The intent of the provisions contained in this Article is to provide for the installation of small wind energy conversion systems providing electricity up to 100 kilowatts on properties within the incorporated areas of the Town.

(Ord. No. 3.43, Art. II, § 15.1, 6-3-1987; Ord. No. 3.118, § 1, 7-21-2016)

(a)

Site plan. All requests for the installation of small wind energy conversion systems shall be accompanied by a dimensioned site plan showing:

(1)

Property lines.

(2)

Proposed location of the tower on the site, including setbacks and height information.

(3)

Location of all existing structures on the site.

(4)

All aboveground utility lines.

(5)

Location of trees or other vegetation on the site, described by size and type.

(b)

Tower height. The maximum tower height allowed in any zone district shall be 120 feet.

(c)

Setback requirements. Small wind energy conversion systems shall be located at least one times the height of any supporting tower from all property lines and from any overhead utility lines.

(d)

Rotors or blades. For horizontal axis small wind energy conversion systems, the minimum allowable height above the ground for any portion of the rotors or blades shall be 30 feet.

(e)

Climbing access. Climbing access to the structure shall be limited either by means of a six-foot high fence around the tower base with a locking gate, or by limiting tower climbing apparatus to no lower than 12 feet above the ground.

(f)

Warning signs. At least one sign, not exceeding six square feet, warning of high voltage shall be posted at the base of the supporting tower for the small wind energy conversion system.

(g)

Interference. No proposed small wind energy conversion system shall cause a detrimental effect on adjacent properties through electromagnetic interference (EMI) or noise (either by loudness or frequency).

(h)

Capacity. Any small wind energy conversion system with a capacity in excess of 100 kilowatts shall not be permitted in a residential zone and shall not be located along the major axis of an existing microwave communications link where the operation of the system is likely to produce an unacceptable level of electromagnetic interference.

(i)

Commercial enterprise. Small wind energy conversion systems installed in accordance with the requirements of this Article shall not generate power as a commercial enterprise as defined by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

(Ord. No. 3.43, Art. II, § 15.2, 6-3-1987; Ord. No. 3.118, § 1, 7-21-2016)

(a)

All requests for the installation of a small wind energy conversion system shall originate at the utility company which has jurisdiction over the parcel of land where the proposed system is to be located. The affected utility shall set forth requirements for the proposed interconnection in compliance with the provisions of the Public Utilities Commission. Such requirements may include, but not be limited to, system specifications, metering, disconnect and emergency features, maintenance, insurance and safety factors. Upon the utility's review of the proposed system, the landowner or authorized representative shall submit to the Town Planner a "letter of intent to interconnect" which has been signed by the utility company. This requirement shall be waived if no interconnection is proposed.

(b)

The landowner or authorized representative shall receive and submit to the Town Planner a letter of certification from a qualified structural engineer which verifies the structural integrity of the supporting tower for its ability to withstand structural and wind loads in compliance with the adopted building code and construction code.

(c)

In all zone districts where a small wind energy conversion system is a use permitted by special review, the landowner or authorized representative shall proceed with the use by special review process pursuant to this Chapter and, subject to the appropriate fees, prior to issuance of building and electrical permits.

(Ord. No. 3.43, Art. II, § 15.3, 6-3-1987; Ord. No. 3.118, § 1, 7-21-2016)