Communication Towers

Rock Island County has not adopted any specific regulations related to communication towers, we just follow Illinois Statutes, specifically 55 ILCS 5/5-1200.1 related to siting, height, location, etc. Construction and modifications to towers falls to our adopted building codes. 

ZONING - There are no public hearings required for modifications to existing or new towers. We review the application internally to verify it meets the statutory requirements. The Statute addresses height, setbacks, lot size, etc and it also has specific notification requirements spelled out. All zoning or platting questions should be directed to Kelly Humphrey.

BUILDING PERMITS - Building permits may be submitted to the building inspector for that area.  Permits and plan for new towers will follow the adopted building codes and their referenced standards. Typical permits we see are for adding a generator, updating antennas, etc; These do not require zoning review and are just processed as a building permit.  Plans may be submitted via email or by mail. Typical plan review is 7-10 days.  Contractors must be registered to work in the County. View our Building Permits page for more details. 

FEES - We have different fees for new towers, co-locates, modifications to existing towers and plat review fees. 

• New Towers - Fee is calculated at $30.00 per foot of tower height. 
• Co-locates - $1,500.00 fee (includes structural, electrical & gas).
• Modifications - This is based on the contracted bid price, then use this fee schedule.
• Plat Review - This can be more complex, but typically the review fee for a plat of survey is $60 for one lot. If a subdivision plat is required, typically a  one lot subdivision is $210.

ADDRESSES - The Rock Island County Geographic Information System (GIS) Department assigns all addresses within unincorporated areas. The Department will need a site layout showing property boundaries, where your driveway lies in relation to the main road. All questions should be directed to Kenneth Kremer.