(B) General requirements in all zoning districts.
(1) Connection. Shall not be connected to utility grid. The commercial sale of surplus energy is prohibited.
(2) Noise. Sound pressure levels shall not exceed 55 dB(A) at the property line closest to the wind energy system. This sound pressure level may be exceeded during short-term events such as utility outages and/or severe wind storms. If the ambient sound pressure level exceeds 55 dB(A), the standard shall be ambient dB(A) plus 5 dB(A).
(3) Setback. The base of tower shall be set back a distance of not less than 1-1/2 times the height of tower from the nearest property line. In addition, no part of the wind energy system structure, including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than 10 feet to the nearest property line.
(4) Safety.
(a) Vertical clearance. The minimum vertical blade tip clearance from grade shall be 20 feet for a wind energy system employing a horizontal axis rotor. Blade or rotor arc must be demonstrated to be a safe and reasonable distance from any separate building, structure, utility wire, or tree.
(b) Guy wire visibility. If a wind energy system tower is supported by guy wires, the wires shall be clearly visible to a height of at least 6 feet above the guy wire anchors.
(c) Rotor or blade integrity protection. An on-site use wind energy system shall have automatic braking, governing, or a feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation or over speeding.
(d) Lightning. All wind energy system towers shall have lightning protection.
(5) Construction codes, towers, and interconnection standards. On-site use wind energy systems, including towers, shall comply with all applicable state construction and electrical codes and local building permit requirements. On-site use wind energy systems, including towers, shall comply with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, the Michigan Airport Zoning Act, the Michigan Tall Structures Act, and local jurisdiction airport overlay zone regulations.
(6) Wiring. All wiring between the tower and the principal building shall be underground.
(C) Residential districts. When located in R-1A, R-1B, R-M, and MHP Districts, the following additional regulations shall apply:
(1) An on-site use wind energy system shall be located only in a rear yard; and
(2) The height of the tower above the average grade of the lot shall not exceed 35 feet to the top of the blade in its vertical position.
(D) Business districts. When located in B-1, B-2, or W-M Districts, the following additional regulations shall apply: the height of the tower above the average grade of the lot shall not exceed 50 feet to the top of the blade in its vertical position.
(E) Industrial districts. When located in I-1 or I-2 Districts, the following additional regulations shall apply: the height of the tower above the average grade of the lot shall not exceed 65 feet to the top of the blade in its vertical position.
(Ord. 08-01, passed 5-15-2008)