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Planning Commission approves AT&T roof antenna installation at 800 Powell with conditions after neighbors raise procedural and health concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission granted conditional use authorization for six roof-mounted panel antennas and basement equipment at the University Club (800 Powell) after staff deemed the project consistent with siting guidelines; neighbors pressed AT&T for promised outreach materials and county health review of RF impacts.
The Planning Commission approved a conditional-use authorization for AT&T Mobility to install six roof-mounted panel antennas and associated basement equipment at 800 Powell Street (the University Club) on April 19, 2012.
Planning staff described the site as a WTS preference 6 location and said the proposed antennas would be set back and screened and would not affect the building's architectural integrity. "The department recommends approval of the project with conditions as the project is consistent with the 1996 WTS facility siting guidelines," staff said (Rick Crawford, staff presentation).
AT&T representatives told the Commission the site is necessary to close a significant coverage gap and that existing omni antennas (on the Fairmont Hotel) would be decommissioned once this new site is operational. "This site is necessary for AT&T to close a significant service coverage gap in its wireless network," Teddy Berheus (AT&T) said.
A neighbor speaker representing 840 Powell raised two procedural concerns: that promised outreach materials had not been provided to residents and that the Department of Public Health had not considered potential RF impacts on upper-floor residents who would look down on the roof. He asked that the hearing be postponed until materials were provided; AT&T responded that it would supply links to studies and offered to meet with concerned residents and allow RF testing inside units on request.
After commissioners discussed the issue and AT&T offered to provide follow-up materials and testing opportunities, Commissioner Antonini moved approval. The motion passed unanimously.
Action: conditional use authorization approved with conditions and with AT&T offered follow-up to neighbors about technical material and on-site RF testing.
