CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Planning Commission this week will host a public hearing to discuss the proposed extension of a wireless communication tower.

The commission will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

On the agenda is a public hearing to consider the approval of a mitigated negative declaration of environmental impact based on an initial study and approval of a use permit and variance application submitted by AT&T Mobility.

Deputy City Clerk Julie Burrow's report to the commission explained that AT&T Mobility has an existing wireless telecommunication facility at the Konocti Water District water tower, located at 15764-B Woods Ave.

She said the variance application will allow for a reduction of the required 20-foot front yard setback to a 10-foot setback, and allow a variance from the maximum 35-foot height limit to 80 feet for construction of a “mono-pine,” which is a wireless tower that is made to look like a pine tree.

The antennas on the water district's water tower would then be relocated to the mono-pine – and placed at a height of 50 to 60 feet – and a 50 kilowatt emergency backup generator would be installed, Burrow reported.

Staff is recommending approval of the use permit, variance request and mitigated negative declaration, as Burrow notes that potential significant environmental impacts related to aesthetics, biological and cultural resources, soils, hydrology, water quality, hazards and hazardous materials, transportation, traffic and public services will be mitigated to less than significant levels by permit conditions.

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