Franklin County Planning Commission Meeting 08/11/2026

The Franklin County, VA Board of Supervisors Planning Commission held a meeting on August 11, 2026, primarily focused on reviewing a comprehensive plan conformance application for a new cell tower proposed by Towers LLC, Vertical Bridge, and Verizon Wireless. The proposed 195-foot tower would accommodate up to four carriers and aims to improve cellular coverage in the southern portion of the county, particularly for emergency services. The commission discussed conditions related to free colocation space for county emergency services, with legal constraints noted regarding imposing such requirements. Public comments raised concerns about property values, road maintenance, environmental impact, and the necessity of the new tower given existing nearby towers. The commission ultimately found the proposal consistent with the comprehensive plan, subject to four staff-recommended conditions, and forwarded it to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration. Additionally, the commission discussed ongoing zoning ordinance updates, including scheduling work sessions to review proposed changes, public engagement strategies, and potential amendments related to high-impact industries such as data centers. The meeting emphasized transparency, public participation, and balancing economic development with community and environmental concerns.