Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Text Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commissioners recommend allowing communication towers in C/R district by special use permit
Summary
After a joint public hearing with the Board of Supervisors, the Smyth County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a zoning text amendment to permit communication towers in the Conservation/Recreation district by special use permit, citing improved cellphone coverage; a resident raised health concerns about electromagnetic emissions.
The Smyth County Planning Commission on Jan. 22 recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a zoning text amendment to allow communication towers in the Conservation/Recreation (C/R) district by special use permit.
Assistant County Administrator Clegg Williams told the joint hearing that communication towers are currently not permitted in the C/R district and that the county expects applications — likely from American Electric Power (AEP) — to address gaps in cellphone coverage. Williams said the towers would improve coverage "for the working area," though he clarified that emergency services operate on a separate radio system.
Board member Courtney Widener framed the proposal in public-safety terms: "If we can relate it to safety, then I'm on board." Commissioner Robert Campbell added concerns about residents being unable to contact emergency services if coverage is lost.
During public comment, Dr. Charles Wassum urged commissioners to consider potential effects from electromagnetic emissions, saying that radiation from towers may be harmful to people seeking the seclusion of C/R areas. Zoning Administrator Becca Creasy provided the commission with an American Cancer Society article, supplied by Supervisor Mike Sturgill, which the commission said indicates that further research is needed on health impacts.
After discussion, Commissioner Lea Meadows moved to recommend approval of the text amendment; David C. Buchanan Jr. seconded. The motion passed unanimously with a recorded vote of seven yeas and zero nays.
The Planning Commission's action was a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; any specific tower would require a subsequent special use permit application and the standard review process. The Board of Supervisors will consider the amendment at a future meeting.
