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Planning panel approves 150‑ft ‘monopine’ cell tower near North Lakeport
Summary
The Lake County Planning Commission on June 11 approved a major‑use permit for a 150‑foot monopine cell tower proposed by Assurance Development for T‑Mobile near Terrace Avenue in the North Lakeport area, finding environmental effects could be mitigated. The approval drew questions about aesthetics and wildlife mitigation but passed with conditions.
The Lake County Planning Commission voted June 11 to approve a major use permit for a 150‑foot “monopine” telecommunications tower proposed by Assurance Development for T‑Mobile at 5017 Terrace Avenue near North Lakeport.
Staff associate planner Max Stockton told commissioners the project met local zoning and general‑plan standards and that a mitigated negative declaration would reduce environmental impacts to less‑than‑significant levels. Stockton noted tribal notifications were distributed under AB 52 and three tribes responded; no tribal consultation request was made.
Applicant representative Nicholas Photon said the monopine would be engineered to host three carriers and included an EME (electromagnetic exposure) report demonstrating “an exposure of 2.4% of the maximum allowed at ground level.” He also described coverage maps showing modest existing service and greatly expanded reliable coverage along Highway 29 after the site is activated.
Commissioners asked about visual simulations, bird surveys and security. The applicant confirmed no lighting is proposed on the tree‑like monopine, said archaeological and environmental constraints had been reviewed, and acknowledged Redbud Audubon Society comments recommending nest surveys and consideration of avian lighting measures. Staff noted a pre‑construction bird‑nesting survey was included as a condition (D1).
Public speakers urged clearer photo simulations and requested more lifelike monopine designs; applicant materials in the record included multiple photo simulations and the applicant said he would work to meet concealment and aesthetic conditions. The commission adopted the mitigated negative declaration and approved the major use permit with the findings and conditions in the staff report.
Outcome: The commission approved adoption of the initial study/mitigated negative declaration and granted the major‑use permit; the record notes the 7‑day appeal period under county code.
What’s next: The applicant and county staff will proceed with the listed conditions (grading permits, nest surveys and other measures). An appeal period is open to parties who disagree with the commission’s decision.
