Chatham County, NC - File #: 26-0598

• File #: 26-0598
• Version: 1
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Board Priorities
• File created: 10/2/2026
• In control: Planning
• On agenda: 10/19/2026
• Title: Vote to adopt a resolution approving a quasi-judicial request for a Special Use Permit, requested by Anthemnet, Inc., for a new proposed 199 ft wireless telecommunications tower on Parcel 2834, located at 1879 Andrews Store Road
• 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 adopt a resolution approving a quasi-judicial request for a Special Use Permit, requested by Anthemnet, Inc., for a new proposed 199 ft wireless telecommunications tower on Parcel 2834, located at 1879 Andrews Store Road

Abstract

Introduction & Background: A quasi-judicial hearing was held on August 17, 2026. Planning staff opened the request and Attorney Tom Terrell provided a presentation. Also presenting was Corrina Foyer for the applicant and Richard Kirkland, appraiser. A marketing analysis was provided. Six residents in the surrounding area also spoke with concerns about aesthetics, especially during the winter months, and options for other locations. Several speakers live on Birch Hollow Road located within the Firmage Conservation subdivision in the opposite side of Andrews Store Rd. Several expressed the need for better cell coverage in that area. Written comments from residents are available on the Planning website.

Below is simulation photo from Birch Hollow Rd

Discussion & Analysis: Special use permits are listed in the Ordinance for certain uses which have been deemed by the commissioners to be unique and require additional review. These permits may be authorized by the Board of Commissioners in certain circumstances, and the review process must follow the 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 based on the evidence provided at the public hearing:

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. Due to a gap in coverage area, the applicant evaluated several locations and ultimately reached an agreement with the owner of this property. It will provide improved coverage in the immediate one-mile radius. The closest existing tower is approximately two miles away off US 15-501 & Morris Rd. Two carriers have already expressed their interest in locating on the tower, Verizon and T-Mobile, with AT&T also considering. The tower will be able to support up to four carriers.

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. A community meeting was held on April 8, 2026. Questions and concerns revolved around the appearance of the tower and surrounding residential areas, health concerns, lighting, and need for the proposed location. In an effort to mitigate concerns, the applicant agreed to a monopine tower in lieu of a monopole tower. A ballon test with tower visual impact simulations was provided during the public hearing and can be reviewed on the Planning webpage. There will be tree like branches on the tower that cover the antennas from the carriers giving the appearance of a tall pine tree.

4.                     The requested permit will be consistent with the objectives of the Land Use Plan.

•                     Chapter 2 - Issues & Opportunities - The Plan identifies the need to provide infrastructure to support growth throughout the county. The US 15-501 corridor has seen the most growth over the last few years and continues to grow. Wireless telecommunications infrastructure is expressly identified as a component of the utility and services needed to support growth.

•                     Chapter 3 - Goals & Objectives - p. 137 encourages the provisions of supporting services under Utilities & Public Services. Utility Policy 4/Strategy 4.2, p. 140 speaks specifically about high-speed internet/broadband being available to all and enable education and entrepreneurship.

•                     Chapter 4 - Strategies - Economic Development, p. 53, wireless connectivity is critical infrastructure enabling the commercial and economic activity Plan Chatham anticipates in the Briar Chapel Community Center corridor.

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 20 ft wide gravel access drive will be installed with proper turn around area for emergency vehicles, per the Fire Marshal requirements. There will be a six-ft tall chain-link fence surrounding the compound area with a locked gate. The tower lease area is approximately .41 acres which includes the access drive and compound area.

WSIV-PA Protected Watershed and FEMA Map 3710976500K, dated 11/17/2017, no floodable areas noted on parcel

The Planning Board reviewed the application during their regular meeting on September 1, 2026. After reviewing the proposal, they requested that an additional condition be added, which was agreed to by the applicant, to add vegetative screening around the compound fence that faces Andrews Store Road. This has been added as Condition No. 3.

The Planning Board by unanimous vote (10-0-1) recommends approval of the special use permit.

How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:

The Plan identifies the need to provide infrastructure to support growth throughout the county. The US 15-501 corridor has seen the most growth over the last few years and continues to grow. Wireless telecommunications infrastructure is expressly identified as a component of the utility and services needed to support growth.

Budgetary Impact: N/A

Recommendation/Motion:

The Planning Board, by vote of 10-0-1, recommends adoption of a resolution approving a quasi-judicial request for a Special Use Permit, requested by Anthemnet, Inc., for a new proposed 199 ft wireless telecommunications tower on Parcel 2834, located at 1879 Andrews Store Road. Planning staff also recommends approval.

The following are recommended conditions of approval:

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.

3.                     A vegetative landscape buffer shall be installed in front of the compound fencing area facing Andrews Store Road. The landscaping plan shall be submitted to the Planning Department to be reviewed by the Chatham County Appearance Commission.

Standard Site Conditions

4.                     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.

5.                     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:

6.                     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.

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

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

9.                     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.

Motion to adopt a resolution approving a quasi-judicial request for a Special Use Permit, requested by Anthemnet, Inc., for a new proposed 199 ft wireless telecommunications tower on Parcel 2834, located at 1879 Andrews Store Road.