Planning commission recommends approval of 75-foot cell tower for Val Nova development

The Eagle Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of CUP2026-02, a conditional use permit for a personal wireless facility proposed at Pump 1 of the Val Nova development. Commissioner Smith moved to recommend approval, and after a second the chair called for a voice vote and the motion passed.

Applicant representative James Hammond of Alliance Consulting told commissioners the project is a 75-foot monopole that the developer will construct and own, then lease space to carriers. "This is proposed to be a 75 foot monopole cellular tower that would service the Belanova development," Hammond said, describing an intent to provide colocation for multiple carriers and citing the lack of existing service in the development core and life-safety concerns with limited access to emergency services.

Planning staffer Haley Durham said the lot is designated regional open space and that personal wireless facilities over 50 feet require a conditional use permit under the code. "Since it's regional open space, it does require approval use permit to allow for a personal wireless facility over 50 feet," Durham said, and staff recommended the site-specific and standard conditions listed in the staff report. Durham told commissioners staff had requested supplemental narrative tied to Title 11 to ensure the application addressed applicable land-use standards.

Commissioners questioned packet completeness, colocation potential and visual mitigation. Commissioner Olin asked whether the location would be useful for multiple carriers; Hammond said the developer had consulted a site manager and that one carrier had committed as an initial lessee while other carriers could colocate. Commissioners and the applicant discussed design review and setbacks to reduce visual impact; Hammond said they plan to set the pole back off the hill and pursue mitigation measures.

A resident, Tom Kress, testified in support of the project, citing frequent lack of service and emergency concerns. "I am one of them that has no cell service 0.5 the time," Kress said, thanking the developer for addressing coverage. After public comment the commission closed the hearing and recommended approval with the conditions in staff's report.

Next steps: the commission's recommendation will be forwarded according to the city's review process and any construction permits and design-review approvals will follow if the governing body adopts the permit as recommended.