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Board approves 165-foot radio tower CUP after planning staff, pastor and one resident speak
Summary
The board approved a conditional-use permit for a 165-foot radio tower erected in April 2025 at Barnhill 7th Day Adventist Church after staff said the applicant had FCC approvals but not local permits; the church offered county co-location for emergency services and planning recommended a waiver for a parcel-boundary fall zone.
The Board of Supervisors approved a conditional-use permit (CUP) for a 165-foot radio tower at Barnhill 7th Day Adventist Church that was erected in April 2025 prior to obtaining local permits. Planning Director Stephanie Johnson explained staff worked with the church after learning the tower had been placed and that the church held FCC approvals. "The tower was erected in April 2025 without local permits," Johnson said, and staff deemed the CUP application complete in April 2026.
Staff noted the applicant requested a waiver of the zoning requirement that towers fall within parcel boundaries because the church owns an adjoining parcel. The church offered to allow the county to co-locate emergency-service antennas on the structure and planning recommended approval (a 5–1 commission vote). One resident who signed up spoke in favor, saying the station would be a positive addition. The board discussed the setback waiver, public-notice procedures and the absence of electrical permits (staff noted the tower had no electrical connection and was not broadcasting).
After opening and closing the public hearing with no opposition commenters, the board approved the CUP in a voice vote. The approval allows the church to keep the structure provided conditions and permitting are satisfied; if the board had denied the CUP staff indicated the tower would need to be removed.
