The San Benito County Planning Commission has drafted an
ordinance to regulate the location and appearance of wireless
telecommunication antennas in the county.
The San Benito County Planning Commission has drafted an ordinance to regulate the location and appearance of wireless telecommunication antennas in the county.
Assistant Planning Director Fred Goodrich said the number of service applications that have come before the commission prompted the commission to draft the ordinance.
“Each had different designs. Each had different colors and there have been multiple applications for the same site,” Goodrich said.
The commission will hold a workshop Wednesday regarding the new Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Regulations ordinance so the public can offer input about service, appearance and reception.
Last September, AT&T Wireless Services requested an amendment of a use permit to allow a satellite dish antenna to be mounted on an existing telecommunications tower owned by SpectaSite.
Commissioner Joe Tonascia took issue with the antenna, which would be visible from U.S. 101, and wanted the applicant to make it look like a tree.
“We want them to look like flag poles, trees or windmills instead of a single pole sticking up in the air with an antenna on it,” Goodrich said. “We’re looking for some consistency.”
Because of the multiple applications for antennas at the same locations, a provision in the ordinance would allow the commission to determine the appropriate number of telecommunications service providers per site.
“Or at least two users on the same structure,” Goodrich said.
Another issue before the commission is the lack of telecommunications service for South County residents, Goodrich said.
“There are a lot of dead spots in that part of the county, but they tell us there isn’t anything they can do about it because there are not enough people in the area to be cost-effective,” he said.
Goodrich said it’s important for the public to attend the workshop so they can discuss their comments, make requests for changes or state their dissatisfaction about poor reception.
“Come and tell us,” he said. “Let us know what you want. We may not be able to get you better reception, but at least it’s on the record.”
For the past six months, planning commission staff has been working on the draft ordinance. It will be brought back for formal consideration within 30 days and will then go to the Board of Supervisors for adoption.
