21.6.HH Wind Turbines: Private

Private wind turbines are subject to the following requirements.

1.  Private wind turbines are subject to the following height restrictions:

a.  The maximum height of any ground-mounted wind turbine is sixty-five (65) feet or twenty (20) feet above the tree line, whichever is greater.

b.  The maximum height of any wind turbine mounted upon a structure is fifteen (15) feet above the maximum permitted height for such structure. However, the maximum height of any wind turbine mounted upon a single-family or two-family dwelling is the height limit of the applicable zoning district.

c.  Maximum height is the total height of the turbine system including the tower, and the maximum vertical height of the turbine blades. Maximum height therefore is calculated measuring the length of a prop at maximum vertical rotation to the base of the tower. The maximum height of any ground-mounted wind energy system is measured from grade to the length of a prop at maximum vertical rotation.

d.  No portion of exposed turbine blades (vertical access wind turbine) may be within twenty (20) feet of the ground. Unexposed turbine blades (horizontal access wind turbine) may be within ten (10) feet of the ground.

2.  Ground-mounted wind turbines are permitted to locate only in the rear yard. No part of the wind system structure, including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than ten (10) feet to the property boundaries of the installation site. The system tower shall be set back from all lot lines equal to the height of the system. No principal buildings may be located within this area.

3.  All 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 wind energy system.

4.  Wind turbines may not exceed sixty (60) dBA, as measured at the lot line. The level, however, may be exceeded during short-term events such as utility outages and/or severe windstorms.

5.  Wind turbines shall be approved by a small wind certification program recognized by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) or the U.S. Department of Energy. Non-certified residential wind turbines shall submit a description of the safety features of the turbine prepared by a registered mechanical engineer to the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits as part of the building permit.

6.  Wind turbines shall comply with applicable FAA regulations, including any necessary approvals for installations close to airports.

7.  Building permit applications for wind energy systems shall be accompanied by a line drawing of the electrical components in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that the manner of the installation conforms to all electrical codes.