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Commission approves AT&T 75‑ft eucalyptus pole after applicant cites coverage gaps
Summary
The commission approved a 75‑foot telecommunications pole (styled as an eucalyptus) at Cactus/Dean Martin to fill coverage and 911 service gaps after AT&T showed predicted RF coverage improvements; approval included a condition that the tower match the tree‑like appearance shown to commissioners.
Richard Conte, representing AT&T, presented UC25‑0505, a use permit and design review request for a 75‑foot telecommunications pole and compound on a 1.6‑acre commercial parcel at 3377 West Cactus Avenue (a Starbucks lot). Conte said RF engineers identified the site as the only feasible location in the area to meet coverage objectives and that the structure would be designed to meet building and FCC safety standards.
Conte provided coverage maps showing areas of poor reception and explained the pole would be colocatable and structurally certified for wind loads; he also displayed ‘before’ and ‘after’ simulations showing a camouflaged eucalyptus appearance. No members of the public requested to speak on the item.
Commissioners discussed setbacks and precedent. Commissioner Mojica offered a motion to approve UC25‑0505 with the condition that the tower replicate the tree‑like visual presented to the commission; the motion passed with Commissioner Fraser voting in favor and no dissent recorded in the transcript. The approval is final unless appealed.
