1. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
OVERSPEED CONTROL. A mechanism used to limit the speed of blade rotation below the design limits of the wind energy conversion system.
SITE. The plot of land where the wind energy conversion system is to be placed. The site could be publicly or privately owned (by an individual or a group of individuals controlling single or adjacent properties).
SWEPT AREA. The largest area of the wind energy conversion system which extracts energy from the wind stream. In a conventional propeller-type wind energy conversion system, there is a direct relationship between swept area and the rotor diameter.
TOTAL HEIGHT. The height of the tower and the farthest vertical extension of the wind energy conversion system.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS). A machine that converts the kinetic energy in the wind into a usable form (commonly known as a wind turbine or windmill). The WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM includes all parts of the system, and shall be considered as a structure.
2. Building permit applications (see § 4-20) for a wind energy conversion system shall be accompanied by a site plan drawn in sufficient detail to clearly describe the following:
a. Property lines and physical dimensions of the site;
b. Location, approximate dimensions and types of major existing structures and uses on the site;
c. Location and elevation of the proposed wind energy conversion system;
d. Location of all above-ground utility lines on-site or within a distance radius equal to the total height of the wind energy conversion system;
e. Location and size of structures and trees over 35 feet in height, which are within a 500-foot radius of the proposed wind energy conversion system; for purposes of this requirement, electrical transmission and distribution lines, antennas and slender or open lattice towers are not considered structures; and
f. The zoning designation of immediate and adjacent sites.
3. Before a building permit may be issued, all requirements of this section must be met. This section covers those wind energy conversion systems whose swept area is 1,000 square feet or less; for conventional propeller wind energy conversion systems, this would be approximately 35 feet or less in diameter. (Non-electrical windmills used for pumping water may be exempted from the remaining provisions of this section.)
4. Building permit applications shall be accompanied by standard drawings of the structural components of the wind energy conversion system, including support structure, tower, base and footings. Drawings and any necessary calculations shall be certified in writing by a registered professional engineer or manufacturer’s representative, to show that the system complies with the adopted Building Code. (This certification would normally be supplied by the manufacturer.) Where the structural components or installation vary from the standard design or specification, the proposed modifications shall be certified by a registered professional engineer for compliance with the structural design provisions of the adopted Building Code.
5. Building permit applications shall be accompanied by a line drawing identifying the electrical components of the system to be installed, in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that the manner of installation conforms to the adopted Electrical Code. The application shall include a statement from a registered professional engineer indicating that the electrical system conforms with good engineering practices and complies with said Electrical Code. (This certification would normally be supplied by the manufacturer.) All equipment and materials shall be used or installed in accordance with such drawings and diagrams. Where the electrical components of an installation vary from the standard design or specifications, the proposed modifications shall be reviewed and certified by a registered professional engineer for compliance with the requirements of said Electrical Code and good engineering practices.
6. Each wind energy conversion system must be equipped with both manual and automatic controls to limit the rotational speed of the blade below the design limits of the rotor. The application must include a statement by a registered professional engineer certifying that the rotor and overspeed controls have been designed and fabricated for the proposed use in accordance with good engineering practices. The engineer should also certify the structural compatibility of possible towers with available rotors. (This certification would normally be supplied by the manufacturer.)
7. Anchor points for guy wires for the wind energy conversion system tower shall be located within property lines and not on or across any above-ground electric transmission or distribution lines. The point of ground attachment for the guy wires shall be enclosed by a fence six feet high, or the wind energy conversion system shall be set back from the property line or site parameters the total height of the wind energy conversion system.
8. Towers should have either a tower-climbing apparatus located no closer than 12 feet from the ground, a locked anti-climb device installed on the tower, or the tower shall be completely enclosed by a locked, protective fence at least six feet high.
9. The wind energy conversion system shall meet the requirements of any existing municipal noise regulations.
10. The wind energy conversion system shall be operated such that no disruptive electromagnetic interference is caused. If it has been demonstrated to the Municipal Building Inspector that a wind energy conversion system is causing harmful interference, the operator shall be required to promptly mitigate the harmful interference.
11. At least one sign shall be posted at the base of the tower warning of electrical shock or high voltage.
12. The minimum height of the lowest part of the wind energy conversion system shall be 30 feet above the highest existing major structure or any tree within a 250-foot radius. For purposes of this requirement, electrical transmission and distribution lines, antennas and slender or open-lattice towers are not considered structures.
13. The wind energy conversion system shall be located such that the farthest extension of the apparatus does not cross any site lines.
14. For wind energy conversion systems which will be interconnected to a utility grid, no wind turbine shall be installed until evidence has been given that the utility company has been notified in writing.
15. If a wind energy conversion system is not maintained in operational condition for a period of one year and poses a potential safety hazard, the owner or operator shall take expeditious action to remedy the situation. If the city determines that the wind energy conversion system has been abandoned and poses a safety hazard, the system shall be removed within 45 days of written notice to the owner or operator of the system.
16. The applicant, owner, leasee or assignee shall maintain a current insurance policy which will cover installation and operation of the wind energy conversion system at all times. Said policy shall provide a minimum of $50,000 property and personal liability coverage.