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Hobart council denies variance for proposed 140‑foot cell tower in residential zone
Summary
After neighborhood and precedent concerns, the council denied a request to allow a proposed 140-foot cell tower in an R-2 single-family zone; the BZA had recommended approval but council members cited hardship standards and neighborhood impact.
The Hobart City Council voted unanimously on June 17 to deny a use variance that would have permitted a proposed 140-foot cell tower with a 10-foot lightning rod and related equipment in an R-2 single-family residential zone.
Mrs. Longer told the council the Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval, but several council members said residents had raised concerns about siting towers in residential neighborhoods. Council member Mr. Kopil argued the decision could set an undesirable precedent and moved to deny; Attorney McCarthy noted the hardship threshold for variances is a difficult legal standard. The motion to deny passed 7-0 (motion by Mr. Kopil; second Mr. Claussen).
Council discussion referenced prior Plan Commission review of an incomplete site plan and BZA recommendation; the council did not adopt conditions. The denial preserves the city’s zoning standards in the discussed neighborhood and signals a cautious approach to allowing tall communications structures inside residential districts.
