A. Siting And Construction Requirements: The requirements for siting and construction of all residential wind energy conversion systems regulated by this section shall include the following:
1. Wind energy towers shall to the extent possible blend into the surrounding environment and architecture, including painting to reduce visual obtrusiveness. The city planner may require a photo of an RWECS system of the same model that is the subject of the landowner's application adjacent to a building or some other object illustrating scale (e.g., manufacturer's photo).
2. RWECS shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA or appropriate authority.
3. No tower should have any sign, writing, or picture that may be construed as advertising.
4. RWECS shall not exceed sixty (60) decibels, as measured at the closest property line. The level, however, may be exceeded during short term events such as utility outages and/or severe windstorms.
5. An RWECS shall be located on a parcel that is at least one acre in size.
6. The applicant shall provide evidence that the proposed height of the RWECS does not exceed the height recommended by the manufacturer or distributor of the system.
7. The applicant will provide information demonstrating that the system will be used primarily to offset on site consumption of electricity.
8. The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades utilized on an RWECS shall be twenty feet (20'), as measured at the lowest point on the arc of the blades. The supporting tower shall also be enclosed with a six foot (6') tall fence or the base of the tower shall not be climbable for a distance of twelve feet (12').
B. Compliance With FAA Regulations: An RWECS must comply with applicable regulations of the FAA, including any necessary approvals for installations close to airports.
C. Compliance With International Building Code: Building permit applications for an RWECS shall be accompanied by standard drawings of the wind turbine structure, including the tower base, and footings. An engineering analysis of the tower showing compliance with the international building code and certified by a professional engineer licensed in the state of Iowa shall also be submitted.
D. Compliance With National Electric Code: Building permit applications for an RWECS shall be accompanied by a line drawing of the electrical components in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that the manner of installation conforms to the national electric code. This information may be supplied by the manufacturer.
E. Modifications: The requirements for siting and construction of an RWECS may be modified by special exception in accordance with section 16-8-7 of this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)