Nickels bans cell antenna towers in single family zones

SEATTLE—Mayor Greg Nickels announced Monday plans to prohibit cell antenna towers in single family zones.

“It’s become increasingly clear to me that the cell antenna towers are not compatible with our single family neighborhoods,” Nickels said.

“The towers are too tall, too large and are simply not a good fit,” he added.

The decision follows a significant outpouring of concern from people in neighborhoods with proposed towers currently under review by the Department of Design, Construction and Land Use (DCLU).

Nickels instructed DCLU to develop legislation that will prohibit the towers in single family zones. The legislation will allow for rare exceptions where there is no alternative for providing service, as required by federal regulations.

Nickels also requested the DCLU to continue its work in developing guidelines for mitigating the visual impacts for cell antenna in other zones, ensuring their fit in with their surroundings.

Under the proposed ordinance, cell towers would be allowed in all other zones.

"We look forward to approving permits for these towers in zones where they are actually compatible. I know Seattle can continue to have great cell service without damaging our single family neighborhoods," Nickels said. "I also look forward to getting this legislation to Council for their review. We can make a difference for our neighborhoods with this legislation."

Neighborhood activists praised his decision.

"We'd like to thank Mayor Nickels for his conviction and dedication to protecting our city's single-family neighborhoods," said Sharon Nakamura, a resident of the Beacon Hill Lockmore neighborhood. "We hope the City Council will support this protection for Seattle homeowners and their neighborhoods."

Office of the Mayor release, March 24

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