Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission - 2026-02-25
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special use permit for a 195-foot telecommunications tower at Highway 6 and Highway 21 intersection in Section 36, Township 135 North, Range 82 West. The commission also conducted a first review of a proposed data center ordinance focused on large-scale facilities, discussing reclamation bonding requirements, noise standards, and closed-loop cooling systems. Updates to the floodplain overlay district ordinance were recommended for approval to meet FEMA requirements.
Key Decisions (2)
Biz O'Malley Telecommunications Tower Special Use Permit
Special use permit approved for a 195-foot telecommunications tower in the Northeast quarter of Section 36, Township 135 North, Range 82 West, at the Southwest corner of Highway 6 and Highway 21. Applicants are landowner Kathleen Fleck and The Towers LLC. The lease area is 100x100 feet on a 139.46-acre parcel zoned agricultural. Tower does not require FAA/FCC registration or lighting as it is under 200 feet and sufficiently distant from the airport.
Floodplain Overlay District Ordinance Update
Recommended approval of updates to the floodplain overlay district ordinance to meet FEMA requirements, including statutory authority language, enclosure treatment provisions, manufactured home standards, and violation penalties referencing Century Code misdemeanor provisions.
Development Activity (2)
Biz O'Malley Telecommunications Tower
195-foot telecommunications tower on 100x100 foot lease area within 139.46-acre agricultural parcel
Tokash Timber Haven 4th Subdivision
Subdivision review announced for next month's meeting; described as nearly complete with one more phase remaining
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
Data center development interest is driving county to develop comprehensive regulations, with a working group creating model ordinances and utilities discussing power generation capacity thresholds of 5 megawatts.
Infrastructure
Large data centers are expected to potentially require their own power generation facilities, including natural gas plants or mini nuclear sites, due to grid capacity limitations.
Commercial Demand
Telecommunications infrastructure expansion continues in rural areas with new tower construction at highway intersections.
Sentiment
County commission is pushing for expedited adoption of data center regulations, indicating anticipated development interest in the jurisdiction.