Commission debates clearer rules for tower distances and screening

A planning commissioner asked July 9 that the commission revisit Section 24‑75 of the county ordinance covering communication towers and antennas to clarify distances from residences and specify screening and maintenance requirements.

"I had asked you last month about us revisiting section 24 75 on communication towers and antennas," a commissioner said, noting apparent ambiguity in distance measurements and screening language. Staff reviewed current code language and recommended either classifying towers as a commercial use tied to the county’s buffer yard table or adding specific buffer distances and screening requirements to the ordinance.

Staff explained the county code sets a 1,000‑foot minimum spacing between towers and noted environmental‑health guidance recommending between about 1,200 and 1,640 feet between towers and homes depending on tower height. Commissioners discussed specifying distance requirements that factor tower height and maintaining access gates so crews can service equipment. Staff also noted the county has few defunct towers and that removal is typically driven by owner insurance and liability concerns.

The commission asked staff to research other jurisdictions' language and recommend draft ordinance language and specific buffer distances for the next work session.