Board clarifies it did not approve tall wireless pole; staff cites limited authority, company agrees to lower pole

Historic Preservation Board members on April 3 clarified that the board had not approved a recently installed tall utility/communication pole on Maritana Avenue and heard from staff about the city’s limited regulatory authority over certain small wireless facilities.

Planner Brandon Berry told the board that federal and state preemption leaves local governments with narrow grounds to deny small wireless installations when the equipment meets specified size thresholds. Berry said the city has issued four such approvals to date and has limited authority to impose design requirements beyond color and similar treatments, but staff is negotiating adjustments where possible. He said the company installing the Maritana pole agreed to lower its height by about 10 feet to match nearby poles’ scale.

Board members said the pole’s visibility had prompted several public complaints. Staff reiterated that public safety concerns provide a ground for asking relocation; otherwise, denials are difficult under current rules. The board asked staff to continue pursuing design accommodations and potential relocation where safety or visibility can be demonstrated.

Why it matters: Communication companies are rapidly deploying new small wireless and utility poles; local communities are weighing historic character, public viewsheds and federal preemption. St. Pete Beach staff say they will continue to negotiate design and siting changes where practical but face statutory limits.

What’s next: Staff will follow up with the applicant and the engineers to finalize the adjusted height and report back to the board.