News
New ordinances clear the way for residents in some Texas towns to install small-scale wind generation facilities on their properties. The equipment may be expensive, but demand is growing, and city officials say they want to make sure rules are in place for the day when wind energy devices become more commonplace.
[This is an EXCERPT: read the whole article here. -Ed.]
By Frank Trejo
Garland is the latest North Texas city considering a zoning ordinance aimed at regulating wind energy devices that generate power for residential use. The measure is on Tuesday's council agenda.
Other cities, including Grand Prairie, Waxahachie and Oak Point, already have such ordinances.
Residential wind energy devices are rare in urban areas and may be too expensive or impractical for many homeowners. But city officials say they want to make sure rules are in place for the day when wind energy devices become more commonplace.
AT A GLANCE
Garland's proposed wind energy systems ordinance would:
- Limit wind energy systems to those that produce 10 kilowatts or less at any given time for on-site consumption;
- Limit height of tower to 40 feet, to be located only in rear yard and set back at least the height of the tower from property line;
- Require notification of utility company and proof that specifications are met if system is to be connected to utility grid;
- Call for a public hearing before the Plan Commission with notification to residents within 400 feet; if application is denied, it can be appealed to City Council;
- Allow roof-mounted systems that do not extend more than 5 feet above roof line;
- Require unused or abandoned systems to be removed.
Photo credit: Chika Watanabe 
