To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Public Infrastructure
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2550
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Fifth
Title:
Title
Authorize An Overhead AT&T Service Pole Within Freestone Underground Utility District No. 1.
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize AT&T to retain an overhead service pole installed within the boundary the Freestone Underground Utility District No. 1.
end
Executive Summary:
Pursuant to Chapter 25A-5 of the Sonoma County Code, the Board of Supervisors may grant exceptions to allow overhead utilities within an approved underground utility district. In 2024, AT&T installed a pole to provide overhead telecommunication service for customer use at 209 Bohemian Highway (Osmosis Day Spa). The boundary of Freestone Underground Utility District No. 1 crosses the subject parcel and the pole is located a few feet within the district boundary. To minimize disruption to the property owner’s business, AT&T has requested permission to retain the pole in its existing location.
Discussion:
On June 8, 1999, the Board of Supervisors conducted a public hearing and approved the formation of the Freestone Underground Utility District No. 1. The southeasterly 100 feet of the property located at 209 Bohemian Highway is subject to the undergrounding requirements of Chapter 25A of the Sonoma County Code.
The subject property’s existing electric service is provided underground. To provide telephone and cable service to structures located on the property, and minimize disruption to the existing business, it was determined during the design phase that a service pole could be set outside of the district boundary and connected to the new distribution lines by underground conduit extended between the public street and the pole. The pole was set in 2024, and conduit has been extended from Bohemian Highway across the existing paved parking lot to the pole (photos attached).
AT&T subsequently determined the pole was placed a few feet within the district boundary. The pole is significantly screened from Bohemian Highway by trees located between the road and the pole. AT&T owns the pole and will provide for its continued maintenance. Chapter 25A-5 of the Sonoma County Code provides authority for the Board of Supervisors to grant special permission in cases of unusual circumstances for overhead facilities within a district boundary. The pole is located on private property, set back from the public right-of-way, and does not create a visual or aesthetic impact inconsistent with the goals of the undergrounding program. Importantly, this pole only supports communication infrastructure, specifically AT&T and cable, and does not carry electrical power. Considering the unusual circumstances and limited impacts, we request that the Board of Supervisors recognize this installation as qualifying for exception under Section 25A-5 and authorize its continued presence within the underground utility district.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
Resolution #99-0725: Approved the formation of Freestone Underground Utility District No. 1.
Resolution #19-0294: Approved revisions to the boundary of the previously approved underground district.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
There are no direct fiscal impacts as a result of this Board Item.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Pole.pdf, AT&T request dated July 18, 2025, location map
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.