Oakland advances telecom ordinance on first reading to allow monopole on town property, officials say it will boost safety and coverage

The Town of Oakland commission held a first public hearing and approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026‑01 on April 28 to update local rules for telecommunications towers and to permit controlled placement of monopole towers on town‑owned property.

Town Manager Elise explained the amendment responds to ongoing poor cellular signal in downtown areas and is intended to modernize the land development code to balance infrastructure expansion with neighborhood protections. The ordinance would allow towers up to 150 feet in height (industry standard cited by staff), require a minimum separation of 1.5 miles between towers and restrict towers on private parcels unless approved as a special exception.

Elise said staff has in mind a parcel behind the public safety building, near the southeast corner of the school property, and that the planning and zoning board unanimously recommended approval of the first reading with minor language edits. The town anticipates an RFP for placement, which staff said would require monopole designs (not guyed towers or disguised tree structures) and would reserve the right to require public‑safety equipment colocations.

Commissioners and staff highlighted revenue potential from lease or colocation agreements and public‑safety benefits. Deputy Chief (unnamed) later told the commission that stronger coverage and a potential repeater would improve police radio performance at the school and enhance officer safety.

The ordinance will return for a second and final public hearing on May 12; future approvals for any tower would proceed through a noticed special exception process that would include neighborhood notice and a public hearing.