P&Z Commission discussing telecommunications in Fountain Hills

The discussion related to rules for telecommunications infrastructure will continue with the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission when it meets Monday, May 13.

Development Services Director John Wesley said staff and the commission received direction from the council to review standards for small cell wireless towers to control proliferation throughout the town. As the discussion has evolved, the focus has turned to the development of underground broadband cable services, to reduce the need for wireless broadband.

Citizen concerns related to the wireless include health issues due to microwave radiation as well as potential for towers to be constructed within the right of way on residential property with no recourse for property owners.

Staff has made changes to a proposed ordinance discussed at the April meeting and will present that for a public hearing and commission consideration.

The commission will also be looking at a proposed ordinance amendment to allow for patio covers in front and side yards facing the street. A citizen recently proposed a plan for a front yard patio cover, which is not currently permitted. The request was taken to the Board of Adjustment, which denied the variance.

Staff have since proposed that there are benefits to such patio construction and has proposed an ordinance amendment. The following language is being presented for discussion: “Patio covers may project into a required front yard or street side yard one-half (½) of the required setback, up to 12 and one-half … feet, and may not exceed 12 feet in height. Covered patios in the front or street side yard may not be enclosed. The total width of the support structures holding up the cover within the setback may not exceed 20% of the width of the side of the patio and shall be designed to maintain an open view along the street and not create a sight obstruction. Covered patios in a front yard may not be used as a carport, garage, or storage.”

Staff will also present the annual report related to implementation to the Fountain Hills General Plan 2020.

The Planning and Zoning Commission meets Monday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public and is also live streamed. The agenda packet is available for review at the town website, fountainhillsaz.gov/agendas.

The Times Independent invites readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Bob Burns can be reached at bburns@iniusa.org.