Rockingham planning board approves 199-foot cell tower near Carter Dairy Road with waiver for fewer carriers

The Rockingham County Planning Board voted to approve Special Use Permit 2026-10 on a motion that included a waiver reducing the required colocations from five to four, clearing the way for a guided tower proposed by TowerComm Enterprises on property near 190 Carter Dairy Road.

Tom Johnson, attorney for the applicant, described the structure as a guided (guyed) tower with a 195-foot steel height and a 199-foot total height including a 4-foot lightning rod, noting that proximity to a nearby airport necessitates a beacon. "The anchor tenant here will be Verizon Wireless, and there will be space for three additional carriers," Johnson said, asking the board to accept the applicants waiver request to avoid over-designing the structure.

The application packet included a structural review by Kimley Horn and an appraisers analysis. Michael Berkowitz, an appraiser who conducted an impact study for the applicant, testified that his quantitative and qualitative analysis found "no diminution of value" for adjacent properties in comparable cases.

Neighbor Diane Carter, who lives adjacent to the parcel, told the board she welcomed improved coverage but described research she said links radio-frequency (RF) exposure to health problems in people and wildlife. "I found studies that show impacts on sleep, memory, concentration, depression, fatigue and effects on bees and other wildlife," Carter said, adding that one engineer had recommended living at least 500 meters from a tower; Carter said her house is about 900 feet from the proposed site.

Johnson responded that state law and federal rules limit the boards authority to consider RF health effects. "Theres a state law that specifically says that the health requirements related to radio frequency emissions of wireless facilities cannot be considered by this board," he said, and noted that the site must operate within FCC limits. He also emphasized safety and service benefits, saying improved in-building and in-vehicle coverage can help residents and travelers reach emergency services.

Board members asked for clarification on coverage and timing; Johnson said the tower is intended to fill a gap between Stoneville and Eden, providing stronger in-building coverage near the site and more continuous vehicle coverage along the corridor. He said construction is planned to be completed by the end of the year, with carrier equipment and optimization requiring additional months.

The board debated how to record the applicants waiver and the presence of a landowner signature on the application; counsel confirmed the landowner could sign the application at the hearing and that the waiver can be included in the motion/minutes. On the motion to approve (which included the waiver and any conditions agreed during the hearing), the board voted in favor and the chair stated the boards action was final and would not go to the county commission.

The approval includes: the special use permit for a guided wireless tower meeting ordinance setbacks and structural review, a waiver to allow one fewer required colocations (four total carrier spaces rather than five), and the conditions listed in the staff report and agreed during the hearing. The applicant remains subject to required geotechnical investigation, building permits, potential third-party engineering review and any additional fees. The board did not make a finding on health effects, consistent with the legal limitations described in the hearing.

Next steps: the applicant must submit the signed documents, obtain required permits and complete construction and carrier installation per the timeline stated by counsel.