Franklin Township supervisors adopted a zoning ordinance amendment that permits wind turbines as a special exception making the requirements simpler for residents who want to have some of their homes power provided by a windmill.

"The reason we did this was that it will eliminate the need for a variance from the zoning hearing board," said Rod Green, chairman. "This gives people rules to follow."

The windmill cannot be attached to any structure and must be located a minimum of 110-feet away from any structure or property line.

Green said that the amendment contains mostly common sense rules.

No part of the wind turbine can be located in a property's set back areas. They cannot be climbable up to 12 feet from the ground and they must comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. They must also conform to the industry standards of the American National Standards Institute.

The windmills must be equipped with a redundant braking system and mechanical brakes. They will not be allowed to show advertising and must have reflectors on guy wires up to 10 feet from the ground.

Applicants should not disrupt radio or television signals.

The building for storage cells must not be more than 150 square feet or be taller than 15 feet. Only property where the wind is harnessed may use the energy.

No more than one windmill may be located on one lot. The blades shall not be lower than 25 feet above the ground.