R0605 Thomas

1
R-06-05 (Thomas)

• Nature of Request
• A request to amend sections 706.14 and 1813.07 of
  the Cochise County Zoning Regulations to
  eliminate the maximum height of 30 feet for
  wireless communications facilities as a special
  use in TR (Transitional-Residential) zoning
  districts.
• If approved, the zoning regulation amendment
  would apply to all TR-zoned areas of the county.

2
Background of Request

• Reg amendment requested following a number of
  inquiries regarding inadequate cell phone service
  in the St. David area.
• TR zoning in the St. David area has impeded
  requests for cell towers over 30 feet.

3
Note for Consideration

• The proposed amendment would afford applicants
  no more latitude to increase tower heights than
  is currently the case in the Rural and General
  Business zoning districts.

4

• Public Input
• The Planning Department has received no
  statements of protest against or support for the
  zoning regulation amendment.

5
Factors Favoring Approval of theZoning
Regulation Amendment

• 1.) Allowing wireless communication towers to be
  erected at heights greater than 30 feet in TR
  zoning districts will give service providers the
  operational flexibility to offer expanded
  coverage in previously under-served areas.
• 2.) Special uses are evaluated on a case-by-case
  basis, allowing staff and the Commission the
  opportunity to determine the merits and demerits
  of each proposal individually with respect to
  height, setbacks, noise, etc.

6
Factors Favoring Denial of theZoning Regulation
Amendment

• 1.) Allowing wireless communication towers to be
  erected at heights greater than 30 feet in TR
  zoning districts may result in greater off-site
  impacts.
• 2.) Allowing wireless communication towers to be
  erected at heights greater than 30 feet in TR
  zoning districts will potentially diminish the
  viewsheds and scenic qualities of neighborhoods
  in which these structures located.

7
Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation

• On June 14, 2006, the Planning Zoning
  Commission voted unanimously in favor of
  forwarding a recommendation of approval of the
  requested zoning regulation amendment to the
  Board of Supervisors.

8
Staff Recommendation
The Planning Department recommends approval of
the request to amend sections 706.14 and 1813.07
of the Cochise County Zoning Regulations to
eliminate the maximum height of wireless
communication facilities as a special use in TR
zoning districts.