Willoughby Hills Council Tackles Cell Tower Rules, Noise Complaints

Willoughby Hills City Council met July 21 to discuss several ordinances heading to voters and address ongoing issues with late-night commercial deliveries disturbing residents.

Cell Tower Regulations Under Review

Council continued discussion of Ordinance 2025-039, which would modify wireless telecommunication facility standards. The city is working to update cell tower site requirements focusing on three areas: stealth technology, property setbacks, and landscape buffers. Cell service on the east side of the city has been spotty for years.

Mayor Chris Hallum questioned the effectiveness of stealth technology requirements, noting that disguised towers often become more noticeable than standard designs. Council members agreed, with Councilwoman Vicki Miller stating she doesn’t think stealth technology should be included in the ordinance.

City Engineer Pete DeFranco indicated that anything added to disguise towers would reduce signal strength. Council is considering removing stealth technology requirements entirely from the ordinance.

The city is also working on setback formulas to determine safe distances from neighboring homes. DeFranco noted that current ordinances lack provisions for restricting distances to residential properties.

Late-Night Delivery Complaints Continue

Council Vice President Tanya Taylor Draper raised ongoing concerns about commercial deliveries occurring between 2-3 a.m., particularly affecting Stratford residents near an O’Reilly’s auto parts store.

Draper reported receiving emails from residents at 3:23 a.m. documenting noise from delivery trucks. Despite previous conversations with district managers, problems persist when new drivers are assigned routes.

The city’s current noise ordinance addresses decibel levels but requires police presence during violations. Council discussed having residents call police during incidents and contact business managers directly.

Ballot Measures Moving Forward

Several ordinances are progressing toward the November ballot:

• Ordinance 2025-035: Extends the period to fill Clerk of Council vacancies from 30 to 60 days
• Ordinance 2025-037: Public hearing scheduled for August 14 on land use changes
• Ordinance 2025-042: Renewal of 2.5 mill road levy for street repairs and equipment

The road levy ordinance required amendment to include cost-per-$100,000 language mandated by the Secretary of State’s office.

Short-Term Rental Ban Delayed

Ordinance 2025-041, which would prohibit short-term rentals, missed the deadline for the November ballot. Council plans to add exceptions for historically significant properties, including the Frank Lloyd Wright house.

Vehicle Surplus Approved

Council will vote Thursday on declaring two city vehicles surplus property. Mayor Hallum said three new police cars purchased last year are being outfitted to replace the older vehicles.

August Recess Planned

Council will recess in August except for the August 14 public hearing on land use changes.

The next regular council meeting is Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m.