The Ventura County Planning Commission on Nov. 6 voted 5–0 to approve a conditional use permit (CUP PL25‑0041) for a 100‑foot wireless communications facility proposed by Vertical Bridge with T‑Mobile West LLC, to be located on a rear parcel of Oxnard High School at 3400 West Gonzales Road in unincorporated Ventura County.

Case planner Thomas Chaffee told commissioners the site is zoned agricultural and the proposed facility—a faux eucalyptus “stealth” monopine—exceeds the planning‑director threshold of 80 feet, so the commission must act. Staff described the facility as a 100‑foot “fake eucalyptus” tree with 10 panel antennas, one microwave dish, ground equipment within a 2,500‑square‑foot lease area, and a 6‑foot chain‑link fence with screening. Staff said the installation is designed to accommodate colocation for three additional carriers and determined the project qualifies for a Class 3 categorical exemption under CEQA. Staff recommended approval, finding the project consistent with the 2040 General Plan and the Ventura County non‑coastal zoning ordinance.

Bill Lewis of Assurance Development, representing Vertical Bridge, said the facility would fill coverage gaps for T‑Mobile along West Gonzales Road—improving in‑building service for neighborhoods, River Ridge Golf Club and adjacent areas—and would help emergency 911 service access. Lewis said an engineering EME report showed the site would operate at roughly 28% of the FCC limit for radiofrequency emissions. He asked the commission to grant the CUP subject to staff conditions.

Commissioner Christopher Boydston asked whether the existing windrow of eucalyptus trees shown on site plans was on the subject property and whether they would be required to remain. Chaffee confirmed the trees are on the property and that a condition of approval requires the eucalyptus trees to remain; if removed they must be replanted.

Vice Chair Sandlin moved to approve the conditional use permit subject to the conditions in the staff report; Commissioner Cushing seconded. Secretary Luce recorded votes of five yeses and no nos; the motion passed 5–0.

The CUP was approved for a 10‑year term as described in the staff report. The approved permit includes the concealment, setback, colors and materials, noise and security requirements outlined by staff, and the maintenance/replanting condition for the eucalyptus windrow.

The record for this item includes the staff report, site photos and photo simulations from public viewpoints (North Patterson Road, Doris Avenue, North Victoria Avenue), the EME report submitted by the applicant, and the recommended conditions of approval recorded in the county file.