All small energy systems permitted in the city are subject to the following requirements:
(A) Setbacks. A wind tower for a small wind system shall be set back a distance equal to its total height from:
(1) Any public road right-of-way, unless written permission is granted by the governmental entity with jurisdiction over the road;
(2) Any overhead utility lines, unless written permission is granted by the affected utility;
(3) All property lines, unless written permission is granted from the affected land owner or neighbor.
(B) Access.
(1) All ground-mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled or secured to prevent unauthorized access;
(2) The tower shall be designed and installed so as not to provide step bolts or a ladder readily accessible to the public for a minimum height of eight feet above the ground.
(C) Electrical wires. All electrical wires associated with a small wind energy system, other than wires necessary to connect the wind generator to the tower wiring, the tower wiring to the disconnect junction box, and the grounding wires shall be located underground.
(D) Lighting. A wind tower and generator shall not be artificially lighted unless such lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
(E) Appearance, color, and finish. The wind generator and tower shall remain painted or finished the color or finish that was originally applied by the manufacturer, unless approved by the building permit.
(F) Signs. All signs, other than the manufacturer's or installer's identification, appropriate warning signs, or owner identification on a wind generator, tower, building, or other structure associated with a small wind energy system visible from any public road shall be prohibited.
(G) Code compliance. A small wind energy system, including tower, shall comply with all applicable state construction and electrical codes, and the National Electrical Code.
(H) Utility notification and interconnection. Small wind energy systems that connect to the electric utility shall comply with all applicable rules relating to notification of and interconnection with such utility.
(I) Met towers. Shall be permitted under the same standards, permit requirements, restoration requirements, and permit procedures as a small wing energy system.
(Ord. 11-10-061, passed 11-28-2011) Penalty, see § 157.99