Paradise board recommends AT&T tower with wall and tree-fee modifications

The Paradise Town Advisory Board on June 24 recommended approval of a use permit and design review for a communication tower proposed by AT&T, adding conditions that the compound be enclosed with a block wall rather than chain-link and that the tree-in-lieu landscaping fee be removed as a condition for the leased parcel.

Rich (Rick) Conte, speaking for AT&T, described the site as a small, unmanned compound at the northwest corner of a larger undeveloped parcel and said co-location with an existing nearby monopole had been considered. He presented propagation maps showing existing coverage gaps and said the site would provide more continuous service in the area. “So that’s the reason for this site is to fill in that gap,” Conte said.

Conte told the board he expected off-site improvement costs could materially increase the project price, estimating typical off-site work at $100,000–$150,000 but saying this site’s off-site costs could add about $300,000. He also noted landscaping challenges for an undeveloped parcel and the need to tap water for any irrigation.

Board members asked about enclosure materials, landscaping and the property owner’s development plans; one board member proposed conditions requiring a block wall instead of chain-link and waiving the tree-in-lieu fee for the small leased corner. The board approved the motion to recommend the use permit and waivers as amended; the item will proceed to the Board of County Commissioners on July 16.

The applicant emphasized that the tower is intended to reduce dropped calls and extend continuous wireless coverage in the neighborhood; final permitting, utility connections and any off-site improvements remain subject to county review and possible additional conditions.