Arcata planning panel approves 100‑foot Vertical Bridge/T‑Mobile monopole with setback reduction

The Arcata Planning Commission approved a Vertical Bridge/T‑Mobile proposal for a 100‑foot monopole on West End Road, allowing a reduced residential setback from 1,000 to 730 feet and approving related use and design permits under a CEQA Class 15303 categorical exemption.

Joe Mateer, a city planner, told commissioners the project would occupy a 40‑by‑40 lease area (1,600 square feet), use an existing access easement, and include underground PG&E service with some above‑ground equipment. "We recommend that the commission allow for the site the setback reduction from the thousand foot to 730 feet for the proposed location," Mateer said, explaining staff concluded the standard 1,000‑foot separation was difficult to meet after an alternatives analysis and objective engineering standards review.

Hannah Boris, speaking for infrastructure owner Vertical Bridge, said the facility "meets all applicable city standards, is consistent with the general plan, and will fill a a significant gap in T Mobile's in building service coverage." She told the commission the applicant provided an NPE letter showing compliance with FCC RF emission limits and presented photo simulations showing a slim monopole compatible with the industrial surroundings. The applicant also proposed landscaping and a 6‑foot solid metal fence to screen ground equipment while requesting limited deviation from local landscaping rules.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on colocation and community notice. One commissioner said the topic of colocation remained confusing and asked how the city can "get the service we need, and insist that they co locate in a reasonable manner." Staff said Arcata's zoning is written to incentivize colocation and described a streamlined zoning clearance for subsequent providers so they need not obtain a full new use permit if they meet the conditions tied to the approved site.

On environmental concerns, staff said the project's RF safety materials show it meets FCC regulations and that the applicant must follow a Regional Water Quality Control Board‑recommended groundwater and soil contingency plan if construction disturbs subsurface conditions. Staff noted limited soil testing found background levels of arsenic and nickel and recommended geotechnical and groundwater management conditions as part of approval.

A nearby property owner who spoke during public comment said the tower "does look like it would cover that new dorm inventory right there," and commissioners noted the location sits adjacent to existing industrial activity, reducing potential residential conflicts. The applicant said the facility is designed to accept up to two additional providers and would extend in‑building 4G/5G coverage to parts of the community and along state routes used by east‑bound traffic.

On a motion to approve the use permit, minor use permit and design review and to adopt CEQA subsection 15303 (Class 3) as the applicable categorical exemption, the commission voted in favor by voice vote. The planning commission adopted the findings and conditions described in staff attachment A and approved the project as conditioned.

The meeting concluded with staff and commissioners trading thanks; planner Joe Mateer noted this was likely his last presentation before retiring at the end of the year.