Planning board approves DreamCatcher cell‑tower CUP despite neighbors' objections

The Lake County Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved a conditional‑use permit for a proposed 195–199‑foot monopole telecommunications tower on roughly 10 acres at 10627/10637 Toad Road, intended to serve Verizon. Planner Eddie Montanes presented the application and staff found the proposal consistent with the land‑development regulations and the comprehensive plan for a rural agricultural parcel.

Neighbors urged denial, citing aesthetics, lack of notice and health concerns. Jean McKee said she learned of the proposal only the night before and asked the board to delay consideration. Robert Hubbard read into the record a letter from the property owner, Allison Wheatley, that said she no longer consents to construction: "I no longer consent to having a cell tower constructed and operated on my property," Hubbard read from the owner's statement and left a copy with staff for the record.

Agent Dan Ausley, presenting for the applicant and carrier, said Verizon's RF engineer certified the facility would meet FCC exposure limits and that Florida law and county code restrict local action on RF emissions to compliance with those limits. "Federal law says a local government may not regulate wireless facility on the basis of RF emissions where it complies with FCC limits," Ausley told the board, and he presented coverage maps showing a reported service gap that the new facility would address.

The application proposes a 100‑by‑100‑foot lease compound, a certified 50‑foot fall radius contained within that compound, screening landscaping and no tower lighting unless required by the FAA. Staff noted an affidavit in the file, dated 11/15/2025, authorizing RBW Services Group to file the application; staff said that if the owner submits a signed, notarized affidavit withdrawing consent the county would not forward the matter to the Board of County Commissioners.

After questions and discussion the board voted to approve the CUP. The approval is subject to standard technical and permitting reviews; staff will track any subsequent notarized withdrawal of owner consent and advise whether the matter should be held from further processing.