(A) Color and finish. All components of the wind turbine shall be painted a neutral, non-reflective exterior color designed to blend with the surrounding environment, such as white, light gray or light blue.
(B) Lighting. Wind turbines shall be lighted only if required by the FAA. Lighting of non-tower parts of the wind turbine, such as appurtenant structures, shall be limited to that required for safety, security, and operational purposes, and shall be reasonably shielded from abutting properties. Lighting shall be designed to minimize glare on abutting properties and except as required by the FAA be directed downward with full cut-off fixtures to reduce light pollution.
(C) Shadow/flicker. Wind turbines shall be sited to ensure that no shadowing or flicker occurs on neighboring property. The applicant has the burden of proving that the wind turbine will not produce shadowing or flicker on neighboring property. A failure to meet this burden of proof shall result in denial of the wind turbine application.
(D) Noise. Noise levels resulting from operation of a wind turbine shall not exceed 30 dB(A) as measured at the property line, and averaged over a ten minute time period. This provision is to be considered a minimum standard, and the Zoning Board of Review may impose more restrictive requirements as deemed necessary. The applicant shall present appropriate documentation and/or analysis to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Zoning Board of Review that the proposed installation will comply with this requirement.
(E) Signs. A clearly visible warning sign concerning voltage shall be placed at the base of all wind turbines. No other signs shall be permitted on any wind turbine, except signs necessary to identify the owner, provide emergency contact information, and warn of other dangers associated with the wind turbine. Also permitted are educational signs providing information about the wind turbine and the benefits of renewable energy. All signs shall comply with the requirements of Article 12, Signs.
(F) Before issuance of a permit for the wind turbine, the applicant shall submit documentation from the utility approving the proposed connection. All electrical connections, including transformers, shall be installed underground unless the utility, as shown by the documentation, requires the electrical connections to be installed above-ground.
(G) Unauthorized access. Wind turbines shall be designed to prevent unauthorized access. When deemed reasonably necessary because of the location of the wind turbine on the site and the surrounding neighborhood, the Zoning Board of Review may require protective fencing.
(H) Appurtenant structures. Appurtenant structures, such as equipment shelters, storage facilities, transformers, and substations, shall be contained within the turbine tower or other existing structures on the property whenever technically and economically feasible; shall be used only for housing of equipment for this particular site; and, whenever reasonable, shall be shielded from view by vegetation and/or located in an underground vault and joined or clustered to avoid adverse visual impacts. Appurtenant structures to wind turbines are subject to regulations of this chapter pertaining to accessory buildings in Table 6-2, § 603.
(I) Towers. Monopole towers, rather than lattice or cable-supported towers, shall be used for wind turbines unless the Zoning Board of Review finds, for reasons stated in its opinion, that the use of a monopole tower is impractical. If a cable-supported tower is used, reflective colored objects, such as flags, reflectors, or tape, shall be placed on the anchor points of guy wires and along the guy wires up to a height of ten feet from the ground.
(J) Other considerations. In deciding whether to grant a special-use permit for a wind turbine, the Zoning Board of Review may consider all relevant matters not expressly mentioned in this article, such as the potential adverse impacts of the wind turbine on wildlife habitats and scenic vistas, and interference with electromagnetic communications, such as telephone, radio, and television. Wind turbines shall not interfere with any telecommunications transmissions, including local emergency responders, military and civilian personal radio use. The Board shall consider the provisions of § 904 and may impose special conditions reasonably necessary to remove or alleviate any potential adverse impacts.
(Ord. passed 2-16-10; Am. Ord. 2012-14, passed 9-17-12)