Council schedules vote on planned 160-foot Verizon monopole at 6004 Grissom Road

The City Council held a public hearing July 15 on a specific-use permit application to allow construction and operation of a 160‑foot monopole telecommunications tower with antennas and equipment within a fenced lease area at 6004 Grissom Road. Susanna Huerta, Planning and Zoning Director, told the council the property is zoned B‑3 commercial and that the zoning ordinance allows telecommunication towers in B‑3 with a specific-use permit, provided setbacks, fencing, signage and lighting rules are met. Huerta told council staff sent 16 letters to surrounding property owners and reported no written responses were received in favor or opposition. Applicant representative Alex said the anchor tenant is Verizon Wireless and that the company proposed the 160‑foot height to close a local coverage gap. Alex said existing towers within roughly a mile either lacked sufficient height or available space for co‑location and that APC Towers, the proposed tower owner, will offer the structure for co‑location by other carriers. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After discussion, the council directed staff to put the ordinance on the Aug. 5 consent agenda for adoption (this item is a first reading tonight under the city charter; no adoption vote was taken July 15). Planning and Zoning had recommended approval by a 6–0 vote. Ending: The ordinance authorizing a specific‑use permit will be placed on the Aug. 5 consent agenda; if adopted the permit will allow construction of the monopole and related equipment with required building permits and conditions.