Assembly advances cell tower ordinance requiring conditional use permits

The Petersburg Borough Assembly voted 7-0 Monday to advance an ordinance that would require Planning Commission approval before companies can build new cell towers.

The measure establishes a siting hierarchy. Companies must first try to mount new antennas on existing towers, buildings, or utility poles. Only when those options prove technically or economically unfeasible can the borough approve a new standalone tower.

Planning and Zoning Director Liz Cabrera said the ordinance attempts to address public concerns about siting while remaining consistent with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. She warned that the ordinance structure is complex and changes to one section may require amendments throughout.

The public hearing is scheduled for June 1. Written comments must reach the clerk by noon May 25 to be included in the June 1 packet. The ordinance requires two additional readings before final adoption.

Assembly Member Tony Newman clarified that once the ordinance passes, it does not apply retroactively to companies that have already applied in their permitting process with the Federal Communications Commission.