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Commission approves 195-foot monopole for Verizon service; residents raise wildlife, aviation and health concerns
Summary
The commission approved a conditional-use permit for a 195-foot monopole cell tower in Medary Township (with an allowance up to 250 feet). Public commenters raised concerns about bald eagles, SDSU flight paths, and potential long-term health impacts of 5G; board approved the permit 8-0 after reviewing staff materials.
The Brookings County Planning & Zoning Commission on July 7 approved a conditional-use permit for a new wireless telecommunications tower in Medary Township that will initially be built as a 195-foot monopole with a 4-foot lightning rod and a secured 50-foot by 50-foot equipment compound. The applicant applied for an allowance up to 250 feet to accommodate potential future antenna additions; the staff report and attachments referenced Brookings County Zoning Ordinance Article V (Chapter 5025) and federal materials including FCC guidelines, an RF fact sheet, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and an FAA summary report.
Woody Krog of Buell Consulting, representing The Tower LLC, told the commission the facility "was being built to suit Verizon Wireless." The application included use of an existing driveway and an access easement for servicing the site; no FAA-required aviation lights would be needed at the initial 195-foot height, but the staff report noted that higher future extensions likely would trigger lighting requirements.
During the public hearing, opponents raised environmental and safety concerns. Emilee Fullenkamp told the board she was concerned about "Bald Eagle’s and the SDSU Aviation flight path in the area," and questioned siting near existing and new homes. Brian Brenner voiced concerns about unknown long-term effects of 5G and potential impacts if the tower height were increased and lighting were added. Staff clarified technical points: the county's Deputy Director noted that a lightning rod is allowed and generally not counted toward height allowance in the same way as antenna structures.
After reviewing findings of fact and attachments on radio-frequency and aviation rules, the commission voted unanimously (8-0) to approve the conditional-use permit. The recorded vote lists Dale Storhaug, Cody Clark, Darrel Kleinjan, Justin DeGroot, Neil Trooien, Randy Jensen, County Commissioner Kelly VanderWal and Chair Chad Ford voting in favor. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the permitting process subject to standard county conditions and federal aviation/communications regulations.
