The following standards shall apply to all large wind energy conversion systems (WECS) as defined herein.
(A) Large WECS require a special land use permit, a zoning compliance certificate, and a building permit prior to construction/installation and operation.
(B) Large WECS are permitted by special land use only in the C-2 Commercial and I Industrial Zoning Districts.
(C) The application for a special land use permit must be accompanied by:
(1) An evaluation prepared by certified professionals of the likely impact of the proposed WECS in the following areas:
(a) Noise and vibration impacts at any property line.
(b) Potential impact on wildlife, including native and migrating birds.
(c) Shadow flicker and glare impacts on adjacent properties.
(d) Aesthetic impact of the WECS on adjoining properties.
(2) The following information must be detailed to supplement the site plan required for a special use permit application:
(a) Property lines, dimension, acreage and contours with appropriate intervals for site evaluation.
(b) Location and elevation of the proposed large WECS.
(c) Locations and dimensions of all existing structures and uses on the lot within 300 feet of the system.
(d) Height of any structures or trees over 35 feet within a 500 foot radius, on-site or off-site of the proposed large WECS.
(e) Surrounding land use and structures, irrespective of height, within 500 feet of the large WECS location.
(3) Additional information required:
(a) Standard drawings of the structural components of the large WECS, including structures, tower, base and footings. A registered engineer shall certify drawings and any necessary calculations demonstrating that the system complies with all applicable local, state and federal building, structural and electrical codes.
(b) Certification from a registered engineer or qualified person that the rotor and overspeed control have been designed for the proposed use on the proposed site.
(c) Registered engineer's certification of the design and safety for the proposed tower to withstand any high wind speeds, and that the large WECS can be operated successfully on the subject property.
(D) Setbacks. A large WECS shall maintain a minimum setback of one and one-half times the total height of the tower to the top of the blade in its vertical position from any property line, easements, or rights-of-way, and no part of a large WECS may extend into any adjacent yard or property unless an easement has been recorded for that purpose.
(E) Dimensions.
(1) A large WECS shall not exceed a total tower and blade height of 100 feet.
(2) In all cases, the minimum height of the lowest position of the large WECS blade shall be at least 30 feet above the ground.
(3) An approved large WECS is exempt from the height restrictions of the zoning district in which it is located.
(4) A large WECS shall be located on a minimum site area of one acre or larger plus any additional area required to meet the setback requirements of this section.
(F) Noise. On-site use wind energy systems shall not exceed 55 dB(A) at the property line closest to the wind energy system. This sound pressure level may be exceeded during short term events such as utility outages and/or severe wind storms. If the ambient sound pressure level exceeds 55 dB(A), the standard shall be ambient dB(A) plus 5 dB(A).
(G) General siting and design standards. A large WECS shall meet all federal, state and local aviation requirements, which shall include, but not be limited to, air traffic warning lights or other marking lights, and shall be positioned to avoid undue visual impact on neighboring properties.
(H) Safety measures.
(1) Each large WECS shall be equipped with both manual and automatic controls to limit the rotation or speed of the rotor blade so it does not exceed the design limits of the rotor.
(2) Each large WECS shall be properly grounded to safely sustain natural lightning strikes.
(3) A large WECS shall not include any sign or advertising of any kind, except for an informational sign no larger than two square feet in area posted at the base of the tower, which shall contain the following information:
(a) "WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE";
(b) Manufacturer's name;
(c) Operator's name;
(d) Emergency telephone number;
(e) Emergency shutdown procedures.
(I) Radio and television interference. A large WECS shall be designed and constructed so as not to cause radio and television interference.
(J) Removal of a large WECS. The WECS owner shall advise the village of discontinuance of WECS use or abandonment within 60 days of discontinuance. Any WECS that is not operated for a continuous period of 12 months shall be considered abandoned and the owner of such WECS shall remove the same within 90 days of receipt of notice from the village notifying the owner of such abandonment. Failure to remove an abandoned WECS within said 90 days shall be grounds for the village to remove the WECS at the owner's expense. The village may, as a condition of special use permit approval, require a financial guarantee in the form of a performance bond, cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit to provide sufficient funds for the removal of an abandoned WECS and facilities associated therewith.
[Amended 3-14-2011]