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Board approves 300-foot county telecommunications tower despite setback concerns
Summary
After a public hearing that drew resident objections about setbacks and visual impact, the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors approved a special exception for a 300-foot self-supporting public-safety radio tower near the health department and dispatch center to support the countywide radio system.
The Nottoway County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a special-exception request to construct a 300-foot, self-supporting radio tower on the health department/dispatch parcel to serve the countywide public-safety radio system.
County staff and CTA Consultants told the board the site was selected to minimize additional microwave-linking costs and to place the new tower close to dispatch consoles. Jeremiah Knowles of CTA said the selected location avoids erecting an extra microwave relay and that a 300-foot facility provides the coverage and interconnection the county needs. "This 300-foot tower not only serves as an interconnection between the rest of the radio system, but it also will provide coverage to a large area of central and southeastern part of the county," Knowles said.
Several residents raised concerns about the tower's proximity to West Courthouse Road and nearby residences. Brian Thomas told the board he feared the tower—locating only about 60 feet from the roadway—would be visually intrusive and that other, less-visible sites should be examined. Staff and developer representatives said they reviewed alternative sites but cited technical constraints and an approximately $100,000 additional cost for extra microwave equipment to place the tower remotely.
Planning staff noted the planning commission recommended approval by a 5–1 vote, subject to construction and safety conditions including marking propane and drain-field locations, and a fenced compound with anti-climb devices. The board approved the special exception by voice vote following a motion to accept staff recommendations.
The board also discussed FAA notification, lighting and co-location potential for cellular carriers. A representative from Level Up Towers said the tower will have standard medium-intensity lighting (red at night, white during the day) subject to FAA determination and that the compound will include an equipment shelter and room for future co-locators.
