Commission approves two AT&T rooftop wireless installations after community questions on 5G planning
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Summary
The Planning Commission granted conditional use authorizations to AT&T for rooftop wireless facilities at 990 Pacific and 1020 Ninth Street after staff described design screening and limited public attendance at community meetings; commissioners and residents discussed 5G planning and health concerns but were told the proposals are 4G installations and comply with siting guidelines.
The commission approved two conditional use authorizations allowing AT&T to install rooftop wireless telecommunications equipment at 990 Pacific Avenue and 1020 Ninth Street. Planning staff described each installation’s design and screening: the 990 Pacific proposal would place eight panel antennas behind an FRP screen box and associated radios at roof level; the 1020 Ninth proposal would install 12 panel antennas screened behind enclosures at multiple rooftop corners with ancillary equipment in the basement.
Staff noted public outreach: AT&T held community meetings (990 Pacific: 15 community members attended; 1020 Ninth: 6 attendees) and agreed to an informational workshop about RF emissions at 990 Pacific after an attendee requested RF screening tests. A member of the public raised broader concerns about the city’s 5G rollout and cited international appeals to the U.N. asking for caution; AT&T representatives and staff replied that the proposed installations are 4G, that project siting follows the Planning Department’s wireless facility guidelines, and that the city can provide the siting guidelines to commissioners on request.
Commissioner Johnson suggested a future informational session to refresh commissioners and the public on regulatory standards, siting rules and processes used to evaluate wireless facilities. With recusal by Commissioner Richards on the first item (financial interest noted), the commission approved 990 Pacific (vote recorded 5–0) and later approved 1020 Ninth Street (vote recorded 4–0).
