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Findlay committee narrows residential wind-turbine options, tells staff to draft ordinance
Summary
After staff review and member questions about aesthetics and effectiveness, the Planning & Zoning Committee directed staff to draft ordinance language allowing only small residential turbines not taller than the house and to return with detailed code language in July.
The Findlay Planning & Zoning Committee discussed a renewed request to permit small residential wind turbines and gave staff direction to prepare ordinance language for the July meeting that would limit turbines so they are not taller than the house and governed through conditional-use review.
Staff reviewed the city's previous approach, noting wind turbines had been left out of residential districts in prior code updates and only allowed in industrial (I3) zones. The committee discussed three key variables—height, mounting (roof versus ground), and size/propeller type—and members repeatedly raised aesthetic and effectiveness concerns for rooftop or taller installations. Staff clarified that a 20-foot figure in the draft would be measured from ground level and that airport-related federal limits may apply in parts of the city.
Committee members agreed to a narrow policy direction: residential turbines should not extend above the primary residence and would be considered as a conditional use with requirements on setbacks, noise, size, and other safety standards. One member asked staff (referred to in the meeting as Matt) to prepare a fully fleshed draft ordinance including height, location, setbacks, noise, and design standards for the July meeting.
The motion directing staff to draft the ordinance passed by voice vote. No permitting or code amendment took effect at this meeting; the committee provided policy direction and requested formal code language for committee review in July.
