Planning Commission recommends approval for Charlotte County telecommunication tower permit

The Charlotte County Planning Commission on Sept. 8 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit for a telecommunication tower proposed for property identified as Tax Map #24‑A‑79C, owned by Daniel and Sarah Esh, on Vincent Store Road.

Planning Commission Chairman Deborah Haskins opened the joint public hearing, and staff presented a report on the application. Supervisor Fore asked staff about the construction schedule and the project contractor. No public commenters spoke on the tower and the hearing was adjourned.

At a special called Planning Commission meeting later in the session, Commissioner Andrew Carwile moved to recommend approval of the county’s conditional use permit application for the tower; Commissioner Kenny Howard seconded the motion, which carried with all members present voting yes.

The commission recorded four conditions in the staff report. The tower owner must adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and permit requirements; the facility must be constructed and operated in substantial compliance with the approved application and site plan; county officials (including the County Administrator, Building Official and Zoning Administrator or designees) must be allowed to enter the property with reasonable advanced notice to check for permit compliance; and the tower owner must obtain a building permit before installing any additional equipment on the tower after it is in operation.

The Planning Commission’s action was a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; the record does not show a final decision by the board on the county’s conditional use permit during the Sept. 8 session. The hearing record indicates staff will remain involved in permit oversight and that specific contractor and schedule details were directed to staff by Supervisor Fore for follow up.