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Ames zoning board approves larger concealment canisters on Ames High cell tower with conditions
Summary
The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special use permit to replace 34‑inch concealment canisters with 42‑inch canisters on the wireless tower at 1801 Ridgewood Avenue (Ames High), imposing conditions including painting, tree replacement, fence repair and updated engineer‑stamped plans.
The Ames Zoning Board of Adjustment on the unanimous vote of members present approved a special use permit to allow larger concealment canisters on the wireless communications tower at 1801 Ridgewood Avenue, the site of Ames High.
City staff told the board the tower is 110 feet tall and was originally approved in 2005. Staff said the application proposes increasing the diameter of the top concealment canisters from 34 inches to 42 inches to accommodate newer equipment, and recommended approval with conditions: paint the canister to match the rest of the tower, replace one dead pine tree on the east side, bring the perimeter fence into good repair, and submit plans bearing a current engineer’s stamp.
"The tower is 110 feet tall," a city staff member said. Staff added that one tree previously approved at the site has died and been replanted but that a second tree must be replaced, and that parts of the fence are weathered and should be repaired.
Board members asked follow‑up questions about the fence condition and whether there had been public opposition. Staff said it had sent notices and received one phone call from a nearby resident who, after being told the change would enlarge the canister diameter but not the tower height, did not oppose the proposal.
Member Taylor moved to approve the special use permit "to allow replacement by 10 feet of the existing 34 inch stealth canister with a new 42 inch stealth canister at 1801 Ridgewood Avenue, with conditions a, b, c, and d." The motion was seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote that recorded Taylor — aye; McDaniel — aye; White house — aye.
The board’s approval is subject to the stated conditions and requires updated, stamped plans before work may proceed. Staff notified the public that any person desiring to appeal the decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after filing the decision.
The board also approved the meeting minutes and subsequently adjourned.
