Sioux County planning panel approves conditional use permit for 255-foot wireless tower in Crawford

The Sioux County Planning Commission voted unanimously Feb. 25 to approve Conditional Use Permit 2026-1, clearing the way for construction of a 255-foot self-support wireless telecommunications tower and facility at 1794 Cottonwood Road in Crawford.

Chairman David Howell opened the meeting at 5:00 p.m. and called a public hearing at 5:02 p.m. on the application, which the record describes as intended to address a significant gap in wireless service coverage in the area. Ryan Streff, who represented Summit Acquisition and Consulting Group, was available by phone during the hearing to answer questions about the proposal.

Sioux County clerk and zoning administrator Michelle J. Zimmerman recorded that the public hearing was closed at 5:12 p.m. During regular session at 5:13 p.m., Planning Commission member Jim Skavdahl moved to approve the conditional use permit and forward it to the Sioux County Commissioners for their approval; the motion was seconded by member Steve Johnson.

On a roll-call vote, commission members Jebb Ginkens, Cynthia Kaan, Jim Phipps, Steve Johnson, Jim Skavdahl and Chairman David Howell voted yes; the motion carried unanimously. The minutes show the commission’s action was to approve the permit and send it to the county commissioners for final consideration. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

The county commissioners are listed as the next decision-making body; the transcript does not specify a date for their review or any permit conditions or mitigation measures that might be required.