Planning commission backs 195-foot communications tower near Lehi Clifton Road

The Bulloch County Planning and Zoning Commission on a unanimous recommendation approved a conditional‑use permit for a 195‑foot communications monopole to be sited on Lehi Clifton Road and forwarded the matter to the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners for final action on Oct. 7.

Planning staff introduced the application from Gregory Sykes and recommended approval with conditions. Mary, a county planning staff member, said the site is in a rural open‑space character area and showed maps and a site plan for the proposed tower. At the hearing, agent Ivy Cagle, who said she represents the applicant and the law firm Baker Donaldson, told the commission the monopole would have four equipment positions and “take an area of poor to low service and establish services in that area.” She described the tower as a galvanized monopole with a three‑foot lightning rod and said photo simulations show it would be visible only in the distant background.

Commissioners questioned whether a camouflaged structure (for example, tree‑style disguises) would be used; Cagle said the applicant prefers a sleek galvanized tower and noted some jurisdictions require disguised designs but that the proposed pole meets local standards. There were no registered speakers in opposition. After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use, a second was given, and the commission voted in favor by voice/show of hands.

The commission’s action is a recommendation only; the final decision will be made by the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners at its October 7 meeting.