Jim Wells County adopts permitting rules for communications towers in unincorporated areas

Jim Wells County commissioners adopted a resolution on May 22 regulating construction and modification of communication towers in unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance establishes permitting requirements, safety standards and identifies the county office that will handle compliance and inspections.

County staff said the rules include a grandfather clause for existing towers so they would not be retroactively regulated unless a substantial modification occurs. The fee schedule adopted by the court sets a $1,500 permit fee for a new tower, $500 for a substantial modification and $2 per linear foot for right-of-way hookups; officials said the charges are intended to recover administrative and inspection costs.

A commissioner moved to adopt the ordinance and to designate the permitting office (the permitting program office was discussed as the logical location). The motion passed by voice vote.