Prince Edward supervisors approve zoning amendment to allow special-use exceptions for taller communications towers

Prince Edward County's Board of Supervisors voted to amend Appendix B of the county code to allow requests for exceptions to the 199-foot maximum tower height via a special-use permit process. County planner Robbie Wood said the change is intended to accommodate the new P25 public-safety radio project, which requires greater tower heights in some locations.

The planning commission reviewed the draft amendment and recommended approval after an advisory hearing where no members of the public spoke. Wood told the board the amendment removes language that state code and case law do not permit (a provision that previously required tower companies to provide free space for colocation) and adds language allowing the board to require colocation through negotiation with the county administrator. The amendment also requires telecommunications equipment to avoid interference with the county's emergency public-safety communications and air equipment.

Supervisor Cam Love made the motion to approve the amendment and it carried on a recorded vote. The board's approval authorizes applicants who need taller structures to seek relief through the special-use-permit process, which will require applicants to justify height and show why colocation is or is not feasible. Wood said one application currently on hold may return seeking such an exception for a dead zone in the Dalton Heights area.

The amendment does not itself authorize construction of any particular tower; individual special-use permit applications will return to the county for review and potential conditions. The board closed the public hearing on the amendment after no one appeared to speak and then voted to adopt the change.