For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANEMOMETER. A temporary wind speed indicator constructed for the purpose of analyzing the potential for utilizing a wind energy system at a given site. This includes the tower, base plate, anchors, cables and hardware, wind direction vanes, booms to hold equipment, data logger, instrument wiring, and any telemetry devices that are used to monitor or transmit wind speed and wind flow characteristics over a period of time for either instantaneous wind information or to characterize the wind resources at a given location.
APPLICANT. The property owner is required to make application for the Planning and Zoning Commission review; however, she or he may have anyone assist or make presentation before the Commission.
FREESTANDING. An alternative energy system that is ground mounted and self-supporting, although it may be attached to a primary structure for additional stability.
FUEL, APPROVED. Approved fuel for outdoor furnaces shall be natural wood, corn or the manufacturer’s listed fuels. Burning of any and all other materials is prohibited, including, but not limited to, plastics, naphtha, leaves, trash, rubbish, garbage, construction materials, treated wood, yard waste, green wood, pallets and the like.
FURNACE, OUTDOOR. Any equipment, device or apparatus, or any part thereof, which is installed outdoors for the primary purpose of the combustion of solid, approved fuel to produce heat or energy used as a component of a heating system providing heat for any interior space or water.
HABITABLE BUILDING, STRUCTURE. A structure constructed for human occupation, such as a residence, school, hospital, church, public library or other building used for public gathering that is occupied or in use when the system permit application is submitted.
HEIGHT, APPURTENANCE. An alternative energy system that is attached to the roof or extends above the highest peak of the roof of a primary structure may not exceed ten feet in height. Measurement would be made from the peak of the highest roof point to the top of the unit.
HEIGHT, WIND TURBINE. The distance measured from true grade at the base of the tower where it meets the slab or ground, to the highest point of the turbine rotor or tip of the turbine blade at its highest elevation.
NACELLE. The encasement on a wind system that houses all of the generating components, gear box, drive team and other equipment.
NET METERING. The process by which surplus energy generated by a customer as measured by the difference between the electricity supplied by an electric service provider and the electricity generated by a customer in an applicable billing period, is fed back to the electric service provider with customer compensation.
OVERSPEED CONTROL. A mechanism used to limit the speed of blade rotation so that it remains below the design limits of the wind turbine system.
PARTICIPATING LANDOWNER. The owner of the property(s) upon which an alternative energy system is located.
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ROAD. A full passage right-of-way or easement established to provide vehicular access to property(s).
ROTOR. The rotating part of a wind system or turbine, including the blades.
SETBACK/FALL ZONE, WIND TURBINE. The distance from the alternative energy system to the property line and habitable structures on the turbine-site property.
SETBACK, OUTDOOR FURNACE. The minimum setback for an outdoor furnace is 25 feet from side and rear property lines, measured from the closest feature of the furnace to the property line.
SHADOW FLICKER. The visible flicker effect when rotating turbine blades cast shadows on the ground and nearby structures causing the repeating pattern of light and shadow.
SHORT-TERM EVENTS. Less than 48 hours for a period of increased rate of wind speed and less than seven days for power outages.
SOLAR ENERGY PANEL/SYSTEM. A structure or panel containing solar cells that collects sunlight and converts it to electric current.
WATER PUMPER. A nonelectrical wind system used for pumping water for agricultural use.
WIND TURBINE, BUILDING-MOUNTED. A single wind conversion system mounted on a primary structure, designed to convert wind energy into electricity used primarily for on-site consumption. Includes all types of wind energy systems, turbines, cubes, spirals and the like.
WIND TURBINE, FREESTANDING. A single mono-pole tower wind conversion system designed to convert wind energy into electricity used primarily for on-site consumption. Includes all types of wind energy systems, turbines, cubes, spirals and the like.
(Prior Code, § 1479.03) (Ord. 2009-20, passed 8-25-2009)