Stantec seeks 200‑foot public‑safety telecom tower at 14386 Fawn Road; planning staff sets April public review

Consultant Maverick Becker of Stantec described a proposed 200‑foot, self‑support public‑safety telecommunications tower and a 50‑by‑50‑foot fenced equipment compound at 14386 Fawn Road. Becker said the tower is designed to accommodate at least two additional users and that the design complies with applicable county and federal regulations, including FAA and FCC standards. He said the applicant provided an affidavit claiming co‑location at the nearby tower is economically burdensome, noting in the meeting that the existing owner “frequently increases rent as well as...imposes steep one‑time costs,” making co‑location infeasible for the carrier represented.

9‑1‑1 administration told the applicant the structure should be assigned a distinct address because access comes from Reuben Road and proposed the address 8732 Reuben Road; staff said the 9‑1‑1 office will issue an address confirmation letter for permitting after approval. Planning staff and the applicant reviewed required setbacks: staff reminded the applicant the tower must be a distance equal to its height plus 50 feet from any dwelling and from the road. Becker displayed measurements showing the proposed tower sits approximately 267 feet from an on‑site residence and about 250 feet from the road, and told staff he had designed the site to meet required setbacks.

Staff outlined next steps for public review: a technical presentation at the planning board (a tech meeting) followed by a public hearing; staff indicated the tech meeting is scheduled for April 1 and recommended that a human representative attend the tech meeting and the later public hearing. Becker said the applicant has submitted an initial site‑plan review application and will provide any additional materials the county requests.

No formal vote or approval occurred at the DRC; staff captured technical comments and procedural next steps to carry the application forward to the planning board.