(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS, hereinafter referred to as WECS. Any device that converts wind energy to mechanical or electrical energy.
(2) WIND ROTOR. The blades plus hub to which the blades are attached used to capture wind for purposes of energy conversion.
(3) TOWER HEIGHT. The height of the actual tower, plus one-half the rotor diameter on horizontal axis installations, and on vertical axis installations, the distance from the base of the tower to the top of the unit.
(4) SURVIVAL WIND SPEED. The maximum wind speed a WECS in automatic, unattended operation (not necessarily producing power) can sustain without damage to structural components or loss of the ability to function normally.
(B) Applicable zones. WECS may be permitted in any zoning district subject to the following special land use approval requirements with the following exception:
(1) The erection of one windmill on a single parcel of land at a height equal to or less than 50 feet shall be considered a permitted use in any district and shall not require special land use and Planning Commission approval; and/or
(2) The approval of a windmill under this requirement shall be subject to administrative approval through the Zoning Administrator, as well as all other applicable provisions of this section.
(C) Applicability of this chapter.
(1) The standards that follow shall apply to systems intended for the provision of the electrical or mechanical power needs of the owner/operator of the system; also, such a system shall be for one main building and its accessory buildings only.
(2) For systems intended for uses other than the above, Planning Commission approval shall be required. The approval shall cover the location of the system (shown on a survey of the property) on the site, the noise generated by the system, assurances as to the safety features of the system and compliance with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
(3) Planning Commission approval shall specifically be required for arrays of more than one wind energy conversion system and for systems wherein one wind energy conversion system is intended to provide the electric power for more than one main building.
(D) Standards for and regulation of WECS.
(1) Construction. Tower construction shall be in accordance with the latest edition of the State Building Code, and any future amendments and/or revisions to it.
(2) Electric-magnetic interference (EMI). Wind energy conversion system generators and alternators shall be filtered and/or shielded so as to prevent the emission of radio frequency energy which would cause harmful interference with radio and/or television broadcasting or reception, and shall comply with the provisions of C.F.R. Title 47, Chapter 1, Part 15, and subsequent revisions governing the emissions.
(3) Setbacks.
(a) The structural design shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer, registered in the state, certifying that the structural design complies with all of the standards set forth for safety and stability in all applicable codes then in effect in the state and all sections referred to herein above.
(b) The minimum setbacks for the towers from all abutting streets or adjacent property shall be a distance equal to one and one-half times the height of the tower.
(c) The WECS shall be located a sufficient distance from any overhead utility lines, excluding service drops, such that a structural failure of any portion of the WECS or its supporting structure will not cause any portion of it to fall within five feet of utility lines.
(4) Maximum height. The maximum height permitted as a special land use shall be 150 feet unless otherwise prohibited by any state or federal statutes or regulations.
(5) Minimum blade height. The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades utilized on a WECS shall be 15 feet, as measured at the lowest point of the arc of the blades.
(6) Labeling requirements. A minimum of one sign shall be posted near ground level on the tower structure warning of high voltage. In addition, the following information shall be posted on a label or labels on the generator or alternator of the WECS:
(a) The maximum power output of the system and the wind speed at which it is achieved;
(b) Nominal voltage and maximum current;
(c) Manufacturer’s name and address, serial number and model number; and
(d) Maximum survival wind speed and the emergency and normal shut down procedures.
(7) Utility company notification. The Detroit Edison Company shall be notified in writing of any proposed interface with that company’s grid prior to installing the interface and shall conform with any legislated requirements governing installations of WECS so as to comply with the utility tariff specifications.
(8) Safety. The WECS’ manufacturers shall document that the WECS model has been tested and certified by Underwriter’s Laboratory, or other applicable independent accrediting agency, and that when installed in accordance with recommended specifications shall have a maximum survival wind speed of not less than 80 mph.
(9) Noise. The maximum level of noise to be generated by a WECS shall be 50 decibels, as measured on the dBA scale, measured at each property line at any time.
(E) Miscellaneous.
(1) All electric line/utility wires shall be buried under ground except in A/R Agricultural/Residential Districts.
(2) Any mechanical equipment associated with and necessary for operation, including a building for batteries and storage cells shall be enclosed with a six-foot fence. The supporting tower shall also be enclosed with a six-foot fence unless the base of the tower is not climbable for a distance of 12 feet.
(3) When a building is necessary for storage of cells or related mechanical equipment, the building may not exceed 140 square feet in area nor eight feet in height, and must be located at least the number of feet equal to the height of the tower from any property line.
(4) The tower and generating unit shall be kept in good repair and sound condition. Upon abandonment of use, the tower and related structure shall be dismantled and removed from the property within 60 days.
(5) Every WECS shall be insured with minimum liability insurance of $100,000 for each occurrence. Proof of insurance shall be furnished to the township.
(Ord. passed 6-28-2006; Ord. passed 10-20-2008)