AT&T officials are requesting a permit and development review at a Santa Clarita Planning Commission meeting Tuesday to allow for the installation and operation of a wireless telecommunications facility at an elementary school.

Kerry Clegg, who’s a board member on the Sulphur Springs school board, says the cell reception would improve tremendously because they’re placing the tower in a dead zone for cell coverage.

“Right now we’re using a backup radio system for emergencies because the cellphone coverage is weak out here,” Clegg said. “It’s now an extra bonus for cellphone coverage and we’ll be better suited just in case there’s an emergency.”

“The communication tower, which is proposed to be about 52 feet tall, would be in the shape of a clock tower with four bases holding it up at Golden Oak Elementary School,” said Mike Ascione, who’s one of the case planners on this proposal.

“The tower would be located at the entrance of the school near Golden Valley Road on top of the hill,” Ascione said. “If approved Tuesday night, it could possibly take up to three months, or even longer, before any progress is noticeable on the tower.”

“It will be a functioning clock tower and a communication cellphone tower,” Clegg said. “But it will not have the appearance of a cellphone tower.”

The city is also proposing an identification sign for Golden Oak Elementary school in front of the tower. Golden Oak Community School is located at 25201 Via Princessa in Canyon Country.

During the meeting, the city has the authority whether to approve, deny or continue the request for the tower.

If approved, AT&T officials would be able to begin to prepare construction documents and submit it through the Santa Clarita Planning Commission in order to begin construction for the tower.

“It’s becoming more common for communication towers to be placed on school campuses and more schools are allowing companies to do so,” Clegg said.

In order for AT&T to receive a building permit, California state law requires that all residents within 1000 feet of the building site must be given notice.

“The tower was confirmed with local and district approval over a year ago but the city of Santa Clarita wanted to be involved in the process and required AT&T to resubmit the proposal through the planning commission,” Clegg said. “The district has had many public hearings and board meetings on the tower with nobody voicing any concerns about the tower.”

“This tower will be a nice standard for the school and it will be no cost to the district,” he said.

The Planning Commission Meeting is Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard.