APC Towers, LLC Conditional Use Permit / N-DRC2024-00019 / ED26-0021
Summary
SCH Number
2026040437
Public Agency
San Luis Obispo County
Document Title
APC Towers, LLC Conditional Use Permit / N-DRC2024-00019 / ED26-0021
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/9/2026
Document Description
A request by APC Towers for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of telecommunications and public utility facility, consisting of (1) 132’ high faux eucalyptus, with (9) sinch panel antennas, (6) Remote Radio Units (RRUS), (1) three-inch microwave antenna, (2) utility trenches, (1) metering utility on new 4 inch concrete pad, (1) community fiber vault, (1) eight inch high concrete masonry block wall with steel topper, (1) equipment cabinet, (1) battery cabinet. The proposed project is within the Residential Rural Land Use category and is located at 1389 Dawn Rd. The subject property is within the South County sub-area of the South County planning area.
Contact Information
Name
Sam Kinney
Agency Name
County Of San Luis Obispo
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Jerry Ambrose
Agency Name
Authorized Agent
Job Title
APC Towers
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Responsible Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Nipomo
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Zip
93444
Parcel #
091-232-076
Other Location Info
1389 Dawn Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444
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 concealed within a 132-foot tall faux - eucalyptus tree, and ground-mounted equipment. All components will be located within a 30-by-30-foot lease area, enclosed by a concrete masonry unit enclosure, in the industrial land use category. The site features slopes under 10% but is actively disturbed as part of the previous residential uses on site. No impacts to sensitive resources, including cultural resources, are anticipated. Additionally, a biological resources assessment and phase one archaeological study conducted by Padre Associates in July 2025 did not identify any sensitive species on the site or any archeologically sensitive resources. Given the scale, location, and design of the facility, including the faux mono- eucalyptus concealment, the project will not result in visual impacts or alter the industrial character of the area. It is conditioned to comply with all applicable grading, drainage, lighting, and glare standards and is consistent with County Code. The project qualifies as Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3), as it involves the construction of a wireless facility that will be concealed within a 132-foot tall faux mono- eucalyptus tree.
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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