A small wind energy system is permitted as the sole use on a lot subject to the following.
(A) Minimum lot area is three acres in all permitted districts.
(B) Minimum yard requirements in all permitted districts:
(1) The minimum distance to any lot line from the wind system structure, including guy wire anchors, shall be 100 feet;
(2) The minimum distance from any inhabited dwelling shall be 300 feet;
(3) The tower height shall be limited to 60 feet, and shall follow FAA regulations;
(4) Small wind energy systems shall not exceed 45 dBa, as measured at the closest property line. The level, however, may be exceeded during short-term events such as utility outages and/or severe windstorms;
(5) Wall wind energy systems shall be equipped with manual (electronic or mechanical) and automatic over speed controls to limit the blade rotation speed to within the design limits of the wind energy system;
(6) Small wind energy systems shall be accompanied by a line drawing showing the electrical components in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that the manner of installation conforms to the National Electrical Code;
(7) A capacity of not more than ten kilowatts maximum power;
(8) No small wind energy system shall be installed until evidence has been given that the utility company has been informed of the customer’s intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement; and
(9) A wind energy facility shall be permitted in any interstate highway right-of-way pursuant to the provisions as set forth in this chapter where applicable.
(Ord. 47-09, passed 5-4-2009; Ord. 157-13, passed 11-18-2013)