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Advisory board urged to weigh avian-protective tower guidelines in Fort Myers
Summary
A board presentation summarized research showing tower lighting and design affect migratory bird mortality and recommended considering pulsing white lights, monopole designs and limiting tall lattice structures in permitting guidance; members asked staff to draft broader recommendations covering aesthetics, health and zoning before recommending an ordinance.
A board member presented research on avian mortality related to communications towers and urged the city to consider permitting guidance that would reduce bird collisions. The presenter summarized key findings from FAA/FCC work and advocacy groups: pulsing/flashing lights can be as effective for aviation as steady-burning lights and white lights are less deadly to birds than red lights. The presenter said towers under roughly 200 feet and monopole designs tend to be less hazardous than taller lattice structures with guy wires.
The board discussed whether to draft a city ordinance or to coordinate with state and federal regulators. Members raised zoning concerns (proximity to schools), aesthetics, health questions and enforcement implications. Staff said the initial applications come to the city as a land-use/zoning matter before FAA/FCC review, giving the city an early opportunity to provide input. The board requested that members develop a recommendation that addresses avian safety plus other environmental and neighborhood impacts for review at the next meeting.
