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Pilots, neighbors press planning commission to deny proposed Verizon tower near Richville airport
Summary
At a March 26 Butte County Planning Commission hearing, pilots and nearby residents urged denial of a proposed Verizon monopole (UP25-0002), saying the site lies inside the agricultural airport's traffic pattern; staff and the applicant cited a FAA "no hazard" finding and coverage needs. The commission voted to continue with an intent-to-deny and asked staff to draft findings for an April 23 hearing.
The Butte County Planning Commission on March 26 heard hours of public comment and technical testimony over a proposed Verizon monopole cell tower (use permit UP25-0002), with pilots and nearby residents urging the commission to deny the application because the proposed site lies in the traffic pattern of the local Veil/Richville airstrip.
Mark Machalena of the county’s Development Services department said the item had been continued from a September 2025 hearing and that staff had asked the applicant to evaluate alternative sites. The applicant submitted 11 alternative parcels; staff said most property owners did not respond and one owner with existing improvements would not reach an agreement. "That was included in your packet today," Machalena told the commission.
Applicant counsel Patton Hahn (Baker Donaldson) and consultant Bill Lewis (Assurance Development) said Verizon is seeking to close an indoor and…
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