Commissioners give tentative approval to 185‑foot wireless tower, ask for FAA finding and recorded lease

The Hall County Board of Commissioners tentatively approved a conditional‑use permit for a 185‑foot wireless communications tower proposed by Towers LLC to be leased to Verizon Wireless, with conditions attached. Woody Krogh, representing Towers LLC, described the project as a built‑to‑suit tower with antennas sited at 180 feet and a 75‑by‑75‑foot fenced equipment compound. "This application is requesting approval of a 185 foot tall self support tower," Krogh said during his presentation.

Commissioners pressed the applicant for an FAA determination to confirm whether aviation lighting will be required and for a recorded lease and exact legal description to be included in the final resolution. "For the county's sake, we ought to have that information in hand and on file," one commissioner said, and the board made the FAA finding and recording the lease conditions of final approval.

Board members clarified the permit duration in the packet — the board confirmed they are considering a 20‑year conditional‑use permit rather than a shorter term. Commissioners also discussed the potential for co‑location and future fees; the applicant said co‑location is a typical revenue model for tower companies.

The board voted for preliminary approval and directed staff to prepare a final resolution that includes the address, the lease to be recorded and a full legal description; final approval will be considered once those conditions are satisfied. No final vote to issue the permit or to issue building permits was recorded pending the required documentation.