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Board approves conditional use permit for 99-foot cell tower in Winkelman
Summary
The board adopted Resolution No. 25-02-02 approving a conditional use permit for a new 99-foot self-supporting wireless communications tower near Highway 77 in Winkelman. Supervisors heard written opposition from three nearby property owners and one on-site speaker urged approval citing improved e-911 coverage.
The Gila County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution No. 25-02-02 granting a conditional use permit (CUP G2412-001) for a new wireless communications tower on Assessor’s Parcel 101-13-032F at 3807 S. Arizona Highway 77 in Winkelman.
County staff described the proposal as a 90-foot self-supporting tower with a 4-foot lightning rod (99-foot overall height) sited inside a 66-by-66-foot compound enclosed by a 6-foot chain-link fence. The applicant indicated the facility will support up to four carriers and is intended to improve coverage for emergency 911 services in Winkelman and for motorists on Highway 77. The record included a planning-and-zoning commission recommendation of approval and posting of public notices; staff reported three written objections from property owners within 300 feet citing concerns about property values, radio waves and aesthetics.
At the public hearing one speaker (identified in the transcript as Shirley Cohan of Queen Creek) spoke in favor of the CUP and urged unanimous approval, emphasizing improved coverage and e-911 service. Supervisors discussed their limited discretion under federal and state authorities and noted legal exposure if the county denied a CUP in similar circumstances. Supervisor Cline commented on constituent impacts and said he felt constrained by potential legal liability; other supervisors indicated concurrence with staff recommendation. The board called for the motion and approved the resolution by unanimous voice vote.
Conditions of approval stated in staff materials include a maximum overall tower height not to exceed 99 feet above natural grade; structural engineering requirements; a requirement that the tower be located no closer to adjoining properties than its height unless fall-zone engineering is provided; a one-year building-permit time limit (failure to obtain permit voids CUP); a requirement for a current lease agreement before permits are issued; removal of the tower and accessories if the facility becomes unusable or obsolete at the owner's expense; anti-vandal fencing not to exceed 6 feet and no barbed wire; dark-sky-compliant lighting; and the responsibility of the owner to obtain all necessary federal, state and local permits.
The board voted to adopt the staff-recommended resolution; the motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
