Cell phone towers in Washington County will be camouflaged to appear as a tree, clock tower, light pole, flag pole, farm silo, or similar man-made structure to conceal the presence of antennas or towers. Zoning Administrator Mike Rutherford presented this new, aesthetic standard to the County Commission at its April meeting. If the ordinance standards are diligently enforced, citizens may no longer be aware of the presence of the towers now dotting the countryside.
The ordinance passed by the commission requires a site plan within the unincorporated areas of Washington County. State and federal authorities dictate the location and much of the engineering structure of the towers needed to support the growing demand of the populace to be in instant communication with each other at all times. However, the county or municipalities can set forth landscaping and buffering standards.
The standards applicable in the county include a minimum 50 foot buffer strip on the outer perimeter of property zoned for residential, office, or commercial use and development. No internal roads or driveways, parking areas or storage of material shall be allowed with the strip. A description of the buffer strip states that it will consist of plantings and physical features sufficient to screen the view beginning at a specified height, reduce glare and noise, and provide for greater privacy for nearby residences. The buffer strip is to be constructed to visually shield internal activities in a manner that provides permanent, year round protection. Contents and design of the buffer strip are subject to approval by the Planning Commission. More...
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