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Planning commission approves Verizon facility on Edison tower in Cerritos Auto Square
Summary
The commission approved Wireless Telecommunication Permit WTP 2025‑2 to install Verizon antennas on a Southern California Edison transmission tower at Cerritos Auto Square; Verizon will install equipment cabinets and backup batteries and must obtain an Edison meter.
The Cerritos City Planning Commission voted 5-0 on Oct. 1 to approve Wireless Telecommunication Permit WTP 2025‑2, allowing Verizon Wireless to mount antennas and remote radio units on an existing Southern California Edison transmission tower located on property used by Cerritos Auto Square dealerships.
Staff and the city’s wireless consultant reviewed the application and concluded the proposed facility complies with the Cerritos wireless ordinance and Federal Communications Commission guidelines. Staff recommended adoption of the resolution approving the permit; commissioners voted in favor following a public hearing and questions about siting and power.
Associate Planner Wyman Wong presented the project, describing photo simulations and coverage maps that show expanded wireless coverage in the area north of South Street and west of Studebaker Road. The proposal would mount new antennas roughly 56 feet above ground and locate an equipment enclosure beneath the tower containing six equipment cabinets and a GPS antenna. Project-specific condition 81 requires the enclosure exterior be constructed of decorative slump block to match other wireless equipment enclosures and be reviewed by the Department of Community Development.
Commissioners asked whether Southern California Edison owns the tower and the land; staff and the applicant confirmed Edison owns the tower and the land, and Verizon must arrange payment/lease terms with Edison. Commissioner Shorty asked about power and backup systems; Emmanuel Higgins, representative for Tectonic Engineering and Verizon, said Verizon is applying to Edison for a separate meter and will install backup batteries on-site to provide service for a “couple of hours” during outages.
Staff also noted the permit includes an expiration if work is not completed within one year of approval. A single public comment in support was received in advance; no opposition was recorded. Commissioner Chowhan moved approval; Commissioner Al seconded. Electronic voting produced a unanimous 5‑0 result.
