5.3. PCSR 07-20-2009REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Plannin Commission 5.3.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Planning Items July 20, 2009 Jeremy Barnhart, Planning Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Ordinance Amendment, considering wind turbines in Elk River. erem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff supports a Planning Commission recommendation of approval for the ordinance as written.
Background/Discussion
City staff was approached by a business owner wishing to construct a wind turbine as a demonstration
model for his business. His market would be residential and commercial customers. In reviewing the
question, Staff noted that wind turbines are only permitted as a conditional use permit in the A-1 zoning
district. They are not permitted elsewhere.
It is worth noting that in 2010, the City Council will consider rezoning most of the remaining A-1 zoning
district to R-1a, to be consistent with the Comprehensive plan. The only remaining A-1 zoned property
will be a 5 acre parcel north of the commuter rail station.
In June 20, the City Council authorized staff to research possible changes to the ordinance. The results
of that research follows.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
• Draft Ordinance (to be distributed)
Case File: OA 09-04 Wind Turbines
Page 2 City of 1/lk Rver
General Information
Wind turbines can be mounted at any height, and can be any size, but to have any effectiveness,
they need to be mounted at least higher than the surrounding buildings/trees.
Wind turbines, or anything mounted at this height, have potential for great visual impact.
Because of this impact, wind turbines are not appropriate in every zone. Additionally, wind
turbines have the potential to add noise to the area, and may disrupt wind patterns. It is staffs
understanding that the potential for these negative impacts goes up relative to the height and
size of the rotors.
Some of the challenges with the ordinance include the fact that the city is in a poor wind regime.
The wind moving through Elk River is not consistently at a speed or frequency to offset the
costs associated with substantial wind turbines.
Analysis
Recognizing that some residents and businesses may wish to use wind power within the City, staff is
recommending wind turbines in the following districts:
R-1a Lots greater than 10 acres, permitted accessory structure
R-1a Lots greater than 2.5 acres, but less than 10 acres, conditional accessory structure.
I-1 Lots greater than 1 acre, conditional accessory use
I-2 Lots greater than 1 acre, conditional accessory use
Additional regulations include:
Maximum height is 10 feet higher than the maximum height allowed for the district. (50 feet in the
R-1a, 55, and 70 feet in the I-1, I-2 zoning districts)
Setback of a free standing pole shall be equal to the height of the pole plus the height of a rotor.
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
ti:\PLANNING MAIN\Case Piles\OA\OA 09-04 Wind Turbines\RFA-PC 7-14-09.doc