March 23, 2011
Kansas

County allows wind turbines in ag zones

By Ashley Bergner, The Associated Press, www.thekansan.com 23 March 2011

NEWTON – Private wind turbines now will be allowed in the Harvey County agricultural zoning district – without an expensive conditional-use permit.
At its meeting Monday morning, the Board of Harvey County Commissioners approved an amendment to zoning regulations to make the process of getting a private-use turbine easier.
“It saves you time and a $250 fee,” said Scott Davies, planning and zoning director.
Previously, a landowner wishing to construct a private wind generator on his or her property had to obtain a conditional-use permit to construct the turbine. This was expensive and time-consuming, Davies said.
Now, you can place a private wind generator in the agricultural zoning district as long as you have a minimum parcel of five acres. The generators must be 100 feet or less in height, and setbacks from property lines must be the height of the generator plus 50 feet.

You also will need to obtain a building permit.
Turbines built and operated for commercial use still will require a conditional-use permit from the county.
The Planning Commission had endorsed the proposal by a unanimous vote.
“We’re trying to encourage the use of wind turbines,” Davies said. “We’re trying to make it easier, simpler and faster to get permits.”

Other business
The Board of Harvey County Commissioners also passed a resolution changing the rates at the Harvey County Transfer Station and Construction and Demolition Landfill.
Due to the fluctuation of third-party disposal charges, Harvey County tire disposal rates now will be subject to change, the resolution stated.
The rates can be viewed at the Transfer Station. Contact the Harvey County Transfer Station/Landfill for more information at 283-5439.