Planning commission requires decommissioning for certain wind systems, changes 'may' to 'shall'

A motion to make decommissioning requirements mandatory for certain wind energy conversion systems passed during the May 11 special meeting.

A commissioner moved to change the decommissioning clause in section 122‑26.6 (subsection c9) from 'may' to 'shall,' converting an optional authority into a mandatory requirement. The commission adopted the change by voice vote.

Participants had earlier flagged inconsistent numeric thresholds and district listings for wind systems across the draft (examples raised included 60 feet, 80 feet and higher figures for different subsections), and questioned whether accessory versus primary use language and setback formulas (including a 110% setback measure) were consistently applied. One commissioner argued that mandatory decommissioning and performance guarantees reduce long‑term liability for the city if systems cease operation.

The commission’s motion did not include a recorded roll‑call tally in the transcript; the clerk recorded a voice vote and the motion was announced as passed. Commissioners also discussed decommissioning funding mechanisms (performance guarantees, surety bonds and the option of escrow) and whether the commission should require a dedicated decommissioning escrow for operators who go out of business.