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Council approves conditional variance for 280‑foot communications tower behind county evidence building
Summary
After a planning commission recommendation, the Princeton City Council approved a conditional variance allowing Bureau County to locate a 280‑foot freestanding communications tower behind the county evidence building. The variance covered setback, height and use and passed on a unanimous roll call.
The Princeton City Council voted to approve a conditional variance that clears site, setback and height limits for a 280‑foot freestanding communications tower to be located behind the county evidence building at the county’s renovated facility.
Commander Jim Shipp of the Bureau County Sheriff’s Department told the council the tower is intended to improve radio communications for police, EMS and fire across the county. Shipp said the new tower is similar to an existing 180‑foot tower but built to higher structural standards (designed for higher wind loads and future antennas); the proposed tower height is 280 feet.
Why it matters: Council staff and the Planning and Building Commission reviewed multiple site options and soil/load considerations. Council documents and staff comments said the proposed location was selected because other sites lacked adequate space or suitable soil conditions. The planning commission recommended approval subject to receipt of the final site plat; staff confirmed the plat had been sent to the city’s planning reviewer.
Council action
Councilmember Newman moved to approve the recommendation for the conditional variance; the motion passed on a roll call vote with council members recorded as voting “Aye.” The council recorded two planning commission meetings in which the commission considered placement and agreed the tower should be “tucked” behind existing structures to reduce visual and setback impacts.
Technical details and placement
- Tower type: freestanding communications tower; described as similar in design to the 180‑foot tower at 22 Park Avenue West but taller (280 feet).
- Purpose: to improve radio coverage for EMS, fire and local police across Bureau County; the sheriff’s office said improved coverage had materially helped radio communications at other sites.
- Site selection: staff cited soil conditions, footprint and proximity to the evidence building as drivers of the selected location. The Planning and Building Commission approved moving the matter forward pending receipt of the finalized plat.
Ending
The council’s vote authorized the conditional variance; staff and county representatives said they will proceed with final platting and site preparations per planning and engineering requirements.
