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Local telecom company seeks clarity after planning staff told it a tower didn’t need a CUP
Summary
A Peoples Telecommunications representative said county planning staff twice told her a proposed tower near Lane/Lacin did not require a conditional use permit; after community concerns, planning staff later said they were re‑checking. Commissioners advised the company to seek counsel review and asked planning and zoning staff to follow up.
Jennifer Lee Charlo, general manager of Peoples Telecommunications, told commissioners she received written and in-person confirmation from county planning staff in March and again on April 10 that a proposed tower near Lane (by Lacin) did not require a conditional use permit based on the planned height.
Charlo said she relied on that guidance in ordering equipment and moving forward with the project. After members of the nearby Tanglewood community raised concerns, planning staff told her the county was re‑examining whether a CUP was required, which could delay construction and increase costs.
Charlo asked the commission whether prior communications from planning and zoning could be relied on and whether staff or the commission could provide any relief or direction to avoid further delay. Commissioners advised her to bring the matter to county counsel and to meet with Planning and Zoning staff; a commissioner said, "I can get you for email" to put her in contact with counsel Jacqueline and recommended she speak with Public Works Director Jesse Walton for any site information.
Staff said they would follow up with counsel and Planning and Zoning and planned to circle back to Charlo on Monday with an update. No formal waiver or final determination was made at the meeting.
