Commission directs telecom rooftop screening to return to consent with material and view‑study conditions

Alejandro Villa, representing Amentum on behalf of AT&T Mobility, presented a rooftop technology upgrade for a historic building at 200 East Carrillo Street that would replace 12 antennas and associated radios while removing some existing rooftop clutter. Villa said the work would not expand the existing equipment area or raise antenna mounting heights but would require modest increases to fiberglass concealment screens to maintain concealment of the new equipment.

Commissioners queried the applicant on the look and dimensions of the proposed FRP (fiberglass) concealment screens, whether the panels would be painted or prefinished, and how the photo simulations were scaled. The applicant said the new screen sections in the three altered sectors would increase in height and depth to enclose the larger equipment; he gave an example of the existing enclosure dimension (about 3'2") and noted proposed lengths and a new screen height of approximately 8' in some places versus current heights around 5'7" in other locations.

Commissioners requested clearer scaled drawings, material samples and accurate photo simulations on return. A commissioner asked that the consent reviewer ensure the new screening matches the existing panels in color and texture, that top cap details match existing parapet caps, and that any disturbed roof tiles be replaced to match. The commission also asked staff and the applicant to provide a view study showing whether leaving the existing enclosure height would still conceal the antennas from street vantage points.

A motion to return the item to the consent calendar with those conditions was made, seconded and approved by roll call. The commission did not take final, appealable action at the meeting; the item will be reviewed on consent with the requested design clarifications and the view study.