Planning commission approves 195‑ft telecommunications tower south of Canton
May 18, 2026 | Lincoln County, South Dakota
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The Lincoln County Planning Commission voted unanimously May 12 to approve a conditional use permit for a 195‑foot telecommunications tower on a 40‑acre A‑1 agricultural parcel about 4.75 miles south of Canton.
County planner Toby Brower told the commission staff had reviewed the application and found it in conformance with the county zoning ordinance and the county comprehensive plan. Brower said the proposed tower exceeds the ordinance’s 600‑foot setback to residential properties, falls below FAA notice/lighting thresholds, and includes the required application materials and security (bond and insurance). "Staff does recommend approval of this application with the five conditions that were listed in the staff report," Brower said.
The applicant’s representative, who identified himself as Woody Croite, said Towers LLC will build the facility as a Verizon Wireless site and that the carrier’s RF engineering shows a persistent coverage gap around Canton. Croite said the team did a balloon test, produced photo simulations and provided decommissioning and collocation letters. "Verizon's need for the site is from their RF engineer — there’s a significant service gap in Canton," Croite said.
Chair called for public comment; no one spoke in support or opposition. Commissioners moved and seconded approval and recorded a unanimous roll‑call vote from the commissioners present (Moser, Sweeter, Boots, Scott and Jungling).
What happens next: Because this was a conditional use permit, decisions on associated change‑of‑zone requests (if any) will be scheduled for a board of commissioners public hearing as required, and the county’s five‑business‑day appeal window for CUPs applies. The staff report lists the five conditions of approval and any procedural appeal instructions.
Reporting note: The staff presentation referenced federal safety and preemption guidance and the FCC and FAA technical requirements that apply to telecommunications facilities. The commission’s approval does not alter FAA or FCC responsibilities or federal requirements for siting and lighting.
County planner Toby Brower told the commission staff had reviewed the application and found it in conformance with the county zoning ordinance and the county comprehensive plan. Brower said the proposed tower exceeds the ordinance’s 600‑foot setback to residential properties, falls below FAA notice/lighting thresholds, and includes the required application materials and security (bond and insurance). "Staff does recommend approval of this application with the five conditions that were listed in the staff report," Brower said.
The applicant’s representative, who identified himself as Woody Croite, said Towers LLC will build the facility as a Verizon Wireless site and that the carrier’s RF engineering shows a persistent coverage gap around Canton. Croite said the team did a balloon test, produced photo simulations and provided decommissioning and collocation letters. "Verizon's need for the site is from their RF engineer — there’s a significant service gap in Canton," Croite said.
Chair called for public comment; no one spoke in support or opposition. Commissioners moved and seconded approval and recorded a unanimous roll‑call vote from the commissioners present (Moser, Sweeter, Boots, Scott and Jungling).
What happens next: Because this was a conditional use permit, decisions on associated change‑of‑zone requests (if any) will be scheduled for a board of commissioners public hearing as required, and the county’s five‑business‑day appeal window for CUPs applies. The staff report lists the five conditions of approval and any procedural appeal instructions.
Reporting note: The staff presentation referenced federal safety and preemption guidance and the FCC and FAA technical requirements that apply to telecommunications facilities. The commission’s approval does not alter FAA or FCC responsibilities or federal requirements for siting and lighting.
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