Board approves special exception for proposed Mecan-area cell tower with conditions after public opposition

Don Eve Incorporated and TowerNorth Development LLC, on behalf of Verizon Wireless, requested a special exception May 29 to construct a new mobile service support structure on a parcel in the SE corner of the NW-NE of Section 21, T15N R11E (property address W622 Fox Ct., Town of Mecan). Peter Schau of Terra Consulting Group presented the application and explained the proposed lattice self-support structure and site-selection rationale; county-hired consultants Elizabeth Herington-Smith and Ben Evans (CityScape Consultants, Inc.) reviewed the submission remotely.

The Chair opened a public hearing during which ten participants signed in and spoke in opposition to the proposal; the transcript lists concerns about property values and RF/health impacts. The transcript records no public speakers in favor. After deliberation the board voted 3-0 to approve the special exception with three conditions: 1) prior to permitting the applicant must submit a full structural analysis report signed and stamped by a Wisconsin-licensed structural engineer certifying the tower will support the applicant’s antennas and room for reasonable additional providers; 2) at the County’s discretion the tower shall remain galvanized steel or be painted a color deemed least visually obtrusive to reduce visual impact; and 3) prior to permitting the applicant shall request the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to revise its no-hazard determination to specify that the structure is to be lighted in accordance with the referenced FAA chapters (MediumDual & 15). The transcript does not specify individual roll-call votes, only the 3-0 tally.

In its findings the board noted consultants independently reviewed regulatory and structural compliance and that RF/health safety jurisdiction rests with the Federal Communications Commission, a matter outside zoning review. Board members acknowledged limited existing cell coverage in the area and the potential public-safety benefits of improved service but noted property-value and health concerns raised by residents are not criteria the board applies under county zoning standards. The board also confirmed a minimum 35-foot setback from property lines for the applicable zoning district and recorded that the tower is designed with landscaping to minimize visual impact. The board set its next hearing for July 30, 2026; the meeting adjourned at 2:54 p.m.