Commissioners approve 225-foot Verizon cell tower near Carolton

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners on June 2 unanimously approved a conditional use to construct a 225-foot self-supported cell tower at 4212 West Highway 166. The planning commission had recommended approval 6-0.

Wayne Bruce, a Verizon site-acquisition agent, told the board the site is needed because an existing tower across the road owned by American Tower Corporation is only 140 feet tall and lacks the vertical space Verizon requires. "We're asking that you would approve this tower at 225 ft tall to satisfy the needs of Verizon Wireless," Bruce said.

Commissioners asked whether the new structure would replace the existing tower; Mr. Bruce and staff said it would not replace the tower across the road. Staff also explained that any future equipment changes would require building permits and assessment by the tax assessor. Planning staff said the proposed tower would sit on a roughly 42-acre parcel about 1,500 feet off Highway 166 and that the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval.

A motion to approve the conditional use was made, seconded and passed 7-0.

The vote authorizes the applicant to proceed under the county's permitting process; any future changes to equipment or new carriers occupying space on the tower will require separate permitting and assessment review.