Commission committee gives favorable recommendation for special-use permit for tree-style cell tower in District 12

The Shelby County Land Use, Planning, Transportation and Codes committee voted to forward a favorable recommendation for a special-use permit that would allow a tree-style cellular tower at 3778 Old Waverly Cove (Case SUP2025-036CO).

Brett Ragsdale, Division of Planning and Development, introduced the case and said staff found the proposal complies with the Unified Development Code, citing the property's PD overlay and intended multifamily use. Planner Chloe Christian presented site photos, a preliminary site plan locating the tower behind existing structures and a secondary lease area, and a list of recommended conditions: a maximum height of 130 feet; a wooden site-proof fence around the tower anchor; removal of related equipment within 180 days if operations cease; and preservation of on-site vegetation and landscaping for screening.

Commissioner Erica Sugarman — representing the district — said public town-hall meetings produced no adverse comments and moved the committee to support the item. Commissioners discussed whether the case needed full public hearing; planning staff said it did not because there was no opposition or a rejection recommendation from staff. The committee recorded four affirmative votes (Sugarman, Mills, Morrison and Bradford), and the item will be presented to the full commission with a favorable recommendation.

Conditions recommended by planning staff will be enforced through the county’s development-review process; staff noted an applicant would still need to file an FPR (final plat/re-record) to update the plat if the project moves forward.