03-09-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Is Wind Energy Practical structures permitted in residentially for Me? zoned areas,although variances are A small wind energy system can often obtainable.Most zoning ordi- pmvide you with a practical and nances have a height limit of 35 feet. emnomical source of electricity if: Yau can find out about the zoning restrictions in your azea by calling • your property has a good wind {�e local building inspector,boazd of resource supervisors,or planning boazd.They • your home or business is located on can tell you if you will need to obtain at least one acre of land in a rural a building pernut and provide you area with a list of requirements. • your local zoning codes or In addition to zoning issues,your mvenants aliow wind turbines neighbors might object to a wind • your average electricity bills are �a��e that blocks their view,or $150 per month or more �ey might be rnncerned about noise. Most zoning and aesthetic rnncerns • your property is in a remote can be addressed by supplying objec- location without easy access to tive data.For example,the ambient utility lines noise level of most modern residential • you aze mmfortable with long-term h'�d turbines is around 52 to 55 deci- investments. bels.This means that while the sound of the wind turbine can be picked out Zoning Issues of surrounding noise if a rnnscious Before you invest in a wind energy effort is made to hear it,a residential- system,you should research poten- sized wind turbine is no noisier than tial obstacles.Some jurisdictions,for your average refrigerator. example,restrict the height of the �� , '�`��' -, ' �. .- -.�-, -u�=��'� `" In CloverValleX ��,. ``',�'�-.'_,a. :-<� • , . -`°r�� Minnesota,this � ' 3-kW Whisper ' "' H175 turbine on a 50-foot tower is connected to the utility grid to offset the farm's utility- supplied electricity. .�r.�� � - i � � � � 3