shall have ninety (90) days to remove the
facility at the Grantee's sole cost and expense or provide the Community Development
Department with evidence that the use has not been discontinued. Such removal shall
be in accordance with proper health and safety requirements.
If the use of the aboveground utility facility and/or its accessory equipment is
discontinued for any reason, the Grantee shall notify the City of Tustin in writing no later
Exhibit A of Resolution No. 01-95
Page 14 of 14
than thirty (30) days after the discontinuation of use. Aboveground utility facilities and
their accessory equipment that are no longer being used shall be removed within ninety
(90) days after the discontinuation of use. Such removal shall be in accordance with
health and safety requirements. ,All disturbed areas shall be restored to original
conditions at the Grantee's expense.
If the facility is not removed within the required ninety (90) day period, the City shall be
entitled to remove the facility at the Grantee's sole cost and expense. The Grantee
shall execute such documents of title to convey all right, title, and interest in the
abandoned aboveground utility facility and its accessory equipment to the City.
SECTION 9' LEASE AGREEMENT OR LICENSE
All persons wishing to construct, attach, install, operate, maintain, or modify a
aboveground utility facility and its accessory equipment on public property, exclusive of the
public right-of-way, in which the City has ownership, easement, leasehold, or any other
possessory interest after approval of a Design Review application shall obtain a Lease
Agreement or License and any other approval required under these guidelines. A lease
Agreement or License shall be subject to approval of the City Attorney's office and the
City Manager's office as to the specific terms and conditions required.
S :\CDD\CCRESOS\01-95.doc