[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Parma 12-5-1983. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Zoning — See Ch. 165.
The intent of this chapter is to regulate the design, approval,
placement and access to wind energy conversion systems, herein referred
to as "WECS."
A.
WECS
Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
Any mechanism designed for the purpose of converting wind
energy into electrical or mechanical power.
B.
Plans.
(1)
Each application for a permit shall be accompanied by an accurate
site plan containing the following information prepared by a professional
land surveyor or professional engineer registered to practice in New
York State:
(2)
The application shall also include the following information:
(a)
A dimensional representation of the various structural components,
including the conversion system, supporting structure or tower, guy
wires, if any, base and footings.
(b)
Design data which shall indicate basis of design, including
manufacturer's dimensional drawings, installation, backup braking
system and operation instructions.
(c)
Certification by a professional engineer registered to practice
in New York State, or a manufacturer's certification, that the
design of the supporting structure or tower is sufficient to withstand
wind load requirements as set forth in the New York State Uniform
Fire Prevention and Building Code, and any other stresses imposed
by the conversion unit placed upon the structure.[1]
C.
Setback requirements. The setback requirement will be based on the
type of WECS being installed. The following criteria will be used:
(1)
Commercial units (at least 25 units installed and operating safely
two years or more). The minimum setback distance between the property
line, overhead utility lines, any dwelling or another WECS shall be
equal to the proposed structure height plus the radius of the rotor
for horizontal axis machines.
(2)
Experimental, home built or prototype WECS units. The Northeast Solar
Energy Center, Maximum Probable Blade Throw Distance in Event of Failure
Graph will be used to determine the setback requirement.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: The graph is included at the end of this chapter.
D.
Tower access. Climbing access to the WECS tower shall be restricted
by beginning climbing pegs or apparatus at 10 feet minimum above ground
surface.
E.
Noise. A WECS shall not produce a noise level at any lot line greater
than the ambient nighttime level in the area.
F.
Broadcast interference. A WECS shall not interfere with the broadcast
and/or reception of radio, television or other communication signals.
G.
Common system. Contiguous resident property owners may construct
a wind energy conversion system for their use in common. If property
held by more than one single owner is used to meet setback requirements,
a site plan establishing easements or reserved area must be submitted
to the Planning Board for its approval. The common property owners
must appoint one owner to be the spokesman and agent authorized to
act for the group.
H.
Interconnect. The WECS, if interconnected to an electrical utility
distribution system, shall meet the interconnect requirements of the
electric utility company to which it is connected.
I.
Maximum height. The total height of the structure shall not exceed
120 feet, as measured from the highest point of the arc of the blades
to the ground level at the base, unless otherwise prohibited by any
state or federal statutes or restrictions.
[Amended 12-12-1985]
J.
Minimum blade height. The minimum distance between the ground and
any protruding blades utilized on a WECS shall be 15 feet, as measured
radially from the point of the arc of the blades, to the ground.
A.
Site plan approval by the Town of Parma Planning Board will be required
prior to the issuance of a building permit.
B.
Upon approval by the Planning Board, an application shall be made
in the usual manner to the Building Department for a building permit.
The application shall be accompanied by the plans and specifications
required by that Department for permit review and issuance.
A.
The Code Enforcement Officer, Electrical Inspector and any other
duly authorized agent of the town shall be allowed to enter on the
property and make such inspections as deemed necessary during the
construction and assembly of the WECS.
B.
Following construction, the administration charged with enforcement
of this chapter or a registered professional engineer retained by
the town shall have the right at any reasonable time to enter in the
company of the owner or his agent the premises on which the WECS has
been constructed to inspect all parts of its tower and installation.
They can require that repairs or alterations be made if, in their
judgment, there exists a deficiency in the structural stability of
said tower.
