Planning commission forwards 165-foot church radio tower CUP to supervisors amid safety and historic concerns

The Cumberland County Planning Commission voted to forward a conditional use permit (CUP 25-02) for a 165-foot radio tower located at 2086 Cumberland Road to the county Board of Supervisors after a staff presentation and public discussion.

Staff told the commission the application, submitted on behalf of Pastor Melvin King, covers a 0.871-acre site within a 7.4-acre parcel and would host a noncommercial educational (B1) radio station. "The request is for a 165 foot radio tower that was erected behind the existing church," staff said, adding that the tower was erected in April of last year without local permits and that the applicant obtained required FCC permits but seeks a waiver to allow the fall radius to extend beyond the parcel boundary.

The proposal prompted safety and historic-preservation questions. A meeting participant who identified experience with aviation warned the tower's current color and lack of lighting "could" create a visibility hazard for low-flying state police and emergency helicopters, and urged painting or lighting if the structure is to remain. The participant also disputed staff’s statement that the parcel "has no historic significance," saying the site includes ground associated with the April 7, 1865 Battle of Cumberland Church.

Rick Dahlberg, who identified himself as the church’s new pastor, said the congregation plans to install fencing once local zoning permits are in place and apologized for not understanding the local permitting process: "We were advised not to move on any of that until we were permitted," he said.

Staff acknowledged the commission can recommend conditions such as painting or lighting to the board but noted federal and aviation authorities set some lighting requirements. Staff also said the 165-foot height was set through the FCC and an engineer’s assessment to avoid interference with other facilities.

After discussion the commission moved to send CUP 25-02 to the Board of Supervisors with its recommendation. The clerk called the roll; the recorded votes in the meeting minutes show multiple members voted to forward the application while one member voted no. The commission’s action forwards the request; the Board of Supervisors will consider any final conditions, including whether to require lighting, painting or other mitigations.

Next steps: the Board of Supervisors will receive the planning commission’s recommendation and may schedule the CUP for public hearing and final action.