HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes 01/12/20221
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
AMES ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AMES, IOWA JANUARY 12, 2022
The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment met, pursuant to law, in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on
January 12, 2022, in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The following members were present:
Leila Ammar, Rob Bowers, Chad Schneider, Amelia Schoeneman, and Michael Zenor. Also
present were Assistant City Attorney Victoria Feilmeyer and City Planner Benjamin Campbell.
Approval of Minutes: Moved by Ammar, second by Schneider to approve the minutes of the
December 8, 2021, Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
CASE NO. 22-01
Public Hearing on a Special Use Permit to remove the upper portion of the stealth tower and
replace with larger stealth diameter canisters, including new antenna and equipment, on the
existing U.S. Cellular tower located at 2801 Grand Ave:
City Planner Benjamin Campbell presented Case No. 22-01 to the Board, noting that Capital
Tower & Communications, Inc., was requesting the approval of a Special Use Permit to install
mounted antennae and larger stealth canisters on an existing monopole at 2801 Grand Avenue.
The existing canisters measure 30 inches, and the proposed canisters measure 46 inches. The 120-
foot cell tower that was approved in October of 2001 would remain at the same height. City Planner
Campbell stated the monopole and ground equipment is located south of JCPenney in a 35-foot by
20-foot walled area and is located in accordance with required setbacks of the Zoning Code. He
noted any change to the design that would modify the stealth elements originally approved would
require an amendment to the Special Use Permit.
City Planner Campbell stated that US Cellular is proposing to remove the existing antennae and
30-inch stealth canisters on the top one-third of the tower and replace them with larger antennae
and 46-inch stealth canisters. He noted City staff does find that the proposed changes comply with
the applicable Code. City Panner Campbell reviewed safety standards and noted that there are no
safety issues.
City Planner Campbell concluded that City staff is recommending approval of the proposed
Amended Special Use Permit for a Cell Tower with Antennae to allow replacement by U.S.
Cellular of 40 feet of existing 30-inch stealth canisters with new 46-inch stealth canisters and the
addition of new interior-mounted antennae and associated equipment, located at 2801 Grand
Avenue, with the stipulation that the final color of the pole and canister must match and the straps
must be consistent in appearance.
Chair Schoeneman asked if there were any questions for staff before inquiring if the ice bridge
would be new or if the existing would remain. City Planner Campbell noted that he did not see a
proposed change to the ice bridge in the plans and the Board concurred.
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As the applicant was not present, Chair Schoeneman opened the Public Hearing. No one came
forward to speak and Chair Schoeneman closed the Public Hearing.
Moved by Bowers, seconded by Ammar, to approve Alternative 1: The Zoning Board of
Adjustment may approve the Amended Special Use Permit for a Cell Tower with Antennae to
allow for replacement by U.S. Cellular of 40 feet of existing 30-inch stealth canisters with new 46-
inch stealth canisters and the addition of new interior-mounted antennae and associated equipment
located at 2801 Grand Avenue based on the findings of fact and conclusions stated herein, as
detailed on the submitted Site Plan and Elevations and the stipulation below:
a.) The final color of the pole and canisters shall match. This may require repainting the
pole to match the canisters. The fittings and straps of the canisters shall also be aligned
and secured to ensure a consistent aesthetic and appearance. The pole and canisters
shall be maintained in an ongoing manner with a consistent color and fit.
Vote on Motion: 5-0. Motion declared carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Schneider, seconded by Schoeneman, to adjourn the meeting at
6:08 p.m.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Carly Watson, Recording Secretary Amelia Schoeneman, Chair