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Zoning Administrator approves new Sprint facility in Bonsall

San Diego County’s zoning administrator approved a modification to a minor use permit which allows a wireless telecommunications facility in Bonsall.

The March 21 decision of Zoning Administrator Noah Alvey allows Sprint to replace an existing monopole and construct a false broadleaf tree on the property in the 3400 block of East Vista Way. Twelve panel antennas and 12 remote radio units will be mounted on the 50-foot-tall false tree.

A 2003 amendment to the county’s Zoning Ordinance adopted a wireless communications facility policy which requires a major use permit to site a facility in an area with residential or agricultural zoning, but if a minor use permit had already been granted only a modification rather than a major use permit is required for changes.

The 4.2-acre Bonsall property has A70 Limited Agriculture zoning, but the initial minor use permit was approved in October 1996 and approved a 40-foot tower along with an exemption from the 35-foot height limit while also approving a 200-square-foot concrete block auxiliary building.

The minor use permit was modified in February 2001 to allow the existing 48-foot monopole with 12 panel antennas and add one equipment cabinet. Because the 1996 height exemption allowed structures up to 53 feet, no new height exemption was needed.

The wireless communications ordinance included an amortization period for monopoles, lattice towers or other facilities not camouflaged or designed as a false tree or building component. The replacement facility addresses the amortization schedule, and in July 2018 the Bonsall Sponsor Group voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the changes.

The panel antennas and remote radio units will be mounted no higher than 44 feet. The existing concrete masonry enclosure, which is designed as a storage shed to blend in with the agricultural landscape, will house the new equipment cabinets.

Author Bio

Joe Naiman, Writer

Joe Naiman has been writing for the Village News since 2001

 

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