County discusses wind-turbine requirements
Morning Sun|Matthew Clark|May 13, 2010
While the Crawford County Joint Board of Zoning Appeals had already heard a case for a height variance for a private wind turbine, Zoning Administrator Judy Freeman said that guidelines may have to be augmented. Freeman said that current county zoning regulations do not address the construction of wind turbines, whether on a farm or just a single-use.
While the Crawford County Joint Board of Zoning Appeals had already heard a case for a height variance for a private wind turbine, Zoning Administrator Judy Freeman said that guidelines may have to be augmented. Freeman said that current county zoning regulations do not address the construction of wind turbines, whether on a farm or just a single-use.
GIRARD - While the Crawford County Joint Board of Zoning Appeals had already heard a case for a height variance for a private wind turbine, Zoning Administrator Judy Freeman said that guidelines may have to be augmented.
Freeman said that current county zoning regulations do not address the construction of wind turbines, whether on a farm or just a single-use.
"I have several requests from people wanting to put wind turbines at their home," Freeman said.
But, without clear zoning guidelines, Freeman said that it was difficult to direct people as to what, if any, zoning requirements they might have to fall under.
That is why Freeman has proposed changes to the county zoning regulations and has asked for a public hearing with the …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]GIRARD - While the Crawford County Joint Board of Zoning Appeals had already heard a case for a height variance for a private wind turbine, Zoning Administrator Judy Freeman said that guidelines may have to be augmented.
Freeman said that current county zoning regulations do not address the construction of wind turbines, whether on a farm or just a single-use.
"I have several requests from people wanting to put wind turbines at their home," Freeman said.
But, without clear zoning guidelines, Freeman said that it was difficult to direct people as to what, if any, zoning requirements they might have to fall under.
That is why Freeman has proposed changes to the county zoning regulations and has asked for a public hearing with the county's Planning and Zoning Board.
Her proposed changes include adding definitions for wind energy conversion systems, which include commercial and small use as well as system height.
The new proposed regulations also include conforming guidelines for new wind conversion systems.
She said that there has not been any interest in placing a wind turbine farm in the county, but there should be regulations in place in the event that there is interest. One of those regulations include adding a liability clause.
"It is more for commercial use," Freeman said. "But, should a wind farm come to the county, there are some dangers like if it freezes, ice can be thrown. It may not be a bad idea to look at it."
The Planning and Zoning Board recently approved a height variance request in April for a private wind turbine to be located outside of Girard.
"We really need to iron out some regulations about this," Freeman said.
"We could just be adding verbiage to what we already have on the books."
Crawford County Commissioners have expressed their support to looking at the additions.
"It is good to be proactive on this and it is great that we won't have to really reinvent the wheel," said Commissioner Linda Grilz.
A public hearing on the new wind generation zoning regulations has been set for 6:30 p.m. June 17.