APPEAL OF DIRECTOR DECISION TO
APPROVE NEW T-MOBILE CELLULAR
ANTENNAS AT 680 EAST COTATI AVE
City of Cotati City Council
November 12, 2024
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
• Proposed T-Mobile telecommunications facility
at 680 East Cotati Avenue
LOCATION,
GENERAL
PLAN AND
ZONING
• Project site is
located at 680
East Cotati Ave.
• General Plan
Designation: GC
• Zoning District: CE
Project
Site
BACKGROUND
• Telecommunications Act of 1996
• 2012 Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act
• 2018 FCC Declaratory Ruling
• 2024 City of Cotati Telecommunication Facility Ordinance • June 27, 2024 – T-Mobile West LLC applied for MUP
• Sept. 3, 2024 – Director Hearing for MUP
• Sept. 16, 2024 – Village Walk Alliance filed 1st appeal • Oct. 7, 2024 – Planning Commission Hearing for Appeal • Oct. 17, 2024 – Village Walk Alliance filed 2nd appeal
APPEAL FINDINGS
• Potential impacts to property values
• Vulnerability to cyber-attacks & potential loss of
privacy
• Perception of potential health risks
• Failure to address fire safety concerns
LAND USE CONSIDERATIONS
• Conditionally allowable within CE District
• Siting and design comply with Land Use Code
• Conditioned to comply with operation and maintenance
standards
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
• Goal CSF 1: Provide high quality public services and
facilities to all residents, businesses and visitors in Cotati. • Policy EV 1.2: Ensure the long-term public services and infrastructure needs of the community are met as part of the overall approach to economic vitality and
sustainability.
• Policy LU 4.1: Ensure that public facilities, services and amenities are distributed in a manner that enhances the quality of life for the broadest number of Cotati’s
residents.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
• The proposed project is exempt from environmental
review under a Class 3 Categorical Exemption
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 given
that the project proposes to construct a small addition to an existing building to house a limited number of
telecommunication antenna.
RECOMMENDATION
• It is recommended by the Community Development
Department that the City Council deny the 2nd appeal
of the Community Development Director’s decision to
approve PA#24/13 and reaffirm the approval of a
Minor Use Permit to allow an unmanned
telecommunications facility at 680 East Cotati Avenue.