COMMUNICATIONS TOWER PERMITTING PROCESS
Early County does not have a zoning ordinance. We regulate construction through the use of setbacks that are specific to each type of permit. You will find a link to our Communications Tower ordinance on this page. There are also links to our Permit Application and Project Information Form (PIF). Initially, you will need to submit the permit application, the PIF, the permit application fee payment, and the additional fee for the consultant escrow account (check or money order, no electronic payments). New Towers or Tower Height Increase: $500 permit application fee payment, and a separate payment of $6,500 for the consultant escrow account. Co-location or Modifications: $50 permit application fee payment, and a separate payment of $450 for the consultant escrow account. For New Towers or Tower Height Increase, a hard copy of the site plans/design plans should be mailed with the other required paperwork and payment. At minimum, the header page or cover sheet for the plans must be stamped. You must submit a copy of the lease agreement, or work order from the tower owner (proof that the applicant is authorized to apply for the permit). There is a link to the required Contractor/Subcontractor Affidavit form below. If your project is like most, the contractor is not always known at the beginning. That contractor affidavit may be provided last, as the permit won’t be issued without it. Once Code Enforcement has received the application and payment, you will be put in in touch with our consultant. At that time you will submit a digital copy of your site plans/design plans to both the consultant, and Code Enforcement (all there parties will then be CCd on all further email correspondence). After the consultant completes his review of your site/design plans, he will submit his written recommendation. For new towers or tower height increases, we will schedule, publish a notice, and hold any required public hearing(s), after which, the application will be presented to our Board of Commissioners. The permit is typically issued by the end of the week, following the Board's approval. The Board meets on the first Monday of each month, unless there's a holiday, then it's the following Monday. An effort is made to schedule the public hearing immediately before the board meeting (same day). There is no hearing or Board approval required for co-location or modification permits. Any electrical work that requires the removal and replacement of an existing meter, or creates a new service, will require an Electric Permit. The application fee is $100 for either (Electric: New or Upgrade) permit.
Please don't hesitate to contact Early County Code Enforcement if you have any questions.
EARLY COUNTY COUNTY ORDINANCES: COMMUNICATIONS TOWERS