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Committee Advances Changes to Surface‑Mounted Telecom Rules; In‑Lieu Fee Raised and Item Continued
Summary
Committee members heard amendments to the surface-mounted facilities ordinance to allow in‑lieu fees for street trees and murals, to permit modest modifications to existing boxes, and to raise the in‑lieu fee from $500 to $2,000. The item was continued to July 12 for additional technical amendments and noticing.
Supervisor Malia Cohen’s staff presented amendments to the city’s surface‑mounted facilities (SMF) ordinance intended to streamline the process for telecommunications providers to install equipment while preserving public‑realm beautification. The amendments would: (1) allow a permittee to pay an in‑lieu fee rather than install a street tree or mural; (2) remove a 100‑square‑foot landscaping requirement that is subject to litigation; (3) allow modest changes to the height or volume of an existing facility on the same foundation without a new public-works permit; and (4) clarify compliance with a court order related to private-property installations and CPUC constraints.
Staff noted two proposed edits distributed in committee: increasing the in‑lieu fee from $500 to $2,000 and striking mandatory camouflage language from a section on murals for consistency. Public comment included both endorsements (Filipino Cultural Center, Asian Pacific American Community Center, UFCW Local 6 48, and local residents supporting expanded fiber access and funds for beautification) and objections (residents worried about added streetside boxes, graffiti/maintenance, and sidewalk impacts).
Supervisor Feuer requested amendments to require district‑specific beautification fund collection, a biennial report to the Board on SMF activity, and neighborhood considerations such as pole placement and design options. The committee adopted two sponsor-stated amendments (including the fee increase) and continued the item to the July 12 meeting so additional changes can be drafted and properly noticed.
