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Board tables two cell-tower requests after safety and coverage debate
Summary
Two applicants sought conditional-use permits and setback reductions to site wireless towers in District 3; applicants argued coverage gaps and engineering safety, while staff and residents raised concerns about proliferation, setbacks, aesthetics and debris fields. The board voted to table both items to March 17 for more staff analysis and law-enforcement input.
Two wireless-telecommunications items seeking conditional-use permits and variances to reduce setback requirements were presented Feb. 17 and ultimately tabled to March 17 so commissioners and staff can resolve technical and safety questions.
Applicants said the proposed towers (including an application by Prime Tower Development LLC) would close a coverage gap for a major carrier and provided engineering reports attesting to structural safety and a fall radius smaller than required setbacks. Planning staff recommended denial of at least one request, citing four existing towers within a three-mile radius and concerns about minimizing new towers in residential areas.
Public speakers and commissioners raised concerns about aesthetic impacts, the adequacy of co-location analysis, possible health questions raised by residents, and the risk from flying debris in high-wind events. Applicants proposed allowing county emergency telecommunications equipment to be collocated on the new towers; applicants also presented engineered analyses they said show the towers would withstand high wind speeds and that fall radii would remain on property.
Commissioner discussion focused on reconciling staff findings with applicants' technical material and seeking law-enforcement input on whether the towers would materially improve emergency communications in the area. The board voted to table both items to March 17 for additional staff review and additional information on coverage, setbacks and safety.
