Planning Commission approves AT&T rooftop antenna at 577 Castro

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 23 to approve a conditional use permit allowing AT&T Mobility to install a rooftop wireless facility at 577 Castro St.

Planning Department staff (Omar Masri) summarized the proposal: nine partially screened rooftop antennas attached to an elevator penthouse and ancillary equipment in the first‑floor parking area, intended to close a documented coverage gap. "Staff has received 4 comments in opposition to project based on health concerns related to radio frequency emissions as well as concerns regarding the aesthetic effects," Masri said, but recommended approval.

AT&T’s director of external affairs, Teddy Verhaes, presented the applicant’s alternative‑site analysis and independent RF testing. He said AT&T hired Hammitt and Edison to conduct a radio‑frequency and coverage analysis; that report (dated July 14) concluded the proposed site would close 3G/4G coverage gaps and that calculated RF exposures were well below federal and local standards. "The report and calculations were reviewed and signed off by the city's Department of Public Health," Verhaes said. He also noted the facility would be tested on‑site at activation and every two years thereafter.

Commissioner Johnson asked whether the first‑floor equipment cabinet would remove any parking spaces; planning staff confirmed it would be inset and not occupy parking stalls. Following questions, a motion to approve with conditions passed 6–0.

Next steps: the project will be subject to required testing at activation and periodic inspections per the city’s wireless siting conditions.