SERVICE.
The following provisions are to be utilized in conjunction with Nebraska State Statues, Laws 2009, LB 436, § 1, effective date August 30, 2009, commonly known as net metering. Alternative energy sources are limited to methane, wind, solar, biomass, hydropower resources, or geothermal. One or multiple alternative energy sources may be used by a resident to supplement their household’s reliance on the local or regional electricity provider.
(A) Application requirements for a alternative energy systems.
(1) A survey map at an appropriate scale identifying: site boundary; adjacent public right-of-way; existing structures; proposed alternative energy system and accessory structures; adjacent ownership and existing residences; and any overhead utility lines.
(2) A report from a licensed engineer containing:
(a) Small wind energy system specifications including manufacturer and model, rotor diameter, tower height, tower type (freestanding or guyed); documentation to establish that the tower has sufficient structural integrity for the proposed use at the proposed location; certification that the small wind energy system complies with all applicable state construction and electrical codes; and the National Electrical Code; and
(b) All components of any alternate energy system shall be located within the lot setbacks and maximum height limits of the district in which the property is located. If sufficient land area is available, the height of a small wind energy system may exceed the maximum height limit of the district it is located when the diameter of a circle equal to twice the height of the tower fits within the width and length of a parcel, or multiple adjacent parcels under same ownership.
(B) General site and design standards.
(1) Located on a legal lot(s) or parcel(s) of record in the village, identifiable on the village plat map or within the one-half mile planning jurisdiction.
(2) Setback from property lines, public rights-of-way, and access easements shall be at least height of the tower of a small wind energy system. All other alternative energy systems shall meet the height and setback requirements of the zoning district in which there located.
(3) Turbines and towers shall be of tubular design and must be painted or coated in a non-reflective white, grey, or other neutral color and shall not used to display advertising.
(4) Small wind energy systems shall not be artificially lighted unless such lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
(5) All electrical wires associated with a alternative energy system other than the wires necessary to connect the generator to the tower wiring, the tower wiring to the disconnect junction box, and the grounding wires, shall be located underground.
(6) The maximum distance between the ground and the tip of the rotor blade of a small wind energy system, shall be 30 feet.
(7) All ground mounted electrical and control equipment must be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access. A tower may not have step bolts or a ladder within eight feet of the ground that is readily accessible to the public.
(8) The owner of any alternative energy system shall minimize or mitigate any interference with electromagnetic communications, such as radio, telephone, or television signals caused by the energy system.
(9) Construction access must be re-graded and re-vegetated to minimize environmental impacts.
(10) Alternative energy system applications must include an agreement that addresses decommissioning and abandonment of the facility. The agreement must at a minimum provide for reuse or dismantlement of the facility at the owner’s expense.
(Ord. passed 8- -2010)