Carpinteria ARB forwards revised Verizon rooftop antenna plan to Planning Commission with design conditions
Loading...
Summary
After hearing staff and the applicant, the Carpinteria Architectural Review Board voted 3–1 to forward a revised Verizon rooftop wireless installation at 912 Linden Ave to the Planning Commission, with comments urging tighter concealment, back-side screening and relocation of visible ladders.
The Carpinteria Architectural Review Board on Dec. 11 voted to forward a revised Verizon proposal for rooftop wireless antennas at 912 Linden Avenue to the Planning Commission, asking staff to pass on design comments that tighten concealment and reduce visual impacts on downtown’s clock tower.
Staff planner Brett summarized revisions to the Conditional Use Permit and Coastal Development Permit application, noting the applicant reduced antenna size and number, removed a previously proposed height extension to the clock tower and shortened a south-corner antenna from 8 feet 10 inches to 8 feet 4 inches. "The installations now proposed 1 new screening fan antenna wall installation on each side of the tower," Brett said, adding staff remains concerned about views of the enclosure backs and recommended additional reduction in the width and depth of screening fins.
The Verizon representative said the project responds to local wireless congestion ‘‘especially during community events, peak hours, and busy weekends’’ and described FRP (fiberglass-reinforced plastic) screening that can be color-matched to the building. "Verizon is definitely, willing to look at repairing the clock tower, getting the clock to work and the lights to work and painting to match the new FRP," the applicant said, offering cooperation on restoring the feature if the design is approved.
Board members focused on concealment and material choice. Board member Johnson urged that elevations and plans precisely reflect the tower’s stepped fins and recommended closing off the back sides of enclosures; Johnson also suggested moving ladders and service equipment behind fences to reduce alleyway visual clutter. Board member Wolf said she did not consider a fiberglass screen a suitable match for existing masonry and voted against forwarding the project.
Staff also flagged federal timing requirements for wireless reviews, telling the board the review is subject to a federal "shot clock" that runs through the Feb. 2 Planning Commission meeting. The ARB vote to forward staff recommendations passed 3–1 with one member absent.
What happens next: staff will transmit the ARB’s design comments and the revised plans to the Planning Commission for its CUP/CDP decision and for building-permit review if approved. Staff said they will confirm noise/acoustic details and provide any requested FRP samples before Planning Commission action.
Votes at a glance: The ARB motion to forward the revised Verizon plan to the Planning Commission with staff comments passed 3–1 with one member missing.
