The Cheboygan County Road Commission is developing a policy regarding towers, including recently installed 120-foot infrastructures, in the road right-of-way throughout the county, reported the Cheboygan Daily Tribune.
Brent Shank, Road Commission Engineer, told the Cheboygan Daily Tribune., “This is something that has been coming, slowly working its way up from downstate. They’re private companies, quasi-utilities, they don’t qualify as utilities under the Federal Communications Act. But they are looking to install towers.”
The Commission is getting in front of developing these policies before legislature dictates the rules. “It’s more of a let’s work with them instead of against them kind of thing,” said Shank.
The Commission is recommending two options, a lease agreement with the companies, including an annual fee for maintenance, like that of a utility company or issuing a license allowing the structure in the road right-of-way. “I’m looking at proposing a permit fee of $100 for construction of these facilities. It’s in line with our commercial and other utility construction permits,” said Shank. “An annual license fee, I’ve proposed $300, that’s right in line with what utilities pay.”
The road commission will also have to issue a permit for any tower construction and is proposing maximum tower heights of 45-feet. There are several guidelines the facilities will need to comply with as well, including setbacks and providing insurance for the structure. Additionally, the Road Commission is discussing the requirement of a bond. Shank also noted the need to partner with the planning and zoning department to make their policy as close to the county’s requirements as possible.
The Commission board unanimously approved Shank’s policy draft and a public hearing will be scheduled to gain the public’s input, especially regarding fees.
June 16, 2017
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