West Whiteland Township approved a Conditional Use application for a cell phone tower on the West Chester Gun Club’s (WCGC) property located on Boot Road. Currently, various cellular service providers are utilizing the High Voltage Transmission Tower (HVTT), which is located across the street from the WCGC. The primary purpose of this application was to relocate those providers to their very own tower.

Howell’s involvement will alleviate multiple, significant issues and make the whole area safer for maintaining cellular service. The current location on the HVTT poses various risks and issues, including structural inadequacy to upgrade equipment, difficulty maintaining the equipment due to the high voltage power lines, and challenges with scheduling power outages with PECO for maintenance work.

Prior to submitting a Conditional Use application, Zoning relief was required. The tower-based communications facility use is not permitted in the R-2 Residential Zoning District, which is where this property resides. We obtained a use variance, along with variances for the height of the tower and permission to allow more than one use on the property.

Howell Engineering had the pleasure of working with the Applicant, ARX Wireless, and the property owner, the West Chester Gun Club, to secure the Zoning and Conditional Use approvals. Our next step will be to secure Land Development approval and obtain the necessary permits to begin construction.