Camarillo council directs staff to review wireless siting after consultant flags code constraints

Camarillo, May 13, 2026 — The Camarillo City Council voted 5–0 to direct city staff to pursue targeted updates to wireless siting policy, review specific municipal-code provisions, and explore deploying facilities on publicly owned land after a consultant presentation showed code-related design requirements can discourage carrier construction.

Entrust Engineering summarized field drive tests and a review of conditional-use-permit records, noting that Camarillo’s combination of terrain, tree canopy and municipal design rules — including maximum heights, camouflage or "stealthing" requirements and 'least intrusive means' language — can increase construction cost and reduce radio propagation. "The build out for approved designs really depends on whether it still meets carrier technical and investment thresholds," consultant Matthew Steadman said, adding that some approved permits never progressed to construction because carriers weighed regional budgets and return on investment.

Council members framed the choice as a balance between aesthetic standards and public safety. Council member Kildee and others said code protections preserve the city's visual character; Council member Tremblay, who moved the staff-recommendation motion, and other council members stressed coverage gaps and public-safety risks from dropped calls. "We have to do something to improve this situation," Kildee said, noting dead spots during emergencies. The council approved all four staff-recommended items — including targeted code review and collaboration with the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District to streamline approvals on public land — by unanimous vote.

Policy implications: Staff recommended three actions: (1) evaluate targeted updates to the wireless siting framework (CUP process, application fees, carrier guidance); (2) conduct a focused review of Camarillo Municipal Code Chapter 19.76 (setbacks, heights, stealthing, zoning allowances) to consider easing constraints that limit technical efficiency; and (3) facilitate deployment on city- or district-owned properties in coverage gap areas. Entrust’s findings highlighted tradeoffs: lower, stealth designs reduce visual impacts but can require more sites to achieve equivalent coverage compared with taller, collocatable towers.

Next steps: The council directed staff to proceed with the recommended reviews and stakeholder outreach; the motion passed on a 5–0 roll call. Staff will return with a work plan and proposed code amendments or administrative changes as needed.