Raisin Township ordinances will allow wind turbines up to 120 feet
Credit: By David Frownfelder | Daily Telegram | www.lenconnect.com 10 July 2012 ~~
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series of ordinances regulating wind turbines in Raisin Township was described by township attorney David Lacasse as being a fair and balanced set of regulations. The township board approved the ordinances by unanimous voice votes Monday.
“It gives reasonable regulation with the safety of residents being foremost,” Lacasse said. “It’s not as restrictive as some, but it achieves a real good balance.”
The ordinances limit a rooftop-mounted wind energy system to 15 feet in height. A freestanding tower can’t exceed 120 feet. The noise level will not be allowed to exceed 45 decibels measured at adjacent property lines.
The regulations are in compliance with those set down by state or federal governmental agencies with the authority to regulate wind energy systems. Parts of the ordinance also deal with safety issues such as shadow flicker, ice throw and noise level control.
Supervisor Carl Wagner said the ordinance would require the building inspector to approve individual towers.
Trustee Larry Crittenden, who is the board’s liaison to the planning commission, said that once the ordinance is in place, he expects at least two property owners in the township will put up personal wind turbines.
“As long as the ordinance is followed, there could be some built,” Crittenden said. “As for the commercial development, all of the companies have pulled out, but if (the state energy ballot proposal) passes, I think we will see them come back to Lenawee County.”
The Raisin Township Planning Commission has been working on the ordinances for more than six months. Action had been postponed at the June 11 township board meeting because of concerns the Region II Planning Commission had with some parts of the ordinances. Several members of the township board praised the work of the planning commission.
“The planning commission has done an excellent job. This has been looked at for both bigger units and smaller units,” trustee Jim Palmer said.
Lacasse said Region II and the Lenawee County Planning Commission have reviewed and endorsed the ordinances.
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