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Leon Valley planning commission approves 160-foot telecom tower at 6004 Grissom Road
Summary
The Leon Valley Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a specific-use permit for a 160-foot monopole telecommunications tower at 6004 Grissom Road to be built for Verizon, with staff noting code compliance and no recorded opposition from notified neighbors.
The Leon Valley Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a recommendation to issue a specific-use permit allowing a 160-foot monopole telecommunication tower on a roughly 1-acre property at 6004 Grissom Road.
City planning staff told the commission the applicant proposes a 160-foot monopole with antennas and equipment inside a 50-by-50-foot fenced lease area (about 10,000 square feet) located at the rear of the commercial property. Staff said the request must meet setbacks, separation distances from nearby residential uses, fencing, signage and lighting rules and that a building permit will be required before construction.
"Staff has no objection to the issuance of an SUP to allow construction and operation of a telecommunication antenna tower at 6004 Grissom Road," said planning staff member Ms. Huerta. She told commissioners that 16 property owners within 200 feet were notified and that staff received no responses in favor or opposition.
Alex Novak of GSS, representing APC Towers, said the installation is a build-to-suit for Verizon Wireless and that Verizon chose the site because nearby towers under one mile offered insufficient height (available heights cited were about 104, 110 and 50 feet). "This tower is designed for Verizon Wireless. So it's a build to suit situation where Verizon contracts with APC," Novak said. He added the tower is being built to 160 feet so Verizon can occupy the top position and that the structure will be available for colocation by other carriers.
During the hearing commissioners asked about the existing commercial use in front of the property (identified in the packet as an Arredondo Group office/contractor) and about the 200-foot notification radius; Huerta confirmed notices went to owners within 200 feet, including residences to the rear.
After closing the public portion of the hearing the commission moved to take action. A motion to approve the SUP was made and seconded; the commission voted unanimously in favor.
Discussion versus decision: the record shows staff presentation and applicant explanation comprised the substantive discussion; no written conditions beyond standard code compliance and permit requirements were attached by the commission at the time of the vote. No public commenters registered opposition during the hearing.
The commission's favorable recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for final action if required by city procedures.
