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Residents urge written alternatives analysis as Planning Commission approves T‑Mobile rooftop option
Summary
Multiple residents told the commission they want a formal, written alternatives analysis and complete rooftop plans before approvals; commissioners acknowledged those concerns but said some decisions were constrained by federal shot‑clock timing.
Several Hermosa Beach residents urged the Planning Commission on Aug. 4 to require a written alternatives analysis and full rooftop installation plans from T‑Mobile before the commission approves a final design.
Terrell Burnett, who lives at 629 24th Place, said he found the materials "cursory and off the cuff" and asked the city to require complete rooftop plans and a formal list of alternative sites and justifications so the public could assess impacts. Jason Wallace, another resident, told the commission that under federal law a denial must be supported by substantial written evidence and argued the applicant had not provided sufficient written documentation of alternatives; he said staff told him planners generally rely on applicants to produce those analyses.
Applicant representative Jesse Gilholm and staff said T‑Mobile had performed outreach and that some property owners either did not respond or leases had not been renewed (the applicant referenced a prior lease at the Skechers building). Commissioners acknowledged the public’s concerns but also noted the 90‑day federal "shot clock" and the practical limits that timeline imposes on additional studies. Several commissioners said they wanted more written analysis in future cases; in this instance the commission approved an alternative design with conditions to require an updated RF report and tailored findings.
