Reno County Planning Commissioner Eric Martin convened the Planning Commission on Oct. 16 and directed staff to review proposed zoning-text amendments that would change how communication towers are regulated across zoning districts.

Planning staff member Mark presented a cleaned-up draft that, among other changes, would make communication towers of 50 feet or more in total height subject to the county's performance standards and permitting. "If it's less than 50 foot, then it's not subject to these regulations," Mark said, adding the draft measures the tower's total height "including the lightning rod." The draft also ties the required setback to the tower's total height: the setback would equal the tower's height.

The proposed changes would exempt communication structures below the 50-foot threshold from the performance standards the county would apply to taller towers. Planning Commissioner Steve asked for the word "total" to be added consistently so attachments such as lightning rods are included in the height measurement; Mark agreed to add that wording.

Commissioners discussed how to treat antennas or short mast attachments on existing tall structures such as grain elevators and water towers. Mark said the draft originally included language that would exempt an antenna "anchored to a grain elevator, water tower, building or other structure," but several commissioners worried that the phrase could create an end run around permitting if a developer bolted a tall tower to an existing structure merely to claim exemption. Commissioner Garth said the proposed exemption could be used to bypass safeguards and that the wording "anchored to" versus "on" created ambiguity.

The commission explored two approaches: keep the exemption for small antennas mounted on existing tall structures, or strike that clause and require permitting whenever the tower portion exceeds the 50-foot threshold. Mark recommended further review with county staff (including Don) and said he might remove or reword the clause until staff can return with more precise language.

The draft also sets a square-foot threshold for equipment shelters: Mark said the county's recent permits included shelters 12-by-21, 12-by-30 and 11-by-24 feet, with only one exceeding 300 square feet. He recommended that equipment shelters greater than 300 square feet be subject to a conditional-use permit so that larger support buildings are reviewed.

No formal vote was taken on the tower provisions on Oct. 16; staff said they would revise wording on total height and the exemption for attachments and return to the commission for further discussion and potential public hearing scheduling.

The commission directed staff to consult further with the county attorney and other staff before setting a public hearing date.

The commission adjourned after completing its agenda.