Council OKs wind turbine ordinance

by Brian S. Orban

Mountain Home News

Homeowners in the Mountain Home community may soon qualify to build wind turbines on their property following initial passage of a city ordinance Monday regarding that form of alternative energy.

In a unanimous vote Jan. 4, the city planning and zoning commission had recommended approving the wind turbine law, which outlines requirements and restrictions for those wanting to build the towers within city limits.

The ordinance followed weeks of research involving similar laws in other communities across the United States, according to city planner Bonnie Harper. The goal was to strike a balance between people's right to reduce their reliance on commercial electricity and the impact these turbines have on surrounding property owners, according to Harper.

Addressing noise level and encroachment concerns from commission member Mary Miracle, the ordinance only applies to those with at least a half acre of land, city staff members told the council. It puts subdivisions off limits since each of those areas have three or four homes on them.

Under the proposed ordinance, which was approved by the Mountain Home City Council Monday, people must submit a conditional use permit before they proceed with construction. It allows surrounding neighbors to comment on the permits during the approval process.

In addition, the ordinance limits tower height to 40 feet for property owners with a half area to a full acre of land. Those with more than an acre may install towers up to 60 feet in height. Towers and guy wire anchors can't extend closer than 15 feet to the property boundary of the installation site.

The proposed law puts specific restrictions on turbine noise levels, which can't exceed 58 decibels as measured from the tower to the closest property boundary. The maximum noise level is comparable to normal conversations, a sewing machine or typewriter.

Following last week's vote, the planning and zoning commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit submitted by Richard McKenna Charter School to install a wind turbine on the school's northwest side.

Todd Thorn, who teaches alternative energy classes at the school, submitted the conditional use permit as part of the federal "Wind for Schools Program" sponsored by the Department of Energy.

During its meeting Monday evening, the Mountain Home City Council delayed a final vote on the school's conditional use permit. During the discussions, Councilwoman Alain Isaac aired concerns regarding the continuous noise the turbines emit and whether it would exceed the maximum levels established in a new wind turbine ordinance the council approved earlier that evening.

If approved by the council, the $15,000 project would produce 1.8 kilowatts of power for the school. Thorn's students calculated that energy would power all of the school's 39 computers, along with 20 percent of its lighting.

A recent study conducted by Boise State University measured the planned turbine's maximum noise level at 54 decibels at a distance of 51 feet from the tower.

In a recent interview with the Mountain Home News, Thorn said the school will lead the community in its transition to alternative energy. The turbine would serve as a science lab and expose students to career opportunities in "green" energy.

The school requested a height variance in its request since the proposed tower is five feet higher than the new ordinance would allow.

A local property owner strongly opposed the school's permit, saying the turbine's noise and unsightly appearance would affect the value of his property.