(A) These wind energy conversion system standards apply to the following districts: AG, R1, R2, R3, R4, MH, PB, B1, B2, TC, LI and HI. The following standards apply to micro wind energy conversion systems.
(1) Supporting structure.
(a) Any micro wind energy conversion system tower or supporting structure placed on the roof of a primary or accessory structure shall not exceed the height of the structure's roof by 15 feet.
(b) Any micro wind energy conversion system supported primarily by a tower or pole shall comply with the standards for small wind energy conversion systems set forth in division (B) below.
(2) Rotor diameter. The maximum rotor diameter shall be ten feet.
(3) Safety. The rotors (blades) shall not extend horizontally beyond the roof of the primary or accessory structure.
(4) Noise. Noise levels generated shall not exceed 40 DBA at the property line.
(5) Generators shall not produce detrimental electromagnetic interference on adjacent properties.
(6) Wind turbines shall be painted a non-reflective, non-obtrusive color such as the manufacturer's default color option or a color that conforms to the environment and architecture of the community. Micro wind energy structures shall maintain galvanized steel brushed aluminum or white finish, unless FAA standards required otherwise.
(7) Micro wind energy conversion systems shall not be used for displaying any advertising except for reasonable identification of the manufacturer or operator of the wind turbine.
(8) Illumination. Micro wind energy conversion systems shall not be illuminated in any way unless required by FCC or FAA regulations. FCC or FAA regulations shall be demonstrated to the Planning Director prior to installation.
(9) Abandoned systems. A micro wind energy conversion system shall be considered abandoned if use as a wind energy conversion system is discontinued for one year or more. The Plan Commission or Planning Director may require removal of it after a 90-day notice period.
(B) These wind energy conversion system standards apply to the following districts: AG, B1, LI and HI. The following standards apply to small wind energy conversion systems.
(1) Supporting structure. A freestanding tower or pole.
(2) Height. Maximum 120 feet to the top of the rotor blade at its highest point. The minimum height of the rotor axis turbine shall be 30 feet from the base of the tower.
(3) Rotor diameter. The maximum rotor diameter shall be 30 feet.
(4) Minimum setbacks. Equal to the height of the tower measured from all:
(a) Property lines; and
(b) Overhead utility lines (except those connecting to the principal building).
(c) Additionally, no tower shall be placed within any required front, rear, or side yard.
(5) Access shall be limited by:
(a) A six -foot high fence around the base of the tower;
(b) Limiting tower climbing apparatus to not lower than 12 feet above the ground; or
(c) A design that does not include climbing apparatus because the turbine is lowered for service.
(6) All access doors or panels to wind turbine towers and electrical equipment shall be lockable.
(7) Noise. Noise levels generated shall not exceed 40 DBA at the property line.
(8) Generators shall not produce detrimental electromagnetic interference on adjacent properties.
(9) Wind turbines shall be painted a non-reflective, non-obtrusive color such as the
manufacturer's default color option or a color that conforms to the environment and architecture of the community. Small wind energy towers shall maintain galvanized steel, brushed aluminum or white finish, unless FAA standards required otherwise. The town may require a photo of a small wind energy system of the same model that is subject of the landowner's application adjacent to a building or some other object illustrating scale (e.g., manufacturer's photo).
(10) Small wind energy conversion systems shall not be used for displaying any advertising except for reasonable identification of the manufacturer or operator of the wind turbine.
(11) Electrical controls and control wiring and power-lines shall be wireless or underground except where small wind energy system wiring is brought together for connection to the transmission or distribution network, adjacent to that network.
(12) Appropriate warning signage (e.g., electrical hazards) shall be placed on wind turbine towers, electrical equipment, and small wind energy conversion systems.
(13) If a small wind energy conversion system is to be interconnected to the electric utility, proof of an executed interconnect agreement shall be provided before the system is interconnected.
(14) Abandoned systems. A small wind energy conversion system shall be considered abandoned if use as a wind energy conversion system is discontinued for one year or more. The Plan Commission or Planning Director may require removal of it after a 90-day notice period.
(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)