Chatham County, NC - File #: 26-0394

• File #: 26-0394
• Version: 1
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Approval of Agenda and Consent Agenda
• File created: 7/10/2026
• In control: Planning
• On agenda: 7/27/2026
• Title: Vote to approve a quasi-judicial request by Margus Properties, LLC and The Towers, LLC for a Special Use Permit Wireless Telecommunications tower of 199 ft, on Parcel 65693, located at 460 Murchison Rd., Goldston, Gulf Township
• Indexes: Comp Plan Goal 3: Promote a compact growth pattern by developing in and near existing towns, communities, and in designated, well planned, walkable, mixed use centers., Comp Plan Goal 7: Provide infrastructure to support desired development and support economic and environmental objectives.

Title

Vote to approve a quasi-judicial request by Margus Properties, LLC and The Towers, LLC for a Special Use Permit Wireless Telecommunications tower of 199 ft, on Parcel 65693, located at 460 Murchison Rd., Goldston, Gulf Township

Abstract

Introduction & Background: A legislative public hearing was held on May 18, 2026. Planning staff presented the request. Attorney Tom Johnson for the applicant, presented as well. No other people spoke on the request.

Discussion & Analysis: Permits for special uses as provided for in the Ordinance may be authorized by the Board of Commissioners in certain circumstances and subject to certain procedures as set forth herein. In some zoning districts, certain listed uses are permitted only as special uses.

In granting a special use permit, the Board of Commissioners shall make the following affirmative findings:

1.                     The use requested is among those listed as an eligible special use in the district in which the subject property is located or is to be located. Per Section 10.13 of the Zoning Ordinance, wireless support structures that are less than 199 ft but greater than 60 ft in height are permitted by special use permit within the R-1 Residential zoning district.

Zoning Map of the Area

2.                     The requested special use permit is either essential or desirable for the public convenience or welfare. Propagation maps were provided that detail the areas where little access to reliable cellular coverage exists. A new tower in this area will help improve access not just from the roadways but extend into surrounding properties to provide better coverage in buildings. The proposed tower will be able to house up to four wireless providers with Verizon being the first.

Propagation Map of Area

3.                     The requested permit will not impair the integrity or character of the surrounding or adjoining areas, and will not be detrimental to the health, safety, welfare, or environment of the community. The area surrounding the tower will remain wooded except for the area needed for the access road and compound area for the tower base and equipment. This is a non-lighted, monopole tower per the applicant. Should the FAA require it, then it would require a strobe as required by federal law.

An Impact Study was provided concluding that the tower would not affect the value of surrounding or adjacent areas.

4.                     The requested permit will be consistent with the objectives of the Land Use Plan. The property is located within the Rural node of the land use plan. Page 48 states that supporting services are encouraged. Page 137 focuses on the development of utilities and urban services to foster high speed internet and other services so that they are available to all.

The site, which is currently heavily wooded, will remain except for the area needed for the tower and its access, which will continue to promote the protection of rural character which is the secondary goal of chapter four.

5.                     Adequate utilities, access roads, storm drainage, recreation, open space, and other necessary facilities have been or are being provided consistently with the County’s plans, policies, and regulations. A 20ft wide access drive off Murchison Road will be installed for access to the site. The compound area will be fenced and will house all equipment cabinets required for the operations of the tower. No other utilities are needed.

Watershed Map and FEMA Map 3710960600J dated 2/2/2007

The Planning Board met at their regular meeting on June 2, 2026. Staff presented the evidence and noted that the department had received favorable feedback from the citizens in that area in support of the new cell tower.

The Planning Board had general questions clarifying the information in the application to Anthony Bologna, attorney for the applicant. No other information or issues were discussed.

How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:

Page 48 states that supporting services are encouraged. Page 137 focuses on the development of utilities and urban services to foster high speed internet and other services so that they are available to all.

Budgetary Impact: N/A

Recommendation/Motion: The Planning Board, by unanimous vote (10-0), recommend adoption of a resolution approving a special use permit application requested by Margus Properties, LLC and The Towers, LLC for a Wireless Telecommunications tower of 199 ft, on Parcel 65693, located at 460 Murchison Rd., Goldston, Gulf Township with the following conditions:

Site Specific Conditions

1.                     All required permits for development shall be obtained prior to any land disturbing activity.

2.                     A building permit shall be obtained and remain valid within two years from the date of this approval or the special use permit shall become null and void.

Standard Site Conditions

3.                     The application, standards and adopted regulations of the applicable ordinances and policies, and the approved recommendations as provided for and/or conditioned, are considered to be the standards set forth and shall comply as stated. Changes or variations must be approved through the Planning Department or other approving board before any such changes can take place. These include but are not limited to landscaping, lighting, signage, parking, building construction, etc.

4.                     All required local, state, or federal permits (i.e. NCDOT commercial driveway permits, NCDWQ, Chatham County Land and Water Resources, Environmental Health Division, Building Inspections, Fire Marshal, etc.) shall be obtained, if required, and copies submitted to the Planning Department to the initiation of the operation/business.

Standard Administrative Conditions:

5.                     Fees - Applicant and/or landowner shall pay to the County all required fees and charges attributable to the development of its project in a timely manner, including, but not limited to, utility, subdivision, zoning, and building inspections.

6.                     Continued Validity - The continued validity and effectiveness of this approval was expressly conditioned upon the continued compliance with the plans and conditional listed above.

7.                     Non-Severability - If any of the above conditions is held to be invalid, this approval in it’s entirely shall be void.

8.                     Non-Waiver - Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to waive any discretion on the part of the County as to further development of the applicant’s property and this permit shall not give the applicant any vested right to develop its property in any other manner than as set forth herein.