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Commission approves 199-ft wireless tower near Branched Oak despite neighbors' objections over views and notification
Summary
The commission granted special permit 26026 for a 199-ft self-supporting wireless tower near NW 140th Street, finding the site met county standards; residents objected citing visual impact, questions about notice to Seward County neighbors and possible alternative sites affecting fewer homes.
The Lancaster County Planning Commission voted 7-0 on June 10 to approve special permit 26026 allowing a 199-foot self-supporting personal wireless tower on property near Northwest 140th Street close to the Lancaster–Seward county line.
Planner Ben Kelling described the site footprint, explained the special-permit requirement because the tower exceeds AG height limits, and noted staff conditions including a decommissioning fee and attention to buffering from existing towers. Staff said the proposed location sits amid mature trees and that the nearest Lancaster County tower is about 3.5 miles away.
Doug Barker, representing Towers LLC and Verizon, said the facility addresses an existing coverage and capacity gap and improves public-safety communications in an area with substantial lake-related visitation. He said the facility had been evaluated for FAA lighting requirements and kept under 200 feet to avoid lighting, and that the tower would be built to make collocation possible for other carriers.
Nearby residents including Carol J. Bone and Bonnie Sendelar opposed the location. They described Branched Oak Lake as a scenic area, said mailed notification maps were vague and that some Seward County neighbors reported unclear outreach, and argued the carrier should pursue a location with fewer impacted homes or on higher ground in Seward County. Residents also raised health concerns about radio-frequency exposure referencing a 2022 review; applicant representatives said federal RF safety standards apply and that the WHO's more recent reviews show no established cancer link.
The applicant's outreach consultant said about 70 notices were mailed to properties within a mile, relying on assessor records; county staff confirmed notices were mailed and said they were continuing to verify Seward County addresses. Commissioners acknowledged resident concerns but emphasized land-use consistency, property-owner consent to lease the site, and the applicant's willingness to accept staff conditions.
The special permit passed 7-0. Staff and the applicant said the county will hold the submitted decommissioning fee and construction will require compliance with county and federal standards.
