Council approves 100‑foot AT&T 'monopine' to close coverage gap; fire marshal supported tower

Sierra Vista — The City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a 100‑foot communications tower camouflaged as a pine tree at 999 East Fry Boulevard after staff and the applicant said the structure would close a radio coverage gap and improve first‑responder communications.

SmartLink Real Estate, representing AT&T, proposed a 50‑by‑50‑foot lease area to accommodate the monopine and screened ground‑mounted equipment; staff noted the site meets required setback distances and that the tower area will be enclosed behind an eight‑foot masonry wall. Planning staff said the applicant provided propagation maps showing improved coverage where the gap currently exists, and that several nearby towers could not accommodate the needed capacity or co‑location due to height, capacity or location constraints.

Staff described camouflage and design requirements that the applicant agreed to, including branch density and length, branch placement relative to antennas and bark‑colored finishes to conceal vertical elements. The city received a supporting letter from the fire marshal noting the tower would “greatly improve fire and EMS communications” that use the First Responder Network Authority.

During discussion councilmembers asked whether the tower could host a city camera for a public livestream view; the city and applicant said the top of the tower is occupied by antennas but staff will investigate potential lower mounting locations and future colocation needs.

Bill Koenig of SmartLink (representing AT&T) was present and answered council questions. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended unanimous approval and the council approved the CUP by voice vote with no recorded opposition.