(A) An on-site use wind energy system is intended to primarily serve the needs of the consumer. An on-site use wind energy system with a tower higher than 60 feet shall be considered a special land use.
(B) On site use wind energy systems with no towers, or towers 60 feet or less, shall be a permitted use in all zoning classifications where structures of any sort are allowed, subject to the following requirements.
(1) Anemometer towers more than 60 feet in height used to conduct a wind site assessment for possible installation of an on-site use wind energy system shall also be a special land use.
(2) Prior to the installation of an on-site use wind energy system with a tower higher than an overall height of 75 feet, an application for a special land use permit shall be filed with the township, which will include:
(a) Applicant identification;
(b) A site plan;
(c) Documentation that sound pressure level, construction code, tower, interconnection (if applicable), and safety requirements have been met; and
(d) Proof of the applicant’s public liability insurance.
(C) Prior to the installation of an anemometer tower more than an overall height of 75 feet, an application for a special land use permit shall be filed with the township that will include:
(1) Application identification;
(2) A site plan;
(3) A copy of that portion of the applicant’s lease with the land owner granting authority to install the MET tower and requiring the applicant to remove all equipment and restore the site after completion of the wind assessment; and
(4) Proof of the applicant’s public liability insurance.
(D) The distance between an on-site use wind energy system and the owner’s property lines shall be at least one time the height of the wind energy system tower including the top of the blade in its vertical position. The distance between an anemometer tower and the owner’s property lines shall be at least one time the height of the tower. No part of the wind energy system structure, including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than seven feet to the owner’s property lines.
(E) On site use wind energy systems shall not exceed 55 Db(A) at the property line closest to the wind energy system. This sound pressure level may be exceeded during short-term events such as utility outages and/or severe wind storms. If the ambient sound pressure level exceeds 55 Db(A), the standard shall be ambient Db(A) plus five Db(A).
(F) On-site use wind energy systems, including towers, shall comply with all applicable state construction and electrical codes and local building permit requirements. On-site use wind energy systems including towers shall comply with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, the Michigan Airport Zoning Act (Public Act 23 of 1950, being M.C.L.A. §§ 259.431 et seq.), the Michigan Tall Structures Act (Public Act 259 of 1959, being M.C.L.A. §§ 259.481 et seq.), and local jurisdiction airport overlay zone regulations. An interconnected on-site use wind energy system shall comply with Michigan Public Service Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission standards. Off-grid systems are exempt from this requirement.
(G) An on-site use wind energy system shall have automatic braking, governing, or a feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation or over speeding. All wind towers shall have lightning protection. If a tower is supported by guy wires, the wires shall be clearly visible to a height of at least six feet above the guy wire anchors. The minimum vertical blade tip clearance from grade shall be 20 feet for a wind energy system employing a horizontal axis rotor.
(H) An on-site wind energy system shall be no larger than 25 kw.
(I) No part of the blade shall be closer to the ground than 20 feet.
(Ord. passed 5-13-2009)