Planning commission approves 195‑ft telecom tower permit for Vertical Bridge and Verizon

The Pennington County Planning Commission approved telecommunications facility permit COTPC26001, clearing the way for a proposed 195‑foot self‑supporting telecommunications tower and equipment shelter on property owned by Mildred Ham at 12089 Deerfield Road. The applicants are Vertical Bridge the Towers LLC and Verizon Wireless; staff recommended approval with 11 conditions.

Staff presented the application, saying the proposal met the zoning ordinance's seven review criteria and that interdepartmental review returned no major concerns. The fire administrator was mentioned in staff comments as supportive of improved service in an area with limited coverage, noting that additional service can aid emergency response in areas with sparse coverage.

Staff also noted the proposed tower siting required a reduced setback: the Board of Adjustment approved a reduction from the 500‑foot standard to 420 feet at its May 5, 2026 meeting, enabling the proposed location.

Commission discussion included a question about a line in the permit criteria that reads, “as the tower is already established and operational,” which commissioners and staff agreed was confusing because the tower has not yet been constructed. Staff confirmed the tower is not constructed, and that required utility and building permits would be processed at the building permit stage.

A motion to approve the telecommunications facility permit with 11 conditions was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. The transcript does not contain a roll‑call tally. The approval is conditioned on the 11 items identified by staff and on securing any required utility, approach and building permits before construction begins.