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Commission OKs 65‑Foot Monopole at Single Star Ranch to Improve Coverage
Summary
The commission unanimously approved SU25‑33 to allow a 65‑foot monopole communications facility at Single Star Ranch (CitySwitch/Terra Consulting), with conditions requiring antenna data at permitting; supporters cited improved emergency communications while opponents raised visual and obsolescence concerns.
The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved docket SU25‑33, authorizing a 65‑foot monopole communications facility at the Single Star Ranch lease area off Coronado Memorial Road.
Staff (Matthew Taylor) described the proposal by CitySwitch Development Company LLC, represented by Terra Consulting, for a 2,500‑square‑foot lease area and a 65‑foot monopole (plus a 10‑foot lightning rod). Staff said RU‑4 zoning allows communications facilities by right but height requires a special use; the proposed tower location is approximately 470 feet south of Highway 92 and about 2,000 feet from the nearest residence. Notification included 62 mailed notices and staff reported four responses in favor and two in opposition. Staff recommended approval with conditions including strict height limits, lease‑area setbacks and a requirement that antenna power output and frequency range data be provided at permitting.
Applicant Hugh Bielka (Terra Consulting) said the tower would improve connectivity across southern Cochise County and that AT&T would be an anchor tenant. Supporters, including nearby residents and Single Star Ranch landowners, said additional capacity would aid travel between Sierra Vista and Bisbee and improve communications for fire and emergency response. Opponents raised aesthetic concerns and questioned the long‑term need for a tower amid fast‑changing communications technology.
Commissioners questioned technical details; Bielka confirmed the facility is cellular, that the tower would stand 65 feet tall and that the tower would be sited roughly 90 feet from the road with the fenced compound meeting setback requirements. Staff noted permitting would include FAA, FCC and county code reviews and that antenna power/frequency data had been forwarded to Fort Huachuca for comment (no response received prior to the meeting).
A motion to approve with the staff‑recommended conditions passed by unanimous vote. The chair reminded the public of appeal rights to the Board of Supervisors.
