§ 22.32.050. Wind Energy Conversion Facilities (WECF).

A.

Application contents. In addition to the general requirements of Section 22.32.020, an application for a wind energy conversion facility shall describe:

1.

The location and elevation of proposed WECF;

2.

The location of all above-ground utility lines on-site or within one radius of the total height of the WECF; and

3.

The location and size of structures and trees above 35 feet within a 500 feet radius of the proposed WECF. For purposes of this requirement, electrical transmission and distribution lines, antennas, slender or open lattice towers are not considered structures.

B.

Development standards. The following standards apply, in addition to those in Section 22.32.030.

1.

Setbacks. The facility shall be setback from property lines at least five rotor diameters for a horizontal axis WECF or the height of a vertical axis WECF.

2.

Rotor safety. Each wind conversion system shall be equipped with both manual and automatic controls to limit the rotational speed of the blade below the design limits of the rotor. The application shall include a statement by a California-registered professional engineer certifying that the rotor and overspeed controls have been designed and fabricated for the proposed use in compliance with good engineering practices. The engineer shall also certify the structural compatibility of proposed towers and rotors. This certification is normally supplied by the manufacturer.

3.

Guy wires. Anchor points for any guy wires for a WECF tower shall be located within property lines and not on or across any above-ground electric transmission or distribution line. The point of ground attachment for the guy wires shall be enclosed by a fence six feet high or sheathed in a bright orange or yellow covering from three to eight feet above ground.

4.

Tower access. Towers shall be constructed to provide one of the following means of access control, or other appropriate method approved by the Director:

a.

Tower-climbing apparatus located no closer than 12 feet from the ground;

b.

A locked anti-climb device installed on the tower; or

c.

The tower shall be completely enclosed by a locked, protective fence at least six feet high.

5.

Signs. At least one sign shall be posted at the base of the tower warning of electrical shock or high voltage.

6.

Electromagnetic interference. The wind energy conversion system shall be operated such that no disruptive electromagnetic interference is caused. If it has been demonstrated to the Director that a wind energy conversion system is causing harmful interference, the operator shall promptly mitigate the harmful interference.

7.

Height. The minimum height of the lowest part of the WECF shall be 30 feet above the highest existing major structure or tree within a 250-foot radius. For purposes of this requirement, electrical transmission and distribution lines, antennas, and slender or open lattice towers are not considered structures. Modification of this standard may be made when the applicant demonstrates that a lower height will not jeopardize the safety of the wind turbine structure.

8.

Distance from structures. Horizontal axis wind turbines shall be placed at a distance of at least two times the total tower height from any occupied structure. Vertical axis wind turbines shall be placed at a distance of at least 10 blade diameters from any structure or tree. The Director may grant a modification for good cause shown; however, in no case shall the turbine be located closer than three blade diameters to any occupied structure.

9.

Undergrounding. Electrical distribution lines on the project site shall be undergrounded up to the low voltage side of the step-up transformer, to the point of on-site use, or to the utility interface point of on-site substation.

10.

Public nuisance. Any WECF which has not generated power for 12 consecutive months is hereby declared to be a public nuisance which shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in compliance with Chapter 22.74.

[Added 1989, Ord. 2409] [22.08.316]