Commission asks planning commission to review cell-tower ordinance, delegate routine upgrade approvals

The Hampshire County Commission on March 11 directed the planning commission to review the county’s cell-tower ordinance and the review process after staff and commissioners described frequent modification permits for existing towers.

Commissioner Mance asked for clarity on the process for modification permits for existing towers; planning staff and other commissioners summarized the current practice: upgrades to existing towers typically come through the planning office and are reviewed against the county’s ordinance and building-permit rules. Commissioner Vance and Commissioner Eglanger said the county could streamline the process so routine upgrades that comply with the ordinance (for example, equipment nodes, backup generators, or upgrades below a dollar threshold) could be approved administratively by planning staff rather than coming to the commission. Commissioner Eglanger noted new towers should still receive full commission review to provide a public forum for local concerns.

Commissioners agreed by consensus to ask the planning commission to review the ordinance and propose a path forward that would allow staff to administratively approve small upgrades while preserving a commission role for new towers. Planning staff said they would place the ordinance-review item on the planning commission agenda and notify the county commission with their recommendation.