(a) Electrical Interconnections.
(1) Before any Wind Energy System is installed, or connected to the commercial power system (power grid), the owner shall first make application for interconnect to the commercial power system (power grid) and shall enter into a power interconnect agreement with a copy of said agreement submitted at the time of application for a conditional use permit.
(2) All Wind Energy Systems shall conform to the National Electric Code and Ohio Building Code and all electrical interconnections and distribution electric lines shall be underground and shall comply with all applicable codes and requirements.
(3) Any Wind Energy System shall not provide power to off-site buildings, structures, or uses other than the electrical power energy distribution system (power grid).
(b) Specific Information.
(1) Specific information on the type, size rotor, material and rated power output, performance , safety and noise characteristics and decibel rating, 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. This information shall be submitted at the time of application for a conditional use permit.
(2) All Wind Energy Systems connected to the commercial power system (power grid) shall be net metered, and shall have grid failure disconnect systems and shall adhere to the Ohio R.C. 4928.67.
(c) Liability Insurance. Property owners of all Wind Energy Systems 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 one (1) million dollars per occurrence and one (1) million dollars in the aggregate. Property owners shall make the City of Salem a Certificate Holder and provide a copy of said certificate to the City of Salem. Annually, a property owner and/or Wind Energy System owner shall be required to renew the Wind Energy System Permit at a cost of fifty dollars ($50.00) and proof of insurance with the City of Salem as a Certificate Holder.
(d) Signal Interference. No Wind Energy System shall cause interference with television, internet or other communication signals received from abutting property owners. Once determined, said system is causing interference, the owner shall take steps to filter or block the cause of said interference. Failure to correct the cause for interference may cause the City to order the owner to terminate the Wind Energy System until such time the interference is corrected.
(e) Noise. No Wind Energy System shall generate sounds exceeding 60 decibels as measured from the nearest property lines.
(f) Useful Life and Decommissioning. All Wind Energy Applications shall include identification of the useful life of the Wind Energy System, as well as a decommissioning plan for the Wind Energy System.
(g) Modifications. Physical modifications to an existing and permitted Wind Energy System that materially alters the size, type and number of such systems with such materiality being determined by the Zoning Office shall require a new permit to be issued.
(h) Wind Energy Systems. No experimental, home built, or prototype Wind Energy System shall be allowed.
(i) Electric Power Energy Distribution System. All Wind Energy Systems shall be connected to the Electric Power Energy Distribution System (power grid).
(j) Setback. The setback distance for all pole mounted Wind Energy Systems shall be determined and based on the total height of the system. The minimum setback shall be 1.1 times the total height from the nearest property line; public right-of-way; rail line; utility corridor/easement and; overhead public utilities, such as fibre optic, cable, telephone or electric lines.
(k) Anti-Climbing Device. A single pole tower shall have anti-climbing protection which shall consist of not having rungs/ladders or other climbing devices for the first fifteen (15) feet from the foundation.
(l) Warning Signs. Appropriate warning signs to address voltage shall be posted.
(m) Maintenance. All Wind Energy Systems shall be maintained in good working order in accordance with manufacturers specifications.
(Ord. 110504-18. Passed 6-21-11.)