Brandon commission discusses rewriting telecom rules, seeks clearer standards for cell towers

Brandon planning staff and commissioners spent the bulk of a meeting reviewing draft language to regulate wireless telecommunications facilities, focusing on technical reviews, definitions and whether towers should follow standard building setbacks.

The conversation centered on two draft ordinances: one covering base stations and co‑located antennas and a second focused on institutional zoning. Patrick, a planning staff member, said the split was “because there is the state rule that an ordinance covers a single subject,” and that staff wanted to be “as compliant as we can be.”

Why it matters: the commission is considering where to allow new towers, how tall they may be and what evidence applicants must provide to show there is “no feasible alternative” site — questions that affect where companies such as Verizon can place equipment and how nearby residents and institutions (including a nearby school parcel and Oak Ridge Nursery) may be impacted.

Discussion highlights

- Third‑party review and methodology: Staff proposed allowing the city to hire an outside engineering firm, paid by the applicant, to evaluate RF propagation studies and other technical claims. Jonas Snyder, a representative speaking for the applicant, said RF propagation studies are industry standard but methodologies…