Permits Approved for New Cell Towers in Washington Parish

The Washington Parish Planning Commission met Tuesday (March 17, 2026) evening and approved
Conditional Use Permits for three new Telecommunications Facilities, including cell towers to be built in Washington Parish.

• The first request heard by the Commission was by Diamond Communications, LLC for a facility at,  19227 Austin Varnado Rd., Franklinton, La. (located west of franklinton between Richardson and Stoney Point and off of Highway 10). The Commission heard from several residents in the area, some opposed and some in favor of approval of the permit request.  Following Public Participation and review of the regulations in place, the Commission approved the permit by a vote of 4 to 3. We have learned that an appeal to the Washington Parish Council has been filed. (See the video below, beginning at 6:17 into the video and to 52:53)

• The second request heard by the Commission was by Diamond Communications, LLC for a facility at 11490 Highway 1075, Bogalusa, La. (located in the Rio community). No opposition to the permit was heard and the Commission approved the permit 7 to 0. (See the video below, beginning at 53:15 into the video)

• The third request heard by the Commission was by The Towers, Inc. for a facility at 23243 E. Fairgrounds Rd., Franklinton, La. No opposition to the permit was heard and the Commission approved the permit 7 to 0. (See the video below, beginning at 1:01:10 into the video)

Also on the Commission's Agenda was a Conditional Use Permit Request by Christian Case, W.C. and Co., LLC for construction of townhouses/duplexes in Franklinton, La. The Commission heard the presentation of the request and from residents in the area. After consideration of the regulations in place and of other legalities, the permit was not approved. (See the video below, beginning at 1:10:30 into the video)