City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: January 20, 2026
From: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Department: Public Works
Submitted by: Daniel S. Wall, P.E., Director of Public Works-City Engineer Subject
Zoning Code Amendments
Recommendation
A. Find that the proposed action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, because it has no potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the Environment. The Ordinance does not authorize any specific development or installation on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries. Moreover, when and if an application for installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct preliminary review of the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the Ordinance is a “project” within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA on multiple grounds. First, the Ordinance is exempt from CEQA because approval of the Ordinance will not result in the actual installation of any facilities in the City therefore it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15061(b)(3)). Alternatively, the Ordinance is categorically exempt from CEQA under State CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 (existing facilities), 15302 (replacement or reconstruction), 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures), and/or 15304 (minor alterations to land);
B. Introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1309 Amending Zoning Code to Regulate Wireless Telecommunication Facilities; and C. Direct staff to schedule the adoption for the February 3, 2026, Regular City Council meeting.
Background
Currently wireless facilities are allowed by right anywhere in the City of Vernon, and there is no City regulation on these structures including no limits on height or appearance. This lack of regulation has allowed for the recent construction of a 200’ tall cell tower. The only oversight that the City had of this facility was that it was subject to the building code requirements.
State and Federal laws limit local regulation of wireless facilities, and our current zoning code was written with the understanding of those laws at the time of its adoption. In the years since, the understanding and interpretation of those laws has evolved. Ordinance No. 1309 was crafted in light of how those laws are currently viewed.
The more salient points in Ordinance No. 1309 include:
• New facilities will generally require an approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP). • New facilities are subject to design and development standards including the use of stealth and or concealment when installed on existing buildings and limiting free standing antennas to no more than 60 feet in height.
• CUPs for wireless facilities expire in 10 years and one day from the date of issuance.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
1. Ordinance No. 1309 Wireless Facilities
2. Notice of Public Hearing