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City of Gloucester Wind Turbine Siting. Background. Prior to May 17, 2007 Wind Energy Conversion Devices Special Permitted in any district by ZBA Footnote Standard:
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Background • Prior to May 17, 2007 • Wind Energy Conversion Devices • Special Permitted in any district by ZBA • Footnote Standard: WECD shall be set back from every property line by a distance equal to its height (to tip of blade) except where a “fall area” easement is obtain, enclosed by 6’ fencing and anti-climbing devices as approved by Building Inspector
Context Ordinance Development • Varian Semiconductor’s proposal for two commercial sized turbines • Statewide discussions about Cape Wind • Renewable Energy Evaluation Assistance and Design and Construction Incentives/grants • Increasing Energy Cost - GHGE • Inadequacy of existing ordinance to address siting criteria and concerns (noise, shadow flicker, etc.)
Approach • Encourage or Restrict? • Accessory or Principal Use? • Where in the community? • Encourage use as an accessory use throughout the community with differing standards for supporting residential and non-residential uses
Resulting Ordinances • Residential Districts • ZBA Special Permit on lots greater than 40K sqft, maximum height 150’ • Dimensional standards may be reduced • Commercial/Industrial Districts • CC Special Permit with max height 500’, 50’ from building, 150’ abutting property lines, 100’ public ways or rotor blade length, flexible relief
33 Emerson Avenue • Located in a General Industrial District • Proposed 131’ Monopole, 180’ Tip of Blade, 250kw installation • Adjacent land uses mix of commercial, industrial, utility and residential (~0.1 mi) • Accessory to proposed office complex
Varian Semiconductor - Blackburn • Located in a Business Park District • Proposed 328’ Monopole, ~485’Tip of Blade, 2.5 mw installations • Adjacent land uses mix of commercial and industrial (residential ~0.25 mi) • Accessory to existing manufacturing plant
Next Steps for Consideration • Principal Use • Potential expanded allowance by district with adequate controls • Municipal Projects (accessory and potential principal use)