§ 15-518. Alternative energy systems: Wind.

(a) Building permit requirements.

Building permit applications for wind energy systems must be accompanied by a line drawing of the electrical components in sufficient detail to allow for a determination that the manner of the installation conforms to all electrical codes.

(b) Height limitations.

(1) The maximum height of any ground-mounted wind energy system is 65 feet or 20 feet above the tree line, whichever is greater.

(2) The maximum height of any roof-mounted wind alternative energy system mounted on a detached accessory structure is 15 feet above the maximum permitted height for that structure.

(3) The maximum height of any roof-mounted wind energy system mounted on a principal structure is 10 feet above the maximum permitted height for that structure. However, this limitation does not apply to principal structures over 175 feet in height, in which case there is no limit on the height of a roof-mounted wind alternative energy system.

(4) For purposes of this section, maximum height is the total height of the turbine system, including the tower and, if designed with turbine blades, the maximum vertical height of the turbines blades. Maximum height is therefore calculated by measuring the length of a prop at maximum vertical rotation to the base of the tower. The maximum height of any ground-mounted wind energy system is measured from the length of a prop at maximum vertical rotation to grade.

(5) If turbine blades are part of the system, no portion of the turbine blades may be within 20 feet of the ground.

(c) Yard and setback limitations.

(1) Ground-mounted wind alternative energy systems may be located in the rear yard only.

(2) No part of the wind system structure, including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than 10 feet to any lot line. The system tower must be setback from all lot lines equal to the height of the system.

(d) Blade speed controls.

All wind alternative energy systems must be equipped with manual (electronic or mechanical) and automatic over-speed controls to limit the blade rotation speed to within the design limits of the wind alternative energy system.

(e) Noise limitations.

(1) Except as provided in this subsection, wind alternative energy systems may not exceed 60 dBA, as measured at the closest neighboring inhabited dwelling.

(2) This level, however, may be exceeded during short-term events, such as utility outages or severe windstorms.

(f) Small-wind certification.

(1) Wind turbines must be certified by a small-wind certification program recognized by the American Wind Energy Association or the U.S. Department of Energy.

(2) Alternatively, for a non-certified wind turbine, the applicant must submit to the Building Official a description of the safety features of the turbine prepared by a registered mechanical engineer.

(g) Compliance with FAA regulations.

Wind alternative energy systems must comply with applicable FAA regulations, including any necessary approvals for installations close to airports.

(h) Notice to utility.

No wind alternative energy system may be installed until evidence has been submitted to the Building Official that the utility company has been informed of the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator.