[Amended 12-10-2015 by L.L. No. 4-2015]
A. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
GUY WIREWires used to secure wind turbines or meteorological towers that are not self-supporting.
HEIGHT, BLADE-TIPThe height of a wind turbine measured from natural grade to the tip of the rotor blade at its highest point. This measure is also commonly referred to as the maximum tip height (MTH), or turbine height.
HEIGHT, TOWERThe height above grade of the fixed portion of the tower, measured to the top of the nacelle and excluding the wind generator.
HEIGHT, TURBINEThe height of a wind turbine measured from natural grade to the tip of the rotor blade at its highest point. This measure is also commonly referred to as the maximum tip height (MTH) or blade-tip height.
TOWERThe monopole, guyed monopole or lattice structure that supports a wind generator.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS)All equipment, machinery and structures utilized in connection with the conversion of wind to electricity. This includes, but is not limited to, all transmission, storage, collection and supply equipment, substations, transformers, site access, service roads and machinery associated with the use. A wind energy conversion facility may consist of one or more wind turbines.
WIND TURBINEA machine for converting the kinetic energy in wind into mechanical energy, which is then converted to electricity.
WIND TURBINE GENERATOR (WTG)Equipment that converts and then transfers energy from the wind into usable forms of electrical energy and includes all related and supporting items, including but not limited to all buildings, structures, electrical equipment, substations, transmission lines, access roads, parking lots, areas to be stripped or graded, and areas to be landscaped or screened.
B. Windmills or wind generators may be permitted in any district upon the approval of a special use permit by the Town Board. Windmills and/or wind generators used to supply a portion of a farm's electrical needs (not exceeding 110% of the farm's anticipated demand) are deemed to be on-farm equipment and are permitted by right and do not require a special use permit.
C. In addition to the requirements for special use permits outlined in Article
VI, the site plan shall also show:
(1) Location of the tower on site and tower height, including blades, rotor diameter and ground clearance.
(2) Property lot lines and the location and dimensions of all existing structures and uses on site within 300 feet of the wind energy conversion systems.
(3) Underground utility lines within a radius equal to the proposed tower height, including blades.
(4) Dimensional representation of the various structural components of the tower construction, including base and footings.
(5) Design data indicating the basis of design, including manufacturer's dimensional drawings, installation and operation instructions.
(6) Certification by a registered professional engineer or manufacturer's certification that the tower design is sufficient to withstand wind load requirements for structures as established by the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code.
D. No windmill, including blades, shall extend more than 50 feet above the average ground level of the permanent structure, except in the A Agricultural District where the height may extend to 150 feet.
E. The minimum setback distance between each wind turbine tower and all surrounding property lines, overhead utility or transmission lines, other wind turbine towers, electrical substations, meteorological towers, public roads and dwellings shall be equal to no less than 1.5 times the sum of proposed structure height plus the rotor radius.
F. Access to the tower shall be limited either by means of a fence six feet high around the tower base with a locking portal or by limiting tower-climbing apparatus to no lower than 12 feet from the ground.
G. No windmill shall be installed in any location along the major axis of an existing microwave communications link where the operation of the windmill is likely to produce an unacceptable level of electromagnetic interference, unless the applicant provides sufficient evidence satisfactory to the Code Enforcement Officer indicating the degree of expected interference and the possible effect on the microwave communications link.
H. Windmills shall be located or installed in compliance with the guidelines of the Federal Aviation Regulations with regard to airport approach zones (15.503) and clearance around VOR and DVOR stations.
I. All sites proposed for windmills shall have sufficient access to unimpeded air flow for adequate operation in accordance to the Siting Handbook for Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems, PNL-2521, or other nationally recognized reference.
J. No windmill shall be installed in a location where the impact on the neighborhood character is determined by the Planning Board to be detrimental to the general neighborhood character.
K. If the windmill is to be interconnected to an electric utility distribution system, the applicant shall provide evidence of approval of the proposed interconnect by the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation.
L. Towers shall be located according to plans approved by the Town Board.
M. Guy wires and anchors for towers shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any property line.
N. All windmills shall be designed with an automatic device to prevent over-speeding and excessive pressure on the tower structure.
O. The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades shall not be less than 15 feet as measured at the lowest point of the arc of the blades.