WASHINGTON-The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Wednesday said Sprint PCS cannot use a clause in a California state law to build a tower in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., against the wishes of the community.
“The win for Rancho Santa Fe-and for every community, for that matter-is a big one. Sprint has been getting its way on the argument that it could apply for sites one by one,” said Carl Hilliard, president of the Wireless Consumers Alliance. “Sprint can’t run roughshod over communities anymore. Rancho Santa Fe’s winning challenge will echo for a long time to come.”
WCA publicized the decision.
Sprint PCS, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment, had argued that California law allows free use of public rights of way, and it could apply for sites in the public rights of way without fear of challenge. Rancho Santa Fe, on the other hand, had developed a tower-siting plan that allowed for adequate coverage while requiring that the cumulative impact of towers be examined. WCA said six other carriers serving the area had agreed to the plan.
The San Diego County Board is requiring Sprint PCS to conduct an environmental impact study considering the cumulative impact of towers.
“Sites are creeping up everywhere. They look like toadstools after a rain,” said Pam Slater-Price of the San Diego County Board. “I think that there really has to be a better way to integrate cellular service in communities so that it can be used but not abused.”
