Lumen Communications requested a special exception to expand a telecommunications "point of presence" facility at 5630 Highway 31 W, planning staff told the Sumner County Board of Zoning Appeals.

Planning staff explained the site is about 3 acres in a rural residential zoning district and that the proposed additions are relatively small shelters and a concrete pad. Staff described the use as an essential service allowed only by special exception and said the application includes a landscape plan and a proposed type‑2 buffer to screen equipment from the street.

Staff noted existing structures and a fence that encroaches into the required 50‑foot street setback and recommended approval only if the board makes the required findings and attaches conditions. Staff outlined three possible motions for the board: approve the special exception subject to site‑plan and permits, deny the request, or defer the matter for further information.

A Lumen representative, present at the hearing, told the board, "I represent Lumen and everything Sydney said was spot on." Planning staff (identified in the record as Sydney) told the board the applicant has been responsive to staff requests for information and that final permits would have to be obtained before construction.

The board closed the public hearing after hearing from the applicant and no public speakers opposed the request during the advertised hearing. No final vote was recorded in the transcript; the staff packet included example motions that would approve the request subject to site‑plan approval, construction in accordance with submitted plans, and receipt of all required permits.

The board did not announce a final disposition on the record in the portion of the transcript provided; further action would depend on the board’s subsequent motion and vote or any additional conditions the board imposes.