(A) Generally. The wind energy system, as defined, is permitted in all zoning districts. Commercial wind energy systems are permitted only in the Heavy Industry (HI) District.
(B) Setback. The setback for a wind energy system shall be determined based upon its total height. The minimum setback shall be 1.3 times the total height from the nearest property line, public right-of-way, utility corridor, and overhead public utilities, such as fiber optic, cable, telephone or electric lines. No wind energy systems shall be permitted in front yards.
(C) Design standards.
(1) Tower design. The design of the tower, if any, shall be a single enclosed pole, which is free standing, without guy wires, or an open lattice tower. When either type of tower is employed, it shall have anti-climbing protection. A single enclosed pole shall have no climbing rungs for the first 15 feet from the foundation. A lattice tower shall have fencing or other material of sufficient height to prevent climbing of the tower.
(2) Minimum blade height. The minimum height of the lowest extent of the turbine blade shall be 30 feet above the foundation of the tower or 30 feet above any structure or obstacle within 30 feet horizontally from any part of the arc of the turbine blades.
(3) Noise. No wind energy system shall generate sounds exceeding 45 Dba as measured 100 feet from the tower or mounting base. Noise generated from these systems shall also comply with existing village noise ordinances.
(4) Visual appearance. Wind energy systems shall be finished in a corrosion-resistant, non-obtrusive finish and color that is non-reflective. No wind energy system shall be lighted, unless required by FAA. No flags, streamers, decorations or advertising signs of any kind or nature shall be permitted on any system. All systems shall have a clearly visible warning sign at the base of the system warning of "High Voltage". All access doors to the wind energy system, if any, shall be locked to prevent entry by non-authorized personnel.
(5) Electrical interconnections. All electrical interconnections and distribution electric lines shall be underground and comply with all applicable codes and requirements. Before any wind energy system may be installed, the owner shall first make application for interconnect to the village's municipal electric system with the Village Administrator's office, and also enter into a power interconnect agreement with the village. Both interconnect application and interconnect agreement forms are available from the Village Administrator. Under no circumstance shall wind energy systems provide power to off-site buildings, structures, uses or other electric power energy distribution systems (power grids) other than the village municipal power system.
(6) Signal interference. No wind energy system shall cause material interference with television or other communication signals received from abutting property owners. Once determined that the system is causing interference, the owner shall take steps to filter, reflect or block any noise causing such interference. Failure to correct the cause for interference may cause the village to terminate wind energy system use service until such time the interference is corrected.
(7) Controls and brakes. All wind energy systems with external blades shall be equipped with a redundant braking system. This includes both aerodynamic over-speed controls (including pitch, tip and other similar systems) and mechanical brakes. Mechanical brakes shall be operated in a fail-safe mode. Stall regulations shall not be considered a sufficient braking system for over-speed protections.
(8) Other requirements. Wind energy systems proposed to be connected to the village's municipal power shall be net metered, and all wind energy systems shall have grid failure disconnect systems and shall adhere to R.C. § 4928.67.
(D) Permit applications. Applications for a wind energy system are available from the Village Administrator and shall include the following information.
(1) Site plan. Site plan (map view) to scale showing the location of all of the components of the proposed wind energy system and the locations of all existing buildings, structures, property lines; overhead utilities, along with distances.
(2) Elevation drawings. Elevation (side view) drawings of the site to scale showing the height, design, and configuration of the system and the height and distance to all existing structures, buildings, overhead utilities, property lines.
(3) Structural drawings and engineering analysis. Structural drawings and engineering analysis of the system tower and/or supporting structure, demonstrating adequate weight and lateral stress capacity, and a standard foundation and anchor design demonstrating adequate vertical and lateral support capacity for the soil conditions at the site. All roof top mounts and free standing tower type designs shall be certified by a registered professional engineer from the state.
(4) Specific information. Specific information on the type, size, rotor material, rated power output, performance, safety and noise characteristics of all parts of the system, including the name and address of the component manufacturers model and serial numbers of all system components and statement from the manufacturer that the system meets all applicable electrical codes.
(5) Insurance. Property owners of a wind energy system shall maintain a current liability insurance policy which will cover installation and operation of the wind energy system at all times. The liability insurance policy shall, as a minimum, include covering bodily injury and property damage with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 in the aggregate. Property owner shall provide a copy of a current policy and make part of the application for a wind energy system. Annually property owner and/or wind energy system owner shall be required to re-apply for a wind energy system permit which requires proof of insurance.
(Ord. 08-2010, passed 4-19-10; Am. Ord. 09-2022, passed 12-5-22)