(a) All horizontal-axis wind machines and ground-mounted vertical-axis wind machines must be set back from all property lines a minimum distance equal to the height of the system. Height includes the height of the tower or its vertical support structure and the farthest vertical extension of the wind machine. Section 21-4.60(c)(7) notwithstanding, for rooftop mounted vertical-axis wind machines, the machinery must be set back pursuant to the height setbacks enumerated in Articles 3 and 9 for the underlying zoning district or special district precinct.
(b) In residential zoning districts, in addition to the above, the following apply:
(1) For any ground-mounted wind machine, the tower climbing apparatus and blade tips of the wind machine cannot be lower than 15 feet from ground level, unless enclosed by a 6-foot high fence, and cannot be within 7 feet of any roof or structure, unless the blades are completely enclosed by a protective screen or fence;
(2) A public safety sign must be posted at the base of the tower warning of high voltage and dangerous moving blades;
(3) The system base and rotor blade must be a minimum of 15 feet from any overhead electrical transmission or distribution lines;
(4) Anchor points for guy wires for any wind machine must be located within property lines and not on or across any overhead electrical transmission or distribution lines. Guy wires must be equipped with devices that will, in a safe manner, prevent them from being climbed and must be securely fastened;
(5) The applicant shall provide manufacturer’s specifications that certify the safety of the machine; provided that the appropriate equipment, structures, and devices were used and proper installation procedures followed, as outlined in the manufacturer’s manual;
(6) The wind machine must be operated so that no disruptive electromagnetic interference is caused. If the director determines that the system is causing harmful interference, the operator shall promptly mitigate the interference;
(7) The system must be kept in good repair and operating condition at all times; and
(8) The system will be restricted to a rated capacity of no more than 15 kilowatts.
(c) In the agricultural and country zoning districts, accessory wind machines must have a rated capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts. Wind machines with a rated capacity of more than 100 kilowatts are not accessory to other uses and require a conditional use permit (major).
(d) In the business zoning districts, wind machines may have a rated capacity of no more than 15 kilowatts.
(e) In all zoning districts, a wind machine will be deemed abandoned if not in continuous use for at least one year. Upon determination by the director that a wind machine has been abandoned, the structure must be dismantled and removed within 30 days after written notice thereof.
(1990 Code, Ch. 21, Art. 5, § 21-5.700) (Added by Ord. 99-12; Am. Ords. 10-19, 17-40, 17-46)