Planning Commission approves AT&T request for 12 antennas atop Kabuki Hotel

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Oct. 20 approved AT&T’s request to install up to 12 panel antennas on a four‑story portion of the Kabuki Hotel at 1625 Post Street.

Scribe Valvey of the planning department told commissioners the site is a “location preference 4,” that the department received a petition with 17 signatures in support, and that staff recommended approval with conditions. Teddy Verhaes of AT&T External Affairs said the company sought the permit to meet growing demand for wireless capacity, saying, “the San Francisco market area continues to see a very steep steady incline in data traffic” and that the iPhone 4’s introduction has increased usage. Verhaes said the site is “essential” for AT&T’s coverage and capacity needs and offered to answer commissioners’ questions.

Commissioner Segarra moved to approve the conditional‑use authorization; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote. Commissioners who recorded “Aye” included Mike Antonini, Gordon, Fox, Catherine Moore, Bill Segaya and Ron Miguel; the chair announced the item passed unanimously among those voting. No public testimony was offered on the item.

The approval carries conditions recommended by planning staff; the staff presentation and applicant packet included radio‑frequency reports prepared by Hammitt and Edison and a consultant from KDI Consulting, which AT&T said supported the proposal. The commission did not take additional action or request further study and moved on to the next calendar item.