May 13, 2026
City Council Meeting
WIRELESS ASSESSMENT
ISSUE
Spotty Reception
Dropped Calls
Inconsistent coverage
Wireless Service is a challenge in Camarillo.
QUESTIONS
DESIRE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:
• Why is cell service inconsistent in Camarillo?
• Why did some approved wireless facilities not advance to construction? • How can we improve cell service in Camarillo?
Background
2025
Utilities Committee
August & October
City Council
May 13, 2026
Initial Analysis &
Draft Assessment
February - July
Utilities Committee
March & April
2024
City Council
January
Internal Staff Review
February - June
Added to FY 25/26
Goals & Objectives
July
BACKGROUND
2026
Expanded Scope of
Assessment
October - April
Consultant Hired
October - December
SEEKING ANSWERS
HOW: Hired wireless expert (ENTRUST)
WHAT: ENTRUST completed the following:
1. Measured coverage and capacity
2. Reviewed Municipal Code Chapter 19.76
3. Consulted with city departments
4. Reviewed approved but unconstructed CUPs
5. Interviewed applicants
WHY: To better understand why approved sites were not built and how local siting and design standards may be affecting
deployment and service performance in Camarillo.
WHAT WAS REVIEWED
11 CUP applications reviewed
Detailed analysis focused on six active -carrier sites
11 6
1 0
2 4
6 8
10 12
Total reviewed Detailed active-
carrier review
Built among detailed
review
Considerations:
• CUP application records
• Prior wireless field survey data
• Camarillo Municipal Code Chapter 19.76
• Direct outreach to industry representatives
ANALYSIS
Approval does not guarantee construction
Constraints can reduce site value
Issues are not carrier-specific
Bottom Line: Approval is only one step. Build-out depends on whether the approved design still meets the carrier’s technical and investment thresholds.
KEY FINDINGS
1. City can only control approval process, not deployment.
2. This is a broader policy and infrastructure issue, not a single-carrier issue.
3. Requirements of Camarillo Municipal Code can reduce technical efficiency of facilities and increase costs.
DISCUSSION
CONSIDERATIONS
1. Should the City continue evaluating whether targeted updates to City’s wireless siting framework are warranted?
2. Should the City conduct a focused review of applicable provisions in the CMC?
3. Should the City facilitate deployment of wireless facilities on publicly-owned land? POLICY QUESTION:
Do we want to sacrifice design for better service?
POLICY CONSIDERATION #1
Targeted updates to
City’s wireless siting
framework
• Application Process
• Fees
• Guidelines for carriers
POLICY CONSIDERATION #2
Focused Review of
CMC Chapter 19.76
• Setbacks
• Height
• Stealth design requirements
• Proximity to residential areas
• Allowable zoning districts
POLICY CONSIDERATION #3
Identify practical
options for improving
coverage.
• Identify specific areas with
recurring service issues.
• Facilitate deployment on
publicly-owned land.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive and file the Technical Memorandum.
2. Provide direction to staff to continue evaluating whether targeted updates to the City’s wireless siting framework are warranted.
3. Direct staff to conduct a focused review of applicable provisions in Camarillo Municipal Code Chapter 19.76.
4. Direct staff to further evaluate areas of the city with recurring cell service issues and collaborate with wireless providers, technical experts, and other local government entities to identify practical options for improving coverage.
ADDITIONAL SLIDES
Stealth Design Requirements