Helena City Commission OKs extending cell tower height from 60 to 92 feet

The Helena City Commission has granted a variance that will let a company add 32 feet to the height of a cellular tower along Sanders Street, despite objections from residents who cited concerns about aesthetics, safety and wildlife with a looming structure that will now be 92 feet tall.

However, commissioners said Monday they were limited as to what they could do given federal regulations, and were not allowed to deny the request, citing those concerns.

Powder River Development Services of Eagle, Idaho, requested a variance to increase the height of an existing tower from 60 feet to 92 feet at 1414 Orange Ave. to allow for new cellular antennas and equipment, according to documents filed with the city. They said this would provide people with high-quality, effective and affordable services.

The tower at 1414 Orange Ave. in Helena. The Floral Cottage is not the applicant seeking to increase the pole’s height.

Phil Drake, Independent Record

The tower is in an alley between Orange Avenue and Birch Street. The tower is owned by American Tower Corp. and the proposed carrier is T-Mobile,

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