TITLE
Vote on a quasi-judicial request by Chatham County Emergency Operations to approve a new 380-foot telecommunications tower to be located at 5410 Big Woods Rd, Northeast Park, Parcel 19573, in an area of approximately .275 acres of the 66-acre tract, Williams Township.
ABSTRACT
Action Requested:
Vote on a quasi-judicial request by Chatham County Emergency Operations to approve a new 380-foot telecommunications tower to be located at 5410 Big Woods Rd, Northeast Park, Parcel 19573, in an area of approximately .275 acres of the 66-acre tract, Williams Township.
Introduction & Background:
The public hearing was held on May 16, 2022. Planning staff presented the request to the Board and acknowledged the applicant was available for questions.
This property was purchased by the county in 2007. The park was completed to its current layout in 2013. At that time, the use of the land for a public park was permitted by right in an R5 zoning district. In August 2019, the Board approved a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Section 10.13, changing from a permitted use to requiring a Special Use Permit. Any subsequent uses requested on the park site require a Special Use Permit is so stated in the Zoning Ordinance.
In the Spring of 2019, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a text amendment to allow communication towers for purposes of emergency facilities to exceed the 300-foot limit to allow them up to 400 feet. The Board also approved a capital improvement budget item for five such towers to be located in various areas of the county where communication issues exist and to be able to upgrade radio equipment in order to keep up to date with the new technology for emergency services. This is the final tower requested by Emergency Operations.
Discussion & Analysis:
In reviewing and considering approval of the SUP, the Board must find that all of the findings of facts shall be supported. Per the Zoning Ordinance, "In considering an application for a Sp...
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