Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 05/05/2014

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Photovoltaic System. A solar energy system that converts solar energy directly into electricity. Solar Energy System. A device or structural design feature, a substantial purpose of which is to provide daylight for interior lighting or provide for the collection, storage and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, electricity generation or water heating. Section 117 -430 is hereby amended as follows (additions indicated as underline, deletions indicated as strike through): Sec. 117 -430. _ Alternative Energy Systems. (a) Purpose and intent. The purpose and intent of this Section is to establish standards and procedures by which the installation and operation of alternative energy systems shall be governed within the city. The City finds that it is in the public interest to encourage alternative energy systems that have a positive impact on energy production and conservation while not having on adverse impact on the community. (b) Wind energy conversion systems (WECS). In order to accommodate the energy needs of residents and businesses while protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community, the council finds that these regulations are necessary in order to: (1) Facilitate the provision of alternative energy sources to the residents and businesses of the city; (2) Minimize adverse visual effects of wind towers, turbines, and generators through careful design and site selection standards; (3) Avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure through Gtructural standards and setback requirements. (1) Location. WECS units shall be allowed by conditional use if listed as a Conditional Use in the underlying zoning district. Furthermore, WECS units shall not be allowed in the Critical River, Wild and Scenic River, and Shoreland Overlay Districts, except for micro -scale WECS provided that it does not violate the maximum structure height of the overlay district. (2) Bulk standards. a. General requirements. No part of the WECS, equipment, guyed wires, blades, or braces shall at any time extend across or over any part of the public right -of -way, public street, highway, sidewalk, or recreation trail. b. Setback. All small scale WECS and medium scale WECS units shall maintain a minimum setback of 1.5 times the height of the tower. In addition, WECS units in any R -1, R -2, or R -3 residential district must maintain a minimum setback of 1,000 feet from any principle dwelling unit on adjacent parcels. 1. Setbacks shall be measured from the center of the WECS tower to the nearest property line. c. Height. Height for any WECS shall be restricted by the definition of the WECS as listed in City Code section 117 -1, definitions.