(A) Prior to the construction of a utility grade wind energy system, a wind site assessment is conducted to determine the wind speeds and the feasibility of using the site. Installation of anemometer towers also known as meteorological or “MET” towers shall be considered a special land use. Prior to the installation of the tower, an application for a special land use permit shall be filed with the township that will include:
(1) Applicant 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 site assessment; and
(4) Proof of the applicant’s public liability insurance. The distance from the center of a MET tower and the property lines between the leased property and the non-leased property shall be at least the height of the MET tower.
(B) Leased property can include more than one piece of property and the requirement shall apply to the combined properties.
(C) A utility grade wind energy system is designed and built to provide electricity to the electric utility grid. Utility grade wind energy systems shall be considered a special land use. Prior to the installation of a utility grade wind energy system, an application for a special land use permit shall be filed with the township and shall include the following:
(1) Applicant identification. Applicant name, address, and contact information;
(2) Project description. A general description of the proposed project including a legal description of the property or properties on which the project would be located and an anticipated construction schedule;
(3) Site plan. The site plan shall include maps showing the physical features and land uses of the project area, both before and after construction of the proposed project. The site plan shall include:
(a) The project area boundaries;
(b) The location, height, and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures and fencing;
(c) The location, grades, and dimensions of all temporary and permanent on-site and access roads from the nearest county or state maintained road;
(d) Existing topography;
(e) Water bodies, waterways, wetlands, and drainage channels; and
(f) All new above-ground infrastructure related to the project.
(4) Insurance. Proof of the applicant’s public liability insurance;
(5) Sound pressure level. Copy of the modeling and analysis report;
(6) Certifications. Certification that applicant has complied or will comply with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Copies of all such permits and approvals that have been obtained or applied for at time of the application;
(7) Visual impact. Visual simulations of how the completed project will look from four viewable angles;
(8) Environment impact. Copy of the environment impact analysis;
(9) Avian and wildlife impact. Copy of the avian and wildlife impact analysis;
(10) Shadow flicker. Copy of the shadow flicker analysis;
(11) Manufacturer’s material safety data sheet(s). Documentation shall include the type and quantity of all materials used in the operation of all equipment including, but not limited to, all lubricants and coolants;
(12) Decommissioning. Copy of the decommissioning plan; and
(13) Complaint resolution. Description of the complaint resolution process.
(D) A utility grade wind energy system will be allowed in an AR, Commercial, and Industrial District by special land use permit.
(E) A utility grade wind energy system shall not be located closer than 75 feet from any structure.
(Ord. passed 5-13-2009)