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Commission debates proposed wireless facilities ordinance (1,000-foot spacing); no final action taken
Summary
The planning commission discussed proposed amendments to the wireless facilities ordinance — notably a 1,000-foot spacing rule inside city limits — raised health and zoning concerns, and concluded the item without a motion to pass; rewriting and re-noticing were identified as necessary next steps for any changes.
The Calera Planning Commission held extensive discussion of proposed amendments to the city’s wireless facilities ordinance, including a proposed minimum spacing provision that would generally prevent new wireless towers from being sited within 1,000 feet of a residence or another tower inside the city limits.
The Chair opened the public hearing and, after no public comments, commissioners debated technical and policy implications. Commissioners questioned whether a flat 1,000-foot rule could be excessive in higher-density residential zones and asked whether spacing standards should instead vary by zoning (for example a shorter separation in R-2 or similar districts). Staff confirmed the draft applies only inside city limits and that applications would still be subject to the special-exception or variance processes and review by the Board of Adjustments.
A commissioner voiced a community health concern, stating there had been "at least 10 people with cancer on our road"; that assertion was presented in the meeting but not investigated or substantiated during the discussion and remains unresolved in the transcript. Commissioners also discussed revenue implications and whether the city should adopt design limitations (for example favoring monopoles over lattice structures because of visual impact), and noted that surrounding jurisdictions use similar spacing language.
After debate, the Chair asked for a motion but was told there was "no motion to pass." Commissioners noted that changing distance/zoning language would require denying the ordinance as drafted, rewriting it and re-noticing for public comment. The transcript records no final vote or adoption of the wireless ordinance at this meeting.
The commission left the item without final action; staff indicated that any rewrite would restart the public-notice process.
