Impact
WARD: 7
COMMITTEE: Community Development
$ IMPACT: N/A
Title
Public Hearing - Zoning Request Z15-019 - Approval of a Special Land Use Permit for the installation of a utility hut for Google Fiber Services - 1,600 Sq. Ft. - Land Lots 386 & 387 - 4201 North Cooper Lake Road - Google Fiber Georgia, LLC
Body
ISSUE: Google Fiber Georgia, LLC is seeking approval of a Special Land Use Permit for the construction of a utility hut at 4201 North Cooper Lake Road. The utility hut will provide Google Fiber Georgia, LLC the opportunity to install the necessary infrastructure to provide high-speed internet service.
BACKGROUND: The City of Smyrna was one of nine cities in the Metro Atlanta area selected as an installation site for Google’s ultra-high-speed internet service (Google Fiber). The nine selected cities include: Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Hapeville, Sandy Springs and Smyrna. The process for attracting Google Fiber to Smyrna began in 2010 when staff expressed interest through the City of Smyrna IT Department. The announcement in 2014 that Smyrna was among nine cities being considered began the process of evaluating the feasibility of infrastructure and processes, leading to selection of Smyrna and, now, this first step in the process of beginning the installation of infrastructure to supply network connections up to 100 times faster than basic broadband for Smyrna residents. The infrastructure is expected to make service an option for all areas of Smyrna.
RECOMMENDATION/REQUESTED ACTION: Community Development recommends approval of the requested Special Land Use Permit with the following conditions:
1. The utility hut shall be installed in substantial compliance with the development plans submitted on August 14, 2015 and created by Bechtel Infrastructure and Power Corporation.
2. The applicant shall be bound to the elevations submitted August 14, 2015. Approval of any change to the elevations must be obtained from the Director of Community Development.
3. The proposed chain-link fencing shall be black coated vinyl fencing.
4. The applicant will comply with the City’s current tree ordinance (unless noted elsewhere). All required tree protection measures shall be adhered to by the applicant during construction.
5. All landscape plans must be prepared, stamped, and signed by a Georgia Registered Landscape Architect for any common areas or entrances.
6. All landscape plans shall, at a minimum, meet the following screening requirements:
a. The intent of the landscape area(s) shall be to address the following:
i. Screening to enhance aesthetic appeal;
ii. Control or direct vehicular and pedestrian movement;
iii. Reduce glare;
iv. Buffer noise;
v. Establish privacy; and
vi. Promote public health and safety.
b. Plantings are to be a mix of rows of evergreen trees and shrubs, deciduous trees and taller evergreen trees, or a combination of both;
c. Species are to be ecologically compatible to site and appropriate for design situation;
d. Minimum height of plant materials at installation is to be five feet for trees;
e. Final approval of the required landscape plan must be obtained from the Community Development Director or designee.
7. The applicant shall provide a concrete driveway apron and access road off the North Cooper Lake Park Road to service the proposed utility hut.