Saddle Creek residents ask Greenville County to tighten approval process after 199-foot cell tower erected nearby

Frank Tamburello, a board member of the Saddle Creek Homeowners Association, urged Greenville County Council on June 3 to review and upgrade the county's process for approving cell-phone towers after a 199-foot tower was placed roughly 50 feet from his subdivision in unzoned territory.

Tamburello said the tower installation occurred without advance notification or public comment and described three problems it created for residents: diminished property values, concerns about prolonged exposure to 5G microwave radiation, and an adverse visual impact that exceeded the tree line. He said a home that had been under contract was abandoned after buyers learned of the tower.

"Technically, we understand since the subject property is unzoned, this was done within the law," Tamburello told the council. "But while this new cell tower may be legal, I ask you to consider, is it fair and is it right?"

Recommendation and context Tamburello recommended the county consider a telecommunications overlay in unincorporated areas that would set siting requirements for new towers, require notification and public hearings, and ensure local vetting of aesthetic and placement impacts. He said Saddle Creek is already pursuing legal counsel and asked the council to act to prevent similar disruptions elsewhere.

Action requested No formal ordinance or motion was taken during the meeting on this topic. The speaker asked councilors to consider procedural changes to how cell towers are reviewed and sited in unincorporated, unzoned areas.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the June 3 Greenville County Council meeting and are listed below.