Northwood officials are mulling zoning regulations and an application process for wind turbines as more of the green-energy devices pop up on the east side.

Under recommendations from the Northwood Planning Commission, which were the subject of a public hearing last week, private wind turbines within city limits could not be taller than 40 feet from ground to blade tip.

Maximum heights for each public or commercial wind turbine, meanwhile, would have to be reviewed by the planning commission, according to the recommendations. Other proposed regulations involve safety, noise levels, and appearance.

"What we're trying to do is be proactive," Northwood Mayor Mark Stoner said. "We want to make sure if somebody puts up one ... it is safe not only for them but their neighbors."

Northwood's proposed turbine regulations include:

•Establishing a "clear-fall zone" so that, if toppled, a turbine would not strike any buildings or neighboring property lines.

•Having broadband noise of no more than 10 decibels above the original ambient baseline sound level beyond the property line.

•Not crossing property lines with any ice throw or shedding, which also cannot impinge on public right-of-ways and overhead utility lines.

•Not allowing any advertising logos or signs on the structures, which must be white, gray, or sky blue.

A zoning certificate would be required before constructing any wind turbine in Northwood, according to the recommendations from the Northwood Planning Commission.

Applicants would have to provide a report prepared by a professional engineer, according to the recommendations.

A proposed ordinance based on the recommendations will be written for Northwood City Council's consideration.