Pleasanton Council Eyes New Wireless Rules Aimed At Expanding Cell Service

PLEASANTON, CA — The Pleasanton City Council will consider a large-scale update to the city’s wireless and infrastructure rules at its Tuesday meeting.

Current regulations ban wireless facilities in residential zones, or within 200 feet of homes, parks, schools, or senior care facilities, according to a city staff report. This has prevented new facilities across a large swath of the city. Staff say these regulations are overly restrictive, out of step with evolving state and federal laws, and contribute to poor service in parts of the city.

A proposed overhaul aimed at improving cell service citywide would repeal and replace Chapter 18.110 of the municipal code, and replace it with a new framework that differentiates between large towers, small neighborhood installations, and upgrades to existing sites.

Under the proposed new rules, macro towers (tall cell towers), will be subject to the heaviest regulation. The review timeline will be within 90-150 days, everyone within 500 feet will be notified, residents can request a hearing, and decisions can be appealed to the City Council. They will be directed toward commercial or industrial land, and designed to be as discreet as possible.

Small cells, small units found on streetlights and utility poles, will be approved within 60-90 days. People living within 300 feet will be notified, and the approval process will be handled by staff, not usually the council. They will be placed along major roads, commercial areas, and existing poles, rather than residential streets, or historic or scenic areas.

Modifications like upgrading existing cell towers or adding equipment will follow a streamlined approval process approved by staff and an outside consultant.

The new overhaul would also bring the city’s rules in line with federal regulations requiring decisions between 60 and 150 days, depending on the project type. It also proposes updating the city’s master fee schedule to include application fees for wireless projects. The framework would also support the city’s planned Cellular Lease Revenue Program, which could generate new income by allowing wireless facilities on city-owned properties.

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval, with minor changes including expanding the public notification radius for larger projects, and allowing more time for residents to request hearings.

The meeting will take place Tuesday at 7 p.m. See here for the full agenda, and for all attachments related to this item.