County planning commission OKs lot split, tower
Marion County Planning Commission met Thursday and approved a five-acre lot split and a conditional use permit for a wireless communications tower near Peabody.
Wilbur Unruh applied for and received a lot split of five acres on part of the northeast quarter of section 21, township 21, range seven, southeast of Goessel.
David Brazil, county zoning administrator, reported he had conducted a land-use analysis even though it is not a requirement.
Short-form lot splits are not required to be approved by the planning commission. According to the county's zoning regulations, Brazil has the authority to approve them without review of the commission but Brazil wants the commission to become familiar with the process.
Brazil reported Unruh moved a house that was located on the five-acre tract to a new foundation. The five-acre tract will be sold to a family member.
The split met all requirements set out by the county zoning regulations and was approved.
A conditional use permit for a 360-foot wireless communications tower will be located west of Peabody.
David Marvin, a representative from Faulk & Foster on behalf of Western Wireless presented information to the commission.
Marvin said the project was identical, except for height, to a tower that previously was approved by the commission.
Included with the tower will be a 10x20-foot equipment shelter at the foot of the tower.
Marvin explained that radio frequency engineers identify areas that are in need of additional cell phone coverage. This tower would provide better service to cell phone users in the Peabody area.
The conditions permit for installation of the tower were to have white strobe lights during the day, and red strobe lights at night; obtain all state and federal permits; meet or exceed federal guidelines; accommodate at least two additional compatible carriers; and provide an environmental impact statement.
Marion County Commission will review the lot split and communications tower recommendations in August, and approve or deny the applications.
The next planning commission will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25 in the courthouse, Marion.
