If you have ever wondered why there is a constant need for new or improved cellular towers, go to any gathering place such as a restaurant, airport or park and see just how many people are looking down at their phones or internet devices.
Cellular companies are constantly having to make improvements in order to keep up with the ever-growing demand for additional data, especially in the last few years as just about everyone now has a smartphone.
While in many cases the city’s hands are tied when it comes to cell towers and wireless communication due to federal regulations, it does have a say in some regard, specifically when it comes to the issuing of conditional use permits.
T-Mobile requested approval of a CUP to allow for modifications to an existing rooftop wireless communications facility atop Orchards Inn in Uptown. The applicant was proposing to replace most of the equipment on the rooftop and raise the antennas 3 feet, 8 inches. The antennas will increase the overall height of the tower from 27 feet, 2 inches, to 30 feet, 10 inches.
On Tuesday, Sept. 4, the Sedona Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved this request. The modifications are expected to be made in the next few months.
A staff report states, “The proposed modifications to the existing wireless communications facility are not anticipated to create a nuisance. The property is surrounded by other commercially zoned properties and has had an operational wireless communications facility for 10 years. No hazards as a result of explosion, contamination, fire or flood are anticipated as a result of this use. This use is not anticipated to increase traffic in the area.”
In October 2016, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a CUP to allow for modifications to the existing wireless facility, including replacement of existing rooftop equipment, shifting the location on the rooftop, additional rooftop equipment, and a 2-inch increase to the overall height.
“With this specific project, this is twice in the last two years this has happened [CUP request] and the technology is pretty well caught up right now,” project spokeswoman Kay Hennessy said. “So I really can’t predict what kind of work T-Mobile will be providing us in the future.”
CityScape, the city’s wireless consultant, signed off on the request and suggested that it be approved.
“What we’ve been told by our consultants is that technology is moving so fast that there are no guarantees — things could change overnight,” Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Marty Losoff said.
