The following shall be included and/or be utilized as standards when preparing, submitting and reviewing an application for a wind energy facility. A site plan that differs from these standards can be approved only upon the review of the Planning Commission and approval from the Township Board that the modification is in the best interest of the township and the applicant. The things that will be considered in addition to the site plan are as follows.
(A) Setbacks, separation and security. The minimum setback distance between the wind turbine tower and all surrounding property lines, overhead utility or transmission lines, other wind turbine towers, electrical substations, meteorological towers, public roads and dwellings (other than the owner), shall be equal to no less than one and one-fifth times the sum of the tower height at its hub and the rotor radius measured at the top of its blade in the vertical position. No part of the wind energy system structure, including any guy wire anchors, may extend closer than ten feet to the owner's property lines.
(B) Sound pressure levels. Individual wind turbine towers shall be located so that the level of noise produced by the wind turbine operation shall not exceed 50 db(A), measured at any site from the property line; except that, the level of noise generated by a wind turbine operation may exceed 50 db(A) during short-term events such as power outages and severe wind storms. If the tower is installed in an area of already higher sound levels, the ambient sound level, plus five db(A) shall be used.
(C) Minimum ground clearance. The vertical distance from the ground level to the tip of a wind generator blade on a wind turbine, when the blade is at its lowest point must be at least twenty 25 feet unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission. This section shall not apply to a vertical axis wind turbine system where the system is mounted on the roof of a structure.
(D) Shadow flicker and blade glint. Wind turbines shall be sited such that shadow flicker will not fall directly on a receptor. Depending on the size of the system, tower height and proximity to surrounding properties and inhabitable structures, the Zoning Administrator may request documentation describing measures that shall be taken to eliminate or mitigate any shadow flicker concerns. Rotor blades shall have a non-reflective finish to prevent blade glint.
(E) Safety. A wind energy system shall have braking, governing or feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation or over speeding. All wind towers shall have lightning protection. All ground mounted electrical and control equipment must be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access. A tower may not have step bolts or a ladder within eight feet of the ground that is readily accessible to the public. The wind energy system shall be properly grounded in accordance with the manufacturer's installation procedures to allow stray voltage to enter the surrounding ground. The system shall be checked and verified prior to placing the system in service.
(Ord. 11-001, passed 1-18-2011)