Commission adopts mitigated negative declaration and approves Verizon site, opts for monopine aesthetic

The Tehama County Planning Commission on April 16 adopted a mitigated negative declaration and approved Use Permit 25‑01 for a Verizon wireless facility at 25560 Guile Road, modifying the permit to require a monopine stealth treatment.

Staff explained the project addresses both coverage and capacity issues: adjoining towers are operating near or over capacity and the new facility — which includes a 50‑by‑50‑foot ground enclosure and an onsite backup generator — will increase 4G/5G coverage along the I‑5 corridor and nearby Guile Road. Staff told commissioners that the RF exposure calculations for this flat‑terrain site were below 1% of the federal limit and that the permit allows space for additional carriers to co‑locate.

The presentation included two visual options: a standard monopole (staff recommendation based on county precedent in orchard areas) and a monopine stealth design. Commissioners asked about cost and aesthetics; staff said monopine designs are significantly more expensive but remain an option and that monopoles may be painted to reduce visual contrast. Several commissioners voiced preferences for a monopine to reduce visual impact along Guile Road. The applicant's representative, Bill Lewis of Assurance Development, said the applicant is open to either option and highlighted the project’s importance for public safety and 911 reliability, citing industry trends in rising wireless demand.

The commission first voted to adopt the mitigated negative declaration for the project and then approved the use permit subject to the findings contained in attachments G and H of the staff report, modified to require a monopine. The transcript records the motion as moved by Commissioner Harris and seconded by Commissioner Petanovic; the final approval was recorded as a 4–0 vote.

The county will proceed under the conditions in the staff report and the project’s attachments.