ZBA approves 195‑ft cell‑tower variances after applicants cite coverage gap and topography

The Cherokee County Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant two variances for a proposed 195‑foot telecommunications tower on a 14.5‑acre Agricultural (AG) parcel, allowing a reduced setback and permitting a conventional tower design rather than an alternative/camouflaged structure.

Staff explained the site is constrained by steep slopes and a stream buffer that limit buildable area; the applicant said normal tower placement within required setbacks would be impossible on this parcel. Harold Buckley (representing the applicant Prime Tower) and John Behnke described the engineering approach and co‑location needs. Buckley emphasized the local coverage gap observed on site and public‑safety implications: “He looked at his cell phone and he had 0 bars,” Buckley said, noting that poor local service can affect emergency calls when backup networks or alternate carriers are not available.

Board members asked about visual impact and whether the tower’s engineered fall‑zone (designed to limit debris to about 35 feet from the base) and siting would protect nearby houses and roads. After discussion, a motion to approve the setback reduction (to 115 feet from the road) and a separate motion to allow the conventional tower (rather than an alternative/camouflaged structure) each passed 5–0. Staff will record conditions and the engineering documentation provided by the applicant for permit review.

The approvals allow the applicant to pursue tower construction on this parcel with the stated engineering assumptions; board members said they were balancing visibility concerns against the documented service gap and technical constraints.