[Added 8-9-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-04]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Article 5, Planned Residential Development,
Sections 501 et seq., were repealed 8-26-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-04.
It is the purpose of this regulation to promote the safe, effective
and efficient use of installed renewable energy systems that reduce
on-site consumption of utility-supplied energy while protecting the
health, safety and welfare of adjacent and surrounding land uses and
properties. It is the Township's goal to provide property owners and
business owners/operators with flexibility of satisfying their on-site
energy needs and assuring continuing electrical supply during utility
blackouts for such necessities as pumping well water, running freezers,
refrigerators, air conditioners, and lighting for health and safety.
Also, it is a secondary goal that through the progressive employment
of renewable energy technology in the Township, a reduction in overall
energy demands within the Township can be realized.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
One or more buildings, structures, pieces of equipment, units,
etc., that are provided for a particular purpose or specific use.
A generating facility capable of capturing and converting
hydrothermal energy into hydronic or electrical energy sources.
A system that combines electrical input from multiple sources
(solar, wind, geothermal, utility) into a bank of storage batteries.
Any ice gathered on the rotating blades of a wind turbine
that detaches and is thrown.
The technical and practical link between the renewable energy
generators, including hybrid sources such as wind, solar, geothermal,
and multiple units of each, the storage batteries, the controllers,
and the grid providing electricity to the greater community.
An agreement with a local electric utility that allows customers
to receive a credit for surplus electricity generated by certain renewable
energy systems.
A simple single-story roofed structure on a property detached
from any main structure that is used for storage, hobbies, or as a
workshop.
Shall mean and include small wind turbine devices, wind generators
and systems producing from one to 100 kWh of electricity and which
are designed to be mounted on a pole or tower or to be attached to
the principal or an accessory structure, and used solely to generate
power to serve structures located on the same lot.
An electric generating facility, with the purpose of generating
electricity, or providing hot water heat, consisting of one or more,
but not limited to, solar panels, shingles, freestanding arrays or
Smartflowers and other ancillary associated buildings and structures,
including substations, meteorological towers, electrical infrastructure,
transmission lines, and other appurtenant structures and facilities.
A flower-shaped solar panel array that attracts the sun and
is completely portable.
Batteries that store electricity from renewable sources which
are used directly to power a household, farm, or business with utility
power as backup.
The distance measured from the surface of the tower foundation
to the highest point of the turbine rotor pane.
The geographical area of land, water, or other environmental
elements that is visible to the human eye from a fixed vantage point
or location. It includes all surrounding points that are in line-of-sight
with that location and excludes points that are beyond the horizon
or obstructed by terrain and other features (e.g., buildings, trees).
An electric generating facility, with the purpose of electricity
supply, consisting of one or more wind turbines and other ancillary
associated buildings and structures, including substations, meteorological
towers, electrical infrastructure, transmission lines, and other appurtenant
structures and facilities.
A wind energy system that converts wind energy into electricity
through the use of a wind turbine generator, which may be of horizontal
or vertical shaft design.
The alternative or renewable energy system must be constructed
to comply with all applicable state, federal and local Uniform Construction
Codes (UCC) in effect when a building permit application is filed
with the Township. The alternative energy system shall also comply
with any and all regulations adopted by the Pennsylvania Department
of Labor and Industry as they relate to the UCC, except where an applicable
industry standard has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department
of Labor and Industry under its regulatory authority. Submission of
a permit application to the Township is required.
A.Â
Township zoning approval is required for the construction of any
geothermal energy facility that is an accessory use on any site or
lot. The zoning permit application shall indicate the location of
the proposed facility.
B.Â
The applicant shall demonstrate through project planning and proposed
mitigation that a proposed facility's impacts will be minimized for
surrounding properties and the community.
C.Â
This may include, but not be limited to, information regarding site
selection, facility design or appearance, buffering, and screening
of ground-mounted electrical control equipment.
D.Â
Noise from any facility shall meet the Township's noise standards
for the applicable zoning district. Measurement of noise emanating
from any facility shall be in accordance with Township's noise standards
for measuring devices.
E.Â
Geothermal energy facilities shall not display advertising, except
for a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
F.Â
To the extent applicable, all geothermal energy facilities shall
comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and regulations
promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
G.Â
All electrical components of geothermal energy facilities shall conform
to relevant and applicable local, state and national codes, and relevant
and applicable international standards.
