2012-47 GRANTING WIND ENERGY SYSTEM PERMIT

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• Excerpts from Plan Commission Minutes of July 5,2012: Cal. No. 12-19 Petition of CLIFF MASKS,to allow a Wind Energy System in the R-1 Single Family Residence District located at 2410 WEST MOUND ROAD, Ms. Stickle presented the recommendation of staff: The 36,244 square foot subject site is located at 2410 West Mound Road and is currently undeveloped. The property was rezoned in September of 2011 from M-1 Intense Commercial-Light Industrial District to R-1 Single Family Residence District in order to construct a Single Family Residence with the intent to create a sustainable energy home by using wind energy. The petitioner proposes to construct a single family residence and install a wind energy system on the roof of the structure. The Zoning Ordinance requires a Wind Energy System Permit to be heard by the Plan Commission and granted by the City Council in order to construct a Wind Energy System on the property. The petitioner intends to use the system to generate electricity for the home on which it will be installed as well as serve as a display model for future sales. The top of the tower will be approximately 28 feet from the ground when installed on the proposed residential structure. The proposed residential structure will be setback 30 feet from the property line adjacent to West Mound Road and 39.7 feet from the north property line and 18 feet from the south property line. The level of the Wind Energy System is expected to be less than 35 decibels at ten (10) feet away in a 30 mile per hour wind and will have another 33 feet to dissipate to the required 30 decibels or less as it reaches the nearest property line. The Wind Energy System will be required to meet all the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. The surrounding zoning includes R-1 Single Family Residence District to the north and east and M-1 Intense Commercial-Light Industrial District to the north, south and west. The Decatur Urban Area Land Use Plan shows this area as Light Industrial. The proposed wind energy system is compatible with adjacent uses to the north and east. The uses to the west and south are also compatible uses with a wind energy system on a single family residence. The granting of a Wind Energy System Permit should not have an adverse effect of the surrounding area. The Engineering Division, Planning Division and Fire Department have all reviewed and approved the proposed Wind Energy System Permit. Staff recommends approval of the Wind Energy System Permit with the following condition: 1. Proof of homeowner's insurance to cover the requirements of Section XXXV.B.16 will be required prior to building permits being issued. Section XXXV.D.2 of the City of Decatur Zoning Ordinance requires the Plan Commission to hold a public hearing on a Wind Energy System Permit request, and then forward its report and recommendation to the City Council for final approval. A motion to forward Calendar Number 12-19 to the City Council with a recommendation for approval is suggested. Mr. Cliff Maske, petitioner, was sworn in by Mrs. Poland. Mr. Maske stated he is trying to bring Decatur into the latest technology of lightweight wind energy systems. He said this will be mounted on the roof and will not be taller than ten (10) feet. This will be a quiet machine and will only produce energy for the house. There were no questions and no objectors present. It was moved and seconded (Peck/Frantz) to forward Cal. No. 12-19 to the City Council with recommendation for approval as presented by staff. Motion carried unanimously.