Wind Energy

The county’s codified ordinances define and regulate large (Chapter 24) and small (Chapter 25) wind energy systems.

It permits small wind energy systems in certain districts by right, subject to use-specific standards. It permits small systems as accessory uses in the GA, LE, SE, RR, LR, and NA districts (Chapter 8 §§8.09 – 8.18). It permits them as principal uses in the commercial/business and industrial districts. It includes siting, decommissioning, electrical, emergency communications corridor, access, lighting, noise, signal interference, interconnection, and setback standards (§§25.13 – 25.24).

It allows large wind energy systems in all districts with a discretionary use permit, subject to use-specific standards (Chapter 8 §§8.09 – 8.18). It includes aerial spraying, airport approach protection, annual reporting, emergency procedure, financial responsibility, lighting, noise, signal interference, soil and drainage, and emergency communications corridor standards (§§24.13 – 24.26). It defines procedures for the monetary compensation of nonparticipating residences (§24.20).

The county also provides a Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) program that applies to renewable projects (Chapter 32).