Board remands 164‑ft Robinson Road cell‑tower appeal to planning commission for fuller record

The Harrison County Board of Supervisors voted on May 14 to remand an appeal of a planning commission denial for a proposed 164‑foot monopole telecommunications tower at 17402 Robinson Road (case 2604HC066). The applicant sought the tower to improve Verizon Wireless coverage in the area.

Applicant representative Brand (transcript: "Brand Rackov"/"Brandt Ratcliffe") said Verizon initially sought a 190‑foot center but reduced the design to a 164‑foot monopole to meet county setbacks. He told the board that alternative sites, such as nearby towers, either lacked height or were unsuitable for colocation. "Verizon initially wanted 190 ft rad center, but we reduced the rad center down to 164 to meet the county requirements on setbacks," he said.

Several nearby residents urged the board to reject the project on the basis of compatibility with a growing residential area, potential effects on property values, and the church and neighborhood character. Charlie Chase told the board: "Do unto others what you would have others do unto you," urging supervisors to consider how they would feel if a tower were proposed in their own neighborhood.

Planning staff told the board the record before the planning commission was limited and recommended remanding the case so both sides could place fuller evidence — appraisals, realtor testimony, photographs and propagation data — into the record. Staff emphasized that, under federal law, local zoning authorities may not deny a telecommunications facility solely on perceived health effects if the facility complies with FCC emissions rules; staff recommended a remand so the county's decision would rest on a stronger factual basis.

After discussion, the board voted to remand the application to the planning commission for additional findings and evidence. The remand gives opponents and the applicant the opportunity to supplement the record for future review.