Grant County BZA delays review of two proposed communication towers after signage, collocation concerns

The Grant County Board of Zoning Appeals tabled two proposed communication-tower dockets on Aug. 4 after finding required public-notice signs were missing at the sites and raising related documentation questions.

Staff reported that site signs had been photographed and submitted earlier, but on two separate site visits the signs were not observable; the applicant said weather or trespass on private property may have displaced them. Board members said signs must remain posted for the required notice period and suggested applicants use more robust mounting (wood stakes or deeper posts) and urged staff monitoring if feasible.

Board staff also told applicants that a colocation analysis had not yet been completed in the BZA file, and the board noted its area-wide zoning ordinance requires colocation information. Applicants said they had submitted sworn affidavits from their RF engineer stating why colocation was not pursued; they argued state statute (as they read it) could supersede local ordinance requirements. The board advised applicants to be prepared to provide the colocation analysis or additional documentation at the next hearing.

The board discussed scheduling options: the applicant was told September 8 is the likely next available hearing; the board also discussed special meetings or moving APC items earlier if necessary. The motion to table the dockets (listed by the board as docket 01025 and docket 012-25) passed unanimously on a roll call.

The board encouraged staff to verify notice signs when possible and suggested staff or code enforcement photograph signs as independent proof. Applicants were told to confirm railroad or rail-trail contacts and submit any fall-zone and engineer documentation before the rescheduled hearing.

Motion and vote: Motion to table the two tower dockets passed by unanimous roll call; the motion was seconded by John Pearson.