After agreeing last month to keep the discussion open, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors took an 8-1 stance against AT&T, denying its request to place a cell tower atop Virginia’s Short Hill Mountain. The Loudoun Times reported on the vote which cited non-compliance with the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan and Strategic Land Use Plan for Telecommunications Facilities.
AT&T had already revised its original proposal, reducing the height of the suggested monopole from 155 feet to 125 feet. The decision against AT&T pointed to the 2019 Plan, noting that cell towers are only allowable on the down slope of the ridgeline. Legislators were unwilling to grant a Special Exception to AT&T, noting that the proposal did not meet Zoning Ordinance requirements.
The decision also agreed that the visual impact of a cell tower on the mountain vista was a factor in the final decision.
AT&T’s proposal was aimed at improving connectivity in the region, particularly for FirstNet providers. If approved, the telecom would have placed a 125-foot monopole within a fenced 50-foot by 50-foot parcel high up on Short Hill Mountain. It is unknown at this time if AT&T intends to pursue the matter.
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