18.51.060 Required Information.
A. Preapplication or Conceptual Review. A preapplication and/or conceptual review are recommended prior to submitting formal applications for new ground-mounted monopoles or towers, new building-mounted facilities or projects in less-preferred residential and open space areas.
B. Applications for a wireless antenna facility must be made in person during the public counter hours of the Planning Division of the Planning and Building Department or by appointment during all other hours. If the application is deemed incomplete, a resubmittal meeting shall be required. Applications and any subsequent resubmittals that are not made in person and during scheduled times shall not be deemed accepted for filing and will be returned.
The following application information shall be required:
1. Completed application forms, including the wireless facility submittal checklist. Application forms shall include a full project description, and shall be signed by the property owner or accompanied by a letter of authorization that states the property owner has read and agrees to the filing of the application.
2. Required application fee as set forth in the City’s Master Fee Schedule in effect at the time the application is filed.
3. Title Report. For any wireless facility proposed to be installed on any private property, not owned or controlled by the City, the applicant must submit a title report, issued within thirty (30) days prior to the date the applicant filed the application.
4. Peer Review. Prior to accepting an application as complete, the City may at its sole discretion require a peer review of the project to be conducted by a qualified RF engineering consultant, as deemed necessary to confirm compliance with FCC radio frequency emission standards. The consultant shall be selected by the City and paid for by the project applicant. If peer review is required, the application shall include sufficient information for the City-retained consultant to conduct such review for compliance with FCC radio frequency emission standards.
5. Six (6) initial sets of materials and plans showing the following information:
a. Project Description. A complete project description, including the following information on the proposed wireless communication facility:
i. Number and sizes of antennas and approximate orientation;
ii. Other technical information regarding transmission equipment such as maximum power output and frequencies;
iii. Copy of FCC license;
iv. Heights of proposed facilities;
v. Equipment enclosure type and size;
vi. Materials and colors of antennas and any equipment enclosure;
vii. Description of towers or other structures necessary to support the proposed facilities; and
viii. Description of lighting, signage and landscaping proposed.
6. Site Plan(s). A site plan, showing the overall property on which the facility will be placed, and a detailed site plan for the project area, as needed for large sites, that include the following information:
a. Vicinity map, including flood zone delineation per the FEMA flood maps;
b. Parcel lines of the subject parcel;
c. Contextual map showing structures on adjacent properties;
d. Location and names of adjacent streets and drives proposed to serve as access to the facility;
e. Topography of the subject parcel and location of any drainages within or adjacent to the site;
f. Location of all existing buildings, structures, utilities, parking areas, significant trees and other natural forms, or other features which might affect the proposed use of the property;
g. Setbacks of proposed structures and improvements from the property lines;
h. Location and height of required cuts and fills for the grading of land and any retaining walls proposed;
i. Location of proposed development including all towers, structures, buildings, utility line extensions, driveways or roads, and parking areas;
j. Schematic drainage and grading plan; and
k. North arrow, graphic scale, the applicant’s name, assessor’s parcel number and date prepared.
7. Elevation Certificate. An elevation certificate is required for any wireless facility to be located within a flood zone. All new construction, including equipment platforms, ground-mounted facilities, etc., shall incorporate the minimum elevation for new construction, as determined to be applicable by Larkspur’s Floodplain Administrator.
8. Elevations. Elevations showing all sides of the proposed facility, and including the following information:
a. Elevations and sections of the site displaying site topography, proposed facilities including towers, equipment shelter and existing buildings;
b. Wall, roof, tower and antenna materials;
c. Fencing, air conditioning units and outdoor lighting, if any;
d. Rooftop or building features such as vents, chimneys and antennas; and
e. Building or tower height as measured from natural grade.
9. Photo Simulations. Photo simulations of the proposed facility from key public viewpoints based upon consultation with City staff. Photo simulations shall display existing and proposed views, and include the date(s) when the base photo was taken.
10. Landscape Plan. A landscape and irrigation plan, showing all existing and proposed improvements, location of proposed plantings and type of landscape material, for proposed ground-mounted facilities including equipment cabinets.
11. Alternative Site and Design Analysis. An alternative site analysis is required if the proposed facility is:
a. Located within any district other than a commercial or industrial district;
b. Located within fifty (50) feet of a “less preferred location,” as defined in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.51.065(A) (i.e., parks, open space or residential zoning district);
c. A wireless facility proposed per Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.51.040(A)(2), (A)(5) and (A)(6).
d. Lacking stealth design; or
e. Not co-located with an existing approved wireless facility as provided in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.51.065(B).
The alternative site and design analysis shall be presented in a narrative form with supporting maps and other graphics that identify the other site locations, and/or design options that conform to City regulations, which were considered and rejected in favor of the proposed site/design. The applicant shall provide supporting reasons why the alternate sites/designs were infeasible and rejected, why co-location or building-mounted location has not been pursued (if applicable), and why the proposed design and/or site is superior from a technical or other standpoint to the others considered.
12. Story Poles. Story poles or mock-ups may be required if deemed necessary by the Community Development Director.
13. Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) Study and FCC Compliance Details. For the sole purpose of verifying compliance with the FCC radio frequency emission standards, an emissions report which measures the predicted and actual levels of electromagnetic field radiation emitted by the proposed facility operating alone and in combination with radiation emitted from other existing or approved facilities that can be detected at the proposed facility site. Radiation measurements shall be based on all proposed (applications filed and pending), approved, and existing facilities operating at maximum power densities and frequencies. The study shall identify the existing and predicted electromagnetic field radiation in table form, identify any measures required to comply with the FCC standards for predicted exposure levels, provide a summary of the conclusions of the report and provide details for any signage, barriers or similar mitigation that is recommended or required.
If mitigation is required by FCC radio frequency emission standards, the details for signage, barriers or other physical improvements shall also be included on the project plans prepared for the facility. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine the location and power of existing facilities.
14. Noise Analysis. A noise analysis for emergency generators or other noise-producing facilities. (Ord. 1062 § 14, 2022; Ord. 1039 (part), 2019)