Albemarle County Architectural Review Board Meeting 09/08/2026

The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board held a meeting on September 8, 2026, primarily to review a proposal for a new personal wireless service facility (PWSF) located at 15 Southside Drive near Route 29 and Red Hill Road. The board discussed the proposed 100-foot monopole, associated ground equipment, and an 8-foot cedar fence intended to minimize visual impact. Staff recommended approval of the certificate of appropriateness for the ground equipment and base station, noting that the location sufficiently minimizes visibility. Public comments encouraged collocation on an existing nearby tower to reduce the need for a new structure. The board deliberated on the potential for alternate siting within the leased area to further reduce visibility but ultimately approved the proposal with a recommendation that the applicant consider exploring less visible locations within the lease area. The motion to approve the certificate and forward recommendations to the site review agent passed unanimously. No other procurement or budget items were discussed.