Modoc County Planning Commission Approves 150-Foot Verizon Cell Tower in Davis Creek, Advances Housing Element and Agricultural Preservation Initiatives
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the Modoc County Planning Commission approved the installation of a 150-foot Verizon Wireless monopole tower near Davis Creek, enhancing connectivity and public safety for local residents and travelers. The tower, submitted by Epic Wireless Group LLC, will operate continuously and is situated approximately 1.75 miles west of Davis Creek on County Road 50. This project addresses ongoing issues with dropped calls, slow data speeds, and inconsistent coverage in the area. Originally approved in 2017 but never constructed, the project received a renewed use permit (UP2025-03) due to no significant changes since the initial approval.
The approval coincided with a comprehensive workshop on Modoc County’s 2024-2029 Housing Element, adopted earlier this year by the Board of Supervisors. The workshop focused on implementing key updates to the county’s Zoning Code and General Plan Safety Element, with plans to introduce a new Environmental Justice Element starting in 2026/2027. These updates are mandated by state law and aim to improve housing affordability, availability, emergency preparedness, and equity throughout communities including Alturas, Newell, Canby, and Cedarville.
In addition, the Planning Commission began drafting recommendations for revisions to the Modoc County Agriculture Preserve Program Rules of Procedures. These potential changes could affect land use regulations and agricultural practices for landowners under Williamson Act contracts, a state program dedicated to preserving agricultural land.
Residents interested in learning more or reviewing meeting materials can visit the Modoc County Planning Department at 203 West 4th Street, Alturas, CA 96101, call (530) 233-6406, or access documents online at https://modoccoca.portal.civicclerk.com/.
Upcoming Planning Commission meetings will continue to focus on the phased implementation of Housing Element updates, including zoning and general plan amendments expected by December 2025. Recommendations regarding the Williamson Act revisions will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors, influencing the county’s long-term land use and agricultural preservation policies.
