Commission recommends approval of 75‑ft wireless monopole near Felix Road with conditions

The Florence Planning & Zoning Commission on June 25 recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a 75‑foot wireless communications monopole and setback modifications at the northwest corner of Felix Road and the Copper Basin Railroad (PZ‑26‑15).

Staff presented the CUP as a 75‑ft monopole sited on a 12.41‑acre parcel with a proposed 50‑by‑50 equipment compound. Staff recommended approval, saying the proposal meets the development code and the Maril Ranch PUD’s requirements and will increase service in growing neighborhoods.

"We find the CUP meets the standards and we have conditions on there," the planning staff member said. The item will go to the town council on Aug. 4 for final action.

Todd Dowst, representing Comscapes on behalf of Anthemet Infrastructure and Verizon Wireless, described the site as intended to close service gaps in Merrill Ranch, El Dorado and Mosquite Trails and to provide multi‑carrier capability. He said the site was sited to maximize setbacks from residences — for example, in excess of about 650 feet to the Wild Horse Estates neighborhood and about 240 feet to Felix Road — and to use nearby vertical utility elements to reduce visual impact.

Dowst said Verizon’s target is to have the site on air by the first quarter of 2027 if construction and permitting can be accelerated. "If they're able to pull it in this year, they will certainly make an effort to do so," he said.

Commissioners asked about alternatives to one tall monopole (two or three shorter poles), coverage tradeoffs, fall‑zone clearances relative to the railroad and the compound’s finish. Chairman Frost described recent service problems in the area and urged speed on relief, saying, "It’s really a safety situation out there now because there’s times that I think if I had to dial 911 that it just would not go through." Todd Dowst and staff said the design intends to reduce the number of small poles needed in the area by providing multi‑tenant vertical space.

Commissioner Buckner moved and Vice Chair D. Rosa seconded a motion to recommend approval subject to the staff conditions and a requirement that the applicant work with staff on the block structure’s final paint color. The commission voted unanimously in favor.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to town council for final action on Aug. 4; staff and the applicant will coordinate conditions and final design details before council review.