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<br />See p.4 for a sample of <br />cities, counties, and states <br />that have enacted zoning <br />laws for small wind systems. <br /> <br />AP P EN D IX: <br />SMALL WIND <br /> <br />AWEA MODEL <br />ZONING ORDINANCE <br /> <br />Writing Small Wind into I;xisting Laws <br /> <br />This model zoning ordinance is used by many localities across the country <br />and aims to strike an equitable balance among the interests of the consumer! <br />industry! and community. It is the product of lessons learned over decades of <br />industry experience and tens of thousands of installations. <br /> <br />AWEA MODEL ZONING ORDINANCE <br /> <br />Use Regulation for Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems <br /> <br />Section I: Purpose <br />It is the purpose of this regulation to allow the safe, effective and efficient use of small wind energy <br />systems installed to reduce the on-site consumption of utility supplied electricity. . <br /> <br />Section 2: Findings <br />The [city or county] finds that wind energy is an abundant, renewable, and nonpolluting energy <br />resource and that its conversion to electdcity will reduce our dependence on .nonrenewable energy <br />resources and decrease the air and water pollution that results from the use of conventional energy <br />sources. Distributed small wind energy systems will also enhance the reliability and power quality of <br />the power grid, reduce peak power demands, and help diversify the State's energy supply portfolio. <br />Small wind systems also make the electricity supply market more competitive by promoting <br />customer choice. <br /> <br />The State of has enacted a number of laws and programs to encourage the use of <br />small-scale renewable energy systems including rebates, net metering, property taX exemptions, <br />and solar easements. [As appropriate] However, many existing zoning ordinances contain restrictions, <br />which while not intended to discourage the installation of small wind turbines, that can substantially <br />increase the time and costs required to obtain necessary construction permits. <br /> <br />Therefore, we findthat it is necessary to standardize and streamline the proper issuance of building <br />permits for small wind energy systems so that this clean, renewable energy resource can be utilized <br />in a cost-effective and timely manner. <br /> <br />Section 3: Definitions <br />Small Wind Energy System: A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine,a tower, <br />and associated control or conversion electronics, which has a rated capacity of not more than 100 <br />kilowatts (kW) and which is intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power. <br /> <br />Tower Height: The height above grade of the fixed portion of the tower, excluding the wind <br />turbine itself. <br /> <br />Total Extended Height: The height above grade to a blade tip at its highest point of travel. <br /> <br />Section 4: Allowed Use <br />Small wind energy systems shall be allowed as an accessory use in all zoning districts where structures <br />of any sort are allowed; subject to the requirements of Section 5 below. Small wind energy systems <br />not meeting the performance standards of Section 5 may be allowed by conditional use permit. <br /> <br />