The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for a 350-foot telecommunications tower during their Tuesday, August 26, 2025 meeting.
The permit, identified as CUP25-08, authorizes Nextech Wireless to construct a self-supporting telecommunications tower on an 88-acre parcel located at 1213 North Brown Hill Road. The property, owned by Rick and Brenda Landis, is zoned agricultural and situated in the rural development area.
According to staff reports presented at the meeting, the tower will be placed on a leased space measuring approximately 100 feet by 100 feet. The location meets the fall zone requirement of at least 350 feet from adjoining property lines and is not within the airport buffer zone.
A Nextech Wireless representative explained that the new tower is necessary because their current lease at another location expires on December 31, 2025. The representative stated the new tower will "allow us to add more equipment and be higher up on the tower," and will provide improved coverage for the interstate.
The applicant confirmed that the tower will be enclosed by a fence and that environmental assessments have been completed. They also noted that the antennas will be omnidirectional.
There was brief confusion during the meeting when the staff report and agenda listed the tower as 250 feet, while the application specified 350 feet. Staff clarified this was an error in the report and agenda, confirming the actual height as 350 feet.
No public comments were received during the meeting regarding the tower proposal.
The commission approved the permit with two conditions: a building permit will not be issued until a commercial permit review has been completed, and all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) final approvals must be submitted to staff prior to building permit approval.
The meeting adjourned after 14 minutes following approval of two road maintenance resolutions.
