Halifax County planning panel votes 8–0 not to recommend Verizon cell tower
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Summary
After a presentation from Verizon’s counsel, the Halifax County Planning Commission voted 8–0 not to recommend a conditional use permit for a proposed 199-foot Verizon monopole, citing visual impact and site-spacing concerns; the application will proceed to the Board of Supervisors without the commission’s recommendation.
Tom Johnson, an attorney with Williams Mullen representing Verizon, presented the company’s case for a new monopole cell tower near Highway 501, saying the proposed site sits on higher ground and is nearly equidistant between existing Verizon sites at Crystal Hill and Old Road. "The SBA tower is about 70 feet lower than the proposed location," Johnson said, and that difference means the SBA structure would not provide the coverage Verizon seeks.
Johnson told the commission Verizon’s analysis identified a coverage gap on Highway 501 and that the proposed site would improve service for residents and the traveling public, including during emergencies. "It will be available," he said when asked whether emergency services could use the tower, while also noting that availability to first responders cannot be made a condition of approval.
Johnson referenced an appraiser’s letter included in Verizon’s packet, saying the appraisal found the proposed tower would not "substantially injure" nearby residential property values. He also reminded the commission that questions about radio-frequency emissions are governed by federal law and not grounds for denial if the facility meets FAA and FCC requirements.
Commissioners and other speakers pressed Johnson on alternative sites and the cumulative visual impact along Highway 501. Several commissioners said there are already many towers visible from that corridor and suggested a site farther off the highway would be preferable to reduce visibility. Johnson said the company seeks an elevated site and that state and federal rules, spacing needs (roughly three miles between towers for seamless coverage), and equipment capacity guide siting decisions.
Commissioners discussed technical constraints and county ordinance limits. Johnson explained the proposed structure is a monopole measured as 195 feet with a 4-foot lightning rod, for a total of 199 feet; because the structure is below 200 feet it is not expected to require FAA-mandated lighting at this location.
After discussion about procedure and whether additional opposition testimony should be allowed (the chair said the public hearing had been held and the commission had the information needed), Miss Stevens moved that the commission "do not recommend to the Board of Supervisors the conditional use permit for the Verizon tower." The motion was seconded. A roll-call vote recorded the commissioners’ responses and the motion passed 8–0; the commission will forward the application and its recommendation (not to recommend) to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
Next steps: The commission’s not-recommendation will be included in the materials sent to the Board of Supervisors, which has the authority to approve, deny or impose conditions on the permit request.
