This week the Canby City Council will hear an appeal by AT&T to build a 130-foot cell tower, disguised as a fir tree planned next to a fueling station. The proposal was denied by the Planning Commission in August, reported Canby Now.
The Planning Commission had reservations regarding AT&T’s proposal, including the tower’s proximity to buildings, including a fuel station.
They also questioned whether another location would be more suitable and raised concerns regarding the breakpoint design. City codes require a 1:1 setback, meaning a setback from neighboring properties that is as least as far as the structure is tall, in this case, 130 feet.
Attorneys for AT&T felt the commission made errors in denying the project, including incorrectly interpreting the requirements of the Canby Municipal Code and “not observing the precepts of good planning.” The attorneys added that siting large oil tanks so close to a major highway presents “more of a potential safety hazard” than the siting of a wireless facility.
“The commissioners failed to recognize that the proposed facility, just like nearly every other wireless facility compound, will contain a back-up generator with fuel storage (usually either diesel or propane),” AT&T’s attorneys wrote. “(So,) no matter where the facility is located, flammable material will be stored within the compound next to the tower.”
During the Council meeting this week, members will either affirm the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the request or overturn the decision and approve the project. A third option is to remand the case back to the Planning Commission for a new hearing, per Canby Now.
October 16, 2019
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