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Commission unanimously approves 99‑foot ‘monopine’ cell tower near I‑40 to fill coverage gaps
Summary
Coconino County’s planning commission unanimously approved CUP 26‑002 for a 99‑foot stealth 'monopine' proposed by Destry Development / Sun State Towers near I‑40 to improve cellular coverage; staff recommended approval after staff analysis showed code standards were met and no public comments were received at the neighborhood meeting.
The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 25 voted unanimously to approve CUP 26‑002, a conditional‑use permit for a 99‑foot stealth “monopine” telecommunication facility proposed by Destry Development on behalf of Sun State Towers.
Planner Sophie Cozza summarized staff’s analysis, saying the proposal would place a concealed monopine on a 1,600‑square‑foot lease area within a 17‑acre parcel at the northwest corner of I‑40 and Flagstaff Ranch Road. The lease area will contain equipment cabinets and a backup generator, enclosed by an 8‑foot chain‑link fence with privacy slats. "Staff recommends approval of CUP 26002," Sophie said. Staff told the commission that the project meets required setbacks and zoning performance standards, is not located on a scenic corridor, and ranks favorably on the county's preferred facilities list for concealed installations. A neighborhood meeting held Dec. 23 recorded zero attendees and no written comments.
Reg Destry, who said he is representing Sun State Towers, described the site selection and camouflage approach: "We think it's a good location to help fill in what we know to be a coverage gap for Verizon Wireless," he said. Destry said the design minimizes tree removal and places the monopine closer to the interstate and farther from residences; staff noted the site can accommodate up to two additional carriers in the future.
Chair Wilson opened the public hearing and staff checked for telephone attendees; one caller was present but said they had no comments. Commissioners said they "could make the findings" and recorded no objections. Commissioner Williams moved to approve CUP 26‑002 and Commissioner Leslie seconded; roll‑call votes recorded unanimous aye and the motion passed.
Federal law context: staff referenced the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 and explained that, if a proposed tower is shown to be the least‑intrusive means to close a significant coverage gap, local denials are constrained by federal law.
Votes at a glance (selected items): - Approval: Minutes of 01/28/2026 — motion passed. - Approval: CUP 26‑001 (RV as a permanent residence) — moved by Vice Chair Best; seconded by Commissioner Williams; unanimous approval. - Approval: CUP 26‑002 (Sun State Wireless monopine) — moved by Commissioner Williams; seconded by Commissioner Leslie; unanimous approval.
Next steps: With county approval complete, the applicant may proceed to apply for required building and site permits; staff will post the county actions and any appeal information as required.