H.Â
Geothermal energy facilities shall meet the accessory structure setbacks
that may apply in the zoning district within which the facility is
constructed, and, where no such setback is specified, the facility
shall be no closer than 35 feet from any property line.
I.Â
No facility shall be installed closer than 10 feet to a swimming
pool or other open body of water.
A.Â
The applicant shall demonstrate through project planning and proposed
mitigation that a proposed facility's impacts will be minimized for
surrounding properties and the community. This may include, but not
be limited to, information regarding site selection, facility design
or appearance, buffering, and screening of ground-mounted electrical
control equipment.
B.Â
Where the installation of the facility constitutes a land development,
all provisions of applicable ordinances shall be met.
C.Â
Noise from any facility shall meet the Township's noise standards
for the applicable zoning district. Measurement of noise emanating
from any facility shall be in accordance with Township's noise standards
for measuring devices.
D.Â
To the extent applicable, all geothermal energy facilities shall
comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and regulations
promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
E.Â
All electrical components of geothermal energy facilities shall conform
to relevant and applicable local, state and national codes, and relevant
and applicable international standards.
F.Â
Geothermal energy facilities shall not display advertising, except
for a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
G.Â
The following project information shall be submitted to the Township
for every proposed geothermal energy facility:
(1)Â
Project narrative, including the following: an overview of the project,
project location, the approximate generating capacity, the number,
representative types and heights of facilities to be constructed,
including their generating capacity, dimensions, and respective manufacturers,
and description of any ancillary facilities to the geothermal energy
system.
(2)Â
An affidavit or similar evidence of agreement between the property
owner and the geothermal energy facility owner or operator, demonstrating
permission to apply for necessary permits for construction and operation
of a geothermal energy facility.
(a)Â
Identification of the properties on which the proposed facility
will be located and the properties adjacent to the proposed location.
(b)Â
A site plan showing the planned location of each proposed geothermal
energy facility, property lines, setback lines, access roads, and
the location of any ancillary structures, including equipment, cabling,
buildings, structures, transmission lines, and substations.
(c)Â
A viewshed impact analysis, illustrating views of the proposed
facility from multiple angles demonstrating that the facility blends
into the surrounding scenery.
(d)Â
A design certification by a certified engineer, consisting of
the proposed foundation design and analysis of soil conditions.
H.Â
Preliminary and final land development approval is required for the
construction of any geothermal energy facility when it is the principal
use on a site or lot.
I.Â
All geothermal energy facilities and any associated equipment shall
comply with all area, dimensional, and yard setbacks for the zoning
district in which the facility is located, as well as any other zoning
provisions that apply, including buffering and landscaping.
J.Â
Secure perimeter fencing shall be installed around the geothermal
energy facility.
(1)Â
The fencing shall not be constructed within any required landscape
buffer or within 10 feet of right-of-way (minimum 25 feet from center
of road).
[Amended 5-22-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-01]
(2)Â
The fencing shall be chain-link construction with rubberized coating
in neutral earth tone colors such as black or brown.
K.Â
Geothermal energy facilities shall not display advertising, except
for a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
A.Â
Township zoning approval is required for the construction of any
solar energy facility that is an accessory use on any site or lot.
The zoning permit application shall indicate the location of the proposed
facility, including the percentage of roof coverage, if the facility
is mounted on a building.
B.Â
The applicant shall demonstrate through project planning and proposed
mitigation that a proposed facility's impacts will be minimized for
surrounding properties and the community. This may include, but not
be limited to, information regarding site selection, facility design
or appearance, buffering, and screening of ground-mounted electrical
control equipment.
C.Â
Noise from any facility shall meet the Township's noise standards
for the applicable zoning district. Measurement of noise emanating
from any facility shall be in accordance with Township's noise standards
for measuring devices.
D.Â
Construction of any solar energy facility shall comply with all applicable
rules, laws and regulations of the United States Federal Aviation
Administration. Documentation of compliance shall be provided to the
Township.
E.Â
To the extent applicable, all solar energy facilities shall comply
with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and regulations promulgated
by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
F.Â
All electrical components of solar energy facilities shall conform
to relevant and applicable local, state and national codes, and relevant
and applicable international standards.
G.Â
The property owner installing the solar energy facilities shall notify
the local Fire Department and Township about said installation in
writing and pass any information received from the Fire Department
or Township on to the installer in writing.
H.Â
Solar energy facilities shall not be artificially lighted, except
to the extent required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other
applicable authority that regulates air safety.
