Richvale residents and ag pilots press commission on proposed 100‑foot cell tower; commission continues to allow more study

The Planning Commission opened public comment on a conditional use permit for a proposed wireless communications facility (UP25‑2) near the northeast corner of Richvale Highway and Colony Road and heard multiple neighbors and agricultural operators object on safety and notification grounds. Mark Michellena of the Development Services Department summarized the application, saying the project would include a 100‑foot monopole plus a 5‑foot lightning rod, antennas, radio units, ground equipment in a 2,500‑square‑foot fenced compound, and a backup diesel generator. He said staff prepared an initial study and a mitigated negative declaration that includes measures for giant garter snake habitat.

Nearby ag pilots and airport operators told the commission they had not received adequate notice and that the tower would sit in an intensive agricultural flight corridor used for low‑altitude aerial application and helicopter operations. A pilot who identified himself as an agricultural operator said he gathered opposition from about 47…