Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wireless Permit Revocation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts findings in Cooper appeal, formalizing revocation of wireless pole permit
Summary
The Board adopted findings upholding the earlier decision to revoke a wireless‑pole permit (11WR0002); appellant Jeff Cooper argued the denial was consistent with local standards and not evidence of discrimination under the Telecommunications Act. The findings were adopted 4–0.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on Aug. 1, 2012, adopted factual findings in Cooper v. Department of Public Works related to permit number 11WR0002 (formerly NextG Networks, now Crown Castle), formalizing the board’s prior vote to grant the appeal and revoke the wireless equipment permit.
Jeff Cooper, the appellant, argued the company’s brief overstated federal preemption under the Telecommunications Act and said the city retains authority over placement, construction and modification of personal wireless facilities. Cooper said the location at 20 Seventh Avenue was incompatible with the block and that the Board’s prior ruling correctly found no vested rights for the permit holder at the site. "The equipment added to our block is significantly larger and more offensive than other pole attachments on our block," he told the board.
Natasha Ernst, government relations and utility counsel for Crown Castle, and planning staff described site selection and compatibility standards used in the Planning Department analysis. Planning staff explained the compatibility evaluation and the alternatives considered. Commissioner Hillis moved to adopt the findings with no changes; the Board adopted the findings 4–0, and the 10‑day rehearing request period began.
The adoption of findings formalizes the Board’s earlier reversal of the permit and begins the administrative window for rehearing requests.
