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Commissioners OK special‑use permit for fiber utility shelter with dark‑sky and screening conditions
Summary
After neighbor complaints about lighting, the board approved a special‑use permit for a prefabricated fiber‑utility shelter, requiring dark‑sky‑compliant fixtures, inspections for cause, landscape buffering and that any future development require a permit modification.
The board approved a special‑use permit for a prefabricated fiber‑optic utility shelter (Middle Mile Infrastructure LLC) after a neighbor reported bright lights that appear to glare horizontally past the fence line.
Planning staff said the applicant revised landscaping plans to use mature blue spruce on the south, east and west sides to speed buffering. The staff recommendation included site‑inspection authority for cause and a requirement that any additional development or equipment be handled through a permit modification and a building permit.
John Loan, a nearby resident, presented photographs and said the installed lights are on "basically from dawn to dusk" and appear to reflect off trim and act like spotlights, spilling light horizontally. Joshua, planning staff, said the fixtures on the submitted plans meet the photometric specifications and dark‑sky requirements on paper but that installation details or reflective trim could cause unintended light spill; he recommended conditions that ensure both the letter and intent of the dark‑sky ordinance are met.
The board approved the special‑use permit with conditions including: (1) outdoor lighting must comply with the Teton County dark‑sky ordinance and LDC requirements, and any reflective or other violations must be remedied; (2) the planning administrator may require inspections for reasonable cause and will schedule those with the owner; (3) additional development must be handled via a special‑use modification; (4) a building permit and certificate of completion will be required; and (5) a Type B buffer (mature conifers or higher fence) shall screen equipment within 1,000 feet of property lines.
Next steps: Planning staff will coordinate a site inspection if complaints continue and verify that lighting and landscaping are installed per the revised plan.
