Planning commission backs 230-foot Blue Sky Towers cell tower; applicant sought variance for landscaping and height rules

The Washington County Planning Commission recommended approval of a special-exception major development review for a proposed 230-foot self-supporting cellular communications tower on a 48-acre parcel near the intersection of Ovid Lane and Pioneer Road.

County planning staff told the commission the application met requirements in place when it was submitted. Staff noted the county adopted a new code on Dec. 19 establishing a setback equal to tower height, but the Blue Sky Towers application was filed Dec. 11 and therefore was reviewed under the prior code. The project includes equipment cabinets at the tower base and slabs for potential generators.

The application included a variance request for relief from landscape buffering requirements and a variance review because the proposed tower exceeds 200 feet. Staff said the development-review committee had no unresolved concerns and that the county engineer had confirmed stormwater compliance after receiving additional information.

Attorney Mary Solick, representing Blue Sky Towers, addressed the commission and offered to respond to questions and to rebut citizen comments. No members of the public signed in to speak on the item during the meeting.

A motion to approve staff recommendation passed on roll call. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes from District 1 Roger Hagen; District 2 Richard Cooney (recorded yes); District 3 Michelle Cook (yes); District 4 Carl Owens (yes); District 5 Jarrett Highet (yes); and Member at Large Chairman John Gay (yes). The matter will go to the Board of County Commissioners on March 13 for final action.