Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-25-02-144 — Mary Solik for Gulfstream Towers LLC

Request: 6/3/25 BCC Outcome: Approval w/Conditions Special Exception and Variance in the A-1 zoning district as follows: 1) Special Exception to allow the construction of a 140 ft. high camouflaged monopine communication tower. 2) Variance to allow a distance separation of 145 ft. from a single- family residential unit in lieu of 700 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff described the proposal, including the location of the property, the site plan, and photos of the site. Staff provided an analysis of the six (6) criteria for each the Special Exception and Variance and the reasons for a recommendation for approval. Staff noted that no comments were received in favor of the request, and thirty-three (33) comments were received in opposition to the request. The applicant was present and agreed with staff presentation. The applicant provided further information regarding the FAA permitting process, and the aesthetic criteria established by the code for camouflaging. There was no one in attendance to speak in favor of the request. There was one person who spoke in opposition to the request, citing concerns over the visibility from their subdivision and the height of the tower. The BZA discussed the camouflaging and noted that the tower was still highly visible and that the camouflaging did not allow it to blend in with the area as it is primarily surrounded by subdivisions. The BZA went through the six (6) criteria, discussing how while some are met, that the proposed tower is not similar and compatible with the area, and based on the photo simulations the impact to surrounding properties was not minimized. The BZA unanimously agreed that the camouflaging was not appropriate and recommended denial of the Special Exception and Variance by a 6-0 vote, with one absent.

Conditions: 1) Development shall be in accordance with the site plan and tower specifications dated February 5, 2025, subject to the conditions of approval, and all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. Any proposed non-substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to the Zoning Manager's review and approval. Any proposed substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) where the BZA makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). 1) Development shall be in accordance with the site plan and tower specifications dated February 5, 2025, subject to the conditions of approval, and all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. Any proposed non-substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to the Zoning Manager's review and approval. Any proposed substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) where the BZA makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).