The Gilbert Planning and Zoning Commission on a 7-0 vote approved a conditional-use permit for a new wireless communications facility at Payne Junior High School, authorizing a 75-foot “stealth” structure and a secured 900-square-foot equipment enclosure to fill a documented coverage gap.

Staff planner Eric Raider told the commission the site is part of the Chandler Unified School District and that “staff believes that the 7 required findings have been met and recommend approval of UP 02/1950.” The proposed tower will be sited behind existing tennis courts within the PFI (Public Facilities Institutional) zoning district and is classified as a category 3 WCF under the town’s land development code.

The applicant proposed a faux eucalyptus concealment design after a March study session; staff said antennas and pole-mounted equipment would be concealed by the faux-eucalyptus features and that ground equipment would be internalized and screened by an 8-foot wall constructed to match the school. Staff reported the facility would be unmanned except for periodic maintenance visits and would sit roughly 76 feet from the school building and at least 250 feet from the nearest residential uses to the north. Public notification produced two phone calls and one email raising questions about design, siting and radiation levels. A nearby resident who identified himself at the hearing as Francois said he was “fine with it” given the chosen placement and design.

The commission discussion focused on the revised concealment design; several commissioners complimented the applicant for responding to commission feedback and supported the proposal. A motion to approve carried 7-0.

The permit allows the carrier to construct the specified category 3 WCF in the approved location and with the presented concealment and enclosure treatment; no additional approvals or variances were recorded at the hearing.

The project record will include the conditional-use permit file (UP 02/1950), the applicant’s photo simulations, and the 8-foot wall and enclosure details required by the site plan. The town staff noted the project will be periodically inspected and that access is via an existing drive off Coldwater Boulevard.