Page 25 - North American Clean Energy January February 2014

Finding Clarity

Local ordinances

for distributed wind

power

By Lauren Glickman & Annie Sznajder

Few people realize what a complicated issue permitting and With the help of a federally funded Residential Energy Assistance Challenge grant, a Bergey

zoning can be when it comes to wind energy, and this is windmill now generates up to 10 kWs of electricity for the Millstream Heights Apartments, a
particularly true of distributed wind power. In some cases subsidized elderly housing complex in Winter Harbor, Maine. (Photo by Tom Walsh)

it takes more man-hours to permit a small wind installation

than it does to manufacture, deliver, and install a turbine.

Distributed wind, or small and community wind power, is the use of small to medium-sized while, at the same time, minimizing project expenses, streamlining permitting procedures,
turbines for local homes, businesses, and communities. Generally, these turbines provide and increasing eiciencies related to successfully implementing distributed wind power.
electricity on the retail side of the electric meter, without need of transmission lines.
he report also serves as a useful tool for county elected oicials and planners to learn
In order to appropriately regulate wind power, however, it’s essential for local leaders
about local wind ordinance development, explore key ordinance criteria, and consider best

to understand the diferent types of wind power technologies, as well as the various ways practices from other counties. For example, the permitting process is often a daunting
in which they can be regulated. he most signiicant diference exists between small-scale, obstacle for counties, wind developers, and would-be consumers to develop. Few counties
distributed wind turbines that are designed for onsite energy generation, and large, utility- have added allowances for wind systems (even small-scale turbines) to their zoning codes,

scale turbines that are engineered for wind farms that product power for the grid.
which can add red tape and delays to potential projects.
Granted, there are many other diferences in wind power technology. But, scale is one In fact, in some places, unfamiliarity with wind technologies has resulted in a complete
that has the most signiicance to local leaders regulating the industry. Utility-scale and restriction of wind development to avoid setting a controversial precedent. Fortunately,
distributed wind energy have very diferent regulation requirements. Over the past several the report’s recommendations and the Small Wind Model Zoning Ordinance are now being

decades, much more attention has been given to utility-scale regulations, mainly due to the implemented across the United States.
diferences in turbine technology.
In follow up to this efort, the Model Ordinance and a newly published Companion
Until recently, distributed wind didn’t make sense for many communities. he Document has been created to provide a uniform process for projects of 100 kilowatts
technology was too costly, and the proper city ordinances or regulations weren’t in place. (kW) and under. he Companion Document speciically focuses on the purpose and

But, both of these things are slowly changing with time.
reasoning behind the recommendations in the Model Ordinance, including technical
information, safety practices, and lessons learned over time. An expanded Model Zoning
Making sense of regulations
Ordinance, which will include projects over 100 kW, can be expected in the irst quarter of
Local governments use zoning, building permitting, and public safety regulations to 2014.

protect their community residents and businesses. hese decisions have direct impacts on
the expense, eiciency, and eventual success of distributed wind power. For instance, local * he National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Distributed Wind Energy Association
government decisions to delay or increase compliance requirements for wind projects can (DWEA) have partnered to address some of the zoning issues related to distributed wind
interfere with community demand for this resource and raise project costs.
generation. he irst step in this partnership was the publishing of the report, “County Strategies

As a result, many county leaders interested in fostering wind power in their communities for Successfully Managing and Promoting Wind Power.”
are carefully considering how to address the interests of local residents and businesses,
while at the same time inding ways to make small and community wind power possible Lauren Glickman is the communications manager for the Distributed Wind Energy Association
from a cost and permitting perspective.
(DWEA), and Annie Sznajder is the program manager for the DWEA.

As a means to this end, a report has been published, entitled, “County Strategies
for Successfully Managing and Promoting Wind Power,” which ofers clarity on local Distributed Wind Energy Association (DWEA)
ordinances for distributed wind power. he goal of this report*—irst published in 2012, in http://distributedwind.org
conjunction with the Small Wind Model Zoning Ordinance—is to assist county leaders and

the wind industry in working better together to protect public safety and property rights—

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