(A) Permitted or special use. A small wind energy system shall be permitted in any business, industrial or agricultural district and require a special use permit in any residential district (see § 151.209 for special use procedures).
(B) Standards. Any small wind energy system shall meet the following standards unless modified through a condition(s) attached to the ordinance approving the special use.
(1) Roof-mounted small wind energy systems shall not exceed 15 feet in height above the elevation of the roof installation point, measured from the point of attachment to the top of the turbine blade at its highest point. Small wind energy systems shall be located no closer than 10 feet from an adjacent property line.
(2) Freestanding small wind energy system shall be set back a distance equal to 110% of the combined height of the tower plus the length to the tip of the blade from all adjacent property lines. Additionally, no portion of the small wind energy system, including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than 10 feet to the property line. The wind energy system shall maintain a circular clear zone that has a radius which is equivalent to 110% of the combined distance of the tower height plus the length to the tip of the blade. This clear zone shall be maintained free of any occupied structures, tanks containing combustible/flammable liquids, and above ground utility/electrical lines.
(3) Small wind energy systems shall have a non-reflective finish and shall be neutral in color. Small wind energy systems shall not be artificially lighted.
(4) A building permit shall be required prior to erecting any small wind energy system. Mounting for such systems shall be in conformance with all electrical codes and building codes to ensure wind and weight loading requirements are met. Plans shall be stamped by a licensed structural engineer, and inspected by a qualified inspector for such installations.
(5) An emergency direct current disconnect switch shall be provided in an accessible location near the electric meter to shut off such system in the event of an emergency.
(6) Small wind energy systems shall have a governor installed to regulate and limit the speed of the turbine in high wind events.
(7) Small wind energy systems not in service for a period of 180 days shall be removed and the property on which it is located restored to its original condition within 30 days.
(8) Small wind energy systems shall be primarily used to generate energy for the property where it is located.
(9) The small wind energy system shall not exceed 55 decibels using the A scale (dBA), as measured at the site property line, except during short term events such as severe wind storms and utility outages.
(Ord. 2015-08, § 3.17, passed 6-23-2015)