Van Billingsley’s request for a permit to increase the height of a radio tower on Mt. Zion Church Road faces another delay.

His request for a conditional use permit to do so is being referred to the Richmond County Board of Commissioners because his plans do not fall within the regulations enforced by the Richmond County Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

At the March meeting fo the adjustments board, the case was continued until the commissioners had a chance to consider an amendment to the county code which might permit the extension of the tower involved.

At a meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday night, the Richmond County Planning Board will consider drafting and presenting an amendment for commissioners to consider.

Some of the changes to the County Tower Ordinance to be discussed by the planning board include:

n Changing the appeal and variance process to be through the board of adjustments instead of board of commissioners.

n Amending the definition of telecommunication towers for a more clear interpretation.

n Provide for taller towers under certain circumstances.

n Recommend an appropriate fee structure for tower permits.

n Streamline a comprehensive review process.

At the March meeting, Marian and Mark Savage expressed concern that the tower extension would diminish the value of their adjoining property.

At question was a fall zone around the tower required in the present ordinance. Billingsley said his tower is designed to collapse within itself.

Because of the tower design, there was some question as to how the current county code should apply.

Billingsley maintained that such towers are built in close proximity to even schools and hospitals and would not be placed there if a hazard.

As the county code is written, the proposed tower height would not be in compliance with the code.

In the opinion of County Attorney Stephan Futrell, the variance issue must be resolved by county commissioners before the board of adjustment can consider a conditional use permit.

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In another conditional use permit to be considered Tuesday night, Joseph C. Everett is requesting a permit for a billboard on U.S. 220 North at the intersection of Harrington Road.

The planning board will be asked to consider a rezoning request of property at the intersection of U.S. 1 and N.C. 177 adjoining the Rockingham Speedway from Rural Residential to Highway Commercial.

When the race track was zoned Highway Commercial in the adoption of the zoning ordinance in 2003, this property was not included as Highway Commercial.

Contact reporter Tom MacCallum at 997-3111, ext. 15; e-mail tmaccallum@yourdailyjournal.com.