To the extent any definition contained in this subchapter conflicts with any definition or term contained elsewhere in the village’s zoning ordinance or village code, the definition in this subchapter shall control as to the regulation of wind energy systems. For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT or ABANDONED. Any small wind energy system (SWES) that has not been repaired to operational condition within 90 days after falling out of operational condition.
AMBIENT SOUND. The all-encompassing sound at a given location, usually a composite of sounds from many sources near and far. For the purpose of this chapter, the AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL shall mean the quiescent background level, that is, the quietest of ten 10-second average sound levels measured when there are no nearby or distinctly audible sound sources (e.g., dogs, cars in line-of-sight or jets). Daytime ambient measurements should be made during mid-morning, weekday hours while nighttime measurements should be made after midnight.
APPLICANT. The owner, who is in the process of submitting or has submitted an application to install a SWES project in the village.
DAYTIME HOURS. The hours of the day from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., local time.
NAMEPLATE WATTAGE or NAMEPLATE CAPACITY. The amount of energy produced from a wind energy system at maximum or optimum wind speeds within one hour, as indicated by the manufacturer.
NIGHTTIME HOURS. The time of the day after 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m., local time.
NONPARTICIPATING PROPERTY. A property that is not owned by the owner of the property on which the SWES is proposed or installed.
OPERATIONAL CONDITION. SWES facilities being capable of operating at full capacity while meeting all sound, shadow flicker and other ordinance provisions, regulations and permit conditions.
OWNER. The person(s), who hold(s) title of the property on which a SWES or facility is installed.
SHADOW FLICKER. The on-and-off strobe light effect caused by the shadow of moving blades cast by the sun passing above the turbine. SHADOW FLICKER intensity is defined as the difference or variation in brightness at a given location in the presence and absence of a shadow.
SILHOUETTE. The area covered by moving blades of a WES turbine, as viewed from the front elevation, described in square feet.
SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS (SWES). Wind energy systems that are free-standing, or structurally attached either onto the roof or to the side of a building, not exceeding 45 feet in height above the ground.
SOUND LEVEL. The A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels (dB) (or the C-weighted level if specified) as measured using a sound level meter that meets the requirements of a Type 2 or better precision instrument according to ANSI S1.4. The “average” SOUND LEVEL is time-averaged over a suitable period (e.g. one-minute) using an integrating sound level meter that meets the requirements of ANSI S12.43.
SUN GLINT. The reflection of sunlight off of a surface of the blades, tower or other component of the wind energy system.
TOWER. The structure on which the wind system is mounted.
TURBINE. The parts of a WES including the blades, nacelle and tail.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM (WES). A wind energy production, conversion and distribution system consisting of a wind turbine, tower and associated electronics equipment.
(Ord. 2012-216, passed 2-16-2012)