Agenda - Council - 02/24/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # INTRODUCE INTERIM ORDINANCE FOR A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON WIND TURBINES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS/REGULATIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF RAMSEY, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA; CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY By: Tim Gladhill, Associate Planner Background: At the February 24, 2009 Work Session, City Council discussed with staff the possibility of an Interim Ordinance for a moratorium on the construction of wind turbines. The moratorium is proposed to be effective for a total of six months. The purpose of the moratorium is to provide time to study and consider regulations on wind turbines. The following items are enclosed for your information: a) Proposed interim ordinance Notification: A public hearing is not required to adopt an interim ordinance. Funding: Drafting of the Interim Ordinance is being handled as part of regular staff duties. Observations: The purpose of this moratorium is to allow staff time to study possible regulations of wind turbines, which would require the addition of a new. section of City Code. There was discussion during the amendment to City Code Section 9.15 (Towers) regarding the regulation of wind turbines. During that discussion, it was determined that wind turbines stood better served with a separate section of City Code specifically addressing wind turbines would be appropriate due to the differing nature of the needs of cell towers versus wind turbines. Staff recently received an inquiry on a personal scale wind turbine approximately 50 feet tall. The property owner was instructed the only way such a wind turbine would be allowed is through an interim use permit. An interim use permit is intended to allow a use for a limited period of time that reasonably utilizes the property where it is not reasonable to utilize it in the manner provided in the comprehensive plan. City Code allows interim use permits to be approved for five years from date approval, unless otherwise authorized by City Council. -181-