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<br />Case # 6 <br /> <br />ADOPT ORDINANCE TO ADD CITY CODE SECTION 9.17 TO PERMIT WIND ENERGY <br />CONVERSION SYSTEMS AS A CONDITIONAL USE; <br />CASE OF THE CITY OF RAMSEY <br />By: Tim Gladhill, Associate Planner <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />In February of 2009, the City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance to permit Wind Energy <br />Conversion Systems (WECS). Staff has prepared a draft ordinance addressing bulk standards <br />(specifically height and setback), design, and style (i.e. monopolevs. lattice) based on available research <br />and a Public Information Meeting on July 15, 2009. Additional materials are available online at <br />www.cLramsey.mn.us/wind.asp. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />A moratorium continues to be in effect for Wind Energy Conversion Systems until October 20, 2009. <br />During this time, staff has been studying various aspects of permitting these systems. Staff is prepared to <br />bring forward a proposed ordinance to permit these systems as a Conditional Use in certain Zoning <br />Districts. <br /> <br />The ordinance was introduced on August 28, 2009. Based on that discussion, the City Council may want <br />to consider modifying/eliminating the following requirements: <br /> <br />1,000 ft. setback to residential dwelling units <br />Environmental Study (shadow flicker, noise, etc.) <br /> <br />The modifications could be made specifically for small scale or medium scale systems, or both. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing regarding the proposed ordinance and recommended <br />approval of the ordinance. <br /> <br />Funding Source: <br /> <br />Amendments to City Code are being processed as part of regular staff duties. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Motion by to waive the reading of Ordinance #09-_ per City Charter and Motion to adopt Ordinance <br />#09-_ amending City Code to allow Wind Energy Conversion Systems as a conditional use in certain <br />zoning districts if listed under the individual zoning district. <br /> <br />Roll Call Vote: <br /> <br />Councilmember John Dehen <br />Councilmember Colin McGlone <br />Councilmember Jeff Wise <br />Councilmember David Elvig <br />Councilmember David Jeffrey <br />Councilmember Matt Look <br />