Focus Area: Economy, Community Development
Staff Contact: Jessica Schuller, Senior Planner
Subject: SU25-0007: Special Use Permit for a Telecommunications Facility (Monopole); Applicant: Paul Greeley, Selective Site Consultants, Inc.
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TITLE:
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Consideration of Resolution No. 26-1026 (SU25-0007), requesting approval for a Telecommunications Facility for Mather West, located southwest of 151st Street and S. Red Bird Street. Planning Commission recommended approval 7 to 0.
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Summary:
The applicant is requesting a Special Use Permit (SUP) for a 143-foot tall telecommunications facility in the form of a monopole. The property is zoned M-2 (General Industrial) District and the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires a special use permit for telecommunications facilities. The monopole is proposed central to the Mather West Olathe Business Park, which is partially constructed, and will be sited behind two future buildings and parking lot which screens all ground equipment from public roadways to the north and east. The monopole is designed to support the antennas and equipment for three (3) future wireless carriers. Paved access is provided from W. 151st Street to the fenced compound as required by the UDO.
The telecommunications facility meets all UDO requirements and one deviation is requested. A setback deviation from the required distance of 71.5 feet to 40 feet from the eastern property line is requested. Staff finds that the deviation meets the requirements of UDO 18.50.220.D.4.d and recommends approval because the setback allows the tower to be placed where adequate stormwater detention and tree preservation can be maintained, along with adequate parking and turnaround space for semi-trucks to access future buildings . The adjacent property to the east is currently under the same ownership and is planned for the development of unoccupied storage units.
According to UDO 18.50.220, SUPs for telecommunications facilities are approved for an initial time limit of 10 years with subsequent renewals of 10 years each. The subject property is also located within one mile of the Johnson County New Century AirCenter and is therefore subject to review by the Johnson County Airport Commission and the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.
The public hearing was held on February 23, 2026 and one member of the public spoke regarding proximity to residential, health impacts, home values and neighborhood character. Additionally, two letters of public correspondence were received. During the Planning Commission discussion, staff clarified that federal and state law prevent local governments from denying applications based on health or environmental concerns related to radio frequency emissions, provided the facility complies with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of SU25-0007 as presented in the meeting minutes.
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Financial Impact:
None
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Action Needed:
1. Approve Resolution No. 26-1026 for a special use permit for a telecommunications facility (monopole) as recommended by the Planning Commission (4 positive votes required).
2. Deny Resolution No. 26-1026 for a special use permit for a telecommunications facility (monopole) (5 positive votes required).
3. Return the special use permit application to the Planning Commission for further consideration with a statement specifying the basis for the Governing Body’s failure to approve or disapprove (4 positive votes required).
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Attachment(s):
A. Planning Commission Packet
B. Planning Commission Minutes
C. Public Correspondence
D. Resolution No. 26-1026