Wind turbines shall be a conditional accessory use in any residential zoning district subject to the following:
(A) Applicability. These regulations apply to any property use located in a residential zoning district and that has a rated output of greater than 0.5 kW.
(B) Number of small wind turbines allowed. One per land parcel.
(C) Location. Wind energy conversion systems may be located either in the rear yard (freestanding) or on the roof of the house or garage (attached).
(D) Minimum parcel size required. One-half acre.
(E) Setback.
(1) Freestanding wind turbines shall be set back by a distance equal to the height of the wind turbine from any property line or overhead utility lines. Height shall be measured from the base of the tower to the top of the rotor arc. The requirement in this section regarding shadow flicker may dictate additional setback.
(2) Guy wire anchors shall be set back at least 5 feet from any property line.
(F) Tower height.
(1) Freestanding systems. The tower height (including the turbine housing but not including the rotor) shall not exceed 50 feet for parcels up to 0.50 acre. The tower height shall not exceed 80 feet for parcels greater than 0.50 acre.
(2) Attached systems. The tower height (including the turbine housing but not including the rotor) shall not exceed the height of the building plus ten feet.
(G) Rotor diameter. The maximum rotor diameter for Residential district wind turbines with a horizontal axis shall be 12 feet.
(H) Wiring location. All wiring from the tower to the residence shall be underground.
(I) Automatic over-speed controls. All small wind turbines shall be equipped with manual (electronic or mechanical) and automatic over-speed controls to limit the blade rotation speed to within the design limits of the residential wind energy system.
(J) Interference avoidance. Wind turbines shall not be installed in any location where they would interfere with existing residential radio, television, wireless phone or other personal communication system reception. No small wind turbines shall be installed in any location along the major axis of an existing microwave communication link where its operation is likely to produce electromagnetic interference in the link’s operation.
(K) Appearance. The small wind turbine and tower shall have a flat finish as applied by the manufacturer. The objective is to have the equipment as inconspicuous as practicable.
(L) Information to be submitted. All applications shall include the information required for a site plan approval. In addition, the applicant shall submit:
(1) A site plan showing:
(a) Property lines and physical dimensions of the subject property;
(b) Location, dimensions and types of existing structures on the property;
(c) Location of the proposed wind system tower, foundations, guy anchors and associated equipment; and
(d) Location all overhead utilities.
(2) Small wind turbine system specifications, including manufacturer and model, rotor diameter, tower height and tower type (freestanding or guyed);
(3) Tower foundation blueprints or drawings signed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in Minnesota;
(4) Tower blueprint or drawing signed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in Minnesota;
(5) Evidence from a certified professional that the wind turbine will not result in shadow flicker on the windows of a nearby occupied structure of any type for more than 30 minutes per day; or for more than one hour per day on a public road or a residential lot.
(M) Compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations. Small wind turbines must comply with applicable FAA regulations.
(N) Insurance. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for the installation of a small wind turbine, the applicant shall provide the Community Development Department with evidence that the homeowner’s insurance policy has been endorsed to cover damage or injury that might result from the installation and operation of the wind turbine.
(Ord. 1040, passed 1-5-16)