The Nevada County Planning Commission advanced a draft cell tower ordinance, calling it a big improvement over the County’s existing regulations, which are over 20 years old.
Following testimony by residents who lined up to express concerns about radio frequency emissions, fire danger, improper maintenance and communication from wireless providers, the Commission also recommended that, although an ordinance update is needed now, Supervisors and county staff should consider additional updates to strengthen the rules and protect public health. The full Planning Commission hearing, held Feb. 26 at the Nevada County Government Center in Nevada City, is posted on Nevada County’s YouTube site.
The Board of Supervisors will make a final decision on the ordinance at its April 7 meeting.
The proposed ordinance would
- require cell towers to be placed farther from nearby properties
- require companies to show they meet Federal Communications Commission radio frequency emission limits
- expand the public notification area for new towers from 500 feet to 1,000 feet.
Staff held one public workshop and received 107 individual written comments and 1,941 bulk comments from oneclickpolitics.com and considered a proposed ordinance by Nevada County for Safe Tech before bringing the draft forward. The draft reflects months of public input, technical review and consideration of federal regulations over wireless infrastructure
View the full Planning Commission hearing on Nevada County’s YouTube channel.
Residents may submit written public comment in advance of the April 7 Board of Supervisors meeting to David.Nicholas@NevadaCountyCa.gov or provide comment during the meeting. Information on how to participate is available at nevadacountyca.gov/boardmeetings.
