Wind turbines will not be allowed in Clive for at least the next six months.

The Clive City Council on Thursday approved an ordinance prohibiting the construction of wind energy systems from now until Feb. 1. The moratorium is intended to give city leaders time to work with other metro communities to create common standards for allowing wind turbines.

The ordinance passed 4-0. Councilwoman Ronni Begleiter was absent.

The city does not currently have any wind turbines in operation. But Community Development Director Doug Ollendike said that without enacting the moratorium, the city had no way to prevent a turbine from being erected in the city.

In May, the council proposed an ordinance that would allow wind turbines on a handful of Clive residential properties but would prevent them on all lots smaller than two acres.

Among the people who objected to the proposed ordinance was Kevin Babb, a Clive resident who said in a letter to Councilman Scott Cirksena that he had already purchased a wind turbine for $18,000. The Clive company that sold him the turbine, High Plains Energy, also objected.

Then in June, the council decided to postpone a vote on the ordinance in order to allow time to work with other cities.

City Attorney James Wine recommended at Thursday's meeting that the city allow Babb to finish his turbine, even with the moratorium in place.

"They showed it to us before this came up," Wine said. "I think they ought to be exempted in some fashion."

City Manager Dennis Henderson said later that city staff will advise Babb that as long as he brings information the staff has requested, he will be allowed to proceed.

Though Clive leaders intend to work with nearby cities on wind energy rules, several metro communities have already passed regulations.

Earlier this month, the Waukee City Council voted to allow wind turbines on properties zoned for agricultural, commercial, industrial and multi-family residential uses. West Des Moines allows turbines on properties one acre or larger. Johnston and Altoona also have wind-power ordinances. In Des Moines, rules for wind-energy production depend on the zoning district.