Charlotte County approves 195-foot Verizon tower permit despite neighboring opposition
March 01, 2026 | Charlotte County, Virginia
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The Charlotte County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 13, 2025 approved a Conditional Use Permit for a 195-foot Verizon cell tower following a public hearing and a unanimous vote.
Deputy County Administrator Elder told the Board the Planning Commission had found the Vertical Bridge/Verizon proposal consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and recommended approval by a 9-0 vote. Lisa Murphy, counsel for Verizon, said the tower is intended to enhance network performance and coverage for Verizon customers, can host up to three additional providers and will meet local, state and Federal Communications Commission requirements. She described the structure as galvanized steel and unlit so it will “blend in with the sky,” according to the staff presentation.
Vice-Chair Hazel Bowman Smith urged approval during the hearing, saying the area “desperately needed cell service improvement” and that at least 18 citizens had contacted her urging the Board to move forward. During the public comment period, four adjacent landowners—Randall Suslick, Stephen Busch, Dennis Weston and Edward Rollins—spoke in opposition, raising concerns about impacts to nearby properties.
After the hearing, Vice-Chair Smith moved to approve the CUP; Supervisor Derek Toombs seconded. Chairman Walter T. Bailey announced the motion carried with all members voting yes.
The approval means the project will proceed under the conditions of the County’s permit process and any site-specific requirements set by staff or the Planning Commission. The Board did not identify any additional conditions on the record at the meeting.
The County’s next administrative steps will be to finalize permit paperwork and authorizations required by the CUP; the Board did not set additional hearings at the Aug. 13 meeting.
Deputy County Administrator Elder told the Board the Planning Commission had found the Vertical Bridge/Verizon proposal consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and recommended approval by a 9-0 vote. Lisa Murphy, counsel for Verizon, said the tower is intended to enhance network performance and coverage for Verizon customers, can host up to three additional providers and will meet local, state and Federal Communications Commission requirements. She described the structure as galvanized steel and unlit so it will “blend in with the sky,” according to the staff presentation.
Vice-Chair Hazel Bowman Smith urged approval during the hearing, saying the area “desperately needed cell service improvement” and that at least 18 citizens had contacted her urging the Board to move forward. During the public comment period, four adjacent landowners—Randall Suslick, Stephen Busch, Dennis Weston and Edward Rollins—spoke in opposition, raising concerns about impacts to nearby properties.
After the hearing, Vice-Chair Smith moved to approve the CUP; Supervisor Derek Toombs seconded. Chairman Walter T. Bailey announced the motion carried with all members voting yes.
The approval means the project will proceed under the conditions of the County’s permit process and any site-specific requirements set by staff or the Planning Commission. The Board did not identify any additional conditions on the record at the meeting.
The County’s next administrative steps will be to finalize permit paperwork and authorizations required by the CUP; the Board did not set additional hearings at the Aug. 13 meeting.
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