It is NOT RECOMMENDED by wind energy professionals to call your zoning officials asking what you need to do to install a wind turbine on your property. Chances are they have no or little idea what you are talking about and probably don’t have much time to listen and learn. The result is a red flag causing hastily made regulation or decisions that are not in your favor due to their fear of the unknown.
Contact your officials and request a complete copy of your zoning ordinances.
You are not required to tell anyone why you want this information, but to keep within the normal realm of requests you may respond to their asking by replying the truth, you are considering making changes and or improvements to your property and want to get familiar with the zoning regulations.
These copies will most likely cost you a small fee, but will more than pay for it’s self by knowing up front what forms you need to request and what ordinances you need to comply with. Do not attend a permit hearing unarmed with knowledge. Know the sections or codes you must comply with thoroughly and understand them. Become familiar with the process of local governing procedures or you may be over whelmed with frustration.
Talk up your project with key neighbors well in advance to applying for the zoning permit. Answer questions in a friendly, non-judgmental manner. Allay fears by distributing appropriate articles on wind turbines or equipment specifications when ever the opportunity arises. Alienate your neighbors, and you will inevitably lose a permit hearing every time. Therefore, your primary strategy should be one of public relations.
Zoning and permitting obstacles will likely be the most frustrating and confusing part of your entire wind systems project.
Wind Power Services LLC is on your side. We are experienced, trained and knowledgeable in permitting procedures. We will represent you and your project with passion and commitment.
Our process of permit approval will consist of actions such as:
• Talking with close neighbors about your project, supply them with
• Educational handouts addressing any concerns they may have
• Review your zoning requirements and file application for permit
• Represent you and your project at all hearings required to obtain permit,
• Answer official’s questions about the proposed project
• Present all required system and tower specifications requested by officials
• File utility required application if installing a grid tie system
• Work with insurance company to ensure proper insurance rates
• Provide requested information on inspection or engineering reports
Our staff is ready to jump through hoops, remove the hurdles, and provide you with efficient service in meeting all application requirements, filing deadlines and on time attendance to board or commission meetings. Don’t let the permitting process knock the wind out of your blade. If you would like more information send your request by filling out our contact us form.
Zoning Assistance for Governing Officials
Wind Power Services LLC understands the challenges local government can face in creating zoning regulation for wind energy systems. Very few Michigan jurisdictions have wind system siting laws on their books. Communities that proactively plan for wind turbines and carefully develop regulation for their installation will avoid a measure of uncertainty and the unfortunate public discord that sometimes comes along with the controversial topic of wind energy systems.
Wind Power Services LLC consultation services assists governing officials in efficient ordinance establishment. Our staff will provide a better understanding of large and small scale wind development. Our recommendations will be tailored to your specific area of governing responsibility. Zoning ordinances, like a wind turbine are not one size fits all.
Our approach to regulation guidance starts with actions such as:
• Listening to residents comments and concerns
• Separating fact from fiction with data and documentation
• Viewing of master plan to establish potential conflict
• Address wind related matters individually
• Encourage resident’s involvement
Wind Power Services LLC will bring your community together and provide the necessary moderation to establish regulation that the community can live with. If you would like more information about our zoning consultation send request by filling out our contact us form. |
Basic guide to zoning in easy to print PDF