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Grant County BZA approves 265‑foot cell tower near Muir to improve coverage at Oak Hill High School
Summary
The board approved a 265‑foot self‑support wireless tower near the intersection of 700 West and State Road 18 to improve coverage and capacity for Oak Hill High School and the SR‑18 corridor; the board required FAA documentation be submitted to the Area Plan office before a building permit is issued.
The Grant County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a petition on Sept. 8 to construct a 265‑foot self‑support wireless tower near West Muir (southwest corner of 700 West and State Road 18) to provide improved cellular coverage and capacity around Oak Hill High School and along the SR‑18 corridor.
Russell Brown, attorney for the applicant, told the board the proposal was vetted for siting and that Verizon Wireless is the confirmed top tenant. Jeff Haley, site acquisition specialist, said the location was selected after carrier engineering determined no existing structures within two miles could meet the need. The proposed facility would include space for three collocators per the county ordinance and would sit inside a 75‑by‑75 compound with a 6‑foot fence and ground‑level equipment.
A resident, Crystal Gordon, testified in favor of the tower, citing poor cellular service at Oak Hill athletic events and other local gatherings. Sweetser Town Council member Travis also spoke in support, saying the proposed site would not harm the nearby trail and would benefit the Oak Hill community.
Staff and applicant materials provided a fall‑zone engineering letter and indicated that the tower is designed so its fall zone will remain within the parent parcel; the applicant stated it had sent certified notice to adjacent rail property owners per prior board questions. The board added a condition requiring the applicant to provide the Federal Aviation Administration “no hazard” determination to the Area Plan office before the county issues a building permit.
The motion to approve, including the FAA documentation condition, passed on unanimous roll call.
