A. Siting And Construction Requirements: The requirements for siting and construction of all small wind energy conversion systems regulated by this section shall include the following:
1. Small wind energy towers shall maintain a galvanized steel finish, unless FAA standards require otherwise, or if the owner is attempting to match the finish on the tower to the surrounding environment and architecture, in which case it may be painted to reduce visual obtrusion. The city planner may require a photo of an SWECS 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. An SWECS shall not be artificially lighted unless required by FAA or appropriate authority.
3. No tower should have any sign, writing, or picture that may be construed as advertising.
4. An SWECS 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. The applicant shall provide evidence that the proposed height of the SWECS tower does not exceed the height recommended by the manufacturer or distributor of the system.
6. The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades utilized on an SWECS shall be twenty feet (20'), as measured at the lowest point of the arc of the blades. No blades shall extend over parking areas, driveways or sidewalks. 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 SWECS 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 SWECS 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 licensed professional engineer shall also be submitted.
D. Compliance With National Electric Code: Building permit applications for an SWECS 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 SWECS may be modified by variance in accordance with section 16-8-6 of this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)