A. Application
These regulations shall apply to all zoned areas in unincorporated Dare County that is owned or used by the Dare County Schools. This shall include programs that involve the construction of wind turbines on school property for study and research purposes. Alternative energy projects may be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. Any wind turbine shall be setback from all structures and public utility lines a distance equal to 1.1 times the total height of the wind turbine.
2. Maximum height of a turbine shall not exceed 100 feet measured from the natural grade at the center of the device to the highest point of the device or the highest tip of the rotor blades when the blade reaches its highest elevation.
B. Permit Applications
1. A site plan for any alternative energy project shall be submitted to Dare County for review as a special use subject to review by the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners. The site plan shall be prepared by a North Carolina licensed engineer or land surveyor and shall include the following information:
a. A narrative description of the proposed alternative energy project including the name of the school campus for which the project is proposed.
b. The specific number, representative types, heights and range of wind energy devices to be constructed, including their individual generating capacity, dimensions and manufacturers, and a description of supporting and ancillary facilities.
c. Any substations, support equipment and buildings, or other transmission equipment to be located on the site.
d. Foundation plans for any wind energy device prepared and sealed by a North Carolina licensed engineer.
e. Certification of compliance, if applicable, with Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communication Commission regulations.
f. Other information as may be reasonably requested by Dare County to ensure compliance with these regulations.
C. Installation and Design
1. All structural, electrical and mechanical components of any wind energy device shall conform to applicable local, state and national codes including NC
hurricane wind zone requirements. This shall include the elevation of any support equipment, substations, or accessory building associated with the project to the applicable minimum base flood elevation.
2. Wind turbines shall not be artificially lighted, except as required by the FAA or other applicable authority that regulates air safety. If lighting improvements are required, strobe lighting shall be used as the last resort. The Applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the County’s Airport Height Ordinance, if applicable.
3. All wind energy devices shall have an automatic braking or governing system to prevent uncontrollable rotation, overspeeding and excessive pressure on the tower structure, rotor blades, and turbine components.
4. Any climbing foot pegs or rungs below 12 feet of a freestanding turbine shall be removed to prevent unauthorized climbing. For lattice or guyed towers, sheets of metal or wood may be fastened to the bottom tower section such that it cannot readily be climbed.
D. Fees
Building permit fees of $1.00 per foot of turbine/tower height shall be assessed at the time a building permit is issued for any wind turbine authorized for construction under this ordinance.
E. Definitions
The definitions set forth in Section 22-29.3 Wind Energy Research Sites of the Zoning Ordinance shall apply to these regulations also.
(Adopted 7-18-2011)
(Am. Ord. passed 6-21-2021)