# Saco Planning Board Meeting - September 15, 2026


**Body:** City of Saco
**Date:** September 14, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Information Technology, Physical Infrastructure, Regulatory Compliance


The City of Saco Planning Board convened on September 15, 2026, primarily to review a contract zone petition for the construction of a new 130-foot wireless telecommunications tower on Ricker Road. The board discussed the application’s compliance with local zoning standards, including whether the land was of unusual nature or location, consistency with the comprehensive plan, and compatibility with existing permitted uses. The applicant and their consultants presented technical data supporting the need for improved Verizon coverage in the area, including radio frequency analyses and environmental reviews. Public testimony was extensive, with many residents opposing the tower due to concerns about visual impact, health, property values, and the necessity of the tower given existing coverage. The board deliberated on the four statutory criteria for contract zone approval, ultimately voting that the land was not unusual in nature or location and that the proposal was not consistent with permitted uses, resulting in a split recommendation. The board voted to close the public hearing and tabled other agenda items for a future meeting. Additionally, the board discussed procedural matters related to sitewalk scheduling for other applications. No final recommendation on the contract zone was made at this meeting; the board planned to draft findings and continue deliberations at a subsequent session.

**Source:** City of Saco