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Planning board delays decision on proposed telecommunications tower pending reports
Summary
The board discussed a proposed telecom tower and a recent site visit but took no decision, saying it will await visual and wildlife reports (game and fish) and additional engineering information before scheduling a public hearing.
The Shapleigh Planning Board discussed a proposal for a telecommunications tower at a site reviewed at a recent site visit but did not take action, citing missing documentation and concerns about setbacks and visual impacts.
Board members said they had conducted a site visit and met with the applicant’s representative, but they lack a final visual impact analysis and a report from the state game and fish agency that could affect setback requirements. Chair (speaker 1) said that ordinance language on dimensional requirements and the tower amendments makes the setback rules less straightforward for towers than for ordinary buildings, and recommended the town attorney and the fire chief be involved ahead of any public hearing.
Members recalled previous debates over towers and mentioned that a balloon‑test idea had been discussed historically as a way to demonstrate visual impact. Committee member (speaker 2) emphasized that tower height directly affects required setbacks and that the board needs the missing reports to know whether the project complies with local shoreland provisions.
No vote was taken; the board agreed to place the tower back on the agenda once the applicant provides the outstanding documents and the bird/wildlife and visual studies are received.
