Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) shall
be permitted in all zoning districts permitting single-family dwellings,
subject to the regulations herein.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
SURVIVAL WIND SPEED
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.
TOWER HEIGHT
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.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS)
A combination of:
A.
Some sort of surface area for capturing the
wind.
B.
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.
C.
A generator or alternator to convert the rotational
energy into electrical energy (for systems designed for producing
electrical power).
D.
Some sort of tower or other structure upon which
the first three elements are mounted.
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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
The maximum height allowable shall be 90 feet,
unless otherwise prohibited by any state or federal statutes or restrictions.
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.
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.
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.