Antenna Action Is Scheduled Tonight

A temporary law aimed at regulating microwave antennas could be adopted tonight by the City Council.

The measure is an urgency ordinance, meaning it would be effective immediately rather than after the normal 30-day wait. Passage would require a four-fifths majority on the council.

City officials asked for fast action because of a recent increase in applications for microwave towers and antennas.

The equipment is needed by telecommunications firms competing to reserve space throughout Southern California for networks of antennas to serve a new generation of digital cellular telephones and pagers.

Unprepared for the rush for applications, Lake Forest has few regulations that deal directly with wireless equipment.

The ordinance would use visual impact as a criterion to establish two classifications of antenna applications.

Companies seeking permits for ground antennas or unscreened wireless equipment installations on rooftops must win approval of the city Planning Commission.

Wireless facilities that are completely screened can be approved by city planning staff.

Once the urgency ordinance is in effect, the city staff will work on a permanent set of regulations governing wireless equipment.