Michigan State University Extension Land Use Series Commentary: For example (above) the audible sound from an on-site WES shall not exceed 45 dBA Leg (10 minute) at the property line closest to the WES. Manufacturers of on-site
turbines provide a maximum predicted sound level as part of the documentation given to the owner or installer. A zoning administrator can ask for this information upon application to verify sound levels will meet the regulation. It is unlikely that the owner of the on-site WES will be able to afford a detailed sound study, like those required of a utility-scale WES. The manufacturer's predicted sound level is important documentation to keep in the file should a complaint arise. In the event that two or more on-site systems are requested for the same property, additional detail may be needed from the manufacturer to obtain the cumulative sound level contributed by more than one turbine. [End of commentary] F. Construction Codes, Towers, and Interconnection Standards: On-site WES towers shall comply with all applicable state construction and electrical codes and local building permit requirements. An interconnected on-site WES shall comply with Michigan Public Service Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission standards. Off-grid systems are exempt from this requirement. G. Aviation and Airports: Where applicable, on-site WES shall comply with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, the Michigan Airport Zoning Act (Public Act 23 of 1950, MCL 259.431 et seq.), the Michigan Tall Structures Act (Public Act 259 of 1959, MCL 259.481 et seq.), and local jurisdiction airport overlay zone regulations. Commentary: Structural and electrical safety issues are addressed by reference to these other
codes. Depending on the height of the tower and distance to the airport, FAA, Michigan Tall Structures, and/or local airport zoning permits may not be required. [End of commentary] H. Safety: An on-site WES shall have automatic braking, governing, or a feathering system to prevent uncontrolled rotation or over speeding. All wind towers shall have lightning protection. If a tower is supported by guy wires, the wires shall be clearly visible to a height of at least six feet above the guy wire anchors. I. Ground Clearance: The minimum vertical blade tip clearance from grade shall be [for example: 20] feet for a horizontal axis wind turbine'''. Vertical axis wind turbines are exempt from this ground clearance provision, but sufficient clearance should be maintained for the safety of people, animals, machinery, or others that may traverse under or near the vertical turbine. 108. Temporary Towers (temporary anemometers for wind testing, bat testing towers) A
Height: Temporary anemometers or other temporary testing towers (such as for bat studies) shall not exceed feet [for example: 200].
B
Setback: The horizontal distance between the base of a temporary anemometer tower and the owner's property lines shall be no less than [for example: 1.11 times height. No part of the tower structure, including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than [for example: 25] feet to the owner's property lines, or the distance of the required setback in the respective zoning district, whichever results in a greater setback.
C
Construction Codes, Towers, and Interconnection Standards: Temporary towers shall comply with all applicable state construction and electrical codes.
D
Aviation and Airports: Where applicable, temporary anemometers shall comply with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, the Michigan Airport Zoning Act (Public Act 23 of 1950, MCL 259.431 et seq.), the
64 Rynne, S., Flowers, L., Lantz, E., & Heller, E. (ed.) (2011). Planningfor Wind Energy. American Planning Association, Planning Advisory Service Report Number, 566. https://www.planning.org/publications/report/9026890/
Land Use Series: Sample Zoningfor Wind Energy Systems l© Michigan State University Board of Trustees MSU Extension lOctober 6,2020 Page 23 of 49
