4.4. PCSR 09-22-2020 Request for Action
Cir•ci
Elk -
River=
To Item Number
Planning Commission 4.4
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Public Hearings September 22, 2020 Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
City of Elk River—Ordinance Amendment, Zack Carlton,Planning Manager
Section 30-804 (h)(1) Reviewed by
Wind Turbine Signage, Case No. OA 20-06
Action Requested
Recommend, by motion, approval of the ordinance amendment.
Background/Discussion
The city is requesting an ordinance amendment to allow signage or advertising for the owner/operator to be
placed on the wind turbine recently installed at the Youth Athletic Complex (YAC).
In 2009, the city adopted an ordinance regulating wind turbines (Section 30-804). The ordinance includes
language prohibiting signage or advertising of any kind on the tower or any associated structures. The intent was
to prohibit wind turbines from becoming large signs for private owners and was commonly found in other
community's wind turbine ordinance language the city adopted.
Staff believes that allowing signage for the owner/operator of the turbine will not negatively impact the aesthetics
of the tower and recommends removing the prohibition from Section 30-804.
Financial Impact
None
Mission/Policy/Goal
This ordinance amendment meets changing needs
Attachments
■ Proposed Amendment
The Elk River Vision P O N E R E o s Y
A welcoming community avith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional [NAWRE
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated.August 2020
Proposed Amendment
Sec. 30-804. -Wind turbines.
(h) General requirements.
(1) S�n�. No signage or advertising of aay kind shaU be pertrtitted on the tower or a
associated s"ttetttres.
{2}a�—Climbing apparatus. All climbing apparatus shall be located at least 12 feet above the
ground, and the tower must be designed to prevent climbing within the first 12 feet.
{�42�— Ylind access easements. The enactment of this section does not constitute the granting
of an easement by the city. The owner/operator shall be responsible for acquiring any
covenants, easements, or similar documentation to assure sufficient wind to operate the
wind turbine.
{4}43)--Abandoned toners. If the wind turbine has not operated for a period of six successive
months, or fails to meet the conditions of this section, the city council may order it
dismantled and the site restored to its original condition.