Conditional Use Permit (CUP) #24-0026/ IS#24-0039

The applicant TEP, acting on behalf of Skyway Towers, has submitted a request for Conditional Use Permit #24-0026 and Initial Study #24-0039 to construct and operate a 120-foot monopole telecommunications tower in Imperial, California. The project is located at 749 West Worthington Road on a 2.83-acre parcel currently zoned as A-2 General Agriculture. The facility will occupy a 1,600-square-foot leased portion of the property and will be accessed via a new 12-foot wide gravel drive from Worthington Road. Utility requirements are limited to an underground and overhead power route from an existing utility pole, with no impact on the County's water or sanitation systems. The project must adhere to Imperial County Code 90508.02.r, as communication towers are classified as a conditional use in this zone. The proposed facility is required to meet or exceed all applicable government and industry safety standards, specifically complying with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regulations regarding technical standards and construction. Environmental evaluations conducted under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines suggest that a Negative Declaration is appropriate, as no significant environmental impacts are expected, though public concerns regarding the tower's proximity to residential structures have been noted. Administrative requirements include a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship and the provision of liability insurance. Additionally, the project must follow strict safety protocols for excavations in accordance with OSHA standards and includes specific mandates to halt work and contact a specialist if paleontological findings occur during construction.