CROSS ROADS: School cell towers not a done deal

9/26/11

Reprinted thanks to Cross Roads News

T-Mobile USA may have the approval of the DeKalb School Board to operate cell towers at nine DeKalb schools, but the towers are far from being a done deal.

With its lease from the school system, the company still must get approval from the county to construct the towers.

Andrew Baker, DeKalb’s interim director of Planning and Sustainability, said Wednesday that all cell towers have to get approval from the county before they are constructed. 

“Per DeKalb County ordinances, telecommunications towers and/or antennas are allowed in non-residential districts,” he said, adding that a Special Administrative Permit along with a “building permit” are required before the final approval is given. 

Cell phone tower operators also must fulfill required setbacks and other screening related standards.

Some of the nine schools, including MLK Jr. High and Flat Rock, Princeton and Narvie J. Harris elementary schools, are in residential areas that will trigger public hearing and input before the Community Councils and the DeKalb Board of Zoning Appeals.

The School Board approved the lease for T-Mobile to erect and operate cell towers at six elementary schools, two high schools and a comprehensive school at its July 11 meeting. Over the 30-year lease, the school system will make more than $2.3 million in rent, and each of the schools’ PTSAs will get a $25,000 one-time payment and an additional $25,000 each time T-Mobile co-locates other cell phone providers on the towers.

Most schools are in south DeKalb. Schools approved for towers include Margaret Harris Comprehensive; Briarlake, Jolly and Smoke Rise elementary; and Lakeside High.

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