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Planning commission approves 195-foot telecom tower in Bellevue Township
Summary
The Eaton County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a 195-foot telecommunications tower at 4181 South Bayonne Road after staff and RF consultants found the proposal met zoning rules; the commission noted a commercial-driveway permit will be required from the road commission.
The Eaton County Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit for a 195-foot telecommunications tower with a 4-foot lightning rod at 4181 South Bayonne Road in Bellevue Township.
Staff presented CU-9-25-5 and said the 12.75-acre site is zoned limited agricultural and that RF Systems Engineering Associates reviewed the application and found that the proposed tower met requirements of section 14.27 of the county zoning ordinance. The staff report noted no objections from the Barry Eaton District Health Department, Bellevue Township Fire Department and Eaton Conservation District; Eaton County Road Commission recommended that a commercial-driveway permit be obtained for the proposed driveway from West 5 Point Highway.
Mark Barnes, an engineer with Telecade Engineering representing Vertical Bridal and Verizon Wireless, told commissioners the applicant had met the ordinance criteria and expected the site to be unmanned except for occasional maintenance. "That's the point" of the project, Barnes said, "we hope to affect the cell service, like, actually bring some." He added he did not expect the tower to interfere with local television reception.
Commissioners asked about tower lighting and fencing; Barnes said the 195-foot monopole plus a 4-foot lightning rod would put the structure below the federal lighting threshold for structures 200 feet or taller. After brief deliberation the commission moved and carried the motion to approve the permit by roll call. Staff noted the applicant must coordinate with the Eaton County Road Commission on the commercial-driveway permit before construction proceeds.
The commission's approval requires the applicant to complete any necessary road-permit work and to follow conditions in the staff report; construction was proposed to begin in the fall of 2026 according to the application.
