The Florence Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for a new wireless communications monopole at 4201 W. Merrill Ranch Parkway during their October 17, 2024 meeting. Although it is surrounded by vacant land, new residential development is excepted in the area.
The proposed 75-foot monopole will be located on a 2,500-square-foot site within a larger 677.79-acre parcel. The facility will include a 50-by-50-foot walled compound surrounding the monopole and will be situated near an existing APS utility substation.
During the hearing, commissioners raised several concerns about the project’s visual impact. One commissioner suggested incorporating varied wall designs and potentially adding faux palm trees to better integrate with the community’s existing landscape. Another commissioner questioned the need for a 75-foot height when other carriers operate on 50-foot poles in the area.
The site, which is part of the Anthem Planned Unit Development (PUD), is currently surrounded by vacant land planned for residential development. According to application documents, the nearest existing cell towers are approximately two miles away. The facility will be able to host up to four wireless carriers.
Commissioners also noted that the current 300-foot notification radius for residents was insufficient, as the nearest homes were approximately 3,300 feet away from the proposed site. Since new homes are planned for the area future locals would not be able to voice concerns that would affect the construction of a monopole near their residence.
The facility will be unmanned and is expected to require maintenance visits only once or twice per month after construction. Access will be provided through an existing road connecting to Merrill Ranch Parkway and will be restricted to authorized personnel only.
A neighborhood meeting was held on September 17, 2024, though no members of the public submitted comments to either the applicant or Town Staff. No members of the public spoke during the commission’s public hearing on October 17th. The proposal will next go before the Town Council for final consideration at their November 18, 2024 meeting.
