A. Accessory Use: Small scale wind energy conversion systems (S-SWECS) are allowed as an accessory use and structure in all zoning districts, subject to the following requirements:
1. Height: The total height of a S-SWECS tower with blade or a meteorological tower used in conjunction with the S-SWECS shall not exceed one hundred feet (100') unless specifically allowed by the county board.
2. Setbacks: The setback of the towers shall not be less than the following:
a. Lot lines: 1.1 times the total height of the structure.
b. Pipelines and public rights of way: 1.1 times the total height of the structure.
c. Public roads: 1.1 times the total height of the structure.
d. Power or communication transmission line above or below ground: 1.1 times the total height of the structure.
e. Highways: 1.1 times the total height of the structure.
f. Inhabited structures on adjacent lands: 1.1 times the total height of the structure.
3. Color, Finish, And Appearance: The tower and the blades of the S-SWECS shall be nonreflective and unobtrusive color that will aid in blending the system to the environment. The finish of the tower and the blades shall be matte and nonreflective. No lettering, company insignia, advertising or graphics shall be on any part of the tower, hub, or blades.
4. Blade Clearance: The vertical distance from the grade to the tip of the wind turbine blade when the blade is at its lowest point must be at least twenty five feet (25').
5. Lighting: No glare shall extend beyond the boundaries of the S-SWECS. The applicant shall utilize the least intrusive lighting possible.
6. Landscaping: Applicant shall minimize the disruption of natural environment, retain existing vegetation and native plant species to the maximum extent feasible, and replant with native vegetation if existing vegetation is disturbed during construction. Landscaping shall be used as part of screening from adjacent properties or public view.
7. Federal And State Requirement Compliance: The S-SWECS shall meet or exceed any standards and regulations of the FAA and any other agency of the state or federal government with the authority to regulate S-SWECS.
8. Power Lines: All electrical control wiring and power lines shall be wireless or not aboveground.
9. Sound Pressure Level: The sound pressure level generated by a S-SWECS shall comply with all Illinois pollution control board (hereafter referred to as IPCB) noise regulations and in no event shall a S-SWECS exceed fifty five (55) dB at any point on adjacent properties. The applicant must immediately cease any violation of the IPCB regulations unless said violation is excused and waived by the affected landowners and occupants.
10. Safety/Climb Prevention: All S-SWECS shall be designed to prevent unauthorized access to electrical and mechanical components or access to the towers on the site. All towers shall not be climbable from the ground to fifteen feet (15') aboveground, and all access doors to towers and equipment shall be lockable.
11. Waste Disposal: All solid waste generated from supplies, equipment, parts, packaging, or operation of the facility shall be removed from the site immediately and disposed of in an appropriate manner. Any hazardous waste that is generated by the facility, including, but not limited to, lubricating materials, shall be removed consistent with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
12. Conformance To Industry And Code Standards/Engineer Certification: The S-SWECS shall comply with all applicable local and county codes for the electrical, mechanical, and structural components of the facility. All documents provided for review shall be stamped and signed by a professional engineer.
13. Electronic Interference: The S-SWECS shall not cause microwave, television, radio or navigation interference contrary to federal communication commission (FCC) rules and regulations or any other laws pertaining to electronic interference issues.
14. Braking Systems: The owner of the S-SWECS shall have the ability to immediately cease operation of the system during an emergency. The system itself shall be equipped with an emergency braking system.
15. Signage: No signs, banners or flags shall be placed on the S-SWECS with the exception of the required identifications provided by the manufacturer and any warnings thereto.
B. Administration And Review: A site plan shall be provided to the land use department that indicates the following:
1. Location, setbacks, exterior dimensions and square footage of all structures on the owner's property.
2. Location of any existing waterways, wetlands, and 100-year floodplains, sanitary sewers, storm sewer systems, and water distribution systems.
3. Location of any overhead power lines.
4. The locations and the expected duration of shadow flicker caused by the S-SWECS system. (Ord. 10-001, 1-12-2010)