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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-08 Planning & Zoning Packet - Work SessionCITY OF KENAI PLANNING ZONING COMMISSION Work Session Reminder Immediately Following The MEETING July 8, 2009 Amendment to Kenai Municipal Code Wind Energy Systems Proposed Ordinance the ay KENgALASKA WHEREAS, it is in the best interest o ordinance regulation the installation, systems (wind turbines). NOW, THEREFORE, B ALASKA, that the Ci new section to be 14.20.235 Wind CITY OF KENAI ORDINANCE NO. -2008 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KENAI ENACTING KMC 14.20.235 ESTABLISHING A PROCESS, RULES AND STANDARDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF ACCESSORY WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS WHEREAS, the City of Kenai has enacted the Kenai Zonin WHEREAS, the use of accessory wind energy systems is WHEREAS, the use of accessory wind energy sys the Kenai Zoning Code; and, WHEREAS, the intent of this ordinance is to est for the construction and operation of accessory wi for on-site power consumption ED B e of Ord 14.20.235 New Text Underlined: [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED[ Suggested by: Administration t sufficient s, rules and standards stems used primarily Kenai to enact a cessory wind energy COU CIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ces is hereby amended by adding a ch shall read as follows: Ener stem: A system designed as a secondary use to s or lities, wherein the power generated is used ite consumption. The system consists of a wind turbine ontrols and may include a tower. e distance measured from ground level to the center of the (3) Total eight: The distance measured from ground level to the blade Extended at its highest point. (4) Wind Turbine: a device which converts the kinetic energy of the wind into a useable form of energy. (b) Where allowed: (1) Accessory wind energy systems shall be considered an allowed secondary Ordinance No. -2008 Page 2 of use on lots that are a minimum of one acre in size in the following zones: Roof mounted systems are an allowed secondary use in any of the above mentioned zones that are a minimum of one -half acre in size. (2) Any deviation from the required standards of this ordinance may be approved through the issuance of a conditional use permit. the e the and all be 1 all prop wire anc E onfo e Ken i eric (c) Performance Standards and Design Requirements. (1) The requirements of this ordinance shall appl wind energy systems proposed after the effect ordinance. (2) All accessory wind energy systems sh uniform codes contained in Title 4 the industry standards adopted b (AWEA) (3) No more than two system (4) Maximum height shall be from preexisting natural gra horizontal and vhg system (5) Setback re wind en structu setback are o eas u nts. (7) Syst ermitted pe erlying not be used for displaying of advertising. New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] essory s to the appli unicipal Cod ind Energy d ssociation ing district measured e turbine hub for of the total height of the accessory nes. No part of the wind system may extend into the minimum g district or into any access or utility stem shall be a non reflective, non obtrusive oval of the City Planner. The appearance of the y other related components shall be maintained fe of the accessory wind energy system pursuant to AWEA (8) Syste shall not be illuminated unless required by a state or federal agency. (9) The electrical collection system shall be placed underground with the interior of each parcel. The connection system may be placed overhead near substations or points of interconnection to the electric grid. All grid connected systems shall have a completed contractual agreement Ordinance No. -2008 Page 2 of with the local utility prior to the issuance of a building permit. (10) Accessory wind energy systems shall be designed, installed, and operated so that noise generated by the system shall not exceed fifty decibels (50 dBA), as measured from the nearest property line, except during short term events including utility outages and severe wind storms. (11) Building permits shall be obtained for any accessory energy system prior to installation. (d) Obsolescence and Removal. If the accessory win nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous pe shall be deemed to be abandoned and shall c The owner shall remove the abandoned sy a demolition permit has been obtained. structure including foundations to be equipment. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE C ATTEST: Carol L. Freas, City Cie New Text Underlined. [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED] stem remains ays, the to a pu" uisance. e owner ense after oval includes the e atur. 'a ade, and tran ssion ALAS„ this day of 2009. PAT P" TER, MAYOR Introduced: 2008 Adopted: 2009 Effective: 2009 Planning Zoning Commission Work Session June 24, 2009 Wind Energy Systems Work session held to begin discussion a proposed amendment to regulate wind energy systems (turbines) in the City. Attending were Commissioners Twait, Rogers, Brookman and Koester. Also attending was Councilman Malloy, Kristine Schmidt, and Jim and Nadia Daggett (owners of Alaska Wind Industries). Staff included Planner Kebschull and Planning Assistant Carver. This was the first work session to discuss a proposed amendment. The Commission was provided with a packet of information including the draft ordinance Attorney Graves had prepared. Discussion included several issues: Setbacks o Considerations for commercial vs. residential lots. Proposed ordinance does not set different setbacks for commercial /residential lots —would require 100% of total height for setback. The Daggetts recommended considering 100% from any structure for commercial lots. Questioned how that could inhibit future development on adjoining properties and that any ordinance should create standards for each lot. o Setbacks should consider blade length Example provided in packet (Michigan's requirement). Height o Mr. And Mrs. Daggett advised that the blades need to be 20' above anything within 250' diameter of the turbine. o Residential restrictions may not be conducive to turbines. o Vertical Access systems may be more appropriate for smaller lots they require less height but have 1/2 the efficiency and cost approximately 1/2 the horizontal access systems. Roof Mounted Systems o Should not be permitted in residential zones as structures are probably not built to accommodate them. o Roof systems in commercial zones may limit the number of towers. Building Permits o Staff will verify that building permits are required. o Systems are engineered. o Foundations should require engineer to design to insure the foundation is built for the soil conditions. o Electricians should be required to install the systems. Planning Zoning Commission Work Session —June 24, 2009 Wind Energy Systems Page 2 Daggetts advised there are several individuals /companies currently considering installing systems (both residential and commercial). Homer Electric is cooperating with the Daggetts with installations. HEA will soon be reimbursing customers at the same rate they charge for power returned to the grid. The Commission agreed to continue the discussion at a work session following the next meeting on July $t"