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Bradford Selectboard imposes moratorium on new cell towers, directs ordinance drafting
Summary
After a Planning Board member warned carriers may seek residential sites, the Bradford Selectboard voted unanimously to impose a moratorium on new cell‑tower construction and instructed staff to draft a municipal ordinance to regulate future installations.
The Town of Bradford Selectboard voted unanimously on Feb. 16 to impose a moratorium on new cell‑tower construction and to direct staff to draft an ordinance regulating future tower siting and permitting.
The move followed remarks from Andrew Miller, a member of the Planning Board, who said the town was told a carrier “did not want to work with a municipality,” which could mean the company seeks private residential sites for towers. Miller urged the board to consider ordinance parameters to protect town interests and to pause new approvals while rules are developed.
Boardmember Randy Margraf moved for a moratorium and Chairman Levi Surette seconded; the motion passed with all members voting in favor. The board also discussed noting the carrier’s perpetual‑lease proposal in the town report so residents are informed as the ordinance is drafted.
Why it matters: Without a municipal ordinance, carriers may pursue alternate siting approaches that could put towers on private property near residential areas. A moratorium gives the town time to set siting standards, setback requirements, and review procedures before new installations proceed.
What’s next: The board directed staff to begin drafting ordinance language and to coordinate with the Planning Board and affected residents. The Planning Board has an upcoming public hearing on ordinances on Feb. 23, which may provide an early venue for related discussion; the Selectboard did not set a specific deadline for the moratorium in the minutes.
