Wind Energy

The town’s wind energy conversion systems code defines and regulates small and large wind energy systems (§173).

It permits small (residential) wind energy systems with a discretionary use permit in all zoning districts, subject to use-specific standards. These standards address setbacks, interconnection, utility undergrounding, application requirements, tower design, tower height, ground clearance, safety, fall zone radius, lighting, appearance, brake controls, noise, interference, access roads, federal and state approvals, and decommissioning (§173-7 & §173-8).

It establishes a special zoning overlay for large wind energy systems (§173-10). Standards for large wind energy systems address setbacks, interconnection, utility undergrounding, application requirements, tower design, tower height, ground clearance, safety, fall zone radius, lighting, appearance, brake controls, noise, interference, construction and traffic routes, certification, fire prevention, landscaping, maintenance, federal and state approvals, property tax exemptions, fees for review, insurance, and decommissioning (§173-11).

It defines “residential wind energy conversion system” and “industrial wind energy conversion system” (§173-6.B).