Prompted by a determined resident who erected a wind turbine in violation of city code, Rancho Palos Verdes officials are contemplating a change in their policy on "small wind" systems.

But it won't happen anytime soon.

The City Council on Tuesday decided to put off consideration of the issue until it becomes clear what will happen with related state legislation.

The topic of turbines arose after Bill Ramirez in March set up a 30-foot small-wind system at his home off Palos Verdes Drive West. The city received complaints and inquiries about the turbine - and responded with a code enforcement letter.

Turbines are not allowed in residential zones of the city. But in reaction to Ramirez, planners decided to to ask the council if it wanted to change that policy.

"We need to make sure we do that in a measured manner so that it does not conflict with the enjoyment of homes by residents," said Councilman Steve Wolowicz, acting as mayor on Tuesday.

Council members expressed interest in the potential change, but said concerns about preserving coastal views might take precedence.

Ultimately, they asked city staff to return with a report on the progress of an Assembly bill introduced in December that would specifically authorize turbines on non-urban parcels that are 1 acre or larger. (Ramirez's lot is closer to a quarter-acre.)

The bill, AB 45 by Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, R-San Luis Obispo, would direct local governments to have a permitting process to allow the turbines, with certain restrictions.

In the meantime, Ramirez said he plans to respond this weekend to repeated letters from the city asking him to lower the turbine.

"I'm going to wait three or four months," Ramirez said. "If nothing happens, I'm going to put it back to work."