Commission approves Blue Sky Towers special exception and tower construction with variance requests

Washington County commissioners approved a special exception, major development review application and associated variances for a commercial cellular tower proposed by Blue Sky Towers LLC at the intersection of Ovid Lane and Pioneer Road.

Planning staff (Miss McDonald) presented the proposal, saying the 48-acre parcel is primarily designated agriculture/silviculture with conservation areas nearby; the tower would sit in the agricultural portion outside the conservation area. Attorney Mary Solich represented the applicant; property owner was identified as Mr. Gaynor. The site plan calls for a fenced wireless facility typically about 100 by 100 feet containing the tower and equipment cabinets; the application requested variances on tower height and vegetation setbacks. Planning commission recommended approval 6-0 at its March 3 meeting, and no neighbors objected at the required neighborhood information meeting, staff said.

No members of the public testified at the hearing. Following staff presentation and brief questions from the board, the chair called for a motion. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.

Planning staff noted additional permits and conditions remain for later stages (development order, building permits, septic and driveway permits, and other mandatory agency approvals) and that the approval was subject to the usual development-order conditions.

Provenance: discussion and presentation began with item 3.1 and concluded with a board motion and vote during the same public-hearing session.