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Board of Zoning Appeals approves T‑Mobile rooftop antenna replacement at 110 Dryden
Summary
The Ithaca Board of Zoning Appeals granted Appeal 3290 to allow T‑Mobile to replace existing rooftop microwave equipment at 110 Dryden, finding the work is a co‑location on an existing personal wireless service facility and will not change neighborhood character.
The Ithaca Board of Zoning Appeals on March 4, 2025 approved Appeal 3290, allowing T‑Mobile to replace an existing two‑foot microwave antenna and associated radios and cabling at 110 Dryden Street.
The change is a like‑for‑like replacement and the board concluded it would not produce an undesirable change in neighborhood character or harm nearby properties. The board also determined the replacement is not subject to environmental review and does not require Tompkins County review, and the applicant may proceed with building permit steps once the written decision is issued.
Chris McDonough, speaking for T‑Mobile, said the company proposed to "replace a 2 foot existing microwave antenna with a new 2 foot diameter microwave antenna," and that the work "should not require the use of a crane" or otherwise disturb nearby businesses. He also described replacement of radios behind the antenna and the associated small cables.
During deliberation a board member summarized the findings used for the variance: the proposed installation co‑locates on an existing personal wireless service facility (PWSF) already on the rooftop; the location is determined by service coverage requirements and alternative sites within the required radius would not meet residential setback rules; and there is no evidence the replacement would exacerbate existing visual or environmental impacts. The board noted the existing residential setback deficiency predates the city setback requirement. A board member (motion maker) moved to approve Appeal 3290, and a board member (second) seconded the motion.
Megan (board staff) conducted a roll call. The minutes record affirmative votes from Mister Cannon, Bizwan, Mister Kirby and Mister Gardner. The motion carried and the board directed staff to prepare a written approval and forward it to the applicant and the building division to support permit issuance.
The board made no additional conditions on the approval and no members of the public registered to speak or submitted written comments on the appeal.
