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Staff previews McKinley rezoning to single-family and proposes raising cell-tower height cap to 200 feet
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Summary
Planning staff previewed a rezoning request by McKinley Properties LLC to change two parcels from B-1 to R-3 with a proffer limiting development to five single-family homes; staff also summarized proposed amendments to the countys communication-tower ordinance to raise the baseline height to 200 feet and strengthen bonding and conditional-use review.
At the work session on April 14, planning staff reviewed two land-use items the board will see in coming hearings: a rezoning request from McKinley Properties LLC and a proposed amendment to the countys communication-tower ordinance.
Brian (staff) summarized the McKinley Properties LLC application, saying the applicant sought to rezone two adjoining B-1 parcels to R-3 to allow single-family development. The applicant submitted a late proffer limiting development to five single-family homes and pledging that multifamily uses would not be allowed. The planning commission recommended approval, but the record includes at least one protest letter from nearby residents who raised concerns about lot grading, drainage and emergency access.
On the towers ordinance, staff said the planning commission and staff drafted language to raise the countys presumptive height limit from 125 feet to 200 feet, with any higher structure allowed only through a Board of Supervisors conditional-use-permit process. Staff and planners said the 199-foot/200-foot threshold preserves the countys ability to avoid FAA lighting requirements in ordinary cases and provides more practical siting options in a heavily wooded, hillier landscape. The draft also includes stronger bonding provisions and transfers authority over time extensions from the zoning administrator to the board and county attorney.
Supervisors and planning commissioners asked a series of follow-up questions: whether the McKinley lots would need town sewer and water hookups; whether a private road would meet emergency-access standards; whether Blackcomb/Blackgum Road is a state or county road; and whether bonding for towers should be shortened from five years to three years to account for rapidly escalating demolition or remediation costs.
What happens next: the McKinley rezoning was set for public hearing next month; the towers ordinance will be reviewed by the county attorney before the board considers sending it to public hearing.
