Queen Creek planning commission approves Tilson ‘Chrisman Heights’ wireless facility despite setback variance

The Town of Queen Creek Planning Commission on an unspecified date approved a conditional use permit for a wireless communications facility identified as Tilson — Chrisman Heights on a 10.39-acre parcel east of Chrisman Road.

Les Johnson, principal planner for the town, told the commission the proposed facility would occupy a roughly 1,700-square-foot pad in the southwest portion of the RV-storage property. The monopole is proposed as a 65-foot faux-elm (up to 70 feet including decorative branches), with base equipment and two additional equipment pads for future carriers. Johnson said the pole would be set back about 8 feet from the west property line, substantially less than the code-required 53-foot setback, which is why the conditional use permit was required.

Why it matters: The applicant and staff said the facility would improve cellular coverage and capacity for parts of Queen Creek that currently experience weak service and would accommodate at least one identified carrier (AT&T) with room for at least two more.

Johnson said the site is in the EMP A/B industrial zoning area, is more than roughly 475 feet from the nearest residential uses across railroad tracks and Rittenhouse Road, and abuts industrial properties to the east and west. He described proposed concealment measures: the pole painted green, faux-bark on the lower 25 feet, branch/leaf elements and antenna “socks” colored to blend with the tree design, plus an 8-foot wrought-iron fence on three sides and an existing 9-foot concrete masonry unit wall along the west property line.

Linda, the applicant’s representative, presented AT&T coverage maps comparing existing and predicted signal strength. She said the new facility will “greatly improve” coverage in the area, relieve capacity on an adjacent tower and lower the transmit power required by nearby cell phones. On health concerns she said the Federal Communications Commission sets exposure standards; at ground level near the base of towers exposure is far below the public limit and, she added, a closer tower generally reduces a phone’s power output.

Johnson said the applicant held a neighborhood meeting on June 23 with one resident who expressed support; since the hearing notice was mailed staff received two emailed comments within the 1,200-foot notice radius — one in support and one in opposition. The commission moved to approve the two related applications (P25-0006 and P25-0046/Tilson Chrisman Heights); the motion passed.

The commission’s approval permits installation of the faux-elm monopole, base equipment pads sized to serve three carriers, and the proposed concealment and perimeter treatments. No conditions beyond those stated in staff materials were read into the record.

Outcome and next steps: The conditional use permit was approved, allowing the applicant and owner to proceed with permitting and construction under town procedures. Staff and the applicant said additional carriers have expressed interest but did not provide executed lease details or revenue figures in the hearing.