The purpose of this regulation to promote the safe, effective and efficient use of small wind energy systems installed to reduce the on-site consumption of utility supplied electricity. Small wind energy systems shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Primary purpose shall be to provide power for the principal and accessory uses of the property and not for the generation of power for commercial purposes.
(b) Minimum lot size of five acres.
(c) One small wind energy system tower per lot or parcel.
(d) Small wind energy system shall be located only in the rear yard.
(e) Maximum height shall be 150 feet, measured from the natural grade surrounding the support pad to the tip of the blade in a vertical position measured along the vertical axis of the tower.
(f) Minimum setback from all property lines, structures, and above ground utility lines shall be no less than 110 percent of the tower height.
(g) Anchor points for guy wires for the tower shall be located no closer than 25 feet to the property lines and not on or across any above ground electric transmission or distribution lines.
(h) Minimum height from the base of the tower to the lowest part of the blade tip or rotor system shall be 12 feet.
(i) Blade color shall be white or light gray.
(j) Lighting of the tower for aircraft and helicopter shall conform with Federal Aviation Administration standards for wattage and color, when applicable.
(k) The tower shall have either:
(i) Tower climbing apparatus located no closer than 12 feet to the ground level at the base of the structure;
(ii) A locked anti-climb device installed on the tower; or
(iii) Shall be completely enclosed with a locked fence at least six feet in height to prevent uncontrolled access from unauthorized personnel.
(l) A sign shall be posted at the base of the tower warning of electrical shock or high voltage.
(m) An automatic braking, governing or feathering system shall be required to prevent uncontrolled rotation.
(n) All small wind energy systems must separately comply with Alliance City Building Department regulations (building, mechanical, electrical, etc.).
(o) All small wind energy systems shall be installed, operated and maintained per the manufacturer's instructions, including compliance with Ohio EPA regulations regarding storage and disposition of batteries and other hazardous materials.
(p) No variance shall be issued for the placement of a small wind energy system so close to a property line that it may result in any portion of the system to overhang, cross, or otherwise extend beyond the property line at any time, whether erect or in the event the system should fall or be toppled.
(q) Decommissioning and Restoration. Any small wind energy system which has reached the end of its useful life or has been abandoned shall be removed. A small wind energy system shall be considered abandoned when it fails to operate for one year. The applicant shall include the following information regarding decommissioning of the project and restoring the site when submitting the application for a conditional use:
(i) The anticipated life of the project;
(ii) The estimated decommissioning costs in current dollars;
(iii) The method and schedule for updating the costs of decommissioning and restoration;
(iv) The method of ensuring funds will be available for decommissioning and restoration; and
(v) The anticipated manner in which the project will be decommissioned and the site restored.
(r) Site Plan requirements shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) Property lines and physical dimensions of the site.
(ii) Location of small wind energy system tower, guy wires, setbacks from property lines, above- and under-ground utility lines, easements and any structures on the property. Also show location of sewage treatment system.
(iii) Location of signage.
(iv) Elevation of the proposed small wind energy system tower.
(v) Location of trees within a 100 foot radius of the proposed small wind energy system.
(vi) Manufacturer's specifications, including make, model, and picture.
(vii) Scaled drawing no smaller than 1" = 100'.
(Ord. 45-09. Passed 9-8-09.)