Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecommunications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mesilla planning commission reviews draft wireless-facilities ordinance, weighs permit terms and fees
Summary
At an April 7 work session, the Mesilla PZHAC reviewed proposed amendments to Town Code 18.54 governing wireless facilities, debating whether special-use permits should have fixed lifespans, whether applicants should pay independent consultant review fees, and whether tolling, appeal and permit fees are appropriate; a public commenter urged caution about attorney-drafted language.
Members of the Town of Mesilla Planning, Zoning and Historical Appropriateness Commission on April 7 held a work session to review proposed amendments to Mesilla Town Code 18.54 (Telecommunications Wireless Facilities) ahead of a formal hearing scheduled for April 21, 2025.
The commission discussed three substantive points: whether special-use permits for wireless facilities should be time-limited; whether the town should assess a permit fee in addition to an applicant’s business license; and whether the town should require applicants to pay for an independent consultant to verify technical information submitted with applications. Commissioners also considered whether requests to toll or pause the federal shot clock should be handled through a formal town submission and whether the town should charge an appeal fee for administrative determinations.
"The language being used in the draft should be considered as it was drafted up by an attorney," public commenter Mrs. Dasa Bausova said during the public-input portion of the meeting, urging commissioners to scrutinize draft wording before the April 21 hearing. The commission heard this comment but did not take a formal vote at the work session.
Staff and commissioners agreed to hold a follow-up work session before the April 21 public hearing to refine the draft. No formal regulatory change or fee schedule was adopted at the April 7 meeting.
Next steps: the commission will continue editing the draft ordinance in a follow-up work session and will hold a public hearing on the amendments on April 21, 2025.
