Planning commission backs 145-foot monopole at Inverness Walmart, recommends approval to county commissioners

The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission voted 7-0 on Sept. 18 to recommend approval of application PUD-2054, an amendment to allow a 145-foot monopole telecommunications tower (149 feet including a 4-foot lightning rod) on the east side of the Inverness Walmart along State Road 44.

The vote came after a technical presentation from the applicant’s representative, questions from commissioners about engineering, buffers and fall-zone protections, and a single public comment from a nearby resident concerned about noise and property values.

The applicant presentation, given by Shazad Mahmood of Kimley-Horn on behalf of SBA Communications, described the site as a commercially zoned location east of the Walmart’s garden center and said Verizon has committed to collocate on the tower. Mahmood said the monopole is designed to accommodate up to four carriers, that the compound would be 25 by 75 feet, and that the monopole foundation will be a drilled caisson sized to the manufacturer’s design. He said a geotechnical report has been completed and that an FAA determination concluded no tower lighting is required.

Mahmood also told the commission the project team would accept slatting in the chain-link fence to improve screening. “Absolutely. We would,” he said when asked whether slat screening could be added to the fence.

Resident Pamela Wildrick, who said her backyard abuts the Walmart parcel, told the commission she was concerned about noise from backup generators and possible effects on property values. “If this is emitting noise that is not conducive to my lifestyle, what recourse do I have?” Wildrick asked, saying she lives roughly 300 to 500 yards from the proposed location.

County staff described the site as tight due to a sewer force main easement and a nearby drainage retention area (DRA), and said the applicant meets required setbacks and separation standards in the Land Development Code. Staff recommended approval with conditions and noted that approval of the conditional use does not substitute for later building- and permit-level reviews, which must include review of soils, foundation design and fall-zone engineering.

Commissioners asked technical questions the applicant could not fully answer without Verizon engineers in attendance, including why a small coverage gap persisted on a coverage map and whether tower frequency or topography explained that gap. Commissioner David Bramlett also pressed for clarity on the foundation design and flood-zone status; staff said the amendment area is in FEMA Zone X. Commissioners raised concerns about the fall zone and proximity to overhead power lines and confirmed the developer must demonstrate at permitting that the tower’s collapse or breakaway design will not endanger site infrastructure or the nearby parking area.

After discussion, Commissioner Bramlett moved the recommendation of approval, with Commissioner Michael Facemeyer seconding. The commission adopted a condition requiring that no trees be removed as part of the approved use and that the chain-link fence include slatting or similar screening for ground equipment. The motion passed 7-0. The application is scheduled for a hearing before the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 21, 2025, at 5:01 p.m., staff said.

The commission record and staff report state the applicant provided photo-simulations and Verizon coverage maps showing increased coverage and capacity along U.S. 41 if the tower is constructed. Staff emphasized that any final construction must comply with building-permit requirements, including sealed engineering drawings and soil-bearing data that permitting staff will review.

The commission’s recommendation does not authorize construction; permits, finalized foundation designs and any required equipment (including future generator or battery backup for carriers) will be reviewed at later permitting stages. The developer and carriers will be required to demonstrate compliance with fall-zone design, separation, fencing, and other Land Development Code requirements before a building permit issues.