Harrisburg might be years away from being a source of alternative energy, but a small step taken by the city's planning and zoning commission will help the community be ready if it happens. The commission this month recommended the approval of a wind turbine ordinance. The ordinance next moves to the City Council for action. Discussion of wind energy started after the Harrisburg School District applied for a wind energy educational program earlier this year, said Albert Schmidt, city planning and zoning administrator.

Harrisburg might be years away from being a source of alternative energy, but a small step taken by the city's planning and zoning commission will help the community be ready if it happens.

The commission this month recommended the approval of a wind turbine ordinance. The ordinance next moves to the City Council for action.

Discussion of wind energy started after the Harrisburg School District applied for a wind energy educational program earlier this year, said Albert Schmidt, city planning and zoning administrator.

The district was one of 32 to apply. In August, the schools selected were announced. Harrisburg was not one of them.

"We wanted something in place in case a business decides to pursue alternative energy," Schmidt said. No one has contacted the city about construction of wind turbines, he added.

The proposed ordinance does not allow turbines in the city's residential area, meaning a homeowner with a small yard cannot erect a turbine because of safety and space concerns, Schmidt said.

According to the proposed ordinance, wind turbines will be allowed only in industrial and natural resource conservation districts such as the industrial park and farm land. The ordinance also will allow wind turbines on school district land.

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