I.Â
Solar energy facilities shall not display advertising, except for
a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
J.Â
Where installed on the roof of a building, no solar panel shall be
installed such that more than 75% of the roof area is covered by the
panels. Solar panel shall be set back three feet from all edges of
the roof.
K.Â
Where solar roofing shingles are installed on the roof of a building,
the shingles shall be installed such that 100% of the visible roof
from the street shall be covered by the solar roofing shingles, whether
active or not. Identical nonsolar shingles must be used three feet
from all edges of the roof and shall be utilized to cover visible
roof not being used for solar energy.
L.Â
Any solar energy facility installed on a sloped roof of a building
shall comply with the height requirements of the zoning district in
which the property is located and shall be no higher than 18 inches
from the roof to which it is mounted, measured perpendicular to the
roof. For systems mounted on flat roofs, the height shall be no greater
than six feet from the roof, measured perpendicular to the roof. In
all cases, the ability of the roof to support such a structure shall
be verified by a registered professional engineer.
M.Â
No solar energy facility or facilities may exceed in total 30% of
the total site and in no case shall exceed the maximum lot coverage
for the district in which the property is located.
N.Â
Solar energy facilities shall meet the accessory structure setbacks
and other regulations that may apply in the zoning district in which
the facility is constructed, and, where no such setback is specified,
the facility shall be no closer than 35 feet from any property line.
O.Â
No facility shall be attached to a tree or any other natural object
or structure not intended to support such a facility.
P.Â
No facility shall be installed closer than 10 feet to a swimming
pool or other open body of water.
A.Â
The applicant shall demonstrate through project planning and proposed
mitigation that a proposed facility's impacts will be minimized for
surrounding properties and the community. This may include, but not
be limited to, information regarding site selection, facility design
or appearance, buffering, and screening of ground-mounted electrical
control equipment.
B.Â
Where the installation of the facility constitutes a land development,
all provisions of applicable ordinances shall be met.
C.Â
Noise from any solar energy facility shall not exceed 45 decibels
at the lot line. A sound level meter, dosimeter or other similar device
may be used for measuring and reporting acoustic emissions from a
solar energy facility.
D.Â
Construction of any solar energy facility shall comply with all applicable
rules, laws and regulations of the United States Federal Aviation
Administration. Documentation of compliance shall be provided to Township.
E.Â
To the extent applicable, all solar energy facilities shall comply
with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and regulations promulgated
by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
F.Â
All electrical components of solar energy facilities shall conform
to relevant and applicable local, state and national codes, and relevant
and applicable international standards.
G.Â
The property owner installing the solar energy facilities shall notify
the local Fire Department and Township in writing about said installation
and pass any information received from the Fire Department or Township
on to the installer in writing.
H.Â
Solar energy facilities shall not be artificially lighted, except
to the extent required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other
applicable authority that regulates air safety.
I.Â
Solar energy facilities shall not display advertising, except for
a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
J.Â
The following project information shall be submitted to the Township
for every proposed solar energy facility:
(1)Â
Project narrative including the following: an overview of the
project, project location, the approximate generating capacity, the
number, representative types and heights of facilities to be constructed,
including their generating capacity, dimensions, and respective manufacturers,
and description of any ancillary facilities to the solar energy system.
(2)Â
An affidavit or similar evidence of agreement between the property
owner and the solar energy facility owner or operator, demonstrating
permission to apply for necessary permits for construction and operation
of a solar energy facility.
(3)Â
Identification of the properties on which the proposed facility
will be located and the properties adjacent to the proposed location.
(4)Â
A site plan showing the planned location of each proposed solar
energy facility, property lines, setback lines, access roads, and
the location of any ancillary structures, including equipment, cabling,
buildings, structures, transmission lines, and substations.
(5)Â
A viewshed impact analysis, illustrating views of the proposed
facility from multiple angles demonstrating that the facility blends
into the surrounding scenery.
(6)Â
A design certification by a certified engineer, consisting of
the proposed foundation design and analysis of soil conditions.
K.Â
Solar energy facilities shall not exceed a maximum height of 15 feet,
measured from the ground to the tallest point of the facility.
L.Â
Preliminary and final land development approvals are required for
the construction of any solar energy facility when it is the principal
use on a site or lot.
M.Â
All solar energy facilities and any associated equipment shall comply
with all area, dimensional, and yard setbacks for the zoning district
in which the facility is located, as well as any other zoning provisions
that apply, including buffering and landscaping. Required landscape
buffering may be modified so that tall tree species may be replaced
with lower-growing tree species where the required tree species may
interfere with the functioning of the solar energy facility, only
where the required landscape buffer is adjacent to property where
nonresidential uses are permitted.
N.Â
Secure perimeter fencing shall be installed around the solar energy
facility. The fencing shall not be constructed within any required
landscape buffer or setback. The fencing shall be chain-link construction
with rubberized coating in neutral earth tone colors such as black
or brown.
O.Â
Decommissioning funds shall be posted and maintained with the Township
in an account equal to 125% of the estimated decommissioning costs,
for as long as the facility exists, regardless of change of ownership
of the facility or property on which it sits. Decommissioning shall
include removal of solar panels, buildings, cabling, electrical components,
roads, foundations and any other associated facilities.
P.Â
An independent and certified professional engineer shall estimate
the total cost of decommissioning without regard to salvage value
or the equipment.
Q.Â
Decommissioning funds shall be deposited into a refundable escrow
of the same amount with the Township.
R.Â
If the solar energy system remains unused for a period of 12 consecutive
months, the owner, operator, or property owner shall, at its expense,
complete decommissioning of the system within six months. The solar
energy system will be presumed to be at the end of its useful life
if no electricity is generated for a continuous period of 24 months.
S.Â
If the facility owner, operator, or property owner shall fail to
appropriately complete decommissioning, the Township may take such
action as necessary to complete the decommissioning. The entry into
and submission of evidence of a participating landowner agreement
to the Township shall constitute agreement and consent of the parties
to the agreement, their respective heirs, successors, and assigns,
that the Township may take such action as necessary to implement the
decommissioning.
A.Â
Township zoning approval is required prior to the construction of
any wind energy facility on any site or lot. The zoning permit application
shall indicate the location of the proposed facility.
B.Â
The applicant shall demonstrate through project planning and proposed
mitigation that a proposed facility's impacts will be minimized for
surrounding properties and the community. This may include, but not
be limited to, information regarding site selection, facility design
or appearance, buffering, and screening of ground-mounted electrical
control equipment.
C.Â
Noise from any facility shall meet the Township's noise standards
for the applicable zoning district. Measurement of noise emanating
from any facility shall be in accordance with Township's noise standards
for measuring devices.
D.Â
Construction of any wind energy facility shall comply with all rules,
laws and regulations of the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
Documentation of compliance shall be provided to the Township.
E.Â
Wind energy facilities shall not be artificially lighted, except
to the extent required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other
applicable authority that regulates air safety.
F.Â
To the extent applicable, all wind energy facilities shall comply
with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and regulations promulgated
by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
G.Â
All electrical components of wind energy facilities shall conform
to relevant and applicable local, state and national Codes, and relevant
and applicable international standards.
H.Â
Wind energy facilities shall not display advertising, except for
a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
I.Â
Yard/setback requirements:
(1)Â
Minimum lot area: two acres.
(2)Â
From buildings: 1.1 times the height of the wind energy facility
at its tallest point, measured from the bottom of the facility base
to the highest reach of any movable or immobile part; except where
the facility is mounted to a building, the setback shall not be required
between the facility and the building to which it is attached or the
principal structure setback for the district, whichever is greater.
(3)Â
From property lines: 1.1 times the height of the wind energy
facility at its tallest point, measured from the bottom of the facility
base to the highest reach of any movable or immobile part or the principal
structure setback for the district, whichever is greater.
(4)Â
From public roads: 1.1 times the height of the wind energy facility
at its tallest point, measured from the bottom of the facility base
to the highest reach of any movable or immobile part or the principal
structure setback for the district, whichever is greater.
(5)Â
Each vertically oriented wind energy facility mounted on a building
shall be separated from any other wind energy facility by 1.1 times
the height of the facility, measured from the point at which the facility
is mounted to the building, to the highest reach of any movable or
immobile part of the facility.
J.Â
Maximum height: where the facility is an independent structure and
not mounted to a building, 30 feet maximum height in Rural Residential;
40 feet maximum height in the Agricultural Conservation, Conservation,
and Limited Business; and 60 feet in Industrial Districts, measured
from ground level to the tip of the wind energy facility's blade fully
extended perpendicular to the ground plane for horizontal shaft wind
generators or to the top of the vertical shaft wind generator tower
or pole. Where the facility is mounted to a building, the maximum
height at the tallest point on the building shall be 30 feet high
as measured from the ground.
K.Â
Minimum vertical clearance between ground level and the lowest movable
component of the horizontal wind energy facility when at its lowest
point: 15 feet; where the facility is mounted to a building, the minimum
vertical clearance between the building and the lowest movable component
of the wind energy facility when at its lowest point five feet. For
a vertical shaft generator, the minimum clearance from ground level
shall be five feet except where the movable part is enclosed in the
support structure of the facility.
L.Â
Ice throw from rotating wind turbine blades must be limited to within
the subject property.
M.Â
The color shall be a neutral and nonreflective tone, as approved
by the Township. The facility coloring shall be a solid color, and
any alphabetical or numerical characters shall be representative of
the facility manufacturer only and shall comprise no more than one
square foot in size. A view impact analysis shall be conducted, illustrating
views of the proposed facility from multiple angles demonstrating
that the facility blends into the surrounding scenery.
N.Â
No more than two wind turbines shall be permitted on any one property.
Separation of the wind turbines shall be a minimum of 1.1 times the
height of the tower or pole and consistent with the setback requirements
of the zoning district.
A.Â
The applicant shall demonstrate through project planning and proposed
mitigation that a proposed facility's impacts will be minimized for
surrounding properties and the community. This may include, but not
be limited to, information regarding site selection, facility design
or appearance, buffering, and screening of ground-mounted electrical
control equipment.
B.Â
Where the installation of the facility constitutes a land development,
all provisions of applicable ordinances shall be met.
C.Â
Noise from any facility shall meet the Township's noise standards
for the applicable zoning district. Measurement of noise emanating
from any facility shall be in accordance with Township's noise standards
for measuring devices.
D.Â
Construction of any wind energy facility shall comply with all rules,
laws and regulations of the United States Federal Aviation Administration.
Documentation of compliance shall be provided to the Township.
E.Â
To the extent applicable, all wind energy facilities shall comply
with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and regulations promulgated
by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
F.Â
All electrical components of wind energy facilities shall conform
to relevant and applicable local, state and national codes, and relevant
and applicable international standards.
G.Â
Wind energy facilities shall not be artificially lighted, except
to the extent required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other
applicable authority that regulates air safety.
H.Â
Wind energy facilities shall not display advertising, except for
a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
I.Â
Preliminary and final land development approval is required for the
construction of any wind energy facility when it is the principal
use on a site or lot.
J.Â
Yard/setback requirements:
(1)Â
Minimum lot area: two acres.
(2)Â
Maximum density: one facility per 3.0-mile radius.
(3)Â
All setbacks shall be measured from the center of any wind energy
facility base to the nearest point on the foundation of a building
or property line.
(4)Â
From off-premises buildings: 1.5 times the height of the wind
energy facility at its tallest point or the setback for the district
in which the facility is located, whichever is greater.
(5)Â
From property lines: 1.1 times the height of the wind energy
facility at its tallest point or the setback for the district in which
the facility is located, whichever is greater.
(6)Â
From public roads: 1.1 times the height of the wind energy facility
at its tallest point or the setback for the district in which the
facility is located, whichever is greater.
K.Â
The maximum height of any wind energy facility, measured from ground
level to the tip of the blade fully extended perpendicular to the
ground plane, shall not exceed the maximum height of any structure
as defined in the Township Zoning Ordinance for the applicable zoning
district.
L.Â
Any individual wind energy facility shall be separated from any other
wind energy facility by a minimum of 1.1 times the height of the facility,
measured from the tips of the blades when the blades are parallel
with ground level.
M.Â
No moving parts of the wind energy facility shall extend over parking
areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, or any other publicly accessible
area, except accessways necessary to service the facility.
N.Â
The facility coloring shall be solid neutral tones as approved by
the Township. Any alphabetical or numeric characters shall be representative
of the facility manufacturer only and shall comprise no more than
four square feet.
O.Â
The following project information shall be submitted to the Township
for every proposed wind energy facility.
(1)Â
Project narrative including the following: an overview of the
project, project location, the approximate generating capacity, the
number, representative types and heights of facilities to be constructed,
including their generating capacity, dimensions, and respective manufacturers,
and description of any ancillary facilities to the wind energy system.
(2)Â
An affidavit or similar evidence of agreement between the property
owner and the wind energy facility owner or operator, demonstrating
permission to apply for necessary permits for construction and operation
of a wind energy facility.
(3)Â
Identification of the properties on which the proposed facility
will be located and the properties adjacent to the proposed location.
(4)Â
A site plan showing the planned location of each proposed wind
energy facility, property lines, setback lines, access roads, and
the location of any ancillary structures, including equipment, cabling,
buildings, structures, transmission lines, and substations.
(5)Â
A viewshed impact analysis, illustrating views of the proposed
facility from multiple angles demonstrating that the facility blends
into the surrounding scenery.
(6)Â
A design certification by a certified engineer, consisting of
the proposed foundation design and analysis of soil conditions.
P.Â
Decommissioning funds shall be posted and maintained with the Township
in an account equal to 125% of the estimated decommissioning costs,
for as long as the facility exists, regardless of change of ownership
of the facility or property on which it sits. Decommissioning shall
include removal of wind turbines, buildings, cabling, electrical components,
roads, foundations and any other associated facilities.
Q.Â
An independent and certified professional engineer shall estimate
the total cost of decommissioning without regard to salvage value
or the equipment.
R.Â
Decommissioning funds shall be deposited into a refundable escrow
of the same amount with the Township.
S.Â
If the wind energy system remains unused for a period of 12 consecutive
months, the owner, operator, or property owner shall, at its expense,
complete decommissioning of the system within six months. The wind
energy system will be presumed to be at the end of its useful life
if no electricity is generated for a continuous period of 24 months.
T.Â
If the facility owner, operator, or property owner shall fail to
appropriately complete decommissioning, the Township may take such
action as necessary to complete the decommissioning. The entry into
and submission of evidence of a participating landowner agreement
to the Township shall constitute agreement and consent of the parties
to the agreement, their respective heirs, successors, and assigns,
that the Township may take such action as necessary to implement the
decommissioning.
U.Â
There shall be no components attached or integral to the facility
that facilitates unauthorized access to the structure, such as ladders
or steps.
V.Â
All access doors to wind energy facilities and electrical equipment
shall be located or fenced as appropriate, to prevent entry by unauthorized
persons.
A.Â
Township approval is required prior to the construction of any small
wind energy facility on any site or lot.
B.Â
The applicant shall demonstrate through project planning and proposed
mitigation that a proposed facility's impacts will be minimized for
surrounding properties and the community. This may include, but not
be limited to, information regarding site selection, facility design
or appearance, buffering, noise and screening of ground-mounted electrical
control equipment.
C.Â
Noise from any small wind energy facility shall not exceed 45 decibels
at the lot line. A sound level meter, dosimeter, or similar device
may be used for measuring and reporting acoustic emissions from the
any energy facility.
D.Â
Construction of any small wind energy facility shall comply with
all rules, laws and regulations of the United States Federal Aviation
Administration. Documentation of compliance shall be provided to the
Township.
E.Â
To the extent applicable, all small wind energy facilities shall
comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and regulations
promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
F.Â
All electrical components of small wind energy facilities shall conform
to relevant and applicable local, state and national codes, and relevant
and applicable international standards.
G.Â
Small wind energy facilities shall not be artificially lighted, except
to the extent required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other
applicable authority that regulates air safety.
H.Â
Small wind energy facilities shall not display advertising, except
for a reasonable identification nameplate of the facility manufacturer,
not greater than six inches by six inches in size.
I.Â
Yard and setback requirements:
(1)Â
Such devices shall be set back a minimum distance of 1.1 times
the total height of the device and all equipment mounted thereon from
all adjacent property lines and from public or private street right-of-way
lines. The total height shall include the height of any structure
that a device is mounted on.
(2)Â
Such devices shall be set back from any accessory structure(s)
on the subject lot not less than 1.1 times the total height of the
device. The setback distance shall be measured from the center of
the wind turbine base to the nearest point of the foundation of any
accessory structure(s).
(3)Â
Minimum vertical clearance between the building and the exposed
lowest movable component of the wind energy facility when at its lowest
point: five feet.
(4)Â
Small wind energy facilities shall not exceed a maximum height
of 40 feet, measured from the ground to the tallest point on the facility.
J.Â
Ice throw from small wind turbine blades must be limited to within
the subject property.
K.Â
The color shall be a neutral and nonreflective tone, such as white,
off-white or gray. The facility coloring shall be solid, and any alphabetical
or numerical characters shall be representative of the facility manufacturer
only and shall comprise no more than one square foot in size.
L.Â
No more than two small wind turbines shall be permitted on any one
property. Separation of the wind turbines shall be a minimum of 1.1
times the height of the tower or pole and consistent with the setback
requirements of the zoning district.