Vertical Bridge, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless Conditional Use Permit / N-DRC2024-00046 / ED26-0011
Summary
SCH Number
2026030926
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
Vertical Bridge, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless Conditional Use Permit / N-DRC2024-00046 / ED26-0011
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/23/2026
Document Description
A request by Vertical Bridge, Verizon, and T-Mobile for a Conditional Use Permit and Variance to allow the construction of telecommunications and public utility facility, consisting of a 69’ faux mono-pine 65' monopole with (19) 8' antennas, (18) rru's, (1) 2' microwave, (1) 4' microwave, (2) gps antenna, (3) service lights, (5) ground mounted radio cabinets, (2) back-up diesel generators, (2) raised concrete pads, cable ice bridge, Utility backboard and multi-meter utility service mounted on concrete pad within a 1,600 square-foot fenced lease area. Included in this request is grading on slopes greater than 30% to improve an approximately 5,274-foot-long access road. The proposed project is within the Rural Lands land use category and is located approximately 0.5-miles south of the Village of Heritage Ranch. The subject property is within the Nacimiento sub-area of the North County planning area.
Contact Information
Name
Blake Maule
Agency Name
County of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Planner II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Samantha Herrmann
Agency Name
Applicant
Job Title
Authorized agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Heritage Ranch
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Total Acres
120
Parcel #
080-121-039
Other Location Info
0.5-miles south of the Village of Heritage Ranch
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 15303; Class: 3
Reasons for Exemption
The project qualifies for a Class 3 Categorical Exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (New Construction of Small Structures). Class 3 consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures, including, per subsection (d) “Water main, sewage, electrical, gas, and other utility extensions, including street improvements, of reasonable length to serve such construction.”.
The project involves the construction of an unmanned wireless telecommunications facility, including panel antennas and related equipment on a 69-foot-tall faux mono-pine, along with ground-mounted equipment and two emergency diesel generators. All components will be located within an approximately 1,600-square-foot lease area, enclosed by a chain-link fence, in the Rural Lands land use category. The site contains previously disturbed terrain with slopes exceeding 30 percent, including an existing access road and disturbed project area. Access improvements would require the removal of 15 oak trees and 3 pine trees, with an additional 13 oak trees impacted. In accordance with County guidelines, removed trees will be replaced at a 4:1 ratio and impacted trees at a 2:1 ratio. Davey Resource Group (October, 2025) evaluated the site and determined that on-site replacement planting would not be feasible; therefore, in-lieu fees are proposed. The project site is approximately 820 feet from the nearest stream, and no impacts to sensitive resources, including cultural resources, are anticipated. A biological resources assessment conducted by Trileaf Corporation (June, 2025) did not identify any sensitive species on the site. Given the scale, location, and design of the facility, the project would not result in significant visual impacts or alter the rural character of the area. The project is conditioned to comply with all applicable grading, drainage, lighting, and glare standards and is consistent with County Code
Therefore, the proposed activity qualifies for a Categorical Exemption 15303 (Class 3, New Construction of Small Structures) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 and is further covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15061(b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is also covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment; therefore, the activity is not subject to CEQA. [Reference: State CEQA Guidelines sec. 15061(b)(3), General Rule Exemption].
County Clerk
San Luis Obispo
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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