Wind Energy

The county’s unified development code defines and regulates small, medium, and large wind energy systems.

It permits small (private use) wind energy systems as accessory uses (either by right or with a discretionary use permit) in all zoning districts, subject to use-specific standards (Table A-1). These standards address application requirements, blade clearance, setbacks, attachment to dwellings, guyed towers, electrical components, braking systems, color, surface coatings, sound, net metering, and lighting (§537).

It permits medium (non-commercial) wind energy systems that provide power to contiguous parcels with a discretionary use permit, subject to use-specific standards (Table A-1). These standards address application requirements, permissible tower type, blade clearance, , setbacks, attachment to dwellings, guyed towers, electrical components, braking systems, color, surface coatings, sound, net metering, lighting, and financial guarantees (§536).

It establishes a Wind Energy Conversion System Overlay for large wind energy systems (§405).

It defines “private use,” “non-commercial,” and “commercial” “wind energy conversion system” (§1202).