Wind Energy

The city’s zoning code allows commercial wind energy conversion systems (WECS) in certain districts with a discretionary use permit, subject to use-specific standards. It designates the E-I energy industrial district where alternative energy is the intended principal use (§92.17.2.00).

It allows WECS in the Watercourse, Open Land, Energy Industrial, and Manufacturing zones (§93.23.07.B). WECS must be located within the wind energy overlay zone designated in the city’s general plan. It does not limit WECS rated capacity, but they may not exceed 300 feet (§93.23.07.C.1). It contains general, safety, wind access, scenic, and safety setback requirements (§93.23.07.E.2 – 6). Other standards include interconnection, site disruption, monitoring, sign, appearance, and decommissioning.

Its noise ordinance contains a WECS section (§11.74.044).