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Resurrection Cemetery owner seeks 70-foot cross; county staff says FAA found no hazard
Summary
Hamilton Engineering asked for a variance on Sept. 22 to increase allowable structure height from 50 feet to 70 feet on AR‑zoned property near Resurrection Cemetery; applicants said the cross is for wayfinding, will be steel on a concrete foundation, and is not a cell-tower; staff noted FAA issued a determination of no hazard.
Hamilton Engineering and Surveying told the Hillsborough County land use hearing officer on Sept. 22 that the owner of Resurrection Cemetery is seeking a 20‑foot height variance to construct a 70‑foot cross on property along Williams Road near East Sligh Avenue.
Staff said the request seeks to increase the maximum structure height within the AR zoning district from 50 feet to 70 feet (Variance 25-0987). Development Services indicated the applicant submitted an FAA determination of no hazard for the 70‑foot structure. The applicant, Ryan McCaffrey, told the officer the cemetery property north and south of East Sligh Avenue is owned by the same entity and described the cemetery’s design intent to preserve wooded landscape and mature live oaks; he said a 70‑foot cross is necessary to be visible over a canopy that can reach 40–80 feet.
Architect David Leon described the proposed structure as a hollow structural steel tube on a concrete foundation with rebar; he said final structural detailing, including storm and breakaway provisions, will be addressed during later engineering work. McCaffrey added the cross is not a wireless facility and that a larger cross exists nearby at New Life Tabernacle (approximately 150 feet tall), which the applicant cited when discussing visual context.
Why it matters: The request raises questions about visibility, scenic corridor preservation and structure safety. Staff told the hearing officer the property is within a scenic corridor preservation area that requires a 30‑foot scenic easement kept in a natural state. The applicant said the proposed cross would be sited and sized to be consistent with the wooded corridor and to function as a faith-based wayfinding element.
No member of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the hearing. County staff had no additional comments and the hearing officer closed the record; a written decision will follow within 15 business days.
Ending: The record for Variance 25-0987 is closed; the land use hearing officer will issue a written decision within 15 business days. Any appeal would be limited to the hearing record.
