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Planning Commission approves AT&T rooftop wireless facility in Outer Sunset despite neighbor opposition
Summary
After public testimony from neighbors and technical debate over antennas, batteries and visual treatments, the commission approved AT&T’s conditional‑use permit to install six panel antennas screened as chimney vents at 2395 Sixth Avenue to address a coverage gap, with staff noting design refinements and fire‑safety/permit conditions.
The Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional‑use permit allowing AT&T Mobility to place six antennas on the roof of a mixed‑use building at 2395 Sixth Avenue, in a Taraval neighborhood commercial district, after an extensive public hearing with technical testimony and neighborhood opposition.
Planning staff summarized a two‑year review and multiple community meetings that led to design revisions to minimize visual impacts and relocate auxiliary equipment to the building’s garage. AT&T representatives presented third‑party RF and safety reports, described alternative‑site analyses and explained the need to decommission an older antenna site to close a local coverage gap.
Opponents led by telecommunications consultant David Wilner testified with technical briefs and photographs, arguing the faux‑chimney enclosures would be visually intrusive, that alternative sites should receive more consideration, and raising concerns about battery placement in the garage and compliance with FCC rules. Several residents described perceived long‑term health or safety concerns and parking/garage impacts; a SFPD/Central Station representative testified that properly permitted battery installations and site security are standard practice.
Commissioners asked staff and AT&T detailed questions about RF jurisdiction, battery permits and safety inspections, alternative‑site screening and design iterations; staff said the fire department inspects battery installations and the FCC preempts local regulation of RF power but the wireless guidelines address siting and aesthetics. After deliberation, the commission voted unanimously to approve the conditional use with conditions and standard public‑safety permitting requirements recorded in the project file.
