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Planning commission begins drafting renewable energy ordinance; raises questions on definitions, zones and wind noise
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft renewable energy ordinance template, discussed expanding definitions to cover rooftop, ground‑mount and geothermal installations, and flagged concerns about wind turbine noise, siting, and whether commercial energy production should be treated as conditional use.
Amanda Podmore introduced a draft renewable energy ordinance the commission began reviewing; staff members said they used existing municipal ordinances (including Cedar Hills, Utah) as a template.
Commissioners discussed the draft’s stated purposes—lifecycle planning for renewable projects, public health and safety, preservation of aesthetic values and encouragement of underground utility lines—and agreed to refine language to encourage underground utility placement where feasible.
The draft expands definitions to include rooftop solar, ground‑mounted solar, large‑scale solar, small wind (backyard turbines or well pumps), rooftop wind and geothermal. Commissioners flagged rooftop wind and small wind for further review because noise, height and proximity to neighbors can raise concerns; one commissioner noted small turbines can create significant noise and suggested the ordinance include setback, decibel or neighbor‑consent provisions for wind siting.
Commissioners discussed which installations should be permitted by right in residential zones versus subject to a conditional‑use review in commercial districts. Participants generally agreed residential‑scale rooftop arrays and small ground‑mounted systems could be allowed with a building permit; large ground‑mounted or commercial energy production should be conditional uses to allow case‑by‑case evaluation for visual impact, glare studies, decommissioning plans and utility interconnection requirements.
Lea and Malia (staff) proposed a permitting table that cross‑references installation type, scale and zoning district; commissioners asked staff to refine the “level” thresholds (acreage/size) and to add clear ownership and lease definitions so the town can verify responsibility for decommissioning and long‑term maintenance.
Why it matters: A renewable energy ordinance will guide private and commercial renewable projects, clarify permitting and performance standards, and provide the commission with standards to weigh aesthetic, noise, safety and utility impacts.
Next steps: Staff will refine definitions, add ownership and lease language, and return with a more detailed table showing permitted versus conditional uses, suggested setbacks and thresholds for noise, glare and decommissioning requirements. The item will return for further discussion at a future work session.
Ending: Commissioners agreed the draft is a useful starting point and asked staff to develop clearer scale thresholds and conditional‑use standards for wind and large solar installations.
