Caroline County BZA approves 195-foot communications monopole near Shore Highway

The Caroline County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a special-use exception on June 16 for a 195-foot communications monopole and associated 50-by-50-foot fenced equipment compound on a parcel along Shore Highway near Bullock Road.

Chair Ben Butler opened the hearing and read the application (public notice lists the applicant as "Bridal Towers LLC") and related exhibits; staff identified the filing as submitted by Arcola Towers LLC on behalf of property owner Eric Paul. After hearing testimony and reviewing staff reports and photo-simulation evidence, the board approved the request, subject to final site-plan approval and required permits.

Doug Sampson, zoning counsel for the applicant, told the board the proposal would fill a longstanding coverage gap along Route 404 and provide reliable in-building service. "This is a proposal for a 195-foot monopole, at the intersection of Shore Highway and Bullock Road," Sampson said, adding that Verizon Wireless maps in the application show the nearest towers are roughly 3.0 and 2.3 miles away. Sampson said photo-simulation balloon tests showed the tower was visible or partially visible from 6 of 18 survey locations and that existing tree cover and wetland buffers would limit roadside visibility. He also said the site will be unmanned and visited roughly up to four times a year for maintenance.

Staff told the board the application closely matched a facility previously approved in 2019, with the primary change being a different consultant. Staff confirmed the applicant had applied for an SHA (State Highway Administration) entrance permit and that the Maryland Department of the Environment had provided authorization related to on-site wetlands. The board discussed screening, setbacks and potential traffic impacts; staff and the applicant said the site would meet required setbacks and produce negligible traffic effects because visits are infrequent.

A board member moved to approve the special-use exception with conditions requiring final site-plan approval by the planning director, issuance of required zoning and building permits, and compliance with FAA and State Highway Administration guidelines. A seconded motion carried with the board recording a 3-0 vote in favor.

The board recorded that conditions must be met prior to issuance of any zoning certificate or building permit and reiterated standard enforcement language about compliance with exhibits and permit conditions. The board closed deliberations and adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m.