SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Spanish Fort City Council Monday recommend to amend the height of cell phone towers within the city limits and set a public hearing in July for residents to voice their opinion.

A temporary truck-based tower has been located on the Causeway by the “old Exxon” gas station for three years, building official Bruce Renkert said.

The new tower would replace the temporary in the same location, which has already been leased, Renkert said.

Currently, the law allows for cell phone towers to be 180 ft. City Council members want to change the height to half of the current tower size. According to City Attorney David J. Conner, so far there has only been one applicant who has shown interest in building a tower.

The City Council may rezone all or a portion of the property to the T-1 zoning district. Any rezoned portion must be situated within the parent parcel in order for the wireless communications facility to comply with the setback requirements.

The towers, guys and accessory facilities must meet the minimum yard requirements for the planned zoning district they are located.

The minimum setback for all towers from adjacent property is one half the total height of the towers, including antennae.

The lot size also must be able to accommodate all setbacks, buffered areas, ground mounted accessory structures antenna support and space for guy-wires. It must also adapt to the minimum lot size required for underlying use in the district the tower is located. Because the City Council has decided the original zoning ordinance should be amended, a public hearing will be held July 7 at 6 p.m. for residents to comment about the proposed amendment.

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