A Weighted Sound Level (dbA): A measurement of sound pressure level, which has been filtered or weighted to progressively de-emphasize the importance of frequency components below 1000Hz and above 5000Hz. This reflects the fact that human hearing is less sensitive at low frequencies and at extremely high frequencies, relative to the mid-range of the frequency spectrum. This area of sensitivity also corresponds to the human speech band.

Decibel (db): The measurement of the sound pressure relative to the logarithmic conversion of the sound pressure reference level often set a 0db (A- weighted). In general, this means the quietest sound we can hear is near 0 db (A-weighted) and the loudest we can hear without pain is near 120 db (A-weighted).

FAA: The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.

Guy Cable: Any cable or wire that extends from a small wind energy system for the purpose of supporting the system structure.

Meteorological Tower: A facility consisting of a tower and related wind-measuring devices, which is used solely to measure winds preliminary to construction of a Small Wind Energy Conversion System. Meteorological Towers shall not be allowed for time periods in excess of twelve (12) months, and shall be removed prior to the installation of the Wind Energy Conversion System for which they are measuring. A request to install a meteorological tower shall be included in the application to install either a Micro Wind System or a Small Wind Energy Conversion System.

Micro Wind System: A building-mounted wind system (either a Vertical or Horizontal Axis Turbine) that has a Rated Nameplate Capacity of 10kW or less, (3kW or less for residential properties), and projects no more than 15 ft. above the highest point on the roof. Such building-mounted wind systems shall be regulated by applicable building and electrical codes, and shall not be considered a Small Wind Energy Conversion System. A Micro Wind System shall not be conserved in determining total building height for zoning or setback purposes. Multiple turbines are permitted, provided the total cumulative Rated Nameplate Capacity does not exceed 10kW (or 3kW for residential properties).

Rated Nameplate Capacity: The maximum rated output of electric power production equipment. This output is typically specified by the manufacturer with a “nameplate” on the equipment.

Small Wind Energy Conversion System: A wind energy conversion system consisting of a tower, a turbine and associated control or conversion electronics that generates power for an individual property for the purpose of reducing on-site energy consumption with a rated nameplate capacity of 25kW or less per tower. This includes, but is not limited to, storage, electrical collection and supply equipment, and transformers. Excess electrical power generated, and not presently needed for onsite use, may be utilized by the utility company.

Tower Height: means the total height above finished grade of fixed portion of the tower, excluding the wind turbine blades.

Turbine: The parts of a wind system including the blades, generator and tail. The definition of a turbine includes both Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HWAT) and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VWAT).

The purpose of this Article is to provide a uniform set of standards, conditions and procedures for the placement of Micro Wind Systems, Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems, and temporary meteorological towers on property located within the Town of Glenrock.

Micro Wind Systems and Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems shall be permitted, as an accessory use, in all zoning classifications, subject to all requirements as provided herein.

1. Minimum Lot Size: The minimum lot size for one Small Wind Energy Conversion System shall be 20,000 sq. ft. There is no minimum lot size requirement or maximum unit restrictions for Micro Wind Systems provided they meet all other requirements in this Section.
2. Maximum Tower Height: The maximum tower height for a Small Wind Energy Conversion System on a property between 20,000 sq. ft. and one-acre in size shall be 70 ft. The maximum tower height on properties between 1.01 acres and 5 acres in size shall be 100 ft. On properties larger than 5 acres, there is no limitation on tower height, except as imposed by FAA regulations.
3. Minimum Setbacks: Minimum setback for a tower shall be equal to the height of the tower. No part of the Small Wind Energy Conversion System structure including, but not limited to, guy wire anchors, may extend closer than 10 ft. to the property line.
4. Sound: Micro Wind Systems and Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems shall not exceed 60 dbA, as indicated in the manufacturer’s specifications, and measured 5 ft. above ground level at the closest property line at the time of construction. The sound level may be exceeded during short-term events such as utility outages and/or severe wind storms. The Town reserves the right to require re-testing, at the owner’s expense, of any system for which there is a complaint in writing. If a complaint is validated, the owner has ten (10) days to comply with the conditions of this Code.
5. Turbine Clearance: No portion of any turbine shall extend within 20 ft. of the ground. No portion of any turbine may extend over parking areas, driveways or sidewalks.
6. Automatic Over-Speed Control: All Micro Wind Systems and Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems 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 Systems.
7. Utility Notification: No Micro Wind Systems or Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems shall be installed until evidence has been given that the electrical utility company has been informed of, and approved the customer’s intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
8. Tower Color: Tower colors shall be white, off-white, gray or neutral subdued tones, such as earth tones of green or brown. Towers shall not be finished in bright or vivid colors, nor shall the tower be used for advertising of any kind.
9. Multiple Towers: Multiple Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems are allowed on any site, provided all minimum standards are met.
10. Lighting: Micro Wind Systems and Small Wind Energy Conversions Systems shall not be artificially lighted, except as required by the FAA.
11. Climb Prevention: Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems shall not be climbable up to 15 ft. above the ground surface.

The applicant shall provide the following materials to the Planning/Building as part of the building permit application, for Micro Wind Systems and Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems:

1. A completed application provided by the Community Development Office and all applicable fees as established by the Town Council.
2. Proof of ownership of the property where the proposed system will be constructed.
3. A scaled plot plan of the proposed system, to include property lines, setbacks physical dimensions of the property, and locations of structures and the tower, base, footing, generator, blades, guy wires and all associated equipment.
4. An engineering analysis of the Micro Wind System and/or tower showing compliance with all applicable current building codes and certified by a licensed Wyoming professional engineer.
5. Certification that the design is in compliance with the current National Electrical Code. Building permit applications for Micro Wind Systems and Small Wind Energy Conversion 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 the National Electrical Code.
6. Evidence satisfactory to the Community Development Director that the proposed system meets the following standards:
   1. That the Micro Wind System or Small Wind Energy Conversion System is UL listed and/or meets the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standards, or other Nationally Recognized Testing Lab (NRTL); and any other codes required by Rocky Mountain Power.
   2. Information demonstrating that the wind turbine is approved under an emerging technology program, such as the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) or any other small wind certification program recognized by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) or the U.S. Department of Energy. Non-certified wind turbines must submit a description of the safety features of the turbine prepared by a professional mechanical engineer detailing compliance with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and all applicable local, state and federal building codes.

Upon receipt of all required application materials, the Planning/Building Department shall review the submittal and shall issue a building permit for Micro Wind Systems or Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems if the applicable materials meet all requirements of this Ordinance, and all applicable building and electrical codes.

If the wind system being proposed does not meet the definitions listed within this Ordinance, the applicant will be eligible to apply for a Conditional Use Permit with an application cost of seventy-five ($75) dollars.

1. Any Micro Wind System or Small Wind Energy Conversion System that is not operated on a functional basis for a period of six (6) consecutive months shall be deemed abandoned. The building official may order the repair or removal of said systems in accordance with these provisions. The applicant, owner or other person responsible for the facility shall repair or remove the same within thirty (30) days of receipt of notification by certified mail. If said facility is not either operational or removed after thirty (30) days from the date of notification, the Town may remove the System at the owner’s expense.
2. The Town reserves the right to enter upon and disconnect, dismantle or otherwise remove any Micro Wind System or Small Wind Energy Conversion System should it become an immediate hazard to the safety of persons or property due to emergency circumstances, as determined by the Mayor or his designee, such as natural or man-made disasters or accidents, when the applicant, owner or other person responsible for the facility is not available to immediately remedy the hazard. The Town shall attempt to notify any such applicant, owner or other person responsible for the facility of such action within forty-eight (48) hours prior to removal. The applicant, owner or other person responsible for the facility shall reimburse the Town for all costs incurred for action taken pursuant to this Section.