Hermosa Beach planning commissioners approve alternative rooftop design for T‑Mobile at 2447 Pacific Coast Highway

The Hermosa Beach Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 4 to approve an alternate design for a T‑Mobile wireless facility proposed at 2447 Pacific Coast Highway, directing staff to revise the conditional use permit (CUP 25‑11) and conditions to reflect the selected alternative.

Project planner Johnny Case told the commission the application seeks approval to "construct and operate an unmanned co‑located wireless telecommunications facility for T Mobile on an existing building located at 2447 Pacific Coast Highway" and described the original facade‑mounted proposal and two post‑report alternatives that relocate antenna sectors to rooftop screening. Case also summarized staff’s recommendation that, if an alternative is approved, the resolution and conditions be revised to require an updated radio‑frequency (RF) environmental evaluation before building plan check to confirm compliance with Federal Communications Commission standards.

Commissioners spent much of the discussion weighing community impact against federal timing constraints. The city attorney advised that under federal law the city generally cannot impose a recurring RF retest schedule unless a specific trigger—such as changes to construction, equipment, federal standards or impacts to surrounding development—occurs. The attorney recommended tying any further testing to such triggers to avoid potential conflict with federal law.

Applicant representative Jesse Gilholm said T‑Mobile provided two revised options after the prior hearing to reduce visual impacts and that the original design had been in compliance when initially submitted. Residents who spoke during the hearing urged the commission to require a written alternatives analysis and full rooftop installation plans before approval; commissioners said they were mindful of neighborhood concerns but also constrained by the 90‑day federal "shot clock," noting the project was on day 84.

Vice chair Flaherty moved to approve alternative A as proposed by the applicant and include staff language for the variance related to the proposed screening’s surface area; Commissioner McNally seconded. The roll call vote was recorded as Hirsch: yes; McNally: yes; Flaherty: yes; Chair Eisen: yes. The motion carried.

Next steps: staff will prepare a revised resolution and conditions of approval that specifically reference the approved alternative design, require an updated RF environmental evaluation prior to plan check, and include variance language as discussed by the commission.