Planning commission recommends code changes to govern taller wireless towers in industrial zones

The Shakopee Planning Commission on March 5 voted to recommend that the City Council adopt ordinance O-2026-005, a technical amendment to chapters of the city code governing wireless communication towers.

Planning staff member Mr. Kirske said the amendment corrects discrepancies between tower and colocation language and clarifies how installations in the right of way and on public lands are regulated. He told commissioners the change sets maximum heights — 85 feet on public lands and 175 feet in light- and heavy-industrial (I1 and I2) zoning districts — and allows towers to be integrated into architectural features such as bell towers or steeples.

Mr. Kirske also said the amendment addresses existing installations on Excel Energy transmission towers that are not technically allowed under current code and updates requirements so accessory buildings meet a 199-square-foot threshold for design compliance. The proposal would change towers in I1 and I2 from an accessory use to a conditional use, bringing new installations before the Board of Adjustment and Appeals.

Commissioners asked whether existing towers would be affected; staff said those would be grandfathered or allowed under the revised language and that increased demand for capacity has prompted new requests. After public hearing with no speakers, the commission moved, seconded and approved a recommendation to council by roll call vote: Commissioners Weiler, Sandhu, Redding, Charis, Vander Veil and Robbins voted in favor.

The ordinance and recommended code language will proceed to the Shakopee City Council for final consideration as Ordinance O-2026-005.