Public opinion sought on Fruitland Township wind ordinance
Fruitland Township officials understand that wind energy is quickly becoming popular for personal and commercial use, so it makes sense that the township along Lake Michigan wants to have its regulations in place as soon as possible.
The township’s planning commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance for wind energy systems at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the township hall, 4545 Nestrom.
The proposed ordinance, drawn up by planners with help from a consultant, establishes standards for personal and commercial use of wind turbines. As proposed, the ordinance allows turbines in all township zones.
“Although not a huge demand now, there is a push,” said Jan Deur, a planning commission member who served as the subcommittee chairman on wind energy. “I think we’ll see more and more interest in wind energy as governments — state and federal — make incentives for it and prices drop for it. We want to be ready for that.”
The proposed ordinance establishes property line setbacks of a distance at least 1.1 times the height of a tower-mounted or building-mounted wind turbine and a minimum of 30 feet of clearance for the tower-mounted turbine blade arcs over and from any structure or adjoining property.
The proposed ordinance also prohibits lighting and sets the sound level for a wind turbine at 55 decibels at the closest property line. All wind energy systems that are 65 feet or less in total height would be allowed in all zoning districts, while any system that is greater than 65 feet in height may be allowed as a special land use in all zoning districts.
Carol Kooistra, the planning commission’s chairwoman, said the commission has been working on and discussing issues for the proposed ordinance for about a year. She said officials are eager for the public’s input.
IF YOU GO
What: Public hearing on a proposed ordinance for wind energy systems.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: Fruitland Township hall, 4545 Nestrom.
More information: Copies of the proposed ordinance can be reviewed at township hall and on the township’s Web site, www.fruitlandtwp.org.
By Eric Gaertner
Chronicle staff writer
1 February 2009
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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