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Leon Valley council approves 160‑foot monopole cell tower with aesthetic conditions
Summary
After public testimony and an executive‑session review, Leon Valley City Council approved a specific‑use permit for a 160‑foot monopole cell tower at 6004 Grissom Road, requiring 'stealth' screening panels around antennas to reduce visual impacts; the vote passed 4–1.
The Leon Valley City Council on Sept. 16 approved a specific‑use permit to allow construction and operation of a 160‑foot monopole telecommunications tower on a parcel at 6004 Grissom Road.
The permit passed after the council heard a presentation from the applicant and more than an hour of resident testimony. "We are proposing a 160‑foot monopole cell tower — the least obtrusive design we make in the industry," said Andy Rotenstryke of APC Towers, representing the applicant and Verizon Wireless. Rotenstryke said the site fills a coverage gap and that the tower would be under FAA lighting thresholds because it is below 200 feet; he noted FAA documentation in the record showing approval up to 164 feet.
Why it mattered: Neighbors pressed the council about perceived health risks, possible interference with consumer electronics and antenna television, and property‑value impacts. Residents said the proposed location sits close to R‑1 single‑family properties. "I don't want a big tower in my backyard," said a nearby resident who identified himself as Christian and described rights to add an accessory dwelling that could affect the tower's fall zone. Melinda Moritz, the city's public works director, told the council that if a homeowner later built within the fall zone the tower would become nonconforming but that the homeowner is still permitted to build on their property.
Legal and procedural notes: City staff and the city attorney briefed the council on the Telecommunications Act and limits on local authority. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval 6–0. The city attorney read SUP approval criteria aloud at the meeting, and the applicant agreed to add so‑called "stealth" panels to mask antenna elements.
Motion and outcome: Councilor Mersch moved to approve the SUP with the stealth‑panel condition; Councilor Orozco seconded. The roll call vote was Bolton — No; Heil — Yes; Campos — Yes; Orozco — Yes; Mersch — Yes. The motion carried, 4–1.
What’s next: Staff will ensure the SUP conditions are reflected in the permit. A building permit and compliance with setbacks, fencing, signage and lighting requirements must be satisfied before construction begins.
