Plan Commission recommends conditional use permit for 199‑foot wireless tower with screening condition

The Eau Claire City Plan Commission on April 14 recommended approval of a conditional‑use permit and recommended the site plan to city council for a wireless communications tower proposed near the County Expo Center.

Noel K., presenting for city planning staff, summarized the application and supporting exhibits, saying the tower would stand 199 feet tall (below the 200‑foot code maximum), include rooftop Verizon antennas and space for future co‑location, and be sited within a fenced compound. Staff reported the applicant provided an engineer’s analysis showing the tower would collapse within the fenced compound in a structural failure and that the Federal Aviation Administration issued a no‑hazard determination. The report also noted the nearest existing tower is over a half‑mile away and that the applicant supplied information about emissions and structural ratings.

Applicant Chad Morgan described project details and said the compound would be screened by arborvitae planted around the fence. Morgan said the arborvitae varieties proposed grow to roughly 6–7 feet and that compound lighting would be limited to sensor‑activated technician lights. He told the commission that the project plans use an existing transformer on site to avoid pulling a new public service and to reduce disruption of the parking area.

Commissioner Erickson asked whether the tower would require lighting; Morgan and staff confirmed the tower would not be lit because it is under 200 feet and the FAA issued no hazard findings. Commissioner Zoig asked about the height of the screening plants; Morgan said arborvitae would be used and would fully screen the ground equipment when mature.

Commissioner Leonard moved to approve the conditional use permit and recommend the site plan; Commissioner Holzman seconded. An amendment was added regarding long‑term screening upkeep: the commission required that screening be maintained in perpetuity (staff language to be included in the conditional‑use permit). The roll call vote was unanimous among six commissioners present (Davis, Erickson, Holzman, Leonard, Zoig/Zoid/Zweig, Helgeson); the motion passed.

Planning staff recommended approval subject to standard building and federal permits, lighting alignment (fixtures shielded to prevent glare), and final permitting. The item will proceed to the city council for site‑plan approval and building permits before construction can begin.