Dimensional standards
Lot
Height & bulk
Servicing
- Geographic extent
- Applies to all zoning districts; prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance. in coastal specific plan areas, on historicHistoric districtAn area where exterior changes need design review to protect its character. sites, on open spaceOpen spaceLand a development must leave unbuilt, sometimes required to be usable or planted. easement parcels, and in Alquist-Priolo Hazard Zones
Uses
Conditional / special use1
Extracted standards
16 individual requirements pulled out of this section’s prose, each with the sentence it came from.
Noise
- Maximum sound pressure level at property line55 dBA
The small wind energy system shall not produce sound pressure levels exceeding 55 decibels (dBA) at the property line
Other
- Abandonment period12 months
A small wind energy system that is not used for a continuous period of 12 months shall be deemed abandoned
- Finish requirement
The small wind energy system shall be finished in a non-reflective, matte finish, and shall be painted a neutral color, such as white, gray, or off-white
- Minimum rotor blade ground clearance15 ft
The lowest point of the rotor blade shall have a minimum ground clearance of 15 feet
- Guy wire marking
Guy wires, if used, shall be clearly marked with high-visibility sleeves or flags at or near the anchor points
- Lighting restriction
The small wind energy system shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other applicable governmental authority
- Maximum total heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.80 ft
The total height of the small wind energy system, including the highest point of the rotor sweep, shall not exceed 80 feet
- Maximum increased heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.100 ft
The height may be increased to a maximum of 100 feet if the applicant demonstrates that the increased height is necessary to achieve sufficient wind resource
- Maximum number of systems per lot1 systems
No more than one small wind energy system shall be permitted on a lot, unless the planning commission finds that additional systems are necessary
- Notice distance to property owners300 ft
notice of any application for a conditional use permit for a wind energy system shall be provided to property owners within 300 feet of the property
- Primary use requirement
The small wind energy system shall be installed and used primarily to reduce on-site consumption of utility power
A small wind energy system shall not be allowed on any site subject to the city's coastal specific plan and/or the California Coastal Act; on any site listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the state register; on any parcel that is part of an open space easement; on any site designated as an Alquist-Priolo Hazard Zone
- Removal period after notice90 days
shall be removed by the property owner at their expense within 90 days of receipt of written notice from the city
- Screening requirement
The base of the tower and any equipment building shall be screened from view of adjacent properties and public rights-of-way with landscaping or a solid fence
- SetbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from property lines, rights-of-way, and utility lines1.5 times total heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.
The tower shall be set back from all property lines, public rights-of-way, and overhead utility lines a distance equal to 1.5 times the total height of the system
- Prohibition of advertising signs
No advertising signs or logos shall be displayed on the tower or turbine, except for manufacturer's identification plates
From the ordinance
A small wind energy system may be permitted in any zoning district subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit... The total height... shall not exceed 80 feet... The tower shall be set back... a distance equal to 1.5 times the total height...
Parking requirements
{
"small_wind_energy_system": "2 spaces per site; 1 additional space per 2 employees for facilities requiring on-site personnel"
}