Jennings County board approves special-use permit for 300-foot Verizon tower to close coverage gap

The Jennings County Board of Zoning and Appeals voted to approve a special-use permit for a 300-foot guyed wireless communications tower proposed for property on West County Road (near 850 South of Kaminsky). Tyler Parkinson, representing Horvath Powers LLC and Verizon, told the board the site has no existing towers within two miles and said the project is intended to “close the critical coverage gap and deliver these benefits to the community.”

Parkinson said the tower’s location meets required setbacks and that Verizon would be the initial tenant, with capacity for at least two additional tenants. He argued the tower supports public safety and economic and health services in the area: “communications towers are lifelines of safety, health, and economic resilience,” Parkinson said.

Neighbors raised concerns about aesthetics and potential impacts on property values; a resident asked who else would use the tower and whether it would affect nearby parcels. Parkinson replied that the site was set back roughly 150 feet from property lines and that company studies showed no impact on neighboring parcel values. Board members examined setback compliance and noted the applicant had represented that the tower meets ordinance requirements.

Pam (a board member) moved to approve the special-use permit; another member seconded the motion, and the board voted to approve. The transcript records a motion, second and the board saying “All those in favor,” but does not state a numerical roll-call tally.

Next steps: The transcript does not specify permit conditions, required permits beyond the board’s special-use approval, or an appeal period. The applicant indicated the tower would be available for co-location by additional carriers.

Sources: Board discussion and applicant testimony at the Dec. 18, 2025 Jennings County Board of Zoning and Appeals meeting.