[Added 12-10-2009 by Ord. No. A-207]
The intent of this article is to regulate the placement, construction,
and modification of small wind energy systems (SWES) while minimizing
adverse visual, safety, and environmental impacts.
A.
The Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator is vested with authority
to review and approve or reject a building permit application for
a freestanding SWES 30 feet or less in height.
B.
The Plan Commission and Village Board are vested with the authority
to review and approve, conditionally approve or reject any application
for a SWES taller than 30 feet. Notification of neighbors of the Plan
Commission meeting where the application for freestanding SWES between
30 feet and 60 feet will be considered is required. A public hearing
is required for freestanding systems taller than 60 feet.
A.
Applicant and landowner's name and contact information.
B.
Address of SWES location including Tax Map and lot number, existing
use, and parcel acreage.
C.
Description of the project including specific information on the
type, size, rotor material, rated power output, performance, safety
and noise characteristics of the system, including name and address
of the manufacturer, model and serial number.
D.
A site plan showing the planned location of the SWES and location
of and distance to setback lines, property lines, roads, driveways,
ROWs and any overhead utility lines on the subject property and adjacent
properties within 300 feet of any building, including their purpose
and tree cover and average height of trees.
E.
A survey map at an appropriate scale showing within 2,500 feet of
the proposed SWES any parks and other designated areas considered
locally important in an open space plan and recognized historic sites.
F.
Proposal for landscaping and screening.
G.
A scaled representation of the SWES showing system height and evidence
the proposed height does not exceed the height recommended by the
manufacturer of the system.
H.
Structural drawings from manufacturer or engineer showing foundation
and anchor design along with specifications for soil conditions at
the site.
I.
A line drawing of the electrical components of the system in sufficient
detail to establish that the installation conforms to all applicable
electrical codes.
J.
Emergency and normal shutdown procedures.
K.
If a roof-mounted system is proposed evidence by a structural engineer
that the applicant's roof is sufficiently sturdy to hold a roof-mounted
wind generator in winds 100 miles per hour for an hour.
L.
Evidence that the provider of electrical service of the property
has been notified of the intent to install an interconnected electricity
generator unless the system will not be connected to the electricity
grid.
M.
Photographs of the proposed site.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Structures likely to be occupied on a continuous or temporary
basis.
A wind energy conversion system consisting of wind turbine,
a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics, which has
a rated capacity of not more than 100 kW and which is intended to
primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power.
The height above grade to the tip of the turbine blade when
it reaches its highest elevation.
The structure on which the small wind energy system is mounted.
Parts of the small wind energy system including blades, generator
and tail.
A.
Minimum site area. Minimum site area for a SWES shall be 1/2 acre
unless roof mounted. Each additional freestanding SWES will require
an additional two acres. No more than two SWES are allowed on any
one site, regardless of acreage.
B.
Height and capacity/zoning restrictions. In Residential Village districts,
maximum system height is 60 feet and maximum capacity is 10 kW. In
commercial and rural districts, maximum system height is 104 feet
and maximum capacity is 100 kW. Roof-mount maximum height is 25 feet
from mounting point.
D.
Other setbacks. A SWES exceeding 60 feet or tree height on site,
whichever is more, must be set back 2,500 feet from any open space
designated important or recognized historic site.
B.
Blade clearance. The minimum distance between the ground and any
wind turbine blades of a freestanding SWES shall be 14 feet as measured
at the lowest arc of the blades.
C.
Electrical interconnections. All on-site electrical wires associated
with the SWES shall be installed underground except for "tie-ins"
to public utility company transmission poles, towers and lines. A
licensed electrician must connect the SWES to the residence or other
structure.
D.
Noise. The small wind energy system shall not exceed 55 dBA, as measured
at the property line, except during short-term events such as severe
wind storms and utility outages.
E.
Overspeed controls. SWES shall be equipped with both manual and automatic
overspeed controls.
F.
Signal interference. The system shall be operated and located such
that no disruptive electromagnetic interference with signal transmission
or reception is caused beyond the site. If it has been demonstrated
that the system is causing disruptive interference beyond the site,
the system operator shall promptly eliminate the disruptive interference
or cease operation of the system.
G.
Structure type. The tower shall be a monopole without guy wires.
H.
Visual appearance.
(1)
SWES shall be painted in nonreflective, light gray color or a color
matching the building to which it is attached.
(2)
All signs, both temporary and permanent, or any graphic representation
are prohibited on the SWES except appropriate manufactures or installers'
identification and warning signs.
(3)
No tower shall be lighted unless required by the FAA.
A SWES which is not generating electricity for 12 consecutive
months shall be deemed abandoned and shall be removed from the property
by the owner within 120 days of receipt of notice from the Village.
