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Commissioners uphold denial of 170-foot Shores cell tower appeal
Summary
The Board unanimously denied an appeal to allow a 170-foot monopole tower in the St. Augustine Shores PUD, upholding the Planning and Zoning Agency's 6-1 denial and citing compatibility and visual-impact concerns.
At the April 7 meeting the Board heard an appeal (PLNAPPL 2026-02 / TOWER 2024-04) seeking a Special Use Permit for a 170‑foot monopole in the St. Augustine Shores Planned Unit Development. Appellant counsel Brad Wester and NexTower CEO Dave Beth argued the tower would support 5G coverage and cited coverage needs.
Dozens of residents and land-use professionals spoke in opposition, raising compatibility and property-value concerns. Appraiser Ronald Moody and several realtors told the Board the tower would be incompatible with nearby uses. After rebuttal from the appellant, the Board voted 5-0 to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning and Zoning Agency’s prior denial, listing ten findings of fact in support of the decision. "Motion by Murphy, seconded by Joseph, carried 5/0, to deny PLNAPPL 2026-02, Shores Telecommunication Tower (TOWER 2024-04), Upholding the decision of the Planning and Zoning Agency and denying TOWER 2024-04, based upon ten findings of fact."
Board discussion referenced alternative sites and the potential for relay systems and noted the legal standard requiring credible, substantial evidence for overturning a PZA decision. The denial preserves the PZA’s determination that the proposed location and height were incompatible with surrounding residential uses.
