ZBA Meeting Focused on Cell Tower for Walmart Site
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The June 16th Zoning Board of Appeals meeting focused on a proposal by SBA Communications to install a cell tower designed as a concealed “monopine” tree at a local Walmart. A Valmont Industries engineer detailed the structure’s safety, explaining how the pole is designed to buckle or collapse inward rather than toppling over in extreme wind. Despite these technical safeguards, the board expressed concern that the proposed zero-foot fall zone conflicts with local ordinances requiring a clearance equal to the tower’s height. Because the fall zone potentially overlaps with a business use area—the Walmart parking lot—the board decided to seek a legal opinion from the city solicitor. The meeting concluded with a recommendation that the applicant file for a zoning variance to avoid further procedural delays while awaiting legal clarification.
Infographic illustrates the antenna and tower concept discussed.
