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Commission deadlocks on proposed 120-foot communications tower at 545 Burke Hawkins Street
Summary
The Midlothian Planning & Zoning Commission split 3-3 on whether to recommend approval of a 120-foot communication tower proposed for 545 Burke Hawkins Street; staff recommended denial citing height and aesthetic conflicts even as the applicant and staff said the tower would improve carrier and emergency coverage.
The Midlothian Planning & Zoning Commission failed to reach a recommendation on a proposed 120-foot communications tower at 545 Burke Hawkins Street after a 3-3 tie on a motion to approve.
Senior planner Daniel Humbert told the commission the request "expands telecommunications coverage" and supports emergency-service goals but is inconsistent with the area's intended height and aesthetics, noting the proposal exceeds the zoning district maximum height by 85 feet and thus requires a variance. Humbert said property owners within 200 feet were notified and no objections were received.
Applicant David Draper said the site was selected after a carrier-driven site search and engineering analysis. "It's one of the top 100 worst locations for them," Draper said, arguing the tower—reduced from an initial 150 feet to 120 feet—would provide the coverage the carriers and emergency services require and could accommodate multiple carriers.
Commissioners questioned whether the tower was strictly for cellular service or for 911/emergency use as well; staff and the applicant said it was for both. Commissioners who voted against recommending approval cited proximity to Main Street development and the availability of alternate industrial sites; supporters said the tower is set back from Main Street and would have a minimal skyline impact.
The first vote produced a 3-3 tie and a subsequent revote also left the commission split. Staff clarified that a tie means the commission will not forward a recommendation of approval to city council. The commission did not adopt alternative mitigating conditions on the record, and the matter will proceed to the council with no positive recommendation from the commission.
