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Prince Edward supervisors refer tower ordinance updates and authorize radio-site lease
Summary
County staff told supervisors that zoning rules for communications towers are outdated; the board sent the draft ordinance to the planning commission for a public hearing and authorized signatures on a radio-site land lease the county negotiated to support a new emergency radio system.
County staff told the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 6 that the county’s zoning language addressing communications towers (cited in the packet as Appendix B, Article 3, Section 3—Section 3-100.13) is outdated and needs revisions to meet current industry standards and applicable state codes. The board voted to refer the draft updates to the planning commission for a public hearing and review.
"Staff has conducted a detailed review of the ordinance and prepared recommended updates and additions to modernize the section, align it with current industry standards, and ensure compliance with applicable state codes," the presenter said, asking the board to authorize the planning commission to hold a public hearing. A motion to send the draft to the planning commission was made, seconded and approved.
The board also considered leases needed to deploy a new county radio system. Staff said the county obtained an MOU with the Virginia State Police to colocate and negotiated a land lease for equipment at a mountain site. "$500 per month, 5 year term at 10% escalator," the presenter said when describing the lease terms. The board authorized county officials to sign the lease and related documents.
Supporters on the board emphasized the operational need: speakers noted coverage gaps in the county’s western side and recounted incidents where emergency communications were unreliable. The presenter told the board that completing the remaining site(s) could allow the county to meet an end-of-year deployment window for the radio system.
What happens next: the planning commission is expected to schedule a public hearing (staff indicated the commission is likely to meet in January) to consider the draft ordinance; the tower lease paperwork will be executed by county staff so equipment colocations can proceed.
Authorities referenced in the discussion included the county zoning code (Appendix B, Article 3, Section 3 / Section 3-100.13) and an MOU with the Virginia State Police.
