Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecom Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves overhead telecom bridges at Compass data center campuses with screening and clearance conditions
Summary
The commission approved zoning amendments to allow above-ground telecom conduit structures between data‑center buildings on two Compass campuses, subject to minimum clearances, setbacks and screening to match building materials.
The Red Oak Planning and Zoning Commission on June 2 approved zoning changes that allow above-ground telecom conduit structures between buildings at the Compass data center campuses (Cases ZAsInZebraCAsInCat25-09 and ZAsInZebraCAsInCat25-10). The requests were presented by KFM Engineering and Design.
Staff and the applicant described the structures as bridge-like conduits that span the space between adjacent data-center buildings to carry fiber and other low-voltage cabling. Mark Shaw of KFM said the conduits are intended to improve network latency by providing a short, direct path between buildings; staff said trenching underground in the narrow fire lanes would be expensive and highly disruptive because of existing utilities and conduit runs.
The proposed conduits will be set back a minimum of 300 feet from the public road; staff noted one location sits roughly 900 feet from Houston School Road. Fire officials reviewed the plans and require a 14-foot minimum clear zone in the fire lane; staff said the developer will provide at least 15 feet of clearance in the lanes and a 17-foot-wide driveway in some areas. The applicant described the structures as a three-tier conduit bridge between Buildings 4 and 5 on Campus 2 and between Buildings 6 and 7 on Campus 3, with no immediate plans for additional bridges.
Staff asked that the overhead conduit structures be screened in a material and color that matches the existing rooftop mechanical screening so the bridges appear intentional and cohesive with the building designs. Commissioners raised aesthetic concerns about visibility from public roads and neighboring properties; staff replied the structures will be far back on the site, will be screened with mesh consistent with other rooftop screens and will be obscured by a combination of fence, landscaping and retaining walls in certain views.
After public comment by Mark Shaw (KFM Engineering and Design) and technical discussion with staff, the commission approved both PD amendments as presented. Staff said any additional bridges would be limited to spanning between buildings on the same campus, must maintain the minimum vertical clearance and must not cross public rights-of-way.
