Pleasanton Council Proposes Wireless Tower Rules

Pleasanton’s City Council is weighing a rewrite of its wireless rules that would make it easier for carriers to add towers and small-cell equipment across the city. (pleasantonweekly.com) The proposal went to the council on Tuesday, April 21, after the Planning Commission voted unanimously on April 9 to recommend approval. The city’s regular council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in the chamber at 200 Old Bernal Avenue. (pleasantonweekly.com) (cityofpleasantonca.gov) Pleasanton’s current code treats larger “macro cell” sites and smaller street-level equipment under different rules. City handouts define macro cells as larger private-property facilities, while small wireless facilities are governed under a separate council policy adopted in March 2019. (cityofpleasantonca.gov 1) (cityofpleasantonca.gov 2) The rewrite would loosen some siting limits, expand where facilities can be considered and make it easier to modify existing sites, according to city staff reports summarized by Pleasanton Weekly and Patch. The city says the changes are paired with design rules meant to keep equipment concealed or less visually prominent. (pleasantonweekly.com) (patch.com) The push comes as cities face more demand for mobile data and pressure to fill coverage gaps for calls, messaging and internet access. Federal review deadlines also limit how long local governments can take on wireless siting applications: 90 days for collocations and 150 days for other applications, under the Federal Communications Commission “shot clock” rules cited in Pleasanton’s application materials. (pleasantonweekly.com) (cityofpleasantonca.gov) Pleasanton’s existing process already gives some projects a faster path. City guidance says concealed facilities can avoid mailed notice, while other non-small-cell projects trigger notice to property owners and occupants within 300 feet and a seven-day comment period. (cityofpleasantonca.gov) City policy for small wireless facilities says Pleasanton tries to balance stronger wireless service with neighborhood appearance. The 2019 resolution says the policy is intended to protect public health, safety and welfare while also preserving the city’s aesthetic character. (cityofpleasantonca.gov) Residents who oppose new equipment have typically focused on pole clutter, visibility and neighborhood fit, while carriers and city staff have pointed to weak service in parts of Pleasanton and the need to upgrade networks. The council’s vote will decide whether those tradeoffs are rewritten into the city code. (pleasantonweekly.com 1) (pleasantonweekly.com 2)