A. General Restrictions: All wind energy systems shall comply with the following provisions:
1. Maximum Number: The maximum number of wind energy systems on any lot shall be two (2). On any lot, if there are two (2) systems, both may be building mounted wind energy systems or freestanding systems or there may be one of each kind of system; however, any lot of less than one acre in size may have only one freestanding wind energy system.
2. Safety Shutoff: All wind energy systems shall be equipped with manual and/or automatic controls to limit rotation of blades to a speed within the manufacturer's design limits.
3. Sound: Sound levels for any wind energy system, as measured at the property line, shall not exceed fifty (50) dBA, except during such short term events and utility outages or a severe windstorm. The village may, at its discretion, require a professional sound measurement by a third party expert at the expense of the property owner, to confirm performance of the wind energy system, in accordance with the performance standards, as measured at the nearest property line.
4. Color: Finishes of wind energy systems shall be nonreflective, neutral and monochromatic in color and shall minimize visual disruption to the surrounding area. Ground equipment, such as cabinets and associated facilities, shall be factory finished to match or complement the color of other structures on the lot.
B. Building Mounted Wind Energy Systems: Approval of building mounted wind energy systems shall be subject to the following provisions:
1. Maximum Height: The total height of a building mounted wind energy system shall not exceed ten feet (10') above the peak roof height or ten feet (10') above the maximum permitted height of the zoning district, whichever is less.
2. Diameter: The maximum diameter of a building mounted wind energy system shall be ten feet (10').
3. Mounting: Building mounted wind energy systems may be affixed to the roof deck of a flat roof or to the ridge or slope of a pitched roof, set back a minimum of five feet (5') from the edge or eave of the roof, but shall not be affixed to the parapet or chimney of any structure. A structural analysis of the existing building is recommended and may be required by the director of community services as part of the building permit process to confirm that the structure is capable of supporting the minimum loads assumed by the structural design of the turbine and mounting system.
C. Freestanding Wind Energy Systems: Approval of freestanding wind energy systems shall be subject to the following provisions:
1. Maximum Height: The tower height of a freestanding wind energy system shall not exceed forty five feet (45').
2. Setback: Freestanding wind energy systems, including guywires and related equipment, shall not be located in any required yards or located over any public utility easement, nor shall the base of the tower or pole of a freestanding wind energy system be located closer to any property line or overhead utility than a distance equal to 1.3 times the tower height.
3. Minimum Clearance: In the case of a horizontal axis wind turbine, the minimum clearance between the lowest tip of the rotor or blade and the ground shall be fifteen feet (15'), and in the case of a vertical axis wind turbine, the minimum clearance between the lowest tip of the rotor or blade and the ground shall be ten feet (10').
4. Base Of Tower: All towers shall be embedded in an approved concrete foundation. An owner may be required to supply a copy of appropriate manufacturer's specifications and warranties, engineer's calculations and drawings and all such technical documents appropriate to substantiate compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the requirements for a building permit.
5. Unauthorized Access: Freestanding wind energy systems and all components thereof shall be protected against unauthorized access by the public. No climbing ladder, foot pegs or rungs shall be permanently attached below a height of twelve feet (12') above grade. (Ord. 12-4-5, 4-3-2012)