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<br />Case #3 <br /> <br />DISCUSSION OF WIND POWERED GENERATOR REGULATIONS <br />CASE OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY <br />By: Tim Gladhill, Associate Planner <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />In 2008, the City Council approved all amendment to City Code Section 9.15 (Towers). This <br />section provides regulations. specifically for wireless telecommunication facilities. Wind <br />powered generators do not meet the definition or intent of this se"ction of City Code and are not <br />listed as a permitted or conditional use anywhere in City Code. Based on discussion, it was <br />determined that wind turbines were best suited for a separate section of City Code because of <br />differing bulk (specifically height and setback), design, and style (Le. monopole vs. lattice) needs <br />in comparison to cell towers. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />Staff is proposing adding a new section to City Code, Section 9.17 (Wind Powered Generators) <br />should the City Council choose to permit the construction of wind turbines. As it stands today, <br />Staff could not approve a permit for a wind powered generator unless. City Code is amended to <br />include regulations for wind powered generators and listing such as a permitted or conditional <br />use. In comparison, cell towers are listed as a conditional use and therefore subject to a <br />conditional use permit. Staff recommends doing the same for wind turbines. <br /> <br />Staff is seeking direction on the placement, height, and architectural standards of these <br />generators as well as whether or not these should be a pl?rmitted or conditional use. Staff <br />anticipates some sort of hybrid between the existing Towers Ordinance and the attached model <br />Wind Turbine Ordinance. <br /> <br />Staff is seeking direction on what zoning districts to allow wind powered generators, including. <br />the existing tower overlay district. Cell towers are currently allowed in most commercial and <br />industrial areas and only those residential parcels within the Tower Overlay District. Also, there <br />is a large range of height needs for these wind powered generators depending on whether it is a <br />small, personal scale or utility scale generator. These heights can range from 40-50 feet to <br />several hundred feet. <br /> <br />At the February 24, 2009 City Council Meeting, an Interim Ordinance for a moratorium on wind <br />powered generators to allow the City to complete a study and cOlisider amendments to City Code <br />related to these generators was introduced. Staff was directed by Council to begin the study of <br />wind powered generators to consider basic height requirements and setbacks. . <br /> <br />During this time, Staff will be studying industry standards, existing ordinances, etc. Staff will <br />also be studying bulk and architectural standards, site selection, wind conditions, etc. Staff <br />anticipates completing the study, drafting the new ordinance, and implementing the ordinance <br />within six months of enacting the moratorium. State Statute allows moratoriums to be enacted <br /> <br />21 <br />