(A) Scope. This subchapter applies to alternative energy systems in all zoning districts.
(B) Purpose and intent. It is the goal of the City Council to provide a sustainable quality of life for the city’s residents, making careful and effective use of available natural, human and economic resources and ensuring that resources exist to maintain and enhance the quality of life for future residents, while preserving the general characteristics of residential neighborhoods and the community uses at large. In accordance with that goal, the city finds that it is in the public interest to encourage alternative energy systems that have a positive impact on energy production and conservation while not having an adverse impact on the community. Therefore, the purposes of this section include:
(1) To promote rather than restrict development of alternative energy sources by creating a clear regulatory path for approving alternative energy systems while remaining conscientious of rights and privileges of all residents.
(2) To create a livable community where development incorporates sustainable design elements such as resource and energy conservation and use of renewable energy.
(3) To decrease the use of fossil fuels.
(a) To encourage alternative energy development in locations where the technology is viable and environmental, economic and social impacts can be mitigated.
(b) To establish reasonable requirements for performance, safety, design and aesthetics of alternative energy systems.
(C) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
ACCESSORY. A system designed as a secondary use to existing buildings or facilities, wherein the power generated is used primarily for on-site consumption.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM. A ground source heat pump, wind or solar energy system.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building including, but not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water solar systems contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights and awnings.
CLOSED LOOP GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM. A system that circulates a heat transfer fluid, typically food-grade antifreeze, through pipes or coils buried beneath the land surface or anchored to the bottom in a body of water.
FLUSH-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A roof-mounted system mounted directly abutting the roof. The pitch of the solar collector may exceed the pitch of the roof up to 5% but shall not be higher than ten inches above the roof.
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM. A system that uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth or a body of water to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. System components include open or closed loops of pipe, coils or plates; a fluid that absorbs and transfers heat; and a heat pump unit that processes heat for use or disperses heat for cooling; and an air distribution system.
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID. A non-toxic and food grade fluid such as potable water, aqueous solutions of propylene glycol not to exceed 20% by weight or aqueous solutions of potassium acetate not to exceed 20% by weight.
HORIZONTAL AXIS WIND TURBINE. A wind turbine design in which the rotor shaft is parallel to the ground and the blades are perpendicular to the ground.
HORIZONTAL GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM. A closed loop ground source heat pump system where the loops or coils are installed horizontally in a trench or series of trenches no more than 20 feet below the land surface.
HUB. The center of a wind generator rotor, which holds the blades in place and attaches to the shaft.
HUB HEIGHT. The distance measured from natural grade to the center of the turbine hub.
MONOPOLE TOWER. A tower constructed of tapered tubes that fit together symmetrically and are stacked one section on top of another and bolted to a concrete foundation without support cables.
OPEN LOOP GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM. A system that uses ground water as a heat transfer fluid by drawing ground water from a well to a heat pump and then discharging the water over land, directly in a water body or into an injection well.
PASSIVE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A system that captures solar light or heat without transforming it to another form of energy or transferring the energy via a heat exchanger.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. A solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity.
RESIDENTIAL WIND TURBINE. A wind turbine of two kilowatt (kW) nameplate generating capacity or less.
SMALL WIND TURBINE. A wind turbine of 100 kW nameplate generating capacity or less.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation or water heating.
TOTAL HEIGHT. The highest point above natural grade reached by a rotor tip or any other part of a wind turbine.
TOWER. A vertical structure that supports a wind turbine.
UTILITY WIND TURBINE. A wind turbine of more than 100 kW nameplate generating capacity.
VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE. A type of wind turbine where the main rotor shaft runs vertically.
VERTICAL GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM. A closed loop ground source heat pump system where the loops or coils are installed vertically in one or more borings below the land surface.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM. An electrical generating facility that consists of a wind turbine, feeder line(s), associated controls and may include a tower.
WIND TURBINE. Any piece of electrical generating equipment that converts the kinetic energy of blowing wind into electrical energy through the use of airfoils or similar devices to capture the wind.
(Ord. 547, passed 9-27-2011)