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Council approves 100-foot ‘monopine’ communications tower to close coverage gaps and support first-responder network
Summary
A conditional use permit for a 100-foot AT&T communications tower camouflaged as a pine tree at 999 East Fry Boulevard was approved; staff said the tower will close coverage gaps and accommodate co-location for multiple carriers and first-responder use.
The Sierra Vista City Council approved a conditional use permit April 10 for a 100-foot communications tower designed as a monopine to be installed on a vacant pad at 999 East Fry Boulevard. The applicant—AT&T, represented by SmartLink and Bill Koenig—sought the permit to close identified coverage gaps and improve capacity for residences, businesses and the First Responder Network Authority.
City staff presented analysis and photo simulations showing where the new macro site would provide coverage that alternative local towers could not, citing limitations such as lower heights, lack of 5G capacity or lack of available colocation capacity on nearby structures. Staff said the proposed tower meets setback requirements, will sit within a 50-by-50-foot lease area, include ground-mounted equipment screened by an 8-foot masonry wall, and be designed with camouflage features (branch density, branch length, branch placement and bark cladding) to improve aesthetics.
The city received one written support letter from Fire Marshal Don Foster noting the tower will improve fire and EMS communications that rely on the First Responder Network. Staff said maintenance visits will be minimal (about once per month) and that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended unanimous approval on April 1. Bill Koenig of SmartLink and AT&T was present to answer questions at the council meeting. Council approved the conditional use permit with no recorded opposition in the meeting transcript.
