(Wahpeton)– Another lakes area community is tightening restrictions on the placement of communications towers.
The Wahpeton city council Monday approved the first reading of an ordinance that governs the placement of the structures, including cell towers.
The proposed ordinance states that the preferred location of communications antennas is the city’s water tower. Other locations would be considered through the granting of a special exception use permit by the city’s board of adjustment. Joint or multiple use of existing towers would be considered first. An applicant would have to prove why it isn’t feasible if they decide to put up their own tower.
The proposed ordinance also states the height of any tower cannot exceed 200 feet, and it must be a mono-pole structure.
A contractor’s license would be required of anyone installing a tower, along with proper insurance and a 500-dollar permit.
A second reading of the proposed ordinance will be held at the council’s next meeting.
