Commission conditionally approves 15‑ft monopine extension to 90 ft for improved wireless coverage

Doña Ana County planning commissioners on May 28 approved a special use permit (SU26‑010) and a related variance to permit a 15‑foot extension of an existing 75‑foot monopine wireless facility to a total height of 90 feet.

Staff explained the site is zoned C‑1 and that the tower was administratively approved in 2018. Taylor Squire, who identified herself for the record as representing the applicant and the tower owner CitySwitch, said T‑Mobile will collocate and take a 10‑foot vertical envelope near the top of the proposed 90‑foot structure; she added the remainder of the pole remains available for other carriers.

Staff recommended conditional approval after reviewing decisional criteria including traffic, setbacks and compatibility with the comprehensive plan; the variance was requested because a 110% fall‑zone setback at the proposed height would slightly encroach on two property lines (about 2–5 feet). Staff and the applicant said there were no written objections from notified property owners. Commissioners asked questions about potential co‑location and public‑safety fall distances; staff noted the nearest alternative tower is roughly 3 miles away.

The commission approved the special use permit and the related variance on separate roll calls; conditions include submission of engineered drawings as needed and compliance with building and permitting requirements.