Planning Commission votes 4–3 to continue AT&T antenna application to late January

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Nov. 7 delayed action on AT&T’s conditional‑use application for a wireless antenna after the carrier asked for more time to negotiate alternate sites.

AT&T representative Teddi Berhais said the company has contacted two potential landlords and requested more time after community opposition to the originally proposed rooftop site. “We just need a little bit more time to understand whether or not there is an ability for us to actually secure a new site,” Berhais said.

Commission debate centered on procedure and the commission’s prior direction. Commissioner Moore urged closing the current application while encouraging AT&T to find another site, arguing the commission had already signaled concern about rooftop antenna placements. Commissioner Borden, citing ongoing lease negotiations, moved to continue the matter to late January to allow AT&T time to pursue alternatives. The motion to continue carried 4–3, with Commissioners Hillis, Moore and Sugaya voting against and Commissioners Antonini, Borden, Wu and President Fong voting for the continuance.

Commissioners and staff clarified that once the commission takes a motion of intent to disapprove, an applicant cannot withdraw the application without the commission revoking that intent. Staff advised that if AT&T returns with a different site it would likely need to file a new application.

The commission set the matter for a January hearing; commissioners said that on that date they would first consider any motion of intent to disapprove and then, if applicable, hear any companion materials related to alternative sites.

The continuance was procedural only; no approval or disapproval of the underlying antenna proposal occurred at the Nov. 7 hearing.