City council to discuss wireless communications
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council meets this afternoon (Tuesday) at 4 p.m. for a work session. The first item of discussion will be a potential interim zoning ordinance and/or moratorium related to wireless communication facilities.
On October 12, 2022, the city council passed an ordinance which adopted amendments to the city’s municipal code related to wireless communication facilities. The amendment allowed for such facilities in residential zoning district on non-residential or on top of buildings that are taller than 35 feet, so long as they use stealth design and technology, and comply with specified required setbacks from residences, height requirements, and other regulations.
On November 7, 2022, the city received a conditional use permit application for a cell tower on the property of Blue Mountain Community Church, 928 Sturm Avenue. The proposal was to install a 65-foot cellular tower to be concealed as an evergreen tree.
As the city began processing the permit, which included issuing a notice of application with a comment period, the city received several comments expressing concerns about the proposal and its effects on the neighborhood and environment. Concerned residents and community members attended the Jan. 25 and Feb. 8 council meetings, providing public comments urging the city council to adopt a moratorium to prevent future applications from being submitted. After the conclusion of the public comments, the council requested the discussion of cell towers and a potential moratorium be placed on the agendas for the Feb. 21 work session and the regular meeting to follow on Wednesday.
Also on the agenda, the council will discuss a proposed lease of the Carnegie Building to Walla Walla Public Schools. The district is interested in leasing the Carnegie Building for their Opportunity and HomeLink programs. City staff is working with district staff to prepare a lease that would run through June 2025, with an option to extend if agreeable by both parties.
