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Staff outlines tower dimensions, setbacks and why waivers are requested
Summary
Planning staff told the commission the proposed 420‑foot tower meets the county's 400‑foot minimum setback from residences but not the 200% height rule and that the Board of Supervisors has authority to grant waivers; staff recommended approval with conditions.
Planning staff described the proposed project at the Carson Substation in detail: Dominion Energy (via agent Harold Timmons) seeks to remove two existing towers and install a 420‑foot self‑supporting telecommunications tower with a 4‑foot lightning rod.
Staff explained county ordinance setback standards for telecommunication support structures: a setback equal to 200% of the tower height to the nearest residential structure, and in no case less than 400 feet. Staff reported the two nearest residential structures are approximately 577 feet and 675 feet from the proposed tower (meeting the 400‑foot minimum) but noted the proposal does not satisfy the 200% requirement. Staff said the Board of Supervisors may grant setback waivers, and that the applicant is requesting those waivers as part of this application.
Staff also described site constraints influencing the chosen location: ownership and accessibility advantages to keep the tower on Dominion‑owned land, wetlands on the north side of the substation, high‑voltage lines to the west, and a railroad easement to the east that make certain alternate sites impractical. Staff recommended approval with the conditions in the staff report, subject to any Board waivers.
