Board approves 176‑foot communications tower replacement at Ironbound Road

The James City County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Nov. 18 to approve SUP24‑00294059, allowing construction of a 176‑foot self‑supporting microwave transmission tower at 4059 Ironbound Road.

Harold Timmons of Tower Engineering Professionals presented the application on behalf of Minia Energy. The proposed structure would replace a 150‑foot tower and provide point‑to‑point communications between Dominion facilities and work crews. Staff and the planning commission found the proposal met the county’s performance standards, noted the relocated tower would be set back approximately 175 feet toward the rear of the property to reduce visual impact, and observed the 176‑foot total height (including lightning rod) falls below the 200‑foot FAA lighting threshold.

The planning commission voted 6–0 to recommend approval and found the application consistent with the comprehensive plan under Va. Code §15.2‑2232. During the commission’s review one member of the public expressed concern that the tower might later host carriers that could broadcast 5G, citing perceived health impacts; commissioners and staff said the SUP includes conditions intended to limit visual and operational impacts and that any additional collocations or technologies would be addressed through applicable federal and local regulations.

Planning staff noted the fire department confirmed the tower would not interfere with the public safety communications network and building safety found no structural issues with the proposed design. With those findings, the board opened and closed the public hearing and approved the SUP by roll‑call vote.

The approval includes standard conditions on landscaping (a 100‑foot wooded buffer to screen the base), required permits, and the ability to accommodate future antennas subject to county review.