Commission recommends conditional-use permit for Industrial Tower West expansion; applicant explains generator and shelters

The North Platte Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional-use permit (CU25-005) Sept. 23 to expand the footprint of an existing communications tower compound in the 4,000 block of West Front Street to add a generator and two equipment shelters.

Planning staff presented the application and an accompanying letter from Industrial Tower West. The applicant, Trisha Swigert of Industrial Tower West, told commissioners the company is installing generators on sites to maintain connectivity during power outages and is adding shelters to accommodate additional carriers. Swigert said the upgrades “will benefit the area for, you know, other carriers other than just Firo as well.”

Staff recommended approval, saying the expansion totals about 0.075 acres, will not change the use of the site, and will have no adverse effect on traffic or parking. Commissioners noted an existing propane tank on the site and discussed proximity to nearby residences; an applicant representative said the proposed expansion is approximately 300 feet from the nearest residential backyard.

A motion to recommend approval was made and seconded; the commission approved the recommendation and will forward it to the City Council for a public hearing on Oct. 7.

The motion as read into the record referenced findings consistent with North Platte code requirements (conformance with ordinances and regulations, adequate utilities and ingress/egress, and harmony with the area). No additional conditions were added by the commission at the meeting.