By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
A special use/exception request by Nex-Tech Wireless for a new cell tower at 1803 General Custer Road, and to also increase its allowable height, are the subjects of public hearings tomorrow morning by the Hays Area Board of Zoning Appeals.
The location is on the south side of Heartland Gymnastics, 1803 General Custer Road, and near Chetolah Creek. It's zoned as a commercial general district, according to information from Curtis Deines, planning, inspection and enforcement superintendent.
Nex-Tech wants to increase the proposed new tower allowable height from 65 feet to 120 feet.
The tower would expand Nex-Tech Wireless service to 5G and allow for future planning.
Nex-Tech Wireless currently operates six cell sites within the city of Hays.
Along with 5G capabilities, the new build would add additional capacity and provide improved in-building coverage in surrounding areas. Future growth of Nex-Tech Wireless would be supported as technologies advance and require more radio equipment.
The applicant has met the compatibility standards for the special use request as required by the Unified Development Code. City staff feels that the request is reasonable and will not have a detrimental effect on the surrounding properties.
Other items on the January 12 agenda include a request for a public hearing by Justin MacDonald for a variance to allow a six-foot fence in his front yard at 1303 Tallgrass Drive.
Another public hearing request will be made for a variance to construct a detached garage at 3000 Northridge Court.
The meeting begins at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday in Hays City Hall, 1507 Main.