§ 159.287 WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS.
   The regulations regarding wind energy conversion systems (hereafter referred to as WECS) shall be as follows.
   (a)   Limited use. No WECS installed in accordance with the requirements of these regulations shall generate power as a commercial enterprise as defined by the public utility commission.
   (b)   Setback requirements.
      (1)   The minimum distance between the property line, overhead utility lines or another wind turban, and any tower support base of a WECS shall be equal to the proposed tower height (plus the radius of the rotor for the horizontal access machines).
      (2)   Contiguous property owners and planned developments may construct a WECS for their use in common. If property held by more than one single owner is used to meet the setback requirements, a site plan establishing easements or reserved areas must be submitted to the planning commissions for their approval.
   (c)   Tower access. Climbing access to the WECS tower shall be limited either by means of a fence six feet high around the tower base with a locking portal, or by limiting tower climbing apparatus so there is access to it no lower than 12 feet from the ground.
   (d)   Electromagnetic interference. If a WECS is installed in any location along or within the major access of an existing microwave communications link, the person desiring to install the WECS shall be required to provide a letter from the business whose link they are within or adjacent to stating that the business whose link is affected would have no objection to the installation of the WECS.
   (e)   Air space. A WECS shall be located or installed in compliance with the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations with regard to airport approach zones and clearance around VOR stations.
   (f)   Interconnect. The WECS, if interconnected to an electric utility distribution system, shall meet the interconnect requirements of the electric utility company.
(1992 Code, App. C, § 15.03) (Ord. 20-02, passed 3-18-2002)