A small wind energy project is a conditional use in any district and is subject to the following requirements:
(a) Setbacks. A wind tower for a small wind energy project shall be set back:
(1) A distance equal to 1.1 times its total height from any public road right of way;
(2) A distance equal to 1.1 times its total height from any overhead utility lines, unless written permission is granted from the affected utility;
(3) A distance equal to 1.1 times its total height from all adjacent property lines, unless written permission is obtained from the adjacent participating or non-participating landowner or landowners waiving such setback.
The Owner shall provide for a “clear fall zone” that shall be maintained at all times the turbine or tower is standing. The “clear fall zone”, along with the manufacturer’s recommendations of such a zone, must be attached to the engineering report submitted as part of the application.
(b) Sound. The noise generated by the operation of a small wind energy project may not exceed 40 decibels measured from all adjacent non-participating landowners’ property lines.
(c) Blade Clearance. The vertical distance from ground level to the tip of a wind generator blade when the blade is at its lowest point shall be at least 30 feet.
(d) Access. All ground-mounted electrical and control equipment must be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access. A tower may not have step bolts or a ladder within 16 feet of the ground that is readily accessible to the public.
(e) Electrical Wires. All electrical wires associated with a small wind energy project, other than wires necessary to connect the wind generator to the tower wiring, the tower wiring to the disconnect junction box, and the grounding wires, must be located underground.
(f) Lighting. A wind tower and generator shall be artificially lighted only if lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration or Ohio Department of Transportation.
(g) Appearance, Color, and Finish. The wind generator and tower shall remain painted or finished.
(h) Signs. No sign, other than a warning sign or installer, owner, participating landowner, or manufacturer identification sign, may be placed on any component of a small wind energy project.
(i) Code Compliance. A small wind energy project, including tower, shall comply with all applicable State construction and electrical codes, and the National Electrical Code.
(j) Signal Interference. The owner of a small wind energy project or met tower must take reasonable steps to prevent and eliminate any interference with the transmission and reception of electromagnetic communications, such as microwave, radio, telephone, or television signals.
(k) Utility Interconnection. A small wind energy project that connects to the electric utility must comply with all pertinent provisions of the Ohio Revised Code.
(Ord. 2009-17. Passed 1-19-10.)