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Residents say zoning change removes local notice for towers; commissioners outline protest options
Summary
A resident criticized a recent zoning amendment that she says removes conditional‑use notification for towers near homes and schools; commissioners discussed options including filing a protest petition and limits on county legal assistance to citizens.
A resident expressed disappointment to the county commission on Aug. 11 about an amendment to Article 16 of the county zoning regulations that, she said, removes citizen notice through the conditional‑use permit process for towers.
Sky Ferris said neighbors “deserve to be notified through the conditional use permit process to make them aware of towers being built near them,” raising health and environmental concerns and saying the amendment “strips citizens of the right to be informed and involved.” Ferris also said she was concerned about a potential conflict because Commissioner Jason had moved the amendment and serves on the board of People’s Telecommunication, the company involved in a prior tower dispute.
Commissioners and staff discussed options for citizens who disagree with planning decisions. One commissioner said community members may file a protest petition within 14 days of a decision; the petition process requires specific signature thresholds and is administered through the county clerk’s office, which provides the form in person. County staff and legal counsel cautioned the commission that commissioners and county staff cannot provide legal advice to citizens on how to pursue a protest, because that could create a conflict of interest; citizens seeking legal guidance were advised to consult an attorney or to rely on the statutory materials the county clerk can provide.
Discussion at the meeting also touched on whether the county attorney should review protest petitions. Commissioners said county attorney Justin Meeks had expressed concerns about conflict if his office both drafted and approved a petition. The transcript records no motion to reconsider the zoning amendment during the meeting; commissioners noted that a motion to reconsider would be the formal route to reopen the specific amendment decision.
Ferris’s remarks were part of the public‑comment period; no additional formal zoning actions were recorded at the Aug. 11 meeting.
