(a) Zoning Districts. Wind energy facilities may be located in any Zoning District as either an accessory use or a principal use, subject to the restrictions and requirements of this chapter.
(b) Setbacks. A ground-mounted wind turbine shall be set back from all property lines, street right-of-way lines, and overhead utility lines a minimum distance equal to 1.1 times the height of a wind turbine. In addition, a ground-mounted turbine shall be set back from street right-of-way lines beyond the rear of the rear building line. With respect to the proximity to a residential district property line, a wind turbine located in a residential district shall be set back from the residential district property line of adjoining or nearby properties a minimum distance equal to two times the height of the wind turbine. In the case of a wind turbine that does not exceed 35 feet in height and is located in a residential district, the wind turbine shall be set back at least 15 feet from all property lines and no portion of a rotor blade shall extend closer than five feet to any lot line. All setbacks shall be measured from the center of the wind turbine base.
(c) Height. The height of a ground-mounted wind turbine shall be limited by the setback requirements of this section, except that the height of a wind turbine shall not exceed 35 feet in the U-1 and U-2 zoning districts. The height of a rooftop or other building-mounted wind turbine shall not exceed the maximum permitted building height for the property by more than 20%. For a rooftop or other building-mounted wind turbine that exceeds this height limit, the Planning Commission, after a public hearing, may approve a greater height if the Planning Commission determines that the placement of the turbine and context of the turbine site will mitigate any significant negative visual impacts or safety on nearby properties.
(Ord. 9662-2010. Passed 8-17-10.)