Law Proposal Aims at Hiding Antennas
Most new cellular communication antennas in Simi Valley would be hidden from view if the City Council moves forward with a proposed ordinance.
Council members Monday asked city staff members to draft an ordinance that would allow new wireless communication facilities in commercial and industrial areas. New antennas, however, would be screened from the sight of passers-by.
“I want to make sure when they put up an antenna, I don’t see it,” Councilwoman Barbara Williamson said.
The proposed ordinance also would allow unscreened antennas on the city’s water tanks.
For months, city officials have tried to create a consistent policy for dealing with requests from cellular communications companies for new facilities in Simi Valley. City planners and council members have debated where new antennas should be located and what conditions the city should place on such projects.
Council members agreed Monday that antennas belong either on the water tanks on the edge of town or, if hidden, in the city’s commercial or industrial areas--not in residential neighborhoods.
The council also approved extending the city’s temporary moratorium on new wireless communications projects until the ordinance is in place.
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