What is a wind energy ordinance?

The standards specified in ordinances provide clarity to wind developers and the public. Ordinances may also address issues of community impact such as: land use, noise standards, and safety. The WINDExchange ordinances database is a collection of U.S. wind energy ordinances at the state and local levels; it is not exhaustive.

Do local ordinances require setbacks for small wind energy systems?

Specifically, local ordinances cannot require setbacks for small wind energy systems that are greater than 150% of the system height. This distance serves as the standard setback in absence of a local ordinance stating otherwise. There are additional restrictions for wind projects in coastal zones. Local N.M. Stat. Ann. §3-21-1; §62-9-3;

Can local governments regulate small wind energy systems?

Local governments cannot adopt ordinances regulating small wind energy systems that unreasonably limit wind generation development. Specifically, local ordinances cannot require setbacks for small wind energy systems that are greater than 150% of the system height.

Can a state sit a wind energy project?

C. Local Siting. In states where projects do not trigger state siting jurisdiction, and in states with no state siting process, wind energy projects are permitted by the local jurisdiction. For typical rural wind energy projects, this is almost always a county (as opposed to a city governing body).

Who regulates statewide wind energy siting?

According to the Wind Energy Technology Office, there is no statutory authority for statewide wind energy siting and local laws control the siting process. The legislature has granted Baldwin, Cherokee, Dekalb, and Etowah counties explicit authority to regulate wind siting. Local Alaska Stat. § 42.05.221 et seq.

Which states have a state siting authority over wind energy facilities?

B. State Siting. A few states, including Oregon, North Dakota, and Minnesota, have state siting councils or boards that have “one-stop” mandatory siting jurisdiction over permits for wind energy facilities exceeding certain sizes. California has a state siting body that has no jurisdiction over wind energy facilities.