January 19, 2011
Michigan

Kochville Township adopts wind energy ordinance

By Deborah Brown | The Saginaw News, www.mlive.com 18 January 2011

KOCHVILLE TWP. – After nearly a year of research and debate, a wind energy ordinance was unanimously approved by members of the Kochville Township Board of Trustees.

“It pretty much copies Bridgeport’s,” said Warren Collisi, Planning Commission chairman, referring to the ordinance adopted by Bridgeport Township in April 2009.

The ordinance includes the following requirements:

* No more than two wind turbine generators will be permitted for use in all districts of the township where the parcel size is one acre or larger. The tower cannot exceed 75 feet in total height with 10 kilowatt or less of rated capacity.

* Turbines that exceed 10 kilowatts and/or are greater than 75 feet will require special use approval. In addition, a wind energy system cannot exceed a total height of 150 feet.

* The Planning Commission may approve the installation of a vertical axis wind turbine that is mounted on a roof, not exceeding a total height of 35 feet above ground level, on less than an acre, if the turbine meets the required setback from the property lines.

* A site plan must include a survey of the property showing property lines and existing trees, buildings, structures, roads, utility easements, vehicular access, ownership of property and land contours and must be submitted for approval prior to obtaining a Wind Energy Sitting Permit.

Site plans must also indicate the proposed location, number of turbine towers, underground and overhead wiring, including underground wiring, and access roads. The plans also require photo exhibits with stamped and signed drawings from a Michigan licensed structural engineer.

A certificate of insurance with a minimum of $1 million liability coverage per incidence, per occurrence is also required. A permit can be revoked if such a certificate expires or for an unacceptable liability coverage.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/19/kochville-township-adopts-wind-energy-ordinance/