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Planning commission approves 293‑foot Verizon tower special exception at Old Waynesboro Road
Summary
The planning commission approved a special exception for a 293‑foot telecommunications tower at 4816 Old Waynesboro Road (Harmony/Harmoni Towers partnering with Verizon); staff recommended approval with conditions including engineered plans, limited leased area and compliance with the tree ordinance.
The Augusta Planning Commission approved a special exception to establish a telecommunications facility at 4816 Old Waynesboro Road, advancing the petition with conditions requiring compliant engineering/site plans, a leased site area limit, a maximum height not to exceed 293 feet (including the lightning rod), tree ordinance compliance, and site plan approval before construction.
Ashley Catterton, development services administrator, told commissioners the applicant (Harmoni Towers partnered with Verizon Wireless) proposed a 289‑foot tower with a 4‑foot lightning rod for a total height of 293 feet within a 100‑by‑100‑foot leased pad on a 69.73‑acre tract. Staff said the nearest residence is approximately three miles away and the site is consistent with the county’s South Richmond character area. Staff reported receiving a single letter of opposition and noted engineering concerns about future aesthetic treatments.
John Birchfield, representing Harmony Towers through LCC Telecom Services, confirmed the height and said the opposition letter came from a competing tower company rather than a local resident. Birchfield said the facility is designed to provide personal communication services and broadband coverage to the area; the applicant noted the site would be offered for shared use by other carriers.
Planning staff recommended approval of the special exception with six conditions including submission of plans that comply with applicable engineering and environmental regulations, limiting the facility to the leased area shown on the plans, a 293‑foot height cap, tree ordinance compliance and the requirement that conceptual site plan approval is not itself permit authorization.
A motion to approve the special exception was moved, seconded and passed on a voice vote; commissioners advanced the petition consistent with staff conditions. The petitioner and carriers must still obtain site plan approval and any required permits before construction begins.
