A resident filed an enforcement action request (June 2018) alleging Wind 2 violates Chapter 240 Section 3B of the Falmouth Zoning Bylaw (the local provision copied from M.G.L. c. 40A, s. 7).

Legal Zoning/Planning Massachusetts

It limits the ban to commercial wind energy convergence systems, while allowing landowners to build noncommercial and micro wind turbines in certain circumstances, specifying rules depending on the structure’s size. At the same time, the changes also attempt to provide more legal justification for banning commercial wind farms, such as potential impacts on “the health, safety, and general welfare” of Pulaski County residents, along with property values.

Zoning/Planning Indiana

“A lot of this is not in compliance with our Chapter 155 ordinance that we passed,” Commissioners president Jim Fulwider said. “If we’re not going to stand behind an ordinance that we put in place, then why make ordinances if we’re not going to stand behind them? ... The proposed agreements are not in compliance with Chapter 155 and are not in the best interest of Montgomery County and our citizens. I will expect full compliance with Chapter 155. As Commissioner I take this seriously and will use all legal methods to protect the people.” 

Zoning/Planning Indiana

Hartke said a 1,500-foot setback from homes — or 2,250-foot setback, for that matter — would allow for encroachment issues, as non-participating landowners would be limited on the use of their land because some of it would be in the so-called “hazard zone.” “I think my children should be able to play in our yard — if I own five acres or 20 — and hang out at the creek at the back of our property and not be in this hazard area,” Hartke said.

Zoning/Planning Illinois

Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday requesting county commissioners adopt a moratorium on the acceptance of any applications for wind turbines and related equipment.

Zoning/Planning Indiana

Ken Walker proposed the following phrase be added to page 104: “With the current shift in attitude, the county will not allow any new wind development.” The “shift in attitude” refers to the May 2017 vote, where voters in county-zoned municipalities turned down two new wind energy developments by a 2 to 1 margin.

Zoning/Planning Michigan

Members of the Adams County Planning and Zoning Commission are looking to change the county’s wind energy regulations. ...All the counties also have similar regulations for commercial wind energy systems. However, towers in Adams County shall not exceed 300 feet for the tower and 400 feet for the entire structure.

Zoning/Planning Nebraska

"I'm concerned there's something we're missing and I would like to propose that we put a committee together to look at this a little further," Pullen said as attendees burst into applause. Stacy Odom, also a plan commission member, later agreed with Pullen, calling wind energy an ever-changing industry and that local rules would ideally reflect that somehow.

Zoning/Planning Indiana

Schroder said the wind farm is “highly inconsistent” with Cattaraugus County’s Comprehensive Plan. That plan calls for retaining the county’s rural character, promoting tourism and a healthy and safe environment, she pointed out.

Zoning/Planning New York

The supervisors have been meeting with Nick Schuler of Tradewind Energy for months in preparation for the installation of wind turbines in southwest Davis County. The wind project also extends into Appanoose County and Schuyler County, Mo.

Zoning/Planning Iowa

After the public spoke, the resolution came down the line for a final vote that would adopt local laws increasing the maximum height and required setbacks for the turbines, amending the wind overlay district in the town and granting Ball Hill’s application for modification of its special use permit. The motion was given, seconded, and all four councilpersons and the town supervisor all voted no.

Zoning/Planning New York

The committee passed the ordinance draft during its meeting Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Legislative Center that now will go before a public hearing officer. County officials made it clear, however, that this is by no means the end of the draft process. ...The moratorium that the county set on wind energy projects in 2017 ...has been extended to the end of the year or until the county passes a final ordinance.

Zoning/Planning Illinois

A proposed wind farm project at the border of Muskegon and Kent counties has local residents concerned about their quality of life and safety if the project is approved by Casnovia Township officials.

Zoning/Planning Michigan

For now, the Muskegon County project is on hold while the township planning commission decides whether the project's details are in compliance with zoning rules.

Zoning/Planning Michigan

Ordinances governing wind energy systems, which are to be developed within a county, have a wide ranging effect on the local geography and economy.  Local participation in ordinance drafting is a great advantage of county lawmaking.  This leaves an opportunity for county commissioners to make the public, its local residents, “partners” in this lawmaking.  There should be little uncertainty in ordinance language, it should be transparent, and the end product should favor open public participation in wind farm applications.

Legal Zoning/Planning South Dakota

To view the entire Friends of the Huron Mountains press release click here or on the document icon on this page. 

Zoning/Planning Michigan

After hearing the complaints, the planning commission voted unanimously to create a committee to look at the issue of wind turbines in the township. The committee will consist of nine members: three commission members, three residents who are for the wind turbines and three who are against them.

Zoning/Planning Michigan

Wind turbines [can] now be placed a minimum of 1,000 feet from a home’s foundation, with other setbacks for roads, powerlines and waterways. Michael Woodyard of the Ad Hoc Citizens Committee for Property Rights spoke to the board Monday to voice concerns about safety, the environment and property rights.

Zoning/Planning Illinois

A supermajority vote is needed to pass the elimination of one of two substations and placing the five-plus mile interconnect line underground as opposed to overhead.

Zoning/Planning New York

The Morgan County Board of County Commissioners is discussing an ordinance that could impact a proposed wind farm near Waverly and Franklin. The board is looking at proposed changes to setbacks and other limitations on the placement of wind turbines near homes after several residents raised concerns about a wind farm’s potential effects on its neighbors.

Zoning/Planning Illinois