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Commission approves Energy’s telemetry tower inside existing substation; counsel cites ordinance change
Summary
The commission approved a communications/telemetry tower sited inside an existing Energy substation, with counsel noting an amended tower ordinance (section 130‑1, subpart 20) that sets criteria in place of waiver requests; commissioners recorded unanimous approval.
The Livingston Parish Planning Commission on March 10 approved a site plan for a self‑support communications tower to be sited within an existing Energy substation on Kain Market Road. Project presenters and staff described the structure as a critical‑infrastructure telemetry tower for Energy’s internal communications, not a multi‑carrier cell tower.
Kylie Price, representing Energy, described the project as a 190‑ to 195‑foot self‑support tower with a platform and shelter inside an existing substation and said it will be used solely by Energy. When a commissioner asked about the tower height, Price corrected an earlier mention and the record includes both “190 ft” and a plans reference to “195.” The commission and counsel discussed setbacks; Price confirmed the tower meets required setbacks.
Steve Irving, land development counsel for the parish, reminded the commission that the tower ordinance was amended in September to remove waiver requests and instead enumerates criteria under section 130‑1, subpart 20; if applicants meet those criteria a permit may be issued without a waiver. Irving also noted the ANSI structural standard referenced in the ordinance can require designs that meet an expressed return period (he mentioned a 700‑year return standard) and said it should be recorded if relevant to an exemption.
Engineering and planning staff raised no objections and recommended approval. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor (Mr. Clemens, Mr. Wax, Mr. Dana, Mr. Burns, Miss Ferris, Miss Long). The record notes Energy’s tower will be used for telemetry linking substations and headquarters; presenters said they do not intend to host cellular carriers on the structure.
