Lake County OKs 154‑foot monopine communications tower in Leesburg area

Lake County commissioners unanimously approved a conditional use permit on Nov. 4 for a 154‑foot monopine communications tower on roughly 12.6 acres southwest of Forest Lake Road and Eagle Point Court in unincorporated Leesburg.

Planning staff told the board the planning and zoning board had unanimously recommended approval and that the proposal meets setbacks and separation requirements. The applicant, represented by Mattania John, presented an RF packet and photo simulations that showed improved cellular coverage east into residential neighborhoods. The applicant said the monopine is designed to limit visual impact by using a tree‑like camouflage and that T‑Mobile will be colocated on the structure.

Several residents raised concerns about distance from homes, potential impacts on wildlife (gopher tortoises and bald eagles) and the absence of a wildlife survey in the application packet. The applicant responded that wildlife and environmental mitigation are handled through site‑plan review and by applicable federal and state permitting processes. The county attorney reminded the board that the county may not condition development decisions on applicants obtaining state or federal approvals in advance but that such permits and mitigation would be required before construction.

Commissioners asked about fall‑zone design, emergency access and RF compliance; the applicant and a T‑Mobile representative confirmed FCC compliance and that the compound includes containment features to limit hazards in the unlikely event of tower failure.

The board moved and seconded approval; a voice vote recorded ayes and the CUP passed unanimously.