Planning Commission: Notice of Special Planning Commission, Thursday, January 30, 2025 (Applicant Response)

The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, in response to concerns raised by the Leelanau Township Planning Commission regarding a proposed communications tower on Kitchen Road, has provided a detailed memorandum addressing each issue. The county emphasizes its commitment to comply with all township zoning ordinances and has responded to all written correspondence from the township. Key issues include compliance with the zoning ordinance, consistency with the township’s master plan, potential adverse effects on wetlands and farmland, stormwater run-off management, the tower’s finish, environmental reports, demonstrated need for the tower, and evaluation of alternative sites. The county asserts that it has met or is willing to meet all zoning requirements and has provided evidence to support its position on each concern.

The county’s planning consultant has reviewed the township’s zoning ordinance and master plan, finding that the proposed tower aligns with the township’s goals for improved communication infrastructure. The 2010 master plan supports the provision of efficient services, including communications, to enhance the quality of life. The county has addressed concerns about the tower’s impact on scenic views by adhering to the zoning ordinance’s special land use review process. Regarding environmental concerns, the county has provided sealed plans and environmental reviews to demonstrate that the tower will not adversely affect wetlands or farmland. The proposed design also aims to maintain existing drainage patterns to manage stormwater run-off effectively.

The county has also addressed the issue of the tower’s finish, noting that similar galvanized steel towers have been approved in the township. If the metallic finish is a concern, the county requests clarification on acceptable alternatives. Additionally, the county has responded to the need for an environmental site visit, stating that such inspections are typically conducted prior to construction. The county has provided propagation maps to demonstrate the need for the tower and is open to further analysis if the Planning Commission specifies a preferred method. Finally, the county has evaluated alternative sites and found that existing towers cannot address the coverage issues due to topographic limitations. The county remains committed to working with the township to meet all zoning requirements and address any remaining concerns.

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