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Commission approves special‑use permit for American Tower site with condition to remove existing tower
Summary
The commission voted to support a special‑use permit for a new American Tower communication tower north of US‑59, adding a condition that an existing nearby tower be removed within a set period after the new facility is built.
The Laredo Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a special‑use permit for a new communication tower located north of U.S. Highway 59 and west of Estamillo Drive, with a condition the applicant remove an existing nearby tower within a set period after the new tower is constructed.
The applicant identified itself as American Tower Corporation (ATC). A representative explained the proposed facility would be a monopole sited in an industrial area; the company said an existing ATC tower roughly 260 yards northwest of the new location would be demolished once the new tower is operational so carriers can relocate equipment.
Staff recommended denial based on tower‑separation rules in the city's code, noting the nearest existing tower remains in place today. Commissioners asked whether a written, enforceable condition could be added to the special‑use permit to require the removal of the existing tower; legal staff and the applicant indicated a demolition requirement could be added as a condition of approval or written into the permit language. After discussion the commission voted to close the public hearing, add a condition on removal of the existing tower (the motion referenced a timeline of no more than 180 days from activation), and recommend approval.
The ATC representative said the current lease for the older tower is expiring and the company intends to take that tower down when the new facility is ready. Staff and commissioners asked for written, enforceable language to be included in permit conditions to bind the tower removal timetable; staff said such a condition can be added to a special‑use permit.
The motion carried; commissioners also directed staff to include a demolition/removal condition in the permit language before the item proceeds to city council for final approval.
Clarifying details: applicant described the proposed compound as 75 by 75 feet for a 22‑foot monopole; staff noted the current denial recommendation was driven by tower‑separation distances and the presence of the existing tower; the commission added a timeline condition for removal of the older tower as part of its recommendation to council.
