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Planning board approves Summers communication tower to improve coverage
Summary
The board approved a 315‑ft unmanned wireless tower proposed by Vertical Bridge with Verizon as the anchor tenant, saying the tower fills a coverage gap; staff reported two neighbor inquiries but no formal opposition at the hearing.
The Washington County Planning Board on March 26 approved a conditional use permit for a proposed unmanned wireless communications tower to be sited on a 10.51‑acre property.
Staff described a plan for a 315‑foot tower with a 100‑by‑100 lease area and a 75‑by‑75 fenced compound. Vertical Bridge intends to permit Verizon to occupy antenna space near the 305–310‑foot level and to allow placement for additional future carriers. Planning staff said the tower meets applicable planning and zoning codes and that the applicant had submitted engineer‑stamped structural plans; staff also noted the proposal was or is seeking NEPA, FAA and FCC approvals.
Applicant representative Chris Patterson said the tower fills a coverage hole more than a mile from the nearest existing tower and will improve indoor and highway coverage for residents and emergency services. Patterson said the facility will be unmanned, secured with a chain‑link fence topped with barbed wire, and will require only occasional maintenance traffic.
Planning staff reported receiving two phone calls requesting additional information; one caller expressed objection to siting the tower on that property but no speakers made formal public comments at the meeting. After board discussion, Chair Lauren Shackelford called for a motion; the board voted to approve the tower CUP subject to staff conditions.
The approval allows the applicant to pursue required federal and state reviews and to proceed under the permit conditions described by planning staff.
