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Planning Commission approves 100-foot monopine wireless tower near Hollister
Summary
The San Benito County Planning Commission voted 4-0 to adopt a resolution approving a 100-foot monopine-style wireless facility (PLN250072) at 2200 Sanan Hollister Road, with staff findings that the site meets zoning setbacks, design standards and categorical CEQA exemptions; the applicant said the tower addresses capacity and coverage gaps.
The San Benito County Planning Commission voted 4-0 to approve a use permit for a 100-foot monopine-style wireless facility at 2200 Sanan Hollister Road (PLN250072).
Senior Planner Michael Kelly told the commission the site lies on a 5.33-acre industrial parcel and that the proposed monopine would include nine antennas, a microwave dish, remote radio units, GPS and ground equipment. Kelly said the proposal meets county setback and design requirements, is consistent with general-plan policies supporting telecommunications infrastructure and qualifies for categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act. "Staff recommends that the planning commission adopt the resolution making those findings and approving the use permit," Kelly said.
Applicant representative Andy Roenstrike said the carrier had searched for collocation opportunities but found existing towers in the area were occupied and that terrain and congestion cause dropped calls and slow data. "This site will add the capacity so that doesn't happen," Roenstrike said, describing the project as "both a capacity and a coverage issue." He confirmed the applicant will meet conditions listed in the staff report.
The property owner, identified as Pastor Baines, participated by Zoom, said he had earlier audio trouble but confirmed he had reviewed the materials and that the owner will meet the resolution's conditions.
Commissioners expressed frustration that the county's wireless ordinance leaves limited design options; several members said they have repeatedly requested ordinance updates but that changes have not advanced. Despite those concerns, a commissioner moved to adopt the staff resolution to approve the monopine and the motion passed on a roll call vote: Vincent Ring Hayden — yes; Richard Weey — yes; Robert Scalyote — yes; Robert Gibson — yes.
The commission's action authorizes the use permit under the conditions in the adopted resolution. The applicant and staff will proceed under the adopted findings and conditions; the commission also asked staff to continue work on updating the county wireless ordinance to expand design options.
