(a) Permitted Locations. A small WECS is permitted in any zoning district.
(b) Setbacks.
(1) Property lines. The vertical part of a small WECS shall be set back from the nearest property line, public road right-of-way and communication and electrical line not less than 1.1 to 1.0 times its total height.
(c) Design Standards.
(1) Tower Design. The design of the small WECS tower, if any, shall be a single enclosed pole, which is freestanding, without guy wires. Open lattice towers shall not be employed.
(2) Minimum Blade Height. The minimum height of the lowest extent of a turbine blade shall be 30 feet above the ground or 30 feet above any structure or obstacle within 30 feet horizontally from any part of the arc of the turbine blades.
(3) Access. No tower shall have a climbing apparatus within 15 feet of the ground. All access doors or access ways to towers and electrical equipment shall be able to be locked.
(4) Noise. No small WECS shall generate sounds exceeding 60 dBA as measured 100 feet from the tower. Noise generated by any small WECS shall also comply with existing city noise ordinances.
(5) Visual Appearance. Small wind energy conversion or tower systems shall be finished in a corrosion-resistant, non-obtrusive finish and color that is non-reflective. No small WECS or tower shall be lighted unless required by the FAA. No flags, streamers, decorations, advertising signs of any kind or nature whatsoever shall be permitted on any small WECS.
(6) Electrical Interconnections. All electrical interconnection or distribution lines shall be underground and comply with all applicable codes and public utility requirements.
(7) Signal Interference. Efforts shall be made to site small WECS or towers to reduce the likelihood of blocking or reflecting television and other communication signals. If signal interference occurs, both the small WECS or tower owner and individual receiving interference shall make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem. No small WECS or tower shall cause permanent and material interference with television or other communication signals.
(d) Permit Applications. Applications for a small WECS and/or tower shall include the following information:
(1) Site plan (map view) to scale showing the location of all of the components of the proposed small WECS and the locations of all existing buildings, structures and property lines, along with distances; and
(2) Elevation (side view) drawings of the site to scale showing the height, design and configuration of the small WECS and the height and distance to all existing structures, buildings, electrical lines and property lines; and
(3) Structural drawings and engineering analyses of the WECS tower and/or supporting structure, demonstrating adequate weight and lateral stress capacity; and
(4) A standard foundation and anchor design demonstrating adequate vertical and lateral support capacity for the soil conditions at the site; and
(5) Specific information on the type, size, rotor material, rated power output, performance, safety and noise characteristics of all parts of the WECS; including the name and address of the component manufacturers, model and serial numbers of all WECS components; and
(6) Emergency and normal shutdown procedures; and
(7) An electrical one-line drawing of the electrical components of the system in sufficient detail to establish that the installation conforms to all applicable electrical codes; and
(8) Evidence that the provider of electrical service of the property has been notified of the intent to install an interconnected electricity generator; unless the system will not be connected to the electricity grid.
(Ord. 2011-79. Passed 1-9-12; Ord. 2012-26. Passed 3-12-12.)