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14-3700 SWECS January 16,2015 Page 2 Questions for Consideration 1. Ornamental Wind Turbines and Definition Issues. The existing Alternative Energy Systems ordinance specifically bans the use of WECS or Wind Energy Conversion S s• t�ms (emphasis added), but apparently does not ban the installation of wind turbines that are not connected to electrical feeder lines or associated controls, i.e. that are not part of an electricity generation or distribution s sv tem. The existing Orono code definitions relative to this question are as follows: WIND TURBINE. Any piece of electrical generating equipment that converts the kinetic energy of blowing wind into electrical energy through the use of airfoils or similar devices to capture the wind. RESIDENTIAL WIND TURBINE. A wind turbine of 10 kilowatt (kW) nameplate generating capacity or less. SMALL WIND TURBINE. A wind turbine of 100 kW nameplate generating capacity or less. UTILITY WIND TURBINE. A wind turbine of more than 100 kW nameplate generating capacity. WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS). An electrical generating facility that consists of a wind turbine, feeder line(s), associated controls and may include a tower. The existing code section banning WECS states: (� Wind energy conversion systems. Wind energy conversion systems are not an allowed use or structure within any zoning districts in the city. The question has been raised as to whether a purely decorative or ornamental wind turbine or wind device functionally has the same potential aesthetic impacts as one that is part of a system. Assuming WECS will be allowed subject to defined standards, item (� will be removed from the code and replaced with those defined standards. If ornamental wind turbines are allowed, this should be spelled out in the code. The following language found in some other cities' codes may be useful: "Ornamental Wind Devices. Ornamental wind devices that are not a WECS shall be exempt from the provisions of this section and shall conform to other applicable provisions of this Chapter and the City Code." Staff is also suggesting that the definition terminology be revised so that the terms "Residential Wind Turbine", "Small Wind Turbine" and "Utility Wind Turbine" be revised to be listed as "Residential WECS", "Small WECS" and "Utility WECS", since their intended meanings relate to the complete system,not just the turbine. Also, it my be appropriate to include language in the code that acknowledges that WECs of 5,000 kW nameplate capacity or greater are regulated by the State and not subject to this ordinance.