Narrative
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55401-1993
June 17, 2019
Sharmeen Al-Jaff
Senior Planner
City of Chanhassen
7700 Market Blvd
Chanhassen, MN 55317
RE: Bluff Creek Substation Field Area Network Additions
Sharmeen,
Attached please find a completed Development Application for a Conditional Use Permit
and supporting documents for Xcel Energy’s proposed Field Area Network (FAN)
components proposed at the existing Bluff Creek Substation located at 2150 Lyman
Boulevard. The substation has been in operation since the late 1980’s and is within the
city’s Agricultural Estate (A-2) Zoning District. The substation land is owned by the city
of Chaska and Xcel Energy holds easement rights to operate and maintain the
transmission portion of the substation.
FAN is a private wireless communication system that will connect Xcel Energy’s control
centers with intelligent, integrated devices that enable remote monitoring and control of
the electric grid. The FAN system will enhance reliability for our electric customers by
providing faster service and shorter, better managed outages. A fact sheet with further
details is included for reference.
Implementation of the FAN system in the Chanhassen/Chaska area will require
installation of a 145 foot tall galvanized steel monopole with a 5 foot lightning rod
attached to the top (150 feet total) in order to establish sufficient two-way
communication between the Bluff Creek Substation and new advanced meters for Xcel
Energy’s customers in the surrounding area. The FAN system will replace an existing
communication system that has been in place since the mid 1990’s.
Per city code Sec. 20-574 (15) and Article XXX, the 150 foot proposed monopole and
antenna are subject to obtaining a Conditional Use Permit. Collocation requirements
per Sec. 20-1510 do not apply as Xcel Energy’s FAN facilities are for public utility use,
not commercial wireless telecommunication services as defined in Sec. 1-2.
Additionally, Xcel Energy security requirements prohibit collocation of FAN facilities on
non-company owned towers.
The monopole will be designed to accommodate the proposed FAN antenna and at
least one other comparable antenna. Although this design criterion will be met, Xcel
Energy security requirements do not allow outside communication providers to attach to
the FAN monopole as it will be installed and operated within the secured fenced area of
the substation. Additionally, Sec. 20-1510 (3) applies to commercial wireless
telecommunication service towers, not public utility services.
Additional equipment (H-Frame base station) will be installed on the ground level that
attaches to the antenna using coax cables. The General Arrangement plan shows the
location of the proposed monopole and H-Frame near the existing Electrical Equipment
Enclosure near the south fence line. Placement of all FAN components will meet
setbacks requirements for the A-2 district per Sec 20-575 (5) and Sec 20-1505.
The following documents are included with this narrative to support the Development
Application:
CUP Application and other Fees
General Arrangement (Site Plan) with proposed FAN components shown
Monopole, H-Frame plans and elevation
Supplemental maps and example photos
FAN Fact Sheet
No additional landscaping is proposed since the FAN components will be installed
within the fenced area of the existing substation. Site grading is not needed to install the
pole, drainage patterns on the substation property will not change and, no new lighting
or signage will be installed as part of the FAN project.
Xcel Energy looks forward to working with the City of Chanhassen and implementation
of the FAN system to better serve our electric customers in the area. Should you need
further information on the materials submitted, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Chris Rogers
Principal Siting & Land Rights Agent
612-330-6078, office
651-247-5531, cell
Christpher.c.rogers@xcelenergy.com