Michigan State University Extension Land Use Series
Purpose and Use of Sample Zoning Background Michigan's entry into wind energy production started in 1996 with a single commercial wind turbine installed in Traverse City. In 2019, approximately 2000 megawatts (MW) are generated by wind energy in Michigan accounting for about 5% of the total energy produced.2 This document is designed for local units of governments in Michigan that are amending a zoning ordinance to include wind energy systems (WES) for the first time or amending an existing regulation. As of December 2019, less than half of all Michigan communities had adopted wind energy zoning ordinances (753 out of 1773 total units of government).3 This sample zoning resource was originally developed in 2008 and is periodically revised with the intent of striking a balance between the need for clean, renewable energy and the necessity to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. New research and technological advances around wind energy invite periodic revision. While some communities will choose to model zoning on similarly situated communities in Michigan, it is beneficial to consider recent research, experiences, standards, and regulations in the broadest context. This document refers to wind energy system regulations and research from Michigan, other states, Canada, and Europe. Policy and Process This sample zoning resource begins with a discussion of due process, related case law, public acceptance factors related to wind energy development, and steps towards a better process. Wind energy proposals can bring controversy and the size of a project can be at a scale the community has not yet experienced. Despite the large scale or changes to normal procedure, the basics of due process and reasonable regulation based on a plan still apply. The guidelines, court cases, and cautions in this document offer supplemental policy and process considerations for wind energy regulation. Sample Zoning Sample zoning language is included as a resource for local governments to consider when amending the zoning ordinance to include WES. This document offers sample regulation for temporary anemometers, on-site, and utility-scale WES. Temporary anemometers are often installed as a precursor to a utilityscale WES to assess the wind resource. On-site WES, generally, are sized to primarily serve the needs of a single home, farm, or small business. Utility-scale WES are sized to provide power to wholesale or retail customers using the electric utility transmission and distribution grid to transport and deliver the wind generated electricity. The sample zoning language offers a range of options and does not prescribe a specific set of zoning requirements. Michigan's land use patterns, average parcel sizes, and dwelling densities vary among communities, making a one-size-fits-all recommendation impractical. Additionally, grid-like road networks, major transmission lines, and natural features, can have the effect of creating a relatively more
2 U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Michigan State Profile Estimates (2020). https://w-ww.eia.govistateianalvsis.ph.p?sid-NII
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Office of Climate and Energy, Zoning for Renewable Energy Database (2019). https://vk-ww.michigansoviclimateandenergyi0,4580,7-364-519951--,00.html
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Land Use Series:Sample Zoningfor Wind Energy Systems I © Michigan State University Board of Trustees I MSU Extension I October 6,2020 Page 2 of 49
