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ORANGE COUNTY <br /> HOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: May 16, 1995 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item # X-S <br /> SUBJECT: Report on Telecommunication Towers <br /> DEPARTMENT: Planning PUBLIC HEARING Yes % No <br /> ATTACHMENT(S) : INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Willis <br /> Ext. 2583 <br /> SUP Requirements for Towers <br /> Map and List of Existing Towers <br /> TELEPHONE NUMBERS: <br /> Hillsborough - 732-8181 <br /> Durham - 688-7331 <br /> Mebane - 227-2031 <br /> Chapel Hill - 967-9251 <br /> PURPOSE: To receive as information a summary of issues <br /> concerning telecommunications towers and a <br /> recommendation as to how resolution of these issues may <br /> be approached. <br /> BACKGROUND: Concern with the visual impact of an increasing number <br /> of telecommunication towers has been expressed by the <br /> Orange County Board Commissioners, Planning Board, <br /> Board of Adjustment, and Chapel Hill TAC. Other <br /> jurisdictions in the Triangle, including Raleigh and <br /> Durham, are in the process of evaluating regulations <br /> pertaining to towers due to the same concerns. <br /> Existing Orange County Regulations <br /> Telecommunications towers are allowed in all <br /> residential zoning districts and most non-residential <br /> zoning districts upon approval of a Special Use Permit <br /> by the Board of Adjustment. <br /> On October 5, 1994, the Board of Commissioners approved <br /> a Zoning Ordinance text amendment to require applicants <br /> to first attempt to lease antenna space on an existing <br /> tower, and to agree to lease space to other potential <br /> users on the future if a new tower is approved. The <br /> amendment was initiated by the Planning Staff in <br /> response to concerns expressed by the Board of <br /> Adjustment and Planning Board. The intent of the <br /> amendment was to minimize the number of new towers by <br />