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La Porte BZA approves 175‑foot Verizon cell tower behind Pine Lake property
Summary
The board approved a special‑exception permit for a 175‑foot telecommunications tower at 1301 Pine Lake Avenue to address Verizon coverage and capacity gaps; staff noted FAA 'no hazard' clearance and required design and colocation standards.
The La Porte Board of Zoning Appeals voted Jan. 13 to approve a special‑exception permit for a proposed 175‑foot wireless communications tower at 1301 Pine Lake Avenue to relieve Verizon capacity and coverage problems near Highway 39.
Brian Moore, representing Towers LLC and the applicant, told the board the tower site is set back and concealed by mature trees and that the developer explored colocation before selecting this location. He said the tower would be tucked into trees behind the existing building on the parcel and that no lighting is required under a recently issued FAA determination of no hazard. “We designed it in such a way where we tucked it as far back in the trees as possible,” Moore said.
Planning staff (petition 25‑04) said the property is zoned B‑2 General Commercial, described required notice to the La Porte and Michigan City airports and confirmed the FAA determination had been forwarded to staff, and recommended approval based on special‑exception criteria including compatibility with surrounding commercial uses, adherence to design standards, and required setbacks.
Board members expressed support for improved cellular service and moved to approve the special exception. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Staff noted required design elements in the record, including fencing and security for ground equipment, provisions for future colocation of other carriers, minimum setbacks and a defined fall zone. The approval applies to the special‑exception use and does not substitute for building permits, engineering review or applicable state and federal approvals.
The board’s action is expected to allow Towers LLC and Verizon to proceed with final engineering and permitting through the city’s building and planning review processes.
