5.3. PCSR 07-20-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case File: OA 09-04 Wind Turbines Page 2 City of 1/lk Rver General Information Wind turbines can be mounted at any height, and can be any size, but to have any effectiveness, they need to be mounted at least higher than the surrounding buildings/trees. Wind turbines, or anything mounted at this height, have potential for great visual impact. Because of this impact, wind turbines are not appropriate in every zone. Additionally, wind turbines have the potential to add noise to the area, and may disrupt wind patterns. It is staffs understanding that the potential for these negative impacts goes up relative to the height and size of the rotors. Some of the challenges with the ordinance include the fact that the city is in a poor wind regime. The wind moving through Elk River is not consistently at a speed or frequency to offset the costs associated with substantial wind turbines. Analysis Recognizing that some residents and businesses may wish to use wind power within the City, staff is recommending wind turbines in the following districts: R-1a Lots greater than 10 acres, permitted accessory structure R-1a Lots greater than 2.5 acres, but less than 10 acres, conditional accessory structure. I-1 Lots greater than 1 acre, conditional accessory use I-2 Lots greater than 1 acre, conditional accessory use Additional regulations include: Maximum height is 10 feet higher than the maximum height allowed for the district. (50 feet in the R-1a, 55, and 70 feet in the I-1, I-2 zoning districts) Setback of a free standing pole shall be equal to the height of the pole plus the height of a rotor. Action Motion by Second by Vote Follow Up ti:\PLANNING MAIN\Case Piles\OA\OA 09-04 Wind Turbines\RFA-PC 7-14-09.doc