Two Rivers approves ordinance on small wind-energy systems

From an article by Cindy Hodgson in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:

TWO RIVERS — After a public hearing at which only one person spoke, the Two Rivers City Council on Monday evening approved a new ordinance regulating small wind energy systems. The vote was 8-0 with Mark Matthews absent, according to City Manager Greg Buckley.

The ordinance repeals and replaces a previous wind-energy ordinance. It specifically addresses small wind-energy systems, which are those used primarily to provide power for the property on which they are located and that have a rated capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts per turbine generator.

One provision of the new ordinance is that it allows people to purchase noise easements. Essentially, if their wind turbine is making more noise than the ordinance allows, they can negotiate with their neighbors to buy the right for their turbines to produce the additional noise, according to Buckley.

Small wind-energy systems may be permitted, with a conditional use permit, in industrial, conservancy or institutional/ public facilities districts. They may not be taller than 170 feet and they must be set back a distance of at least 110 percent of their total height from property lines, road rights-of-way and communication and electrical lines.

"This ordinance is meant to encourage the use of such wind turbines, while maintaining reasonable protections for nearby property owners," Buckley said via e-mail.

The Plan Commission will discuss large-scale, commercial wind turbines at its July meeting, according to Buckley.