Use Permit (UP-25-001), Site Development Review (SD-25-001) Approval for a New Wireless Facility
Summary
SCH Number
2025101297
Public Agency
Union City
Document Title
Use Permit (UP-25-001), Site Development Review (SD-25-001) Approval for a New Wireless Facility
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/27/2025
Document Description
Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church is seeking Use Permit (UP-25-001 approval for a new wireless facility on the roof of an existing, one-story, 20,374 square-foot building and to increase the height of the building from 28 feet 5 inches to 43 feet 5 inches; and Site Development Review (SD-25-001) approval for the construction of a new 2,320 square-foot, roof-mounted enclosure and a 359 square-foot equipment ground-mounted enclosure. The site is located within the Private Institutional (PI) Zoning District. The wireless facility will close a service coverage gap that currently exists in Union City.
Contact Information
Name
Natalie Dean
Agency Name
City of Union City
Job Title
Associate Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Carl Jones
Agency Name
AT&T
Job Title
Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Union City
Counties
Alameda
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Alvarado-Niles Road and Dowe Avenue
Zip
94587
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3 New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, Section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
The action of approving the subject project is consistent with Section 15303., New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures., Class 3 of the CEQA Guidelines. The project includes limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures and installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures. The project involves the installation of a wireless facility within a newly constructed, small 2,320 square-foot roof-mounted structure and a small 359 square-foot equipment ground-mounted enclosure.
Additionally, the project would be on a site zoned for the use as a wireless facility, does not involve the use of significant amounts of hazardous substances, and is a site where all necessary public services and facilities are available and the surrounding area is not environmentally sensitive. The project will not have a cumulative impact, nor will it have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances. The project will not damage scenic resources, it is not a hazardous waste site, and it is not a historical resource.
The project has been determined to comply with relevant federal standards from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As part of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing process, the Applicant will be required to comply with all safety standards, including those governing radio waves, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. Conditions of Approval ensure that
operation of the cellular antennas and associated equipment will comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the FCC.
The project is located in the Private Institutional (PI) Zoning District where wireless facilities are subject to Administrative Use Permit and Administrative Site Development Review, per Union City Municipal Code (UCMC) Section 18.114.040. The wireless facility would increase the height of the building to 43 feet 5 inches, triggering the need for a use permit for the height, per UCMC Section 18.51.030 if the Planning Commission finds that such excess height will not be detrimental to the light, air or privacy of any other structure or use within the surrounding area, which it did find. Further, in accordance with UCMC Section 18.114.040.B, the Economic and Community Development Director required Site Development Review because installation of the wireless facility will modify an existing building.
County Clerk
Alameda
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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