Cell phone antennas reluctantly approved in Calabasas

The Calabasas Planning Commission reluctantly approved a conditional use permit recently for Nextel Communications to install 15 cell phone antennas on the roof of its Calabasas business site at 5220 Las Virgenes Road.

Planning Commissioner Jack Solomon said he would rather approve the installation of additional equipment on that building than see artificial palm trees accommodating the antennas.

Planning commissioners were reluctant because the Nextel structure is already a nonconforming building because of its height. Additional screening was required around the structure’s mechanical equipment (such as rooftop air conditioning).

Planning Commissioner Gary Klein said he was concerned about adding more screening (needed for the additional antennas) because the screening would create an illusion of even greater height.

Unlike the original screening that protects equipment needed to heat and cool the building, the antennas are for cellular devices and have little to do with the building itself, according to Klein.

Solomon echoed Klein’s concern, acknowledging enormous pressure from local businesses to accommodate the tall cellular towers that lead to taller buildings, which, in turn, can cause obstructed views of the surrounding hills.

Decisions are tough to contest because the Federal Communications Commission requires cities and counties to allow cellular antennas.

"My interpretation of this report is that staff is trying to do everything it can to stay within codes while accommodating cellular technology as it progresses," said Solomon.

––Lori Porter