Title
PLN240071 - TOPE ANDREW GERARD TR
Public hearing to consider construction of a wireless telecommunication facility, including the installation of an 85-foot-tall monopole with 15 antennas greater than the height allowed for the zoning district, two elevated platforms with cabinet equipment, and associated site improvements, including removal of Willow three trees and underground utility connection.
Project Location: 225 River Road, Salinas, CA 93908
Proposed California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) action: Find the project Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15303, and there are no exceptions pursuant to Section 15300.2.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the Planning Commission continue this item to November 18, 2026, per the signed Tolling Agreement, to allow the project to receive a recommendation from the Toro Land Use Advisory Committee and ensure the project is consistent with Visual Resources policies outlined in the 2010 General Plan, Toro Area Plan, and applicable sections of Monterey County zoning ordinance (Title 21).
PROJECT INFORMATION
Agent: Matt Moore with Vertex Towers (T-Mobile)
Property Owner: Andrew and Tracy Tope
APN: 139-021-001-000
Parcel Size: 25.5 acres or 1,110,780 square feet
Zoning: Farmlands with 40 acres per unit density, and Design Control overlay or “F/40-D”
Plan Area: Toro Area Plan
Flagged and Staked: Yes
Project Planner: McKenna Bowling, Associate Planner
bowlingmr@countyofmonterey.gov, (831)755-5298
SUMMARY
The project site is located at 225 River Road, Salinas, within the Toro Area Plan. The proposed project includes the installation of a new 85-foot-high wireless telecommunication facility and associated ground equipment, two elevated platforms with cabinet equipment, and associated site improvements, including removal of Willow three trees and underground utility connection. This project does not include an increase in wastewater generation or installation, upgrade, or repairs to any onsite wastewater treatment system components. The proposed development will be visible from a major common public viewing area due to location, however the proposed monopole tower has been sited and designed in the least visually obtrusive location on the property. The property has a variety of trees on the property consisting of Willow trees and Coast Live Oaks, as well as vegetative screening along the front property line on River Road. Additionally, the property has a Landscape Maintenance Agreement between the County of Monterey and the property owners for on-going landscape maintenance within the County right-of-way (REF250024).
LUAC:
The proposed project was reviewed by the Toro Land Use Advisory Committee on July 27, 2026, and then continued to August 14, 2026 to allow the applicant time to install staking and flagging of the proposed development. The LUAC voting outcome and minutes will be available when this item returns on November 18, 2026.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The following agencies have reviewed the project, have comments, and/or have recommended conditions:
HCD-Engineering Services
Environmental Health Bureau
HCD-Environmental Services
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District
Prepared by: McKenna Bowling, Associate Planner, x5298
Reviewed and Approved by: Jacquelyn M. Nickerson, Principal Planner
cc: Front Counter Copy; Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District; HCD-Environmental Services; HCD-Engineering Services; Environmental Health Bureau; McKenna Bowling, Planner; Fionna Jensen, Principal Planner; Andrew and Tracy Tope; Property Owner; Matt Moore, Agent; The Open Monterey Project (Molly Erickson); Landwatch: Planning File PLN240071.