The purpose of this section is to provide a uniform and comprehensive
set of standards for the implementation and use of energy systems
designed for on-site or off-site home, farm, small- and large-scale
commercial energy regulations. The intent of this article is to encourage
the development of alternative energy systems while protecting the
health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Wind site assessment is typically conducted using wind measurement
towers (anemometer towers) to determine the wind speeds and the feasibility
of using particular sites. No wind measurement tower shall be constructed,
reconstructed, modified, or operated in the Town except pursuant to
a special use permit issued pursuant to local law.
A. Applications for wind measurement towers. An application for a wind
measurement tower shall include:
(1) Name, address, telephone number of the applicant. If an agent represents
the applicant, the application shall include the name, address, and
telephone number of the agent as well as an original signature of
the applicant authorizing the representation.
(2) Name, address, telephone number of the property owner. If the property
owner is not the applicant, the application shall include a letter
or other written permission signed by the property owner (i) confirming
that their property owner is familiar with the proposed applications(s)
and (ii) authorizing the submission of the application.
(3) Address of each proposed tower location, including Tax Map section,
block, and lot number.
(4) A site plan showing the location of the proposed wind measurement
towers, lot lines, proposed and existing structures, setbacks from
lot lines and access driveway.
(5) Decommissioning plan, including a security bond for removal.
B. Standards for wind measurement towers.
(1) The distance between a wind measurement tower and the lot line shall
be at least one and a half times the total height of the tower. Sites
can include more than one piece of property and the requirement shall
apply to the combined properties as long as all properties are owned
or leased by the developer of the wind measurement tower.
(2) Special use permits for wind measurement towers may be issued for
a period of up to 26 months. Permits may be renewed if the wind measurement
tower is in compliance with the conditions of the special use permit.
Such permit may be renewed at the discretion of the Planning Board.
(3) Anchor points for any guy wires for a wind measurement tower shall
be located within the property that the system is located on and not
on or across any aboveground electric transmission or distribution
lines. The point of attachment for the guy wires shall be sheathed
in bright orange or yellow covering from three to eight feet above
the ground.
(4) The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets guidelines
for agricultural mitigation for wind power projects shall be adhered
to for wind measurement towers located on land both inside and outside
New York State certified agricultural districts.