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Planning Commission backs 80-foot 'monopine' at 724 E. Grant Line Road for expanded cellular service
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended approval of a development review permit and conditional use permit for an 80-foot tall monopine (a faux tree cell facility) at 724 East Grant Line Road; staff said the design will allow multiple carriers to collocate and conceal antennas within the monopine's branches.
The Tracy Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a development review permit and conditional use permit for an 80-foot monopine-style telecommunications facility at 724 East Grant Line Road.
Kenny Lipich of the Community and Economic Development Department summarized the project and presented photo simulations showing how the proposed 80-foot monopine would replace an existing 79-foot monopole within a 1,600-square-foot lease area on a property zoned M-2 (Heavy Industrial). Lipich said the new monopine will allow more carriers to co-locate on the structure than the existing pole.
Staff described the project as consistent with the general plan and zoning and recommended approval. During the discussion, commissioners asked about construction plans, height limits, FAA and airport considerations, shared use and future collocation, and whether additional backup power or transmission changes would be needed if other carriers locate on the monopine.
City attorney and staff clarified that federal authority (the Federal Communications Commission) regulates radio frequencies and that collocation is common and encouraged to reduce the number of discrete cell towers in the city. Staff also noted there is no local building-height limit in the M-2 zone for this site; however, FAA rules and other outside agencies can impose requirements for taller structures. "Most telecom facilities do have multiple carriers on the same facility; cities encourage collocation so we don't have too many poles throughout the town," the city attorney said.
Staff pointed to conditions of approval that require future collocated antennas and equipment to remain concealed within the monopine's branches so the stealth appearance is preserved.
A public hearing produced no comments. The commission then voted by roll call to recommend approval; recorded votes: Chair Joe Orcutt 'yes'; Vice Chair Penning 'yes'; Commissioner Boache Boateng 'yes'; Commissioner English 'yes'; Commissioner Atwal 'yes'.
The recommendation will move forward for final processing; building-permit review will evaluate construction documents and any additional technical conditions.
Votes at a glance: D24-0023 and CUP24-0007 (724 E. Grant Line Rd.) ' Recommendation to approve development review and conditional use permits, CEQA categorical exemption 15332.
