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Planning commission recommends 260‑foot telecom tower despite public wildlife and aesthetic concerns
Summary
The Houston County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a conditional‑use permit for a 260‑foot self‑support telecommunications tower at 15403 Hillside Road, with four conditions including corrected fall‑zone documentation and a 12‑month decommissioning clause; several neighbors opposed the site citing wildlife, visual impact and proximity.
The Houston County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the County Board grant a conditional‑use permit for a 260‑foot telecommunications tower proposed by Towers LLC (represented by Buell Consulting) at 15403 Hillside Road in Crooked Creek Township.
Justin Gartner of Buell Consulting told the commission the tower is a self‑support lattice structure intended to improve both coverage and capacity across a roughly 8–12 mile area (subject to terrain and foliage). Gartner disclosed an error in the fall‑zone certificate submitted with the packet: the setback to the east property line was off by about 10 feet. He said an updated fall‑zone certification would be provided and could be added as a condition before County Board action.
Staff read findings saying the proposal conforms to Houston County’s land‑use plan, and noted federal reviews (NEPA, NHPA, Endangered Species Act) and FAA determinations would apply. Staff also recommended conditions: compliance with laws and regulations, county access for compliance checks, acquisition of required permits, and decommissioning if the tower is inactive for 12 months. Commissioners added a fourth condition requiring an updated fall‑zone certificate or the ability to remove that condition if corrected before the Board.
Several nearby residents spoke in opposition. One written comment in the packet (signed in the record) raised concerns about bats, property value and continuous exposure to radio frequencies. Public speakers also cited potential impacts to bald eagles and migratory birds, visual impacts from flashing obstruction lights, and the tower’s proximity to property lines. Justin Gartner and staff responded that carriers and federal agencies perform environmental and frequency reviews, that older nearby towers are structurally unsuitable for modern carrier equipment, and that the proposed tower includes space for a seed carrier plus three additional carriers to allow consolidation of equipment.
After discussion, the commission voted on a motion recommending approval of the CUP with four conditions (including an updated fall‑zone certificate and 12‑month decommissioning). The motion carried on roll call and will be forwarded to the Houston County Board for final action.
