Orem council approves 100-foot AT&T cell tower near UVU; consent items create neighborhood commission
March 10, 2020 · 56 North State Street, Orem
The council approved a conditional use permit for a 100-foot AT&T/UVU wireless monopole at 1261 West 800 South. Its consent agenda created a Neighborhood Commission and adopted resolutions backing a pediatric trauma unit in Utah County and a new compensation policy. In work session the council toured two apartment complexes and discussed general plan options for southwest Orem near the planned temple.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Development
Conditional use permit for UVU/AT&T monopole at 1261 West 800 South
Approved · 5-0
Planning Division Manager Jason Bench said the 100-foot steel monopole on private property in the M2 zone would close a coverage gap along I-15 and at Utah Valley University, handle 5G, and let two more providers co-locate. The 2,500-square-foot site would be fenced. The Planning Commission recommended approval. AT&T's representative told the council the pole is at least 150 feet from any structure and is designed to fold at the top if overstressed, and that access for the canal company had been worked out by easement. Mayor Brunst asked about fence height and canal access; Council Member Tom Macdonald asked about appearance and fall safety.
- Applicant: AT&T (UVU coverage)
- Height: 100 feet
- Zone: M2
- Planning Commission: recommended approval
- The minutes list Council Member David Spencer as present but do not record his vote in the roll call.
Item Consent · City code
Ordinance creating a Neighborhood Commission
Approved · 5-0
The consent agenda adopted an ordinance creating a City of Orem Neighborhood Commission, following the February work session proposal for an advisory body with a representative from each neighborhood group.
Item Consent · Other
Resolution supporting a pediatric trauma care unit in Utah County
Approved · 5-0
The consent agenda adopted a resolution supporting a pediatric trauma care unit in Utah County, following a February presentation by Timpanogos Hospital.
Item Consent · Other
Resolution adopting city compensation policy and philosophy
Approved · 5-0
The consent agenda adopted a resolution on the city's compensation policy and philosophy, discussed at the February 25 work session.
Item Work session · General plan
Southwest Orem general plan options near the temple site (work session)
Discussed
Bench said the question was whether to keep current zoning or consider other options now that a temple is coming. Realtors consulted by staff suggested commercial potential if density changes. Staff said changes would require updated impact fee studies, redesigned sewer lift stations and 6 to 12 months of hearings. Mayor Brunst wanted resident input and a neighborhood meeting and a look at what other cities did around temples. Council Member Brent Sumner said he was not excited about high density and wanted more information; Council Member Terry Peterson agreed with Sumner. City Manager Jamie Davidson said property owners were calling about developing in ways inconsistent with the General Plan. The council agreed to a neighborhood meeting.
Item Work session · Other
Tour of Devon and Exton apartments (work session)
No action
Owners and a project manager from ICO led the council on a tour of two recent complexes at about 875 South 700 East.
What residents said
Underground utility lines on 2000 NorthSouthwest Orem density
Sissy Rasmussen described Centennial Elementary School, formed from the former Hillcrest and Scera Park schools, and invited the council to visit. Gary Morelly, speaking about utilities along 2000 North, asked that overhead utility lines be put underground when new sewer and water lines are installed.