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Mesquite Board of Adjustments approves two 150-foot flagpoles at car dealerships
Summary
The City of Mesquite Board of Adjustments approved special exceptions for 150-foot flagpoles at Lone Star Cadillac and Clay Cooley Genesis after staff recommended approval and the applicant described automated flag systems and setback compliance; the vote was 5-0.
The City of Mesquite Board of Adjustments voted 5-0 on Jan. 22 to grant two special exceptions allowing 150-foot flagpoles—exceeding the city's 75-foot height limit—at Lone Star Cadillac (16190 LBJ Freeway) and Clay Cooley Genesis (16160 LBJ Freeway).
Staff presented the two uncontested cases, identified on the agenda as BOA1225-0486 and BOA1225-0487, and recommended approval under the Mesquite Zoning Ordinance's criteria for antenna, aerials and flagpoles. "Staff is recommending approval of this both special exceptions," a city staff member told the board, noting nearby precedent for tall poles on adjacent properties.
Davin Marceau, the general contractor for both dealerships, explained technical and safety details when board members asked about flag maintenance and utility clearances. "They're automated systems," Marceau said of the raising and lowering mechanisms, and he added that the dealerships hire Simmons Flag Company "to handle the maintenance on the flag poles, the raising and lowering mechanisms, the lighting, and the flags themselves to make sure that they adhere to flag code at all times." He also said placement decisions considered easements and required setbacks and that the owner expects to address future ownership changes if lots are sold.
Board members raised questions about clearance from high-voltage lines and whether adjacent owners could require removal; Marceau said setbacks and easements were addressed in the siting and that the dealership intends to manage the poles if property ownership changes.
After a brief public-hearing period in which no one spoke, a board member moved to approve both special exceptions in a single motion; the motion was seconded and the chair announced the motion carried with a 5-0 vote. The approvals were recorded as actions BOA1225-0486 and BOA1225-0487. No contested testimony or written opposition from property owners within 200 feet was noted by staff.
The board's decision will become final when filed in the board's office; staff reminded applicants that an approved exception typically expires 180 days after filing unless an extension or a building permit, sign plan, site plan or certificate of occupancy is issued first.
