Brentwood Addresses Connectivity Problems

The Brentwood, TN City Commission announced it took a major step toward its goal of improving wireless service in its community by approving the lease of city-owned land for a new mobile telecommunications tower. The commission agreed on Monday to lease a small area at the Brentwood Police Department, 910 Heritage Way, to Tennessee-based Vogue Towers which must now receive the approval of the Brentwood Planning Commission before it can begin building.

For several years, residents have complained about dropped calls and poor cell signals within the city limits. The commission made improving wireless service a goal for 2026, and in February, they amended the city code to address how to place cell towers, meeting strict “aesthetic standards,” on certain property types within the city. 

“This was in response to knowing that for years we’ve had areas in our community, pretty significant, large areas, that either had no wireless service or very poor wireless service,” Brentwood City Manager Jason Gage said.

Under the new city code, cell tower applicants must follow the requirements:

• The applicant must show a clear technical need for the facility, subject to City review and approval.
• The tower height must be limited to what is necessary to provide reliable service and may not exceed 160 feet.
• The applicant must send a mailed notice to all property owners within 1,000 feet of the proposed site.
• Towers must be designed to accommodate multiple wireless carriers, reducing the need for additional towers in the same area.
• The tower must be a monopole design with engineered break points for safety and designed to blend with its surroundings to the greatest extent possible.