(a)   Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) means any device or combination of devices, including but not limited to wind chargers, windmills and wind turbines, which converts wind energy into another usable form of energy; the term shall include all associated support structures and transmission lines.

(Ord. 8202, Sec. 2)

Every person who desires to install a wind energy conversion system (WECS) shall be required to secure a permit from the city clerk. The application for such permit shall contain such information and comply with such regulations listed below:

(a)   The minimum distance from all zoning lot lines to any tower, poles or other support base of the WECS shall be determined by the following table:

Intermediate rotor size distances shall be interpolated. The WECS shall not be located in any required yard.

(b)   The WECS shall not cause interference to microwave communications or radio and television reception in the area. Noise levels measured at the lot line shall not exceed 60 DBA in a residential zone.

(c)   To limit climbing access to a WECS tower, or other support structure, a six-foot-high fence with locking portal shall be placed around the WECS support or if a tower is utilized, the tower climbing apparatus shall be limited to no lower than 12 feet from the ground or the WECS support may be mounted on a roof top.

(d)   All blades of a WECS shall be constructed of non-metallic substances. If the applicant can prove, in written form, that no electromagnetic interference will result, a metal content of up to 25% will be acceptable.

(e)   Certification by a licensed professional structural engineer that: the technical and dimensional data included in the application is accurate; that the proposed WECS is structurally adequate to withstand foreseeable natural phenomena; that tower and top adapter will withstand minimum horizontal thrusts of 900pounds; and that it is all respects conforms to the requirements set forth in this section.

(f)   Height of the WECS shall not exceed the maximum height restriction in the zone where it is located by more than 20 feet. The height of the WECS shall be measured at the center of the blade diameter.

(g)   Certification will be required from the Rocky Flats Plant Energy Systems Group, Golden, Colorado, that has tested the proposed WECS, together with resulting data pertaining to the operation, safety, noise and potential interference with television, radio or communication reception, by the proposed WECS.

(h)   The WECS, if interconnected to a utility system, shall meet the requirements for interconnection and operation as set forth in the electric utility’s current service regulations applicable to WECS.

(i)    A plot plan shall be submitted with the application for building permit showing the proposed location and dimensions of the WECS, guy wires or other support, fencing and all existing buildings within 200 feet of the exterior lot lines.

(j)    A list of all property owners within 200 feet of the boundaries of the site upon which the WECS is proposed to be installed shall accompany all other required documents.

(k)   The owner/operator shall provide covenants, easements or similar documentation to assure sufficient wind to operate the WECS unless adequate accessibility to the wind is provided by the site.

(l)    The owner/operator shall certify that the WECS does not violate any covenants of the record.

(m)  No WECS shall be located nearer to an existing WECS than a distance equal to five times the diameter of the larger rotor; provided that this distance may be reduced upon a showing that such reduction will not adversely affect the operation of either WECS.

(n)   Maintenance on any WECS shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Rotor blades shall be checked for fatigue annually by a licensed professional structural engineer, who shall certify the results of such inspection to the city building official within 10 days thereafter.

(o)   The applicant shall provide a certificate of liability insurance. Annually the owner/operator shall present evidence to the zoning administrator that the liability insurance is still in effect.

(p)   Any WECS which thereafter becomes inoperable or fails to conform to the requirements hereof shall be repaired or removed within 309 days.

(Ord. 8202, Sec. 3)