15.04.610.440

Exterior lighting on any structure associated with the WECS is prohibited, with the exception of that specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

All WECS are subject to the noise standards of Article 15.04.608 (Performance Standards).

WECS with a rated microturbine capacity up to 25 kW are permitted in all zoning districts subject to a conditional use permit except as provided below.

The WECS must be designed, installed, and operated so that no disrupting electromagnetic interference is caused. Disruptive interference from the facility must be promptly rectified to include the discontinued operation of one or more WECS.

Microturbines that generate two kW or less of electrical energy each, to a maximum cumulative total of 10 kW per lot; and WECS that generate less than 10 kW per system only require approval of an administrative use permit.

Anchor points of any guy wires for a system tower must be located within the property that the system is located on. Guy wires must not cross any above-ground electric transmission or distribution lines. The points of attachment for the guy wires must be either enclosed by a fence six feet high or sheathed in bright orange or yellow coverings from three to eight feet above the ground.

Maintenance and inspection records shall be maintained on the site and shall be made available for inspection by the building official on request.

To prevent harmful wind turbulence from existing structures, the lowest extension of any horizontal axis blade must be at least 30 feet above the highest structure or tree within a 250-foot radius. Modification of this standard may be allowed when the applicant demonstrates that a lower height will not jeopardize the safety of the system.

Structural components, including, without limitation, towers, blades, and fencing must be of a non-reflective, unobtrusive color.

At least one notice shall be posted with the following information: Maximum power output (kW), rated voltage (volts) and current; Normal and emergency shutdown procedures; The maximum wind speed the WECS in automatic, unattended operation can sustain without damage to structural components or loss of the ability to function normally; and Emergency telephone numbers. No advertising sign or logo can be placed or painted on any WECS or tower.

Each WECS must be equipped with both manual and automatic controls to limit the rotational speed of the blade within the design limits of the rotor.

Towers must either: Have tower-climbing apparatus located no closer than 12 feet from the ground; Have a locked anti-climb device installed on the tower; Be completely enclosed by a locked, protective fence at least six feet high; or Have a tower-access limitation program approved by the review authority.

For interconnected systems, no wind turbine can be installed until evidence has been given to the Zoning Administrator that the electric utility service provider has been notified and has indicated that the proposed interconnection is acceptable. On-site electrical wires associated with the system must be installed underground, except for 'tie-ins' to the electric utility service provider and its transmission poles, towers, and lines.

Vertical axis systems must be placed at a distance of at least 10 rotor diameters from any structure or tree. A modification may be granted by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission for good cause shown, however, in no case can the turbine be located closer than three blade diameters to any occupied structure.