Blue Mounds Village
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
Wind Energy Systems
[Added 12-10-2009 by Ord. No. A-207]
§ 385-39 Purpose.
The intent of this article is to regulate the placement, construction, and modification of small wind energy systems (SWES) while minimizing adverse visual, safety, and environmental impacts.
§ 385-40 Authority.
A.
The Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator is vested with authority to review and approve or reject a building permit application for a freestanding SWES 30 feet or less in height.
B.
The Plan Commission and Village Board are vested with the authority to review and approve, conditionally approve or reject any application for a SWES taller than 30 feet. Notification of neighbors of the Plan Commission meeting where the application for freestanding SWES between 30 feet and 60 feet will be considered is required. A public hearing is required for freestanding systems taller than 60 feet.
§ 385-41 Application submission requirements.
A.
Applicant and landowner's name and contact information.
B.
Address of SWES location including Tax Map and lot number, existing use, and parcel acreage.
C.
Description of the project including specific information on the type, size, rotor material, rated power output, performance, safety and noise characteristics of the system, including name and address of the manufacturer, model and serial number.
D.
A site plan showing the planned location of the SWES and location of and distance to setback lines, property lines, roads, driveways, ROWs and any overhead utility lines on the subject property and adjacent properties within 300 feet of any building, including their purpose and tree cover and average height of trees.
E.
A survey map at an appropriate scale showing within 2,500 feet of the proposed SWES any parks and other designated areas considered locally important in an open space plan and recognized historic sites.
F.
Proposal for landscaping and screening.
G.
A scaled representation of the SWES showing system height and evidence the proposed height does not exceed the height recommended by the manufacturer of the system.
H.
Structural drawings from manufacturer or engineer showing foundation and anchor design along with specifications for soil conditions at the site.
I.
A line drawing of the electrical components of the system in sufficient detail to establish that the installation conforms to all applicable electrical codes.
J.
Emergency and normal shutdown procedures.
K.
If a roof-mounted system is proposed evidence by a structural engineer that the applicant's roof is sufficiently sturdy to hold a roof-mounted wind generator in winds 100 miles per hour for an hour.
L.
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.
M.
Photographs of the proposed site.
§ 385-42 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HABITABLE BUILDING (STRUCTURE)
Structures likely to be occupied on a continuous or temporary basis.
SMALL WIND ENERGY SYSTEM (SWES)
A wind energy conversion system consisting of wind turbine, a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics, which has a rated capacity of not more than 100 kW and which is intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power.
SYSTEM HEIGHT
The height above grade to the tip of the turbine blade when it reaches its highest elevation.
TOWER
The structure on which the small wind energy system is mounted.
WIND TURBINE
Parts of the small wind energy system including blades, generator and tail.
§ 385-43 Dimensional requirements.
A.
Minimum site area. Minimum site area for a SWES shall be 1/2 acre unless roof mounted. Each additional freestanding SWES will require an additional two acres. No more than two SWES are allowed on any one site, regardless of acreage.
B.
Height and capacity/zoning restrictions. In Residential Village districts, maximum system height is 60 feet and maximum capacity is 10 kW. In commercial and rural districts, maximum system height is 104 feet and maximum capacity is 100 kW. Roof-mount maximum height is 25 feet from mounting point.
C.
Safety setbacks.
(1)
SWES shall be set back a distance equal to 110% of the system height from adjoining property lines, roads and overhead power lines.
(2)
SWES shall be set back a distance equal to 150% of the system height from any habitable building on adjoining properties.
D.
Other setbacks. A SWES exceeding 60 feet or tree height on site, whichever is more, must be set back 2,500 feet from any open space designated important or recognized historic site.
§ 385-44 Design requirements.
A.
Access.
(1)
All ground-mounted electrical and control equipment shall be labeled and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
(2)
The tower shall be designed and installed such that public access via step bolts or a ladder is prevented for a minimum of 12 feet above the ground.
B.
Blade clearance. The minimum distance between the ground and any wind turbine blades of a freestanding SWES shall be 14 feet as measured at the lowest arc of the blades.
C.
Electrical interconnections. All on-site electrical wires associated with the SWES shall be installed underground except for "tie-ins" to public utility company transmission poles, towers and lines. A licensed electrician must connect the SWES to the residence or other structure.
D.
Noise. The small wind energy system shall not exceed 55 dBA, as measured at the property line, except during short-term events such as severe wind storms and utility outages.
E.
Overspeed controls. SWES shall be equipped with both manual and automatic overspeed controls.
F.
Signal interference. The system shall be operated and located such that no disruptive electromagnetic interference with signal transmission or reception is caused beyond the site. If it has been demonstrated that the system is causing disruptive interference beyond the site, the system operator shall promptly eliminate the disruptive interference or cease operation of the system.
G.
Structure type. The tower shall be a monopole without guy wires.
H.
Visual appearance.
(1)
SWES shall be painted in nonreflective, light gray color or a color matching the building to which it is attached.
(2)
All signs, both temporary and permanent, or any graphic representation are prohibited on the SWES except appropriate manufactures or installers' identification and warning signs.
(3)
No tower shall be lighted unless required by the FAA.
§ 385-45 Abandonment of use.
A SWES which is not generating electricity for 12 consecutive months shall be deemed abandoned and shall be removed from the property by the owner within 120 days of receipt of notice from the Village.