Planning commission recommends approval of proposed 305-foot wireless tower in Shickley

The Fillmore County Planning Commission voted unanimously March 23 to recommend that the Fillmore County Board of Supervisors approve a conditional-use permit for The Towers, LLC to build up to a 305-foot self-support wireless communications tower and associated facility at 215 Hwy 74 in Shickley.

The commission’s action was recorded after a public hearing described in the meeting minutes. Member Williams moved to recommend the CUP and member Hafer seconded; a roll-call vote listed Elznic, Girmus, Hafer, Harre and Williams voting in favor and none opposed.

According to the minutes, the CUP application described the project as intended to address "significant gaps in service coverage" for residents, visitors and the traveling public; the minutes also identify the project as a Verizon tower. The minutes state the commission’s recommendation was scheduled for consideration by the Fillmore County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 24 at 10:15 a.m., and include an update noting the CUP was approved by the Board of Supervisors.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Shaundee Graham and representatives for the applicant were listed as present in the minutes; the record does not specify testimony excerpts or conditions attached to the Board’s approval. The minutes do not name any opposed parties or record any modifications to the proposed tower height.

The commission’s recommendation and the recorded Board approval move the proposal forward; project permitting, building, and any federal or state reviews required for wireless facilities remain future steps, none of which are detailed in the minutes.

The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., pending agenda items.