Planning commission approves 74-foot AT&T ‘‘monopine’’ near Marion Drive over neighborhood objections

The Sacramento County Planning Commission approved a use permit and special development permit for a 74-foot wireless communication facility disguised as a faux tree at 5204 Marion Drive in the Carmichael/Old Foothill Farms community on March 24, 2025. The commission voted 3–2 to adopt staff recommendations, approving a mitigated negative declaration and permitting the monopine, backup diesel generator and associated equipment cabinets on a 576-square-foot lease area.

Planning staff said the site is vacant and zoned RD-2; the project includes deviations from the county’s separation standard for Group 1 (residential) zones in two directions and a request to exceed the 55-foot maximum height in the code. Christian Baltazar, the project planner, told commissioners the proposal meets most separation and setback requirements but cannot meet the 222-foot separation standard to the south and east because of lot size. Staff recommended approval, concluding the…