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Planning commission approves conditional use to legalize antennas on Bernal Hill; limits set at 71 antennas
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use to legalize and cap equipment on the Bernal Hill radio tower, allowing eight new T‑Mobile antennas while requiring removal of inactive pieces and a landscaping plan to screen the site. The decision passed 5–2 after neighbors pressed for tree screening and staff sought follow‑up on historic unpermitted installations.
The commission approved a conditional use authorization for American Tower/T‑Mobile at Bernal Hill (10 Bernal Heights Boulevard) that legalizes existing antennas and authorizes up to 71 active antenna pieces on the tower, including eight new panels proposed by T‑Mobile.
Planner Jonas Ionian told commissioners the scope includes authorization to cap antennas at 71, require removal of nine inactive pieces, limit dish antennas and require a landscaping plan around the equipment compound. Rick Hirsch, project spokesperson for T‑Mobile, said the new panels would improve mobile coverage in surrounding neighborhoods and provide upgraded 3G service and improved 911 communications for first responders.
Neighbors urged stronger screening and asked why so many antennas were installed historically without permits; staff said the conditional use process is intended to bring the site into compliance and that Building Inspection/DBI would be asked about outstanding permit fee and penalty issues. Commissioners added conditions emphasizing a robust landscaping and replacement requirement, and discussed possible follow‑up to ensure removal of inactive equipment and that American Tower obtain any required permits for current and future tenants.
The commission approved the conditional use as amended; the recorded vote on the motion showed five in favor and two opposed (Commissioners Seguier/Seguin and Olague voted no). The staff decision letter will list the 71‑antenna cap, a requirement to remove inactive pieces, a limit on dish size and quantity, and landscaping and maintenance obligations.
What happens next: The property owner must file building permits to legalize existing equipment and meet the decision letter conditions; any future increases above the 71‑antenna cap will require a new conditional use application.
