For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AGRICULTURAL FARM. A place, premises, or property the primary purpose and use of which is activities or operations involving the cultivation of crops, husbandry of livestock or poultry, or any other agricultural activity or operation, whether agronomic, floricultural, horticultural, viticultural, silvicultural, aquacultural, dairy farming, animal operations under G.S. §143-215.10B(1), or otherwise.
BUSINESS. A commercial trade or enterprise in regular operation, including but not limited to retail, wholesale, manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, financial, professional, and other similar trades or operations.
CREST. The uppermost line of a mountain or chain of mountains from which the land falls away on at least two sides to a lower elevation or elevations.
COUNTY. The County of Ashe.
LARGE WIND ENERGY SYSTEM. A wind energy conversion system consisting of one or more wind turbine(s), a tower(s), and associated control or conversion electronics, which has a rated capacity of more than 20 kW.
ORDINANCE ADMINISTRATOR. The person or department designated by the Ashe County Board of Commissioners to be responsible for administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
PERSON. A firm, corporation, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, association, sole proprietor, individual, individual acting on behalf of another, or any other entity of any type whatsoever.
PLANNING BOARD. The Ashe County Planning Board, or for purposes of administration and enforcement of this chapter, such person as the Planning Board may duly designate.
PRIVATE ROAD. Any road, highway, or street which is not a public road as defined below but which is shown as a road, highway, or street on the county's NG-911 system or on a plat recorded in the Ashe County Register of Deeds office.
PROTECTED MOUNTAIN RIDGE. Any mountain ridge whose elevation is 500 feet or more above the elevation of an adjacent valley floor.
PUBLIC ROAD. Any road, highway, or street which is now or hereafter designated and maintained by the N.C. Department of Transportation as part of the State Highway System; or which is maintained by a municipality pursuant to G.S. Chapter 160A, Article 15; or which is located wholly or partly in a subdivision which has been duly approved pursuant to the Ashe County Subdivision Ordinance.
RIDGE. The elongated crest or series of crests at the apex or uppermost point of intersection between two opposite slopes or sides of a mountain, including all land within 100 feet below the elevation of any portion of such line or surface along the crest.
SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM. A wind energy conversion system consisting of a single wind turbine, a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics, which has a rated capacity of not more than 20 kW. Multiple small wind energy systems located on agricultural farms are considered to be separate small wind energy systems even if the aggregate rated capacity exceeds 20 kW, provided that the primary intent is to generate power to reduce on-site consumption.
UTILITIES COMMISSION. The North Carolina Utilities Commission as established under G.S. Chapter 62, Article 2, Organization of Utilities Commission.
WIND TURBINE HEIGHT. The height above grade to the tip of the turbine blade when it reaches its highest elevation.
(Am. Ord. passed 7-17-23)