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Presidio Heights neighbors lose challenge to Verizon small‑cell permit after Board of Appeals split
Summary
Residents appealed a Public Works tentative approval of a Verizon small‑cell installation at 3400 Washington St., arguing Planning failed to provide required written findings and that pole‑mounted equipment would harm the historic Presidio Heights streetscape. The board considered testimony from neighbors, Verizon and city staff; a motion of intent to grant the appeal failed and the permit remained upheld by default.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Nov. 15 considered an appeal by Presidio Heights neighbors of a Public Works tentative approval for a Personal Wireless Service Facility at 3400 Washington St., where Verizon proposed mounting a compact antenna and equipment on a steel street pole.
Charles Ferguson, president of the Hale (Presidio) Heights Association of Neighbors, told the board the Planning Department never supplied the written reasons required by Article 25 for concluding the facility would not significantly harm the character or aesthetics of the neighborhood. Ferguson said the neighborhood had paid to underground utilities and that placing an antenna on a pole “would reverse and destroy that accomplishment.” He urged the board to deny the permit under Article 25’s requirement that planning evaluate context-specific effects.
Verizon’s counsel,…
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