City Board Reviews Wireless Facility Design Standards for Ordinance Update

The City of Santa Rosa's Design Review and Preservation Board convened on August 7, 2025, to discuss critical updates to the city's wireless facility regulations, focusing on aesthetic standards and community impact. This meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing the visual integration of telecommunication structures within the city.

A primary topic of discussion was the need for updated design criteria for telecommunication facilities, particularly as the demand for wireless services continues to rise. The board is seeking community feedback on these standards before they advance to public review and further consideration by the planning commission and city council. The proposed ordinance aims to establish clear aesthetic preferences for both macro cell towers and small wireless facilities, which have seen a notable increase in deployment over recent years.

The meeting highlighted the challenges local governments face in regulating wireless facilities due to federal and state laws that limit local authority. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates that local regulations cannot effectively prohibit the provision of wireless services. This means that while the city can set aesthetic standards, they must not hinder the functionality of these facilities. The board discussed the importance of balancing community aesthetics with the need for reliable wireless service, especially as the number of wireless facilities in Santa Rosa has increased by nearly 25% from 2018 to 2023.

In addition to the aesthetic considerations, the board reviewed recent examples of wireless facility designs that have been approved in the city. These included innovative solutions such as antennas integrated into water towers and faux trees designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The goal is to ensure that new installations are not only functional but also visually compatible with their neighborhoods.

As the city moves forward with these updates, the Design Review and Preservation Board is committed to engaging with residents to gather input on how best to achieve a balance between technological advancement and community character. The next steps will involve refining the proposed standards based on feedback received, ensuring that Santa Rosa remains a connected yet aesthetically pleasing community.