Ventnor City City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXV
Wind Energy Conversion System
§ 102-161 Systems permitted.
Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) shall be permitted in all zoning districts permitting single-family dwellings, subject to the regulations herein.
§ 102-162 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The maximum speed a wind energy conversion system in automatic, unattended operation (not necessarily producing power) can sustain without damage to structural components or loss of the ability to function normally.
The height of the actual tower, plus 1/2 the rotor diameter on horizontal-axis installations, and, on vertical axis installations, the distance from the base of the tower to the top of the unit.
A combination of:
Some sort of surface area for capturing the wind.
A shaft of gearing or belt or coupling assembly for converting the rotational power of the attached surface area to an electrically or mechanically utilizable form.
A generator or alternator to convert the rotational energy into electrical energy (for systems designed for producing electrical power).
Some sort of tower or other structure upon which the first three elements are mounted.
§ 102-163 Applicability.
The provisions of this article shall apply to any system intended for the provision of electrical or mechanical power for the owner/operator of the system. A system shall be for one main building and its accessory buildings only. Systems shall require compliance with preliminary and final site plan review. Such review shall cover but not be limited to the location of the system as shown on a recent survey of the site; the noise generated by the proposed system; and assurances satisfactory to the Planning Board as to the safety of the proposed system.
§ 102-164 Tower construction.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Application for building permits for wind energy conversion systems shall be accompanied by calculations and certification by a professional engineer licensed by the State of New Jersey that all construction and foundations proposed shall sustain wind loadings of 100 miles per hour. Tower design shall comply with the N.J. Uniform Construction Code.
§ 102-165 Noise.
The maximum level of noise permitted due to the operation of a wind energy conversion system shall be 50 decibels, as measured on the standard dBa scale, measured at the property lines.
§ 102-166 Electromagnetic interference.
All wind energy conversion system generators, alternators or other components shall be properly shielded and/or filtered so as to prevent the emission of radio-frequency energy which would cause any harmful interference with radio and/or television broadcasting or reception. All wind energy conversion systems shall comply with the provision of 47 CFR Part 15 and subsequent revisions governing said emissions.
§ 102-167 Location.
All wind energy conversion systems shall be located within the rear yard as described in § 102-11. The minimum setback of the tower, including foundations and guy wire anchors, shall be five feet plus one rotor radius from any property line or right-of-way line for any overhead electrical transmission or distribution lines.
§ 102-168 Maximum height.
The maximum height allowable shall be 90 feet, unless otherwise prohibited by any state or federal statutes or restrictions.
§ 102-169 Minimum blade height.
The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades utilized on a wind energy conversion system shall be 15 feet, as measured at the lowest point of the arc of the blades.
§ 102-170 Labeling requirements.
A.
A minimum of one sign shall be posted near ground level on the tower structure warning of high voltage. The following information shall be posted on a label or labels on the generator or alternator of the wind energy conversion system:
B.
This information shall also be provided on a label or labels easily read from ground level or located at the wind energy conversion system control panel. The maximum survival wind speed and the emergency and normal shutdown procedures shall be listed on a label or labels at the wind energy conversion system control panel.
§ 102-171 Utility company notification.
The Atlantic City Electric Company shall give approval, in writing, of any interface with that company's grid prior to installing said interface and shall conform to any legislated requirements governing installations of wind energy conversion systems so as to comply with the utility tariff specifications. Proof of such approval shall be presented prior to issuance of a building permit.
§ 102-172 Safety requirements.
The wind energy conversion system manufacturer shall document that a wind energy conversion system model has operated safely in atmospheric conditions for a period of not less than three months.