Any tower mounted or building mounted wind energy system which is over 35 feet in total height may be allowed as a special land use in all zoning districts subject to the following regulations and requirements of this section and also the general special land use review procedures and standards contained in Chapter 1274.
(a) Application Requirements. In addition to the special land use application form, an applicant for a wind energy system over 35 feet in total height shall provide the following information as part of the application.
(1) The proposed type and height of the wind energy system as constructed, including the manufacturer and model, product, specifications including maximum noise output (measured in decibels), total rated generating capacity, dimensions, rotor diameter, and a description of ancillary facilities.
(2) If the applicant intends to install an interconnected wind energy system the applicant must provide documentation that the applicable company has or will approve the proposed interconnection.
(b) Site Plan Requirements. A site plan for a wind energy system for which a special land use permit is required shall include the following items with or on the site plan.
(2) Dimensions of the area purchased or leased where the wind energy system is to be located.
(3) Location and height of all existing and proposed buildings, structures, electrical lines, towers, guy wires, guy wire anchors, security fencing, and any other above-ground structures proposed or existing for the parcel or parcels containing the wind energy system.
(4) Specific distances from the wind energy system structures to all other buildings, structures, and above ground utilities which are on the parcel or parcels upon which the wind energy system is proposed to be located and on abutting parcels.
(5) Land uses within 300 feet of the parcel.
(6) Access drives or the wind energy system including dimensions and composition, with a narrative describing proposed maintenance of the drives.
(7) All lighting proposed for the site, including diagrams of lighting fixtures proposed if requested by the Planning Commission.
(8) Security measures proposed to prevent unauthorized trespass and access.
(9) Standard drawings of the structural components of the wind energy system, including structures, towers, bases and footings. A registered engineer shall certify drawings and any necessary calculations that show that the system complies with all applicable local, State and Federal building, structural and electrical codes.
(10) Additional information as may be required by the Planning Commission.
(11) The Planning Commission may waive or modify the above requirements at the request of the applicant if it is determined that those items would not be needed to properly review the project.
(c) Lighting. A wind energy system shall provide lighting as may be required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
(d) Maintenance Program Required. The applicant shall provide a written description of the maintenance program to be used to maintain the wind energy system, including a maintenance schedule of types of maintenance tasks to be performed.
(e) Site Standards and Visual Impact.
(1) A wind energy system shall be designed and placed in such a manner to minimize adverse visual and noise impacts on neighboring areas.
(2) A wind energy system project with more than one wind energy system structure or tower shall utilize similar design, size, color, operation and appearance throughout the project as is practicable.
(f) Performance Guarantee. If a special land use permit is granted pursuant to this section, the Planning Commission may require a security in the form of a cash deposit, surety bond, or irrevocable letter of credit in a form, amount, and duration with a financial institution deemed acceptable to the City, which shall be furnished by the applicant to the City in order to ensure full compliance with this section and any conditions of approval.
(g) Final Approval. Final approval shall be issued after and inspection of the wind energy system by the City or an authorized agent of the City, and where the inspection finds that the wind energy system complies with the requirements of Sections 1287.03 and 1287.05, all applicable state construction and electrical codes, local building permit requirements, and all manufacturers' installation instructions.
(Ord. 475. Passed 5-4-10.)