Board reverses prior denial, approves Vertical Bridge/T‑Mobile tower at San Joaquin River Club in 4–1 vote; residents vow legal challenge

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23 approved, by a 4–1 vote, an administrative use permit allowing Vertical Bridge to erect a 100‑foot telecommunications tower on a parcel inside the San Joaquin River Club. The action reversed an earlier Board denial and followed a rehearing requested after a federal lawsuit alleging violation of federal telecommunications law.

Background and legal framing: County staff and outside counsel said the rehearing followed an appeal and subsequent litigation that argued denial violated the federal Telecommunications Act and related case law. Outside counsel told the board the controlling federal standard requires that, once a carrier demonstrates a service coverage gap and proposes a technically feasible solution, local governments face a heightened legal burden to identify a less‑intrusive alternative. Counsel recommended the board reconsider prior denial in light of the record showing multiple site analyses by the applicant and concluding that no feasible alternative had been documented.

Resident objections: More than a dozen River Club residents spoke in opposition during the public hearing, raising concerns including: the validity of the lease/authorization documents between the River Club and Vertical Bridge; claims the board and River Club leadership did not consult the membership; assertions that Starlink or colocating on nearby towers could fill the claimed coverage gap; and health, environmental and property‑value concerns. Residents also described instances of on‑site drilling and site testing and questioned whether those investigations had occurred before final county approval.

Board discussion and vote: Supervisors acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and the strength of community opposition. Board members debating the item noted the federal legal framework limits local discretion when a carrier demonstrates a coverage gap. After discussion the board voted to approve the appeal to overturn the Planning Commission denial and prior board decision. The clerk announced the vote was 4–1 in favor of allowing the permit to proceed.

What happens next: County staff noted this is effectively the final county‑level decision; residents and other parties may pursue litigation in state or federal court challenging the approval or the contract between the River Club and Vertical Bridge. Board members and counsel noted that the county will need to defend the decision in court should that occur.

Ending: Opponents in the public gallery said they will pursue legal challenges; proponents (including the carrier) argued the tower addresses a documented coverage gap. The county’s decision reflects an unsettled balance between local land‑use preferences and federal telecommunications law.