Lunenburg County Planning Commission unanimously recommends revisions to wireless telecommunications ordinance

The Lunenburg County Planning Commission on Aug. 3 voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a set of revisions to the countys Wireless Telecommunications Facilities ordinance, saying the changes will clarify processes and help expand cell service across the county.

Assistant County Attorney Drew DiStanislao told the commission the draft adds a "Substantial Change" definition that would avoid requiring a full conditional-use permit for some smaller modifications; under the draft, a "substantial change" would mean a 20-foot increase in height or an expansion of the compound footprint by 30 percent. DiStanislao also outlined a multi-step review process that would include a pre-application meeting, a community meeting, a Va. Code 15.2-2232 public hearing, a Planning Commission public hearing and a Board of Supervisors public hearing.

Commissioners also discussed co-location and the countys proposed right of first refusal for co-location on towers, timeframes for co-location applications and the ordinances treatment of new technologies such as small cell facilities. DiStanislao said the draft removes a requirement for applicants to submit proprietary information and that the county planning department is preparing a new application form and fee schedule for towers and co-location.

Commissioner Drummond, who moved the recommendation, summarized the commissions rationale: "We need cell service in the community because there are some areas where the service is terrible," he said. Other commissioners cited the scattered nature of service in the county and the need to align the ordinance with state law.

DiStanislao also reported a letter from Verizon requesting three clarifications: that conditional-use-permit validity follow the 24-month statutory standard rather than a 12-month period shown in the draft, clarification on what qualifies for administrative review and eligible site-plan amendments, and rewording of several provisions.

The commission voted by roll call, with Commissioners Drummond, Jennings, Garrett, Pennington, Shell, Trent, Thompson and Chairman James "Buck" Tharpe all voting in favor. The commissions recommendation sends the draft with Attorney DiStanislaos suggested revisions to the Board of Supervisors for consideration.

The Board must still hold its public hearing and take final action; the Planning Commissions vote was a recommendation only.