(a) Wind energy projects shall be maintained in good working order. A complete inspection of the system shall occur every two years at the cost of the owner. Inspections shall occur no later than September 30th of the required inspection calendar year and a copy of the inspection report shall be submitted to the Village by no later than October 31st of said inspection calendar year.
(b) The owner shall within 30 days of permanently ceasing operation of a small wind energy project, provide written notice of abandonment to the Zoning Inspector.
(c) A small wind energy project that is unused or out-of-service for a continuous 6 month period shall be deemed to have been abandoned. The Zoning Inspector may issue a Notice of Abandonment to the owner of the wind project that the project has been deemed to have been abandoned. The equipment owner shall have the right to respond to the Zoning Inspector's Notice of Abandonment within 30 days from the Notice date. The Zoning Inspector shall withdraw the Notice of Abandonment and notify the equipment owner that the Notice has been withdrawn if the owner provides verification that demonstrates that the wind project has not been abandoned. Periodic or intermittent usage of a small wind energy project for a period of less than 30 consecutive days shall not constitute an active system.
(d) If the small wind energy project is determined to be abandoned or the Zoning Inspector receives a Notice of Abandonment from the equipment owner, the small wind project shall be removed within 90 days of the Notice of Abandonment and the site must be reclaimed. "Reclamation" includes removal of all equipment and apparatuses, supports and/or other hardware associated with the existing wind turbine, including removal of the above mentioned items to a depth of three (3) feet below grade if ground mounted. If the owner fails to remove a small wind energy project, the Village may cause the removal of the structures at the expense of the permit holder or other responsible party.
(Ord. 1-15. Passed 4-27-15.)