Springdale adopts wireless communications master plan to guide cell coverage while protecting viewscapes

Springdale’s Town Council on Wednesday adopted an updated wireless communications ordinance and a nine‑site wireless communications master plan aimed at improving cell phone service while limiting visual impacts in the canyon.

Staff member Nile (Niall) Connolly told the council the master plan and the draft ordinance prioritize nine locations—six on town property—where macro facilities would be permitted, and set maximum heights and concealment standards intended to reduce visual intrusion. CityScape consultant Susan Raybould said the plan is supported by an RF analysis showing the nine sites together would provide comprehensive town coverage.

The plan requires providers that cannot use a preferred location to justify alternative placements with RF engineering evidence and to follow a written prioritization matrix in the ordinance. Raybould, who participated remotely, described federal constraints the town must follow, saying, “the 20 feet would be from any side of the tower…that is a definition that came from the federal government and it’s non‑negotiable.”

Councilmembers asked detailed technical questions about several provisions. They clarified that the so‑called balloon test is intended as a visual aid and photo‑simulation source—applicants must provide 14 days’ notice during the examination, with imagery captured to create before/after simulations—rather than an absolute veto of a site. Consultants and staff also noted lighting is required only if FAA rules demand it (items above roughly 200 feet or within certain flight-path constraints), and the ordinance includes federal shot‑clock timelines for eligible‑facility requests and new builds.

Public commenters included a nearby park representative who praised the plan’s thoroughness but urged caution about the difference between tower builders and FCC‑licensed carriers. “We had a red and white tower with a red blinking light on top of it,” the commenter recounted from past experience, urging the town to verify applicants’ end use.

Council deliberations focused on a high, visible site labeled PMO 5 (near Balanced Rock/Rockville). Several councilmembers, including Kyla and Pat, expressed concern that PMO 5 could be geotechnically unstable and would significantly affect the skyline; staff noted the master plan identifies that location to match existing infrastructure and that town ownership of many preferred sites gives the town greater design and access control. Staff recommended retaining PMO 5 in the plan unless the council wanted to commission additional RF and geotechnical analysis to recompute coverage and avoid creating a coverage gap.

After discussion, Councilmember Pat moved to adopt the ordinance changes to chapter 10‑27 and the wireless communications master plan as presented. The motion passed with recorded votes in favor by Randy, Barbara, Pat and Kyla.

The adoption makes the master plan and the ordinance the town’s guiding documents for future wireless applications; staff said they expect providers to follow the prioritization matrix and to submit RF justification and design simulations when proposing alternate sites. If the council wants PMO 5 removed, staff said it would be appropriate to request further analysis from CityScape so the plan does not leave a coverage gap that a private applicant could exploit.