Subject:
Title
Consideration of a Modification of Requirements for height of Rooftop Architectural Screening at 527 Maple Ave. E - AT&T Wireless Telecommunications Facility
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
None
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY:
New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, doing business as AT&T Mobility, proposes to install a wireless telecommunications facility on the roof of the existing multi-tenant commercial building at 527 Maple Avenue East. The proposal includes antennas, equipment, a rooftop platform, and architectural screening designed to complement the existing building and rooftop telecommunications facilities.
Because the proposal involves co-location on an existing structure, it qualifies as an administrative review-eligible project under the Code of Virginia and therefore may not, under Virginia law, require a conditional use permit even though the Town of Vienna code lists this use as conditional.
However, portions of the proposed architectural screening would exceed the maximum height of nine feet above the roof permitted by Section 18-212.1.C of the Town Code. The applicant is therefore requesting approval of a Modification of Requirements to permit a west platform screen wall extending 9 feet 8 inches above the roof and a north screen wall extending 10 feet 10 inches above the roof.
The Planning Commission reviewed the request on June 24, 2026, and voted 6-0 to recommend approval. At its July 24, 2026, special meeting, the Board of Architectural Review voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the Modification of Requirements. The BAR also separately voted 4-0 to approve the proposed rooftop platform, antennas, and associated architectural screening as submitted.
The Town Council is responsible for making the final decision on the requested Modification of Requirements after considering the recommendations of the Planning Commission and Board of Architectural Review and any public testimony received at the public hearing.
Departmental Recommendation: The Department of Planning and Zoning recommends approval of the requested Modification of Requirements.
Finance Recommendation: Not applicable.
Purchasing Recommendation: Not applicable.
Town Attorney Recommendation: Following amendments that were part of the Code Create process and edits related to permitted site plan modifications, the Town Council may consider approval of the proposed request to exceed the permitted height of the proposed “architectural screening”.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve the requested Modification of Requirements for 527 Maple Avenue, East, Docket No. OF-2118130, as presented.
Cost and Financing: Not applicable
Account Number:Not applicable
Prior Funding Approval: Not applicable
Decision Needed by This date: Aug. 24, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
“I move to approve the requested Modification of Requirements for 527 Maple Ave., East, Docket No. PF-2118130, to permit the west platform screen wall to extend 9 feet 8 inches above the roof level and the north screen wall to extend 10 feet 10 inches above the roof level, as shown in the application materials, pursuant to Sections 18-212.1.C and 18-830 of the Town Code.”
Or
Other action deemed necessary by Council.