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Haines Borough schedules fifth hearing on communications‑tower rules after setback amendment
Summary
The assembly substituted a revised communications‑tower ordinance and set a fifth public hearing for Jan. 27 after adopting an amendment setting a 1,500‑foot minimum setback from schools/daycare/youth centers, with limited exceptions for coverage gaps under federal law.
The Haines Borough Assembly on Jan. 13 moved to substitute Ordinance 25‑07715 with a revised version (25‑07715a) and scheduled a fifth public hearing for Jan. 27 after debate over setback language for communications towers.
Gas‑committee members and staff emphasized local safety and coverage gaps — notably the lack of cell service at the airport — and proposed rules promoting collocation and minimum setbacks. During discussion the assembly amended setback language so the minimum distance from the base of a communication tower to a school, daycare center or youth center reads 1,500 feet; other setback requirements may be reduced to the minimum extent necessary in limited circumstances to avoid service gaps consistent with the Federal Telecommunications Act.
Public commenters raised concerns about federal preemption and privacy; one speaker urged the borough to keep towers out of town. Committee members described relying on federal mapping standards and said the ordinance will reference mapping tools to identify coverage gaps. Assembly members asked staff to post the committee meeting maps online so residents can review the coverage analyses.
The assembly carried the primary amendment on a voice vote with one recorded 'nay' from Assemblymember Smith and then voted to substitute and schedule the additional public hearing; the ordinance will return for further public comment and final action after the Jan. 27 hearing.
