Board approves Verizon/Tower North wireless facility after granting variance from 4‑mile spacing rule

The Noble County Board of Zoning Appeals on a unanimous/majority vote approved a special exception and a related variance to let Tower North, on behalf of Verizon Wireless, build a telecommunications facility south of 2303 South 800 East in Green Township.

Ray Shinkle, who identified himself as representing Tower North and Verizon Wireless, told the board the carrier’s network‑planning process identified coverage deficiencies in the area and that the proposed site would fill gaps shown on the applicant’s before‑and‑after coverage maps. He said the company plans a 100‑by‑100‑foot lease area and a tower height of about 199 feet; the structure would not be lit, and routine technician visits would be infrequent, he said.

“Verizon Wireless has partnered with Tower North … to improve their coverage in around this area,” Shinkle said, describing efforts to collocate and avoid redundant sites.

Teresa, the county planner who gave the staff report, told the board that GIS and tech‑review comments were in the record and that the application did not meet the UDO’s four‑mile spacing standard for telecommunications facilities. The Unified Development Ordinance requires a minimum separation that the applicant requested a variance from; staff and applicant provided maps showing nearby towers and the applicant explained why collocation options were limited.

Board members asked technical and safety questions about nearby towers, whether all nearby structures could physically accept collocation, RF‑safety standards, landscaping and screening requirements, and whether the county should require third‑party inspections and periodic follow‑up. Shinkle said the antennas operate within FCC standards and that carriers build to licensed frequencies; he also stated the company would comply with landscaping requirements and inspections and would provide documentation if required.

After reading the statutory findings required by the county’s UDO and Indiana code, the board voted to approve Special Exception 602 with conditions, then considered and approved Development Standards Variance 2409 to allow siting the facility closer than the UDO’s four‑mile standard. The board directed staff to ensure required documentation (legal survey, GIS placement, and any third‑party inspection reports) is provided to the auditor and building department before final permits are issued.

Next steps include finalization of any required legal easements, recording of required site documents, and coordination with the building department for permitting and inspections. The applicant was told to follow up with the county on landscaping, access agreements, and the five‑year inspection process mentioned in the hearing.

The board’s action allows the applicant to move forward with site preparation and permit applications subject to the conditions the board placed on approval.