5.4. PCSR 09-15-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR ACTION To Item Number Ci Council 5.4. Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Communi Develo ment Jul 20, 2009 Jerem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er Item Description Reviewed by Ordinance Amendment Relative to Wind Turbines in Elk River Jerem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er Reviewed by Action Requested Staff supports a Planning Commission recommendation of approval of the ordinance as drafted. Summary In July, the Planning Commission and City Council reviewed possible changes to the proposed Wind Turbine ordinance. Issues raised during those meetings included concerns over visual obtrusiveness, color, and location (setback). This ordinance attempts to addresses a tricky issue. It is anticipated that the use of alternative energy sources will increase over time. As an efficient alternative energy source, these towers must be placed higher that adjacent trees and buildings. This could result in the visual proliferation of wind turbines in the skies over Elk River. The concern is not unlike the concerns raised when telecommunications towers began to develop throughout the country. The difference here is that unless regulated, every individual property owner could build one, rather than a limited number of telecommunication companies. After the July Planning Commission and City Council review, staff reviewed the ordinance with the City Attorney, attempting to address the concerns. Attached is the resulting ordinance. Some key points: The ordinance exempts wind turbines less than 22 feet high, or 10 feet above a principle structure. 10 feet is within the ordinance allowance of height. 22 feet is the height of an accessory structure. The setbacks in the industrial zones are based on the setback of a principal structure. Setbacks in other zones are established to confine the tower more centrallyto the lot. S:\PLANNING MAIN\Case Files\OA\OA 09-04 Wind Turbines\RFA-CPC 9-15-09.doc