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Council approves 85-foot concealed wireless tower in Mission Valley neighborhood
Summary
After a public hearing and applicant testimony supporting public-safety coverage, the council approved an amendment and adopted Ordinance 1178.137 to allow a concealed 85-foot wireless telecommunications facility (rendered as a faux eucalyptus) within Mission Valley Unit 1, with HOA lease and administrative site-plan review required.
The Casa Grande City Council approved Ordinance 1178.137 to permit a major PAD amendment allowing one 85-foot wireless telecommunication facility within a Mission Valley HOA tract.
Staff described the site as an 18-acre HOA tract within Mission Valley Unit 1, approximately 50 feet from the adjacent road and about 138 feet from the nearest residence. The wireless site would be camouflaged as a faux eucalyptus and surrounded by an 8-foot concrete masonry (CMU) wall; equipment would be secured within cabinets. Wright Engineering’s prior planning and a June Planning & Zoning recommendation (4–3) were referenced in staff remarks.
Applicant representatives, including Mike McLaughlin (Western Fire Chiefs Association), said the site addresses a documented coverage gap and supports FirstNet, a public-safety broadband network, citing that roughly 80% of 9-1-1 calls now come from wireless devices. Brett Howard, president of the Mission Valley HOA, said the HOA held several presentations and found limited opposition among roughly 940 HOA homes; he said the HOA preferred the concealed eucalyptus design as the best concealment option among alternatives presented.
Council members questioned aesthetics and maintenance of the faux tree, and staff noted the leaves are a composite material with ongoing maintenance needs (replacement roughly every 12–15 years) and periodic repairs. Council also discussed federal preemption: they noted the council may not base its decision on radio-frequency (RF) exposure concerns, which are governed by federal law, and that the rezoning/rezoning criteria are the appropriate basis for action.
After public input and council discussion, the city adopted Ordinance 1178.137 authorizing the PAD amendment; the HOA must still execute a lease and submit an administrative site plan for review prior to construction.
