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Planning Commission approves AT&T 12‑panel wireless facility at 5140 Geary Blvd. with noise and design conditions
Summary
The commission approved AT&T’s request to install a 12‑panel wireless facility at 5140 Geary Blvd., citing improved coverage and FirstNet (Band 14) benefits for first responders, and included conditions addressing noise, screening and building‑permit structural review. Neighbors raised concerns about RF emissions and structural safety.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on Sept. 3 approved a conditional use authorization for a 12‑panel AT&T wireless facility at 5140 Geary Boulevard, concluding the project meets the wireless‑facility guidelines and provides public‑safety benefits including FirstNet coverage.
Planning staff recommended approval after reviewing community outreach and an alternatives analysis. "The Department finds that the project is on balance consistent with the wireless telecommunications services facilities sign guidelines," staff said, citing design and compatibility findings. AT&T emphasized the site's importance for public‑safety communications: Cammy Blackstone said the site "will include Band 14, which is FirstNet, the national first responder network," and described multiple design revisions to address planning comments.
Residents raised safety and notice concerns: a tenant in the proposed host building asked what structural measurements had been done because the building is over 100 years old and has rotted elements; neighborhood callers also questioned notification and raised perceived RF health risks. Staff said that structural and seismic suitability is reviewed by the Department of Building Inspection at the building‑permit stage and that the application stage focuses on land‑use and design compliance. Staff also noted a noise condition in the staff report (condition 22) and pointed to Department of Public Health and DBI authority for enforcement.
AT&T said it conducted a noise study and that it will comply with CPUC requirements for a generator hookup but will not place a generator on site. The commission added conditions and approved the project with the applicant's agreed amendments. Commissioner Chan moved to approve with staff amendments, Commissioner Diamond seconded, and the motion passed unanimously 5–0.
The approval requires the applicant to comply with noise mitigation, design screening, and to file for the building permit stage where DBI will review structural safety and require any necessary retrofitting or seismic work.
