Residents challenge Verizon tower installation over zoning violations in historic district

Residents of Lake Oswego are raising concerns over the installation of a new telecommunications tower by Verizon, which they argue bypassed essential public review processes. During the City Council meeting on July 1, 2025, community members highlighted that the tower's installation did not adhere to Ordinance 21 44, which mandates a public conditional use process for such projects.

The planning department's failure to conduct necessary zoning reviews and public notices has sparked frustration among residents, particularly those living near the site, including a historic home. In May, the city issued a stop work order on the Verizon project, citing that it did not qualify for federal streamlining regulations. However, this order was recently lifted, leading residents to believe the decision was made prematurely, as the structure had been abandoned for nearly four years and was not legally permitted when initially constructed in 1997.

Community members are now urging the city to declare the tower nonconforming under the zoning code, requiring Verizon to treat the application as a new facility. They are calling for retroactive compliance with the ordinance, including public notice and a full zoning review. Residents argue that the city's inconsistent enforcement of land use rules has negatively impacted their property values and infringed upon their property rights.

The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, but the residents' push for accountability highlights the ongoing tension between development and community interests in Lake Oswego. As discussions continue, the city faces pressure to ensure that all future projects adhere to established regulations and respect the rights of local homeowners.