[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Hillsville 7-8-2013. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building construction — See Ch. 48.
Utilities — See Ch. 153.
Zoning — See Ch. 171.
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the placement, construction and modification of small wind energy systems while promoting the safe, effective and efficient use of small wind energy systems and not unreasonably interfering with the development of independent renewable energy sources.
The requirements set forth in this chapter shall govern the siting of wind energy systems used to generate electricity or perform work which may be connected to the utility grid pursuant to Virginia's net metering laws (§ 56-594 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended), serve as an independent source of energy, or serve in a hybrid system.
The requirements for siting and construction of all small wind energy systems regulated by this chapter shall include the following:
A. 
Small wind energy towers shall maintain a galvanized steel finish, unless FAA standards require otherwise, or if the owner is attempting to conform the wind energy tower to the surrounding environment and architecture, in which case it may be painted to reduce visual obtrusiveness. A photo simulation may be required.
B. 
Small wind energy systems shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or appropriate authority.
C. 
Small wind energy towers shall not have any signs, writing, or pictures that may be construed as advertising.
D. 
Small wind energy systems shall not exceed 60 decibels, as measured at the closest property line. The level, however, may be exceeded during short-term events such as severe windstorms.
E. 
The applicant shall provide evidence that the proposed height of the small wind energy system tower does not exceed the height recommended by the manufacturer or distributor of the system.
F. 
The applicant shall provide evidence that the provider of electric utility service to the site has been informed of the applicant's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned electricity generator, unless the applicant intends, and so states on the application, that the system will not be connected to the electricity grid. This action shall not construe approval for net metering by the electric utility.
G. 
The applicant shall provide information demonstrating that the system will be used primarily to reduce on-site consumption of electricity.
H. 
The wind energy tower height shall not exceed a maximum height of 35 feet.
I. 
The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades utilized on a small wind energy system shall be 15 feet, as measured at the lowest point of the arc of the blades. The supporting wind energy tower shall also be enclosed with a six-foot-tall fence or the base of the wind energy tower shall not be climbable for a distance of 12 feet.
J. 
The applicant shall provide proof of adequate liability insurance for a small wind energy system. Whether or not the applicant is participating in the net metering program, the applicant shall meet the insurance coverage requirements set forth in Virginia Administrative Code 20 VAC 5-315-60.
K. 
The small wind energy system generators and alternators shall be constructed so as to prevent the emission of radio and television signals and shall comply with the provisions of Section 47 of the Federal Code of Regulations, Part 15 and subsequent revisions governing said emissions.
A. 
The installation of a small wind energy system in Agricultural A-1, and Industrial District, shall be considered, provided that all requirements of these standards are met.
B. 
Applications shall be permitted by right and be reviewed and considered for approval by the Zoning Administrator or his designee.
C. 
Upon receipt of an application for a small wind energy system the Town shall send written notification to all adjoining landowners. A decision on the application shall not be made within 30 days of the receipt of the application. Applications requiring a special use permit shall meet all state code requirements for public notification.
A. 
Compliance with Uniform Statewide Building Code. Building permit applications for wind energy systems shall be accompanied by standard drawings of the wind turbine structure, including the wind energy tower, base, and footings. An engineering analysis of the wind energy tower showing compliance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code and certified by a licensed professional engineer shall also be submitted.
B. 
Compliance with FAA regulations. Wind energy systems shall comply with applicable FAA regulations, including any necessary approvals for installations close to airports.
C. 
Compliance with National Electric Code. 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 installation conforms to the National Electrical Code.
D. 
Compliance with regulations governing energy net metering. Wind energy systems connected to the utility grid shall comply with the Virginia Administrative Code 20 VAC 5-315, Regulations Governing Net Energy Metering.
The wind energy system shall be set back a distance at least equal to 110% of the structure height from all adjacent property lines and a distance equal to at least 150% of the structure height from any dwelling inhabited by humans on neighboring property. These setbacks may be reduced by notarized consent of the owner of the property on which the requested wind energy system is to be erected and the adjacent landowner whose property line or dwelling falls within the specified distance. Additionally, such adjacent landowner must execute a deed of easement for the benefit of the property on which the wind energy system is to be erected prohibiting construction of any new structure on such adjacent property within the specified easement. Wind energy systems shall meet all setback requirements for primary structures for the zoning district in which the wind energy system is located in addition to the requirements set forth above. Additionally, no portion of the small wind energy system, including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than 10 feet to the property line.
Any wind energy system found to be unsafe by the building official shall be repaired by the owner to meet federal, state and local safety standards or removed within six months. Any wind energy system that is not operated for a continuous period of 24 months shall be considered abandoned, and the owner of the system shall remove the turbine within 90 days of receipt of notice from the Town instructing the owner to remove the abandoned wind energy system.
Should such notice and order fail to result in compliance with this chapter, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to bring legal action to ensure compliance with the appropriate action or proceeding. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to initiate criminal or civil proceedings as provided for by the laws of the commonwealth. The Town shall have the right to contract the work to be completed to comply with the Town's Code, the cost of which shall be chargeable to and paid by the owner of said property. Every charge authorized by this chapter with which the owner of any such property shall have been assessed and which remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property, and the Treasurer shall file with the Clerk of the County Circuit Court a statement of the lien claim. Release of such lien shall be executed by the Treasurer upon presentation of evidence that the amount of the lien and cost involved have been paid to the Town.