By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@thecitizenews.com

Proposed changes to Fayette's recently enacted law governing communications towers will be back on the county Planning Commission agenda for action May 4.

Planning Commission members went back to the drawing board last week, after having backed away from taking a vote April 6, but decided no further changes were needed.

Tower industry representatives April 6 urged the group to reconsider its plan to reduce the required distance between towers from two miles to a mile and a half, arguing that the distance should be reduced still more, to a mile. But commissioners decided last week that they want to stay with their earlier decision, and will put the law on the May 4 agenda exactly as it was written for the April 6 meeting.

“I think we've given them about as much as we ought to give them at this time,” said commission Chairman Bob Harbison.

Changes include the reduction in distance between towers as well as a reduction in the required separation between towers and nearby homes, from 1,000 feet down to 750 feet.

The group also will vote on recommending that tower companies be allowed to file variances if they can't possibly provide adequate cell phone service under current ordinances. As currently written, the law allows no appeal for hardships.

If approved by the Planning Commission, the changes will go to the county Board of Commissioners for final action May 25.