The Mobile Board of Adjustment voted to approve variances allowing American Tower to raise an existing wireless communications tower near Old Shell Road from 149 feet to 172 feet to accommodate a T‑Mobile 5G antenna.

Michael Bentley, representing American Tower, told the board the current tower tenant, Verizon, remains active and that the requested work would improve in‑building and in‑vehicle coverage along Old Shell, Airport and Cody roads and on the University of South Alabama campus. Bentley said the application requires three variances: a height variance, a setback variance and a residential‑separation exception because the code requires a 150% tower‑height buffer (about 258 feet) and the nearest student residence (Ivy Row) lies roughly 248 feet from the tower property line.

Board members questioned the propagation maps and whether other carriers would be added; Bentley said the upgrade is for T‑Mobile specifically and that the submitted maps show improved coverage for T‑Mobile at the higher height. Staff reported no public comments on the application.

A board member moved to approve the variances "subject to findings of fact" (including that the proposal is not contrary to the public interest and that the spirit of the zoning chapter is observed). The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board recorded the application as approved as presented.

The decision authorizes the developer to proceed with the antenna installation under the board’s findings; the board did not list additional conditions beyond the findings of fact announced during the motion. Staff contact for follow‑up remains the planning department at (251) 208‑5895.