A. General:
1. The regulations of this section apply to all small wind energy conversion systems.
2. Small wind energy conversion systems are also subject to Building Code requirements.
B. Where Allowed:
1. One small wind energy conversion system is permitted per lot as an accessory use to a lawfully established principal use in all zoning districts, provided that such systems comply with all applicable requirements of this section.
2. Up to three (3) small wind energy conversion systems may be allowed on a single lot if the lot is at least one acre in area and the systems are approved in accordance with the special exception procedures of section 10-15-12 of this title.
C. Height:
1. The maximum allowed height of a small wind energy conversion system, measured as the distance from ground level at the base of the structure to the highest point of the structure, varies based on the size of the lot on which it is located, as indicated in table 8-1 of this section.
Lot Area | Maximum Height |
0 - 0.99 acres | 30 feet |
1 - 1.99 acres | 65 feet |
2 - 4.99 acres | 85 feet |
5 acres or more | 100 feet |
2. The lowest point of any moving elements, such as blades or vanes, must be at least twenty five feet (25') above grade immediately beneath the moving element.
D. Siting: Small wind energy conversion systems may not be located in required building setbacks or within easements. In addition, systems must be set back from all property lines by a distance at least equal to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the overall height of the system, measured from grade at the base of the structure to the highest point of the system structure, which includes the tip of the top blade when the blade is in its highest position.
E. Design And Operation:
1. All small wind energy conversion systems must be equipped with manual and automatic over-speed controls to limit the blade rotation speed to within the design limits of the system.
2. The rotating turbine may not produce vibrations that are perceptible to humans standing at ground level outside the property lines of the subject lot.
3. Operational noise of a small wind energy system may not exceed sixty (60) db(A) at the nearest property line except during short-term high wind speed events such as storms.
4. Lattice-type towers and towers using guy wires are prohibited.
5. All power transmission and telemetry lines from a ground- mounted small wind energy conversion system to any building or other structure must be placed underground.
6. Towers, rotors and turbines may not be illuminated unless required by a State or Federal agency, such as the FAA.
7. All structures and equipment must maintain factory colors or be finished in a non-reflective, matte finished, neutral color.
8. No commercial messages may be placed or painted on the tower, rotor, turbine, generator or tail vane that is legible from off- site. This provision is not intended to prohibit warning signs or manufacturer's logos.
9. All climbing pegs, ladders and similar apparatus on ground- mounted small wind energy conversion systems must be located at least twelve feet (12') above the ground at the base of the structure.
F. Permits: The following information must be submitted with a zoning clearance permit application for a small wind energy conversion system:
1. A description of the system, including its maximum power-rated output capacity.
2. The make, model, an illustrative photograph or brochure, manufacturer's specifications including noise data (decibels) for the proposed wind energy conversion system, the support structure, and method of attachment to the ground and/or structure.
3. Elevation drawing of the wind energy conversion system showing total height, turbine dimensions, tower and turbine colors, distance between ground and lowest point of any blade, and if proposed, the location of climbing apparatus.
4. If the wind energy conversion system is not certified as meeting the IEEE 1547 standards (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), then an assessment must be provided from an electrical engineer indicating that protection equivalent to the IEEE standard will be provided.
G. Abandonment: Any small wind energy conversion system that is not operated for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more or that is in an obvious state of disrepair or a threat to public safety will be considered abandoned and must be dismantled and removed from the property at the expense of the property owner. (Ord. 2018-16, 12-4-2018)