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Planner approves 23‑foot monopole extension to permit T‑Mobile antennas near USA campus
Summary
The commission approved a major modification to raise a 150‑foot monopole to 172.1 feet at 6710 Old Shell Road to allow T‑Mobile equipment; staff confirmed required residential buffer calculations and planning conditions.
The Mobile Planning Commission approved a major modification Nov. 20 to raise an existing monopole on Old Shell Road from 150 feet to 172.1 feet to accommodate T‑Mobile antennas.
Michael Bentley, representing American Tower Corporation, told commissioners the 23‑foot extension will improve vehicle coverage along Old Shell, at the Cody Airport area and on the University of South Alabama campus. Because the requested increase exceeded 10% of the tower’s height, the application was processed as a major modification and included eight findings of fact and eight conditions. Commissioners asked about the residential buffer requirement; staff confirmed the buffer is the greater of 200 feet or 150% of tower height, which staff clarified during questioning.
After discussion, the commission adopted findings of fact a–h and approved the modification; the motion passed with one recorded opposition. Staff will incorporate the modification into the planning approval and ensure the applicant obtains any required structural, building and radiofrequency permits before construction.
What’s next: The applicant must secure applicable building permits and coordinate with traffic/engineering or other departments if site work or access changes are required.
