§ 331-25.1. Wind energy turbines.

A. 

Definitions.

WIND TURBINE or WIND ENERGY TURBINE

A wind turbine or wind energy turbine converts kinetic wind energy into rotational energy that drives an electrical generator. A wind turbine typically consists of a mast or mounting frame and structural supports, electrical generator, transformer, energy storage equipment, and a rotor with one or more blades. Some turbines use a vertical axis/helix instead of rotor blades.

(1) 

SMALL WIND TURBINES or SMALL WIND ENERGY TURBINES

Turbines with an American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) rated power output of 10 kW or less. They are also certified by the Small Wind Certification Council to meet AWEA Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standards. These turbines may or may not be connected to the power grid.

(2) 

LARGE WIND TURBINES or LARGE WIND ENERGY TURBINES

Turbines with a rated power output of more than 10 kW. These turbines may or may not be connected to the power grid. Large wind turbines are not permitted.

B. 

Installation of wind turbines in multifamily residential, mixed-use, and commercial and industrial districts shall be subject to approval by the Planning Board, in accordance with the provisions and procedures of Article XIII, Site Plan Approval, which shall take into account the needs of energy conservation. Wind energy facilities shall not be permitted in single-family residential districts.

C. 

Wind turbines shall be allowed as a permitted accessory use in all multifamily residential, mixed-use, and commercial and industrial districts, subject to the following requirements:

(1) 

Building permits shall be required for installation of building-mounted wind turbines.

(2) 

Pole-mounted or ground-mounted turbines shall not be permitted.

D. 

Rotor-swept area. The rotor-swept area is the projected area as defined by the AWEA. The maximum rotor-swept area is 150 square feet.

E. 

Setbacks and Height.

(1) 

Setbacks. Building-mounted turbines are subject to the minimum setbacks of the building they are mounted on.

(2) 

Height. A turbine may be up to 50% above the base zone height limit, or 45 feet above the height of the building it is mounted on, whichever is less.

Added 11-15-2016 by Ord. No. 233-2016