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Planning Commission approves small‑cell wireless pole on Main Street; asks staff to consult PG&E on aesthetics
Summary
The commission approved a use permit to replace a utility pole with a new 35‑foot‑4‑inch pole carrying small‑cell wireless equipment at 766 Main Street, while encouraging city staff to discuss downtown sign/banners with PG&E to improve aesthetics.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a coastal development permit and use permit on June 10 for a small wireless telecommunications facility that replaces an existing utility pole at 766 Main Street, subject to conditions described by staff.
Scott Phillips, the project planner, said the new pole would be 35 feet, 4 inches tall — just under the 36-foot maximum — and would carry all small-cell equipment on the pole itself, with no ground-mounted cabinets. Because the proposal is not a collocation on an existing pole, a use permit was required. Phillips told the commission the project conforms to city policy encouraging minimized visual impacts for small-cell technology and that the applicant colored equipment to match the pole.
Phillips noted federal FCC rules that include “shot clock” deadlines for small-cell approvals; for this site the 90-day shot clock expires June 27. “In particular for, 90 day or for, new facilities, a 90 day shot clock is implemented,” he said, explaining the regulatory timeline.
Commissioners asked about construction impacts and aesthetics. The applicant (via Zoom) said PG&E would perform the physical pole replacement — usually a single day for the replacement — and the wireless contractor would return to mount equipment over one to two days. The applicant said PG&E would need to approve any additional attachments, but expressed willingness to discuss aesthetic ideas. Commissioner Hernandez moved approval while “encourag[ing] that city staff ask PG&E to incorporate this into our citywide sign program downtown,” a request the commission adopted by motion.
The commission approved the staff recommendation with the suggested encouragement to coordinate with PG&E on potential banners or decorative elements consistent with downtown signage, and the vote was unanimous. The decision is subject to the standard 10-working-day appeal period.
