Fuquay-Varina board approves 195-foot telecommunications tower at Hilltop Needmore Road

The Fuquay-Varina Board of Adjustment on Aug. 10 approved a special‑use permit allowing a proposed telecommunications monopole on a 17.48‑acre parcel at 4813 Hilltop Needmore Road.

Tom Johnson, attorney for the applicant, told the board the request was for "a proposed 195 foot monopole telecommunications facility with a 4 foot lightning rod for an overall height of 199 feet" and described a secured 60‑by‑60‑foot compound, a 20‑foot access drive and that the site would be unmanned with only electric and fiber service.

Johnson said plans show limited disturbance (kept under 0.5 acre), no compound lighting and design compliance with applicable FCC, FAA and local codes. He also noted the site was sized to accommodate collocations and that an appraiser’s impact study submitted with the record concluded the tower would not "substantially impact or substantially injure the value of adjoining property."

Neighbors spoke during the public‑hearing portion, raising visibility, wildlife and deed‑restriction concerns; the applicant responded that federal environmental review (NEPA) and FCC/FWS processes address wildlife and historic‑property issues and that a decommissioning plan will be recorded with the register of deeds.

After deliberation on the four required findings of fact (public safety, compliance with conditions/specifications, effect on adjacent property values, and harmony with the area), a board member moved to approve BOA SUP 202605 "as presented under the terms and conditions identified in the applicant's application"; a second was recorded and the motion passed by voice vote.

The board did not record individual roll‑call tallies in the transcript; the chair announced the motion carried. The applicant is required to complete final site‑plan, building‑permit and administrative reviews before construction.