December 20, 2012
Illinois

Boone County board members approve wind turbine ordinance

By Kelsie Passolt | Dec 20, 2012 | www.wrex.com

Boone County leaders approve development of wind-generated electricity in that area. Wednesday night’s meeting generated a lot of debate from residents as well. This issue has gone back and forth from the Planning, Zoning, & Building Committee, to the Zoning Board of Appeals. But, the Boone County Zoning Ordinance Section 4.8: Wind Energy Conversion System Siting law has passed. Although some aspects of the law still need review.

Some county board members tried amending the ordinance tonight in the setbacks provision. As of right now, the law states that these wind turbines have to be 1,000 feet away from primary structures like buildings or houses. According to Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier, the PZB Committee wants to change that to 1,500 feet from property lines. The majority of county board members felt that was too big of an alteration without further hearing and notification to the public, so they voted to send these amendments to the Zoning Board of Appeals. One company looking to bring wind turbines to Boone County, Mainstream Renewable Power, hopes the ZBA thinks of less restrictive setbacks.

“If the setbacks are too great for wind farm development and the rules were changed in that way, than we would no longer be able to develop any kind of wind farm for Boone County.” -says Mainstream U.S. Development Vice President Matt Boss.

Some citizens say that county board leaders, who voted against lengthier space between turbines and properties, are missing the issue.

“What we are fighting for is responsible sitings of industrial wind turbines that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents.” -says Leroy Township resident Brian Van Laar.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/12/20/boone-county-board-members-approve-wind-turbine-ordinance/