PUD amendment approved to allow 145‑ft telecom tower at Inverness Walmart; no FAA lighting required
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Summary
The commission approved a PUD amendment to permit a 145‑foot monopole to host Verizon and other carriers at the Inverness Walmart site, requiring a 6‑foot obscuring fence and landscape buffer though an easement limited one portion of the required buffer area.
The Board of County Commissioners voted 5‑0 Oct. 21 to approve an amendment to the Inverness Walmart PUD that allows a 145‑foot monopole wireless telecommunications tower on the east side of the Walmart property at 2461 E. Gulf to Lake Highway.
Applicant SBA Communications, represented by Kimley‑Horn consultant Shazad Mahmood, said Verizon Wireless will be the anchor tenant. Staff and the applicant presented technical coverage maps showing improved wireless coverage and capacity for the State Road 44/CR‑486 area if the tower is constructed. The applicant’s design provides for co‑location by multiple carriers, and the height is within code limits (under 150 feet). The FAA does not require aircraft obstruction lighting for the proposed location and height.
Staff and the applicant noted they could not meet the full 20‑foot Type D buffer in one portion of the site because a 20‑foot‑wide utility/sewer easement runs along the compound’s eastern edge. To reduce visual impact, the applicant agreed to vinyl slats in the compound fence to screen ground equipment, and the PUD approval includes conditions requiring a 6‑foot obscuring fence, landscaping buffer as shown on the revised master plan and compliance with setbacks and fall‑zone engineering. Planning staff confirmed the tower would be designed with fall‑zone protections and that a removal bond would be required before permits are issued so the county can remove the structure if abandoned in the future.
Public comment included neighborhood support emphasizing current cellular dead zones and public‑safety benefits. The motion to approve the PUD amendment was made by Commissioner Diana Finnegan, seconded by Commissioner Janet Barrick, and passed 5‑0.
Action: Motion to approve PUD amendment allowing a 145‑ft monopole telecommunications facility at the Walmart property — mover: Commissioner Diana Finnegan; second: Commissioner Janet Barrick; outcome: approved 5‑0.
