City of Gloucester Wind Turbine Siting

Background

Prior to May 17, 2007– Wind Energy Conversion Devices– Special Permitted in any district by ZBA– Footnote Standard:WECD shall be set back from every property line

by a distance equal to its height (to tip of blade) except where a “fall area” easement is obtain, enclosed by 6’ fencing and anti-climbing devices as approved by Building Inspector

Context Ordinance Development

Varian Semiconductor’s proposal for two commercial sized turbines

Statewide discussions about Cape Wind Renewable Energy Evaluation Assistance and

Design and Construction Incentives/grants Increasing Energy Cost - GHGE Inadequacy of existing ordinance to address

siting criteria and concerns (noise, shadow flicker, etc.)

Approach

Encourage or Restrict? Accessory or Principal Use? Where in the community?

Encourage use as an accessory use throughout the community with differing standards for supporting residential and non-residential uses

Resulting Ordinances

Residential Districts– ZBA Special Permit on lots greater than

40K sqft, maximum height 150’– Dimensional standards may be reduced

Commercial/Industrial Districts– CC Special Permit with max height 500’,

50’ from building, 150’ abutting property lines, 100’ public ways or rotor blade length, flexible relief

Successful Siting

33 Emerson Avenue

33 Emerson Avenue

•Located in a General Industrial District•Proposed 131’ Monopole, 180’ Tip of Blade, 250kw installation

•Adjacent land uses mix of commercial, industrial, utility and residential (~0.1 mi)

•Accessory to proposed office complex

Successful Siting

Varian Semiconductor - Blackburn

Varian Semiconductor - Blackburn

•Located in a Business Park District•Proposed 328’ Monopole, ~485’ Tip of Blade, 2.5 mw installations

•Adjacent land uses mix of commercial and industrial (residential ~0.25 mi)

•Accessory to existing manufacturing plant

Next Steps for Consideration

•Principal Use•Potential expanded allowance by district with adequate controls

•Municipal Projects (accessory and potential principal use)