Wind energy conversion systems are allowed as accessory structures in all zoning districts, provided the following standards are met.
(A) All wind turbines must be approved by specific use permit.
(B) Wind energy conversion systems shall not exceed a maximum height of 100 feet measured from average natural ground level, to the highest point of the arc of the wind blades’ elevation above such ground level.
(C) Wind energy conversion systems shall be prohibited from the entire front yard of all lots, that is, from all that space between each lot’s front boundary and the closest wall of the principal building on that lot.
(D) (1) Wind energy conversion systems shall be set back from all boundaries of any lot, by a distance equal to at least 100% of the tower’s height, as measured from the average natural ground level, to the highest point of the arc of the wind blades’ elevation above such ground level.
(2) Setback distance shall be measured from the base of each tower, at natural ground level, to the closest boundary of the lot.
(E) Wind energy conversion systems shall be separated from all unguarded (uninsulated) energized overhead electric power lines, by a distance equal to at least ten feet as measured between such power lines and the furthest lateral extent of the arc of the wind blades.
(F) Multiple wind energy conversion systems are allowed on any lot, provided they are separated by a distance equal to at least the height of the tallest such tower, as measured from average natural ground level to the highest point of the wind blades’ elevation above such ground level.
(G) The tower for any wind energy conservation system shall be either of monopole type construction (with no guy wires for stabilizing support) or of lattice-type construction having either a triangular or rectangular shaped cross-section.
(H) The color of all wind energy conversion systems shall be of neutral tones or of earth tones such as subdued green or brown. Grey, including naturally darkening galvanized grey, is also an acceptable neutral tone. Wind energy conversions shall not be finished in bright or vivid colors intended to draw attention to the structure.
(I) (1) It is an offense to install or operate any wind energy conversion system without first having obtained a building permit from the city.
(2) An application for a building permit to install a wind energy conversion system shall be accompanied by illustrations drawn in sufficient detail to clearly describe the features indicated:
(a) A site plan showing boundaries and physical dimensions of the lot, as well as the exact planned location of (that is, setback from lot boundaries and separation between) each existing and proposed wind energy conversion system on the lot, at the base of each respective system’s tower;
(b) An elevation view of the proposed wind energy conversion system, indicating its height, the type of construction (monopole or latticework), the width of its base at ground level, and the extent of the wind blades’ arc; and
(c) Standard drawings of structural components of each proposed wind energy conversion system including support structures, tower, base and footings in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that structure conforms to the applicable Building Code adopted by the city. Drawings and any necessary calculations shall be certified in writing by a professional engineer and shall affirmatively state the proposed system will comply with such Building Code.
(J) (1) Abatement: if a wind energy conversion system is not maintained in operational condition or in any way poses a potential safety hazard, the owner or operator shall take expeditious action to remedy the situation. If the city determines that a wind energy conversion system has been abandoned or does pose a safety hazard, the system shall be removed within 45 days of written notice to the owner or operator of the system.
(2) The city reserves the authority to abate any hazardous situation involving a wind energy conversion system, and to pass the cost of such abatement on to the owner or operator of the system.
(Ord. 1111-1, passed 1-23-2012) Penalty, see § 153.99