Board upholds planning commission denial of 110‑foot cell tower in Orangevale after residents cite aesthetics, noise and alternatives

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 unanimously upheld the Planning Commission’s denial of a use permit, special development permit and design review for a proposed AT&T wireless communications tower at 7908 Hazel Avenue in the Orangevale community.

County planning staff had recommended the board overturn the Planning Commission and approve the project — conditioned on mitigation measures and design treatments — saying the proposed site would reduce an identified service‑coverage gap. The applicant and its consultant, Epic Wireless Group, argued the carrier had tried but could not secure co‑location on a nearby 106‑foot monopole (identified in the application as an American Tower site) and that the proposed location would better serve churches, schools, senior facilities and a neighborhood identified as Almond Acres.

Planning staff described the project as a 110‑foot faux‑broadleaf tree with 12 panel antennas, equipment…