Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-03-11-126 — Progress Energy Florida

Request: Variance to install communication antennas within cylinder encasement (2-1/2 wide x 7 ft. tall) atop existing electrical utility pole with equipment cabinet at pole base, within public road right-of-way.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: This request is consistent with three previous Variance approvals to use an electrical utility pole within a public road right-of-way for the installation of communication antennas. Two of those were approved along Wekiwa Springs Road, and the third was approved along another segment of Apopka-Vineland Road. The antennas will be installed inside a cylindrical container atop of the pole. The accessory structure for support equipment that typically is built next to the pole will instead be installed inside of the pole. The pole will be replaced with a more sturdier pole but of the same height to accommodate these features. This method of providing telecommunication service is a good alternative to building communication towers, especially in heavily dense residential areas such as this. Staff recommended approval with the conditions proposed. There was no public opposition to this request.