Architectural Review Board - August 6, 2026

Board recommends revised wireless facility standards

The Architectural Review Board recommended revised objective standards for Tier 2 and Tier 3 wireless facilities in the public right-of-way. Under the proposed framework, installations complying with the standards would receive staff-level review, while proposals seeking deviations would go before the board. The standards still require review by the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council before adoption.

The board supported retaining added review for facilities proposed within the center 50% of an immediately adjacent parcel in R1, R2 and R3 residential zones. Members also raised concerns about multifamily housing in commercial and mixed-use areas. For restrictions near schools, the board recommended that the City Council review the policy and, if it is retained, apply it to private schools and licensed child-care facilities as well as public schools. The board did not recommend a setback distance.

The recommended design revisions would remove language favoring underground radio equipment and accommodate both integrated antenna-radio units and systems with separate antennas and radios. The board also sought distinct standards for shielding radio equipment and concealing cables, wiring and conduits. Instead of fixed enclosure limits of 8 inches in width and 75 cubic feet in volume, the proposal would require the smallest feasible enclosure.

AT&T representatives supported clear and predictable objective standards and said underground radio installations had not been used during one representative's approximately 17 years with the company. City staff will review the board's edits for consistency and clarity before taking the proposal to the Planning and Transportation Commission and then the City Council.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda