The purpose of these regulations is to establish general guidelines for the location of wind turbine generators (sometimes referred to herein as "WTG") and anemometer towers. The importance of clean, sustainable, and renewable energy sources is recognized, and as such, under carefully controlled circumstances, the placement of wind turbine generators may be in the interest of specific residents and/or the general public. However, it is also recognized that there is a need and responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, and to protect the scenic beauty of the Municipality from unnecessary and unreasonable visual interference, noise radiation, and that wind turbine generators may have negative health, safety, welfare, and aesthetic impacts upon adjoining and neighboring uses. As such, this amendment seeks to:
(a) Protect residential, rural and commercial areas from the potential adverse impact of wind turbine generators.
(b) Permit wind turbine generators in selected areas by on-site rural, residential, commercial, or industrial users; subject to the terms, conditions, and provisions hereof.
(c) Ensure the public health, safety, and welfare of the Municipality's residents in connection with wind turbine generators.
(d) Avoid potential damage to real and personal property from the wind turbine generators or anemometer towers or the failure of such structures and related operations.
Procedure:
Any proposed construction, erection, or sitting of a wind turbine generator or anemometer shall be permitted only by issuance of a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with Chapter 1134 (Conditional Uses).
Wind Turbines:
(d) Wind turbines of one hundred twenty (120) feet or less shall be a conditionally permitted use in all rural, residential, limited industrial, planned industrial and select commercial planned districts under the following conditions:
(e) The maximum height of any turbine shall be one hundred twenty (120) feet.1
(f) Setbacks: Any turbine erected on a parcel of land shall establish a "clear fall zone" of 1.25 times the maximum height of the turbine from all neighboring property lines and structures, as well as any structures on the parcel intended for the turbine.
(1) The clear fall zone shall remain unobstructed and confined within the property lines of the primary parcel where the turbine is located;
(2) A turbine shall be placed in such a manner that if it were to fall, whatever direction the fall occurs would be contained solely on the property where the turbine is located, and would not strike any structures including the primary dwelling, and/or any accessory buildings or uses.
(h) Aesthetics: The turbine, including the prop blades, turbine, cowling, and tower shall be painted or coated white, gray, or sky blue. Logos or other identifications markers other than those of the manufacturer and model type shall not be permitted anywhere on the turbine.
(i) Safety:
(1) Fencing: If climbing access to the turbine is less than twelve (12) feet from the ground, then fencing shall be required around the base of the turbine;
(2) Signage: a "Danger High Voltage" sign shall be placed on either the turbine or surrounding fencing.
(j) Noise: Maximum noise levels shall not exceed sixty-five (65) db above the ambient noise level.
(k) Maintenance: Wind turbines shall be maintained in good working order. Turbines that become inoperable for more than six (6) months shall be removed by the owner within thirty (30) days of issuance of zoning violation. Removal includes all apparatuses, supports, and or other hardware associated with the existing turbine.
(l) Permits:
(1) A zoning certificate shall be required before construction can commence on an individual wind turbine system,
(2) As part of the application process, the applicant shall inquire with the Municipality of Groveport as to whether or not additional height restrictions are applicable due to the units' locations in relation to any airport or air field. Applicant shall then provide the Zoning Inspector with the following items and/or information when applying for a permit:
A. Location of all public and private airports in relation to the location of the turbine, as well as any applicable FAA restrictions that may be applicable to the turbine.
B. An engineering report that shows:
C. The total size and height of the unit.
D. An average decibel rating for the particular model.
E. A list and/or depiction of all safety measures that will be on the unit including anti-climb devices, and lightning protection.
F. Data specifying the kilowatt size and generating power of the particular unit.
G. Evidence of "clear fall zone" with manufacturer's recommendation. If the manufacturer's recommended clear fall zone is greater than that which is required herein, then the greater of the two shall apply.
(3) A site drawing showing the location of the unit in relation to existing structures on the property, roads, and other public right-of-ways, and neighboring properties;
(4) Color of the unit as well as the location and size of the manufacturer's identifying logos shall be included in the plan;
(5) A maintenance schedule as well as a dismantling plan that outlines how the unit will be dismantled shall be required as part of the application process.
(Ord. 19-011. Passed 4-22-19.)