The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has approved Resolution No. 2025-SUP-017-24 for a new 80-foot cell tower disguised as a pine tree at a Dollar Self Storage facility in San Tan Valley. The tower, which will be located near Hunt Highway and Heritage Road, received unanimous approval during the January 8, 2025 meeting.
The monopole will be located within the Dollar Self Storage facility on Hunt Hwy.
The stealth wireless communication facility, proposed by Pinnacle Consulting LLC on behalf of Dollar Self Storage #23 LLC, aims to improve network reliability for residents, businesses, and emergency services in the area. The tower will be constructed in the southern corner of the 6.45-acre storage facility property.
During the meeting, Supervisor Serdy raised concerns about potential maintenance issues, particularly regarding the artificial pine tree branches in windy conditions. “What is the process if these things start falling apart in this wind like we’re having right now?” Serdy asked, noting that company representatives might not be around in 5-10 years.
Senior Planner Patrick Roberts informed the board that under the lease agreement, operators would be required to maintain the tower to approved standards and repair any damage to the branches. Chairman Goodman, who expressed relief that the tower wasn’t one of the pine tree types known for excessive fake needle shedding, also emphasized the importance of site restoration, confirming that operators would be responsible for completely removing the tower and restoring the site to its original condition if decommissioned.
The approval includes 13 stipulations, with key requirements including FCC compliance certification within 30 days, adherence to International Fire Code standards, and the removal of the facility within 180 days if it’s no longer needed. The facility must also maintain the property free of trash and debris, with violations potentially triggering revocation proceedings by the Pinal County Community Development Department.
The project previously received unanimous approval (9-0) from the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 21, 2024. During the Board of Supervisors’ public hearing, no community members came forward to speak about the project, matching the lack of written opposition or support letters received during the planning process.
Michelle Johnson of Pinnacle Consulting told the board that the company considers this “the least intrusive means” to accomplish their coverage goals. The facility will include an additional 8-foot CMU wall as required by code, part of the project’s efforts to minimize visual impact on nearby residential areas.
The tower will be situated within an existing parking area of the storage facility, which will require some parking space redistribution to accommodate the new structure. According to planning staff, traffic impact will be minimal as the facility will only require occasional maintenance visits.
