WALHALLA — Except for two ham radio operators who expressed uneasiness over an ordinance to establish a countywide policy that would regulate building structures greater than 65 feet, everyone else who voiced an opinion favored the initiative at Monday night’s Planning Commission meeting.

Ham radio operator Mike Wright told commissioners he did not think they would follow through on exempting antennas from the ordinance regulating tall structures.

“If you take antennas out of this you’ll force a lawsuit,” he said.

Wright also questioned the wisdom of regulating the height of buildings and scaring away development and the building of taller manufacturing plants that would create jobs in a weak economy.

Mike Oakley, who spoke representing amateur radio operators, said he was opposed to blocking height for ham radio antennas.

Oakley said amateur radio plays an important communication role during emergencies when other means of communications are interrupted.

“I hope you continue to exempt ham radio antennas,” he said.

Tom Markovich, of the Oconee County Home Builders Association, said the ham radio operators’ opposition to the measure perplexed him. He said the ordinance would exempt radio antennas.

Markovich said the height ordinance would not outlaw development, but rather set in place standards that would allow such structures.

Bob Royer, representing the Mountain Lakes Community Association, and Gary Owens, on behalf of Advocates for Quality Development, endorsed the ordinance.

Both MLCA and AQD played important roles in pushing for Oconee’s first Zoning Enabling Ordinance (ZEO) adopted two months ago, and the creation of a Lake Overlay District that prohibits structures greater than 65-feet along the shores of Lake Keowee.

Planners had been working on extending height standards on structures countywide since April. The proposal would allow the Board of Zoning Appeals to approve any special exception to anyone wishing to put up a structure greater than 65 feet.

Planning Department Director Art Holbrooks said a structure higher than 65 feet could be built if granted a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). To do so, the BZA would issue a finding based on specific criteria, including:

— Projected traffic associated with the structure and ability of existing roadways to accommodate the increase

— Anticipated cost of any specialized emergency response equipment and training required

— Potential noise, fumes and other adverse environmental impact

— Its impact on the aesthetic and cultural character of the surrounding area, particularly on scenic views, historic sites and landmarks

— Appropriateness of proposed structure in relation to existing character of the community

The County Council last week approved the ordinance in title only and recommended that it go back to the Planning Commission. Council directed that the height restrictions be included as a new chapter under the Performance Standard Ordinance rather than the ZEO. The Commission unanimously agreed.