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Commission Approves 195‑Foot Tower at Panorama Drive for Regional Radio Network

City of Bakersfield Planning Commission · February 20, 2026

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Summary

Planning commissioners approved a zoning exception for a 195‑foot radio tower at 4200 Panorama Drive, citing topography and microwave path needs; no public opposition spoke at the hearing.

The Planning Commission approved item 6B on Feb. 19 to allow a radio tower at 4200 Panorama Drive to support the city’s portion of the regional public‑safety radio system. The site presentation identified topography in the northeast of town as the reason this location requires a taller tower (engineers indicated a 195‑foot structure). No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition at the hearing.

Project consultants explained that the taller structure is necessary to establish microwave links between the six city sites and the broader county network and that the tower will be shared by multiple public agencies and utilities. Commissioners asked technical questions about the tower’s height and shared use; staff and Federal Engineering confirmed the site will be used by the city, county and other partners and that the network will be jointly owned and operated.

Commissioner Martin moved to approve the item and Vice Chair Biddle seconded; the motion passed with Commissioners Kaur and Neal absent. Staff indicated that because no public opposition was present, no appeal reading was necessary for this item. The approval covers municipal zoning modifications only; subsequent permitting and construction approvals remain required.