Board approves cell tower fee increases and discusses modular home inspections and NC Rebuild concerns

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners approved updated fees for cell towers and notices of violations and heard extended discussion about modular-home inspections and contractor performance under state rebuild programs.

Building inspections director Darren Jackson presented proposed fee updates: notices of violation up to $50 per day; new cell-phone tower building permits from $500 to $1,200; existing cell-phone tower permits from $200 to $450; and electrical fees for cell-phone towers from $175 to $300. The board approved the changes by voice vote.

Separately, several commissioners expressed concerns about the NC Rebuild program and recurring quality and homeowner-communication problems with rebuild contractors. Commissioner Bullard said the program has been "causing a lot of problems," alleging poor workmanship and limited homeowner access during projects. Commissioners discussed whether county building codes could add inspection requirements for modular homes (for example, checking roof assemblies and connection quality) while acknowledging that local code can add requirements but cannot reduce state building-code minimums. One commissioner suggested contacting Representative Jones for state-level regulation changes.

Building staff agreed to follow up with additional information and to explore communicating concerns to state representatives. The board approved a motion to accept related building and inspection actions as presented.