BZA approves 190-foot communications tower near observatory, bars tower lighting
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Summary
The Board approved a special exception for a 190-foot, self-supporting communications tower at 8446 North Observatory Road to support Morgan County 911 redundancy and broadband, adding a condition that the tower carry no lighting that would affect the nearby observatory.
Martinsville, Ind. — The Morgan County Board of Zoning Appeals voted March 23 to grant a special exception (SEDash26DashO2) allowing Precision Data Solutions (PDS Connect) to construct a 190-foot self-supporting communications tower at 8446 North Observatory Road, subject to a condition prohibiting lighting on the tower that could interfere with observatory viewing.
Eric Rogers, representing Precision Data Solutions, said the tower would replace equipment being removed from a municipal water tank and preserve redundancy for Morgan County 911 and about 30 commercial broadband customers. “We’re requesting a special exception so that we can locate a communications facility on AG-zoned property,” Rogers said. He added the proposed tower is 190 feet, below the 200-foot threshold that would require lighting on the structure.
Board members raised concerns about the tower’s proximity to a local observatory; the surveyor’s materials show the structure will be within about 665 feet of the observatory. Rogers replied that the planned tower would not be lighted because it falls under the height threshold and that no top-mounted lighting would be installed. John Larson of Holloway Engineering noted Rogers had addressed FAA and FCC standards for the installation and said the site sits well outside airport automatic-reporting distances.
Staff recommended approval with a special exception after finding the proposal would not endanger public health or safety, would not create nuisance noise or light, would provide adequate access (including a 55-foot easement conveyed by the water authority), and would have minimal traffic impact given periodic maintenance visits. Board discussion referenced Indiana Code and supported a condition that the tower carry no lights that would affect observatory operations.
A board member moved to approve SEDash26DashO2 with the condition of no lights on the tower; Gordon seconded and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The minutes record a unanimous 'aye' and the added condition; individual roll-call votes were not recorded.
The approval covers the special-exception land use only; any required building permits, FAA/FCC filings and easement documentation must be completed before construction.
