Title
Vote to approve a quasi-judicial request by the Chatham County Emergency Operations director, Mike Reitz, for a Conditional Use Permit for a new 325 foot communications tower to be located at 5224 Silk Hope Liberty Rd., Silk Hope Fire Department, parcel 84527, being approximately two acres.
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote to approve a quasi-judicial request by the Chatham County Emergency Operations director, Mike Reitz, for a Conditional Use Permit for a new 325 foot communications tower to be located at 5224 Silk Hope Liberty Rd., Silk Hope Fire Department, parcel 84527, being approximately two acres.
Introduction and Background:
A quasi-judicial public hearing was held September 21, 2020. Planning staff presented the application and Emergency Operations Director, Mike Reitz, also provided comments. No other comments were provided or have been received. Since this process has started, this parcel has been recombined with the adjacent tract and the new parcel number is 61605. In the Spring of 2019, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a text amendment to the Communications Tower Ordinance to allow communication towers for purposes of emergency facilities to exceed the 300 foot limit 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.
The Planning Board reviewed the request at their regularly scheduled meeting and voted unanimously to approve the request along with the site plan provided.
Discussion and Analysis:
The applicant held the required community meeting and no concerns or oppositions were made. In reviewing and considering approval of the CUP, the Board must find that all of the findings of facts shall be supported. Per the Zoning Ordinance, "In considering an application for a conditional use ...
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