Planning commission recommends disapproval of proposed 420-foot Dominion Energy tower

The Dinwiddie County Planning Commission voted 5–1 on March 2026 to recommend disapproval of conditional use permit CD-26-1, a proposal from Dominion Energy to replace two existing towers with a 420-foot free‑standing telecommunications tower at the Carson Substation.

Commissioner (S7), who moved the recommendation, said the commission found that “the issuance of a conditional use permit would not be in compliance with the intent, purpose, and design of the [county] zoning code,” and added conditions requested by Commissioner (S5). Commissioner (S9) seconded the motion and the clerk recorded five ayes and one no.

Planning staff had recommended approval with conditions, arguing the project would have minimal impacts and would conform with the rural conservation goals of the comprehensive plan. Staff noted the property is zoned Agricultural General (A2) and that the proposal includes removal of the existing 200‑foot and guide‑wire towers and replacement with one self‑supporting structure.

Several commissioners expressed concern that feasible alternate locations on Dominion‑owned parcels had not been fully evaluated and that the proposed location does not meet the county’s 200% setback-from‑residential‑structure requirement (though it meets the 400‑foot minimum). The commission’s recommendation instructs that any reduction in the standard setback would require approval by the Board of Supervisors.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors; staff indicated the Board is expected to hear the case in April. No final county decision on the permit will be made until the Board acts.