A vote is not expected for months and an ordinance would affect only the unincorporated areas of the county. But residents who oppose the towers near homes and schools hope the county will set guidelines that cities can follow. Opposition to cell towers has surfaced in El Cajon, Oceanside, Poway and San Diego. Debate also has been heard in unincorporated areas as companies seek to erect more towers to handle the demand for cellular service. The county received 140 applications for towers in 2000 and 32 so far this year.
Opponents say towers emit microwave radiation that poses health risks.
They also say they are unsightly. In January, supervisors asked staff to meet with community planning groups and the wireless communications industry and come up with a policy on the installation of towers. County staff recommended yesterday that towers be placed primarily in commercial and industrial areas or on public buildings and existing structures, such as water tanks and utility towers. Large steel towers would be prohibited in residential areas and would require an environmental review. The staff did not offer recommendations for keeping towers away from schools, saying those decisions are up to school districts.