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Planning commission recommends Precision tower to improve emergency broadcast coverage
Summary
Commissioners recommended approval of a nearly 200‑foot broadcast tower replacement after staff and the Architectural Review Board found limited visual impact; the ARB recommended keeping height below FAA lighting/marking thresholds.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a special exception to replace an existing 130‑foot lattice tower with a new 199.5‑foot tower to host a broadcast antenna serving Nexstar and to provide emergency communications coverage for a regional service area.
Staff described the site as adjacent to multiple existing towers, located near the Fauquier–Warren county border and adjacent to Thompson Wildlife Management Area. The Architectural Review Board reviewed visual impacts within a half‑mile radius and recommended the height remain under 200 feet so the structure would not trigger FAA lighting and paint standards. Staff noted the zoning ordinance requires setbacks equivalent to height; the applicant supplied a structural analysis and fall‑zone study showing the tower would meet the reduced setback.
Ron Scalpani of Precision Communications said additional balloon tests and photo simulations demonstrated limited visibility from the Appalachian Trail and surrounding views. A local commenter urged that the tower should serve Fauquier residents; commissioners agreed the tower is sited within an existing complex and will provide redundancy for emergency broadcasts.
The commission voted to forward the application to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval, subject to conditions including galvanized steel appearance, landscape buffers, fall‑zone design and a required site plan.
