Taft planning commission approves conditional use permit for unmanned fiber hut on city property

The Taft Planning Commission on July 16 approved Conditional Use Permit 2025-06 to allow an unmanned, prefabricated telecommunications fiber hut, emergency backup generator and underground propane tank on city-owned property at the northeast corner of Highway 33 and Petroleum Club Road.

The project, submitted by Tilson Technology Management on behalf of the California Department of Technology, proposes a 46-by-55-foot fenced enclosure containing a 12-by-20-foot unmanned fiber hut, a backup generator and an underground propane tank on APNs 220-290-10 and 220-042-05. Planning Department staff found the application met the development standards for the General Commercial (CG) zone and recommended approval.

Luke Reisner, planning staff, said the applicant "submitted their conditional use permit and plans on April 16, and it was found to meet development standards of the general commercial zone district, as well as, consistency with the general plan. And therefore, the project's proposed to, move on to the planning commission for review and approval. And there are conditional use permit findings on page 3 of the staff report. And, yeah, staff recommends approval of the project." The commission adopted a resolution approving the permit and found the project exempt from CEQA under Guidelines section 15303 (new construction and conversion of small structures).

Commissioners raised safety and future‑access concerns tied to the site. One commissioner asked whether the proposed location could limit a future road widening or turn-lane work at the frequently accident-prone intersection; Reisner said the building would be set back "over 70 feet from the actual road" as shown on the aerial site plan. Commissioners also asked about protecting the enclosure and the propane tank from vehicle collisions. Planning staff said bollards were not included in the proposal but could be added as a condition; an applicant representative confirmed the propane tank is underground. Michelle Thompson, representing Tilson, told the commission: "the propane tank will actually be protected because it is underground."

Tilson and the applicant team described an anticipated permitting and construction timeline. Michael Longyear of Tilson said the ideal construction schedule would begin in the first quarter of 2026, with permits obtained in 2025, and noted the project is "part of the middle mile broadband initiative" with a "big picture, hard deadline at the end of next year, 2026, for funding and construction." He added the applicant was coordinating with the city manager and the building department on next steps.

The project site is currently vacant and the California Department of Technology is in the process of securing a lease agreement with the city for property use. Staff noted the proposal includes an underground conduit easement on a separate APN but that the hut, generator and propane tank are on the main APN.

Votes at a glance - Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 2025-06 (construct 46x55-foot fenced enclosure with 12x20-foot unmanned prefabricated telecommunications fiber hut, emergency backup generator and underground propane tank on city-owned property; CEQA Guidelines §15303 exemption): passed 4-0 (Commissioner Daven: yes; Commissioner McDaniel: yes; Vice Chairman Church: yes; Chairman Jerry Livingston: yes). - Approval of minutes (motion passed by roll call earlier in the meeting): recorded yes votes included Commissioner John Dowden, Commissioner Steven McDaniel, Vice Chairman Church, Chairman Jerry Livingston (vote recorded during item 6). - Committee and officer appointments (chair, vice chair, traffic committee, Economic Development main/alternate): motions carried (votes recorded as aye/4-0 where noted in minutes).

The commission’s planning director reported the panel will meet in August to consider a housing element recommendation to the City Council. The commission closed the meeting after routine commissioner comments and adjournment